Former Hartpury College and Hartpury University student Eliot Baker has taken a major step in his golfing career, turning professional after securing a place on the DP World Tour for the 2027 season.
The 23-year-old, from Devon, earned his playing rights after topping the Global Amateur Pathway Ranking, following an outstanding year that saw him establish himself among the leading amateur golfers in the world.
His achievement marks another significant milestone in a journey that began at Hartpury College, where he studied a Level 3 Extended Diploma Sport (Golf) alongside his development within the Hartpury Golf Academy.
Eliot subsequently progressed to Hartpury University, graduating in 2024 with a BSc (Hons) Sports Business Management degree, while continuing to develop his golfing career.
During his time at Hartpury, he established himself as one of the institution's leading golfers on the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) circuit, combining academic studies with specialist coaching and competitive opportunities.
Since graduating, Eliot has worked closely with Hartpury Golf Coach Gareth James, building an impressive international record and progressing through the amateur ranks.
His breakthrough follows a remarkable 2026 season, which included individual and team success at the European Nations Cup in Sotogrande, Spain, and a starring role in Great Britain and Ireland's historic Walker Cup victory over the United States.
At the Walker Cup, held at Lahinch Golf Club in Ireland in September, Eliot contributed 2½ points as Great Britain and Ireland secured a dramatic 13½–12½ victory, lifting the trophy for the first time since 2015.
He won both of his singles matches and earned half a point in the foursomes, finishing as one of the team's joint-highest points scorers.
His achievements also include winning the 2025 Portuguese Amateur Championship, while he impressed on his DP World Tour debut in August 2026, finishing 15th at the Nexo Championship in Scotland.
Eliot's success saw him finish top of the Global Amateur Pathway Ranking, earning an exemption onto the DP World Tour for the 2027 season.
The pathway, launched by the DP World Tour, The R&A and PGA Tour in 2024, provides opportunities for leading amateur golfers to progress into the professional game.
Reflecting on his achievement, Eliot acknowledged the importance of his amateur career, including his time at Hartpury, describing his journey from university golf to international competition as one of its highlights.
Speaking following the announcement, Eliot said: “Since I was young, my dream has been to play professional golf against the best players in the world.”
His progression is another example of Hartpury's commitment to supporting talented student-athletes as they pursue sporting ambitions alongside their education.
Through its Golf Academy, Hartpury provides a supportive environment in which aspiring golfers can combine academic study with specialist coaching, training and competitive experience.
Eliot's journey from college student to university graduate and now professional golfer demonstrates the opportunities available to athletes looking to develop their sporting careers while gaining academic qualifications.
Matthew Ellis, Golf Academy Manager at Hartpury University and Hartpury College, said: “We're incredibly proud of Eliot and everything he has achieved. To see him progress from studying at Hartpury College, through Hartpury University, and now into the professional ranks is a fantastic achievement and a reflection of his dedication, talent and hard work.
“Eliot has enjoyed an exceptional amateur career, and securing a DP World Tour card is a thoroughly deserved reward for the commitment he has shown over many years.
“His journey is a brilliant example to our current students of what can be achieved by combining academic study with high-level sporting development. We're excited to follow his progress as he begins this next chapter of his career.”
Eliot's achievement further highlights the role of Hartpury's specialist sports academies in helping student-athletes develop their potential and prepare for careers in professional sport.
As he prepares to embark on his first season as a professional golfer, Eliot joins the growing number of Hartpury alumni progressing to the highest levels of their chosen sports.
Interested in studying at Hartpury University? Join us at an upcoming open day on 28 November or 9 January. Learn more here.
