There’s a new “old” name in the race for this year’s Presidents Cup International team – Aaron Baddeley.
Baddeley, 38, was all but the forgotten man last year having retained only partial status on the US PGA Tour, his home for the much of the past 16 years and where he has enjoyed four victories.
But a hot start to the 2019 season has enabled the Victorian to surge to 64th on the FedEx Cup rankings and now, having effectively secured his full playing rights again for 2020, he has set his sights higher again.
Baddeley, twice an Australian Open champion, told RSN’s Breakfast Club this morning that making a second appearance for the International team, which he did previously at Royal Melbourne in 2011, was among his season goals.
“A big goal would be (to play) Presidents Cup,” Baddeley told RSN.
“We had a President Cup meeting at the Players Championship (in March), and it gets you inspired to get on that team.
“You need a win … for the world ranking points, but also to show captain Ernie (Els) that you’re playing good and get you over the line.
“If I can get a win, it will put me on the map.”
Baddeley has already had five top-25 finishes this US PGA Tour season, including three top-10s, the latest of which came last weekend in the Dominican Republic.
He was runner-up in Puerto Rico and was also in the mix during the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
“My confidence levels are good, I’ve got a good handle on my game … (and a) good understanding of not just my swing, but all parts of my game. It’s just a really nice, comfortable feeling,” Baddeley said.
“I definitely want to get a win, that’s the main goal, especially being in that spot multiple times (already this season).
“(If I can) keep putting myself in that spot, keep knocking on the door (then) I’ve got a good chance to win.
“My aim is to get into the top 30 on the FedEx (standings) which would give me (rights to play in) all majors next year and just have lots of open doors.”
The Presidents Cup will be played at Royal Melbourne from 12-15 December. Visit https://www.presidentscup.com/ for ticketing information.