Image: GETTY IMAGES
There is a new "old" name in the race for this year's Presidential Cup International team – Aaron Baddeley.
Baddeley, 38, was anything but the forgotten man who last year retained only partial status on the American PGA Tour, his home for most of the past 16 years and where he enjoyed four victories.
But a good start to the 2019 season has ensured that the Victorian has risen to 64th in the FedEx Cup rankings and now, after securing his full play rights for 2020, he has set his sights higher.
Baddeley, twice a champion of the Australian Open, told RSN's breakfast club this morning that a second performance for the international team, which he had done earlier in 2011 in Royal Melbourne, was one of his seasonal 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 gives you inspiration to join that team.
"You need a victory … for the world ranking, but also to show Captain Ernie (Els) that you play well and get you over the edge.
"If I win, it will put me on the map."
Baddeley has already had five top 25 episodes in this American PGA Tour season, including three top 10 & # 39; s, the last of which was in the Dominican Republic last weekend.
He was second in Puerto Rico and was also in the mix during the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
"My self-confidence is good, I have a good grip on my game … (and a) an understanding of not only my swing, but all parts of my game. It's just a very nice, comfortable feeling," said Baddeley .
"I definitely want to achieve a victory, that is the main goal, especially that I am in that place several times (already this season).
"(If I can) keep putting myself in that place, keep knocking on the door (then) I have a good chance of winning.
"My goal is to be in the top 30 of the FedEx (rankings), which would give me all the rights to play in all majors next year and would just have a lot of open doors."
The Presidential Cup will be played in Royal Melbourne from December 12-15. Go to https://www.presidentscup.com/ for ticket information.