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    EFL cult hero makes shock career change as he lands new role at US Open golf in ‘most random thing ever’

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    AN EFL cult hero has made a shock career change after landing a new role at the US Open.Portsmouth icon Carl Baker was once a big name in the EFL.Former footballer Carl Baker has now entered the world of golfCredit: ReutersHe will be a caddie for Robert Rock at the US OpenCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe 41-year-old starred for clubs like Coventry and MK Dons.But it was at Fratton Park where he really made his name.Baker scored nine goals in 50 games for Pompey.And he even helped them seal the League Two title in 2017.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, after retiring in 2022, Baker has now entered the world of golf.And he is now set for a surprise appearance at the US Open next month.That’s because Baker will be caddying for two-time DP Tour winner Robert Rock.The pair appeared together for Monday’s qualifying event, with Rock sealing his spot at the tournament for the first time in 12 years.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd Baker can’t wait for his time on the green after a whirlwind adventure.He said: “It’s the most random thing ever. I am mates with Rocky and have played with him most weeks over the last year and coached his son. “He played on the European tour for the last 20 years and retired two years ago, but still goes into the qualifiers for the major events.Golfer and girlfriend of Geordie Shore star dubbed ‘John Daly’s long-lost sister’ as she smokes while signing autographs“He’s played at Walton Heath in Surrey for the last 10 or 11 years and never qualified. “I think 95 percent of the 150 to 160 in the field are all tour pros, all massive names and millionaires who do it as a full-time job. “Obviously Rocky doesn’t play much anymore, just once a week socially, so he hasn’t got a caddy.“So I said to him that if he’s thinking of playing in the US Open qualifier to let me know because I’d caddy for him. “He said that would be great so we went down on Monday and played two 18 holes on the same day.“We went there with zero expectations and I was just buzzing to be on a top golf course in this country and inside the ropes with all these players I am used to watching on the telly, so it felt a bit surreal being in the clubhouse with all these top golfers everywhere.“Rocky turned up and didn’t even have a practice round, every player had yardage books so they know how far the flag is and where the bunkers are etc. “They are something like £70 each for these books so we were just winging it.“The player we were playing with – a full-time pro on the European Tour – was laughing and joking about Rocky qualifying, and then he chipped in off the bunker on the 16th and went to nine under, which is where he finished.“We were walking back and there were Sky Sports cameras and hundreds of people following us. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I was 20 yards behind him carrying his bag and people were coming up to me and congratulating us and telling us to enjoy America.”I hadn’t got a clue what was going on. It was the first time I have ever done it and hadn’t got a clue what I was doing.” More

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      Three A-list sports stars in running to invest in Leeds United amid takeover by NFL giants

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      SURPRISE sporting superstars have been revealed as potential investors in a multi-million-pound takeover of struggling football giants Leeds United.Rickie Fowler has revealed he is one of three top US golfers looking to get involved in Leeds as part of an imminent buy-out by 49ers Enterprises.
      Relegated Leeds United are on the verge of multi-million-pound US investmentCredit: PA
      The American investment group is set to take charge of the club after agreeing a deal to purchase chairman Andrea Radrizzani’s controlling stake.
      And Fowler has now told of being converted to the Elland Road cause – along with fellow golfers Jordan Spieth, a three-time major winner, and double PGA Championship title-holder Justin Thomas.
      The trio – thought to have a combined net worth of £175million – became fans of the West Yorkshire club thanks to another player Matt Fitzpatrick’s Leeds-supporting caddie Billy Foster.
      Sheffield-born Fitzpatrick won his first major, the US Open, in June last year.
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      The American threesome’s new-found enthusiasm comes despite Leeds being relegated last month from the Premier League to the Championship, having gone through three managers in the past season – Jesse Marsch, Javi Gracia and ex-England boss Sam Allardyce.
      Fowler told Sky Sports News: “There’s the group that’s moving forward with being involved with Leeds – myself, JT and Jordan, so potentially we’ll be a part of it.
      “It’s cool to have these opportunities. I know we’re looking into it, and it would be fun if we get to be a part of it, if not we’ll continue to root for Leeds.
      “Obviously they got relegated but to get to go to a Premier League game, a Champions League game – any of that.
      Most read in Football
      “It’s called football over there, we call it soccer here but it’s a massive sport and I feel like it is continuing to get bigger in the States.
      “Since I haven’t been to a game, I don’t have the true appreciation until I’ve been actually able to go and be there and feel that energy.”
      Leeds confirmed that a deal had been reached with 49ers Enterprises last week, despite being forced back to the negotiating table in the wake of the team’s relegation to the Championship.
      The American group, also the owner of NFL side the San Francisco 49ers, has been a majority shareholder in Leeds since 2018.
      The firm increased its stake to 44 per cent in 2021, with the option of buying Radrizzani’s remaining 56 per cent before next January.
      But the club’s recent relegation has seen its buy-out price plunge – reportedly from £400million to £170million.
      Fowler said of caddie Foster’s influence: “We told him after knowing he is a huge Leeds United supporter.”
      Former England boss Sam Allardyce was unable to keep Leeds in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Outgoing Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani is selling up to 49ers EnterprisesCredit: PA
      Golfing star Rickie Fowler has gone public on plans to splash out on Leeds UnitedCredit: Getty
      Three-time major-winner Jordan Spieth could also invest in the Yorkshire clubCredit: Getty
      Fellow American Justin Thomas has similarly become a fan of the Elland Road sideCredit: Getty More