"I'm really proud of becoming captain of Ellesmere Port Golf Club and becoming the being the first deaf-from-childhood person to captain a mainstream club," he said.

"I would advise any deaf golfer to get on the club committee and help out and show the hearing world that we are equal as them."

Baker has been a member of the Club since 2001 and took over the duties of vice-captain in 2013.

Over the years he has been involved in numerous club affairs involving competitions and green keeping, and has been vital in representing the club at a number of meetings across the country.

"Being deaf is certainly not a barrier to Peter as he seems to take everything in his stride," said Ellesmere Port Golf Club secretary Dave Sewell.

"He fully deserves his appointment, he is a truly remarkable, popular and inspirational member of the golf club and the members are very proud of him.

"With Peter's help, we at Ellesmere Port will continue to work to emphasise the importance of equality and diversity within golf."

His new role as captain will see him attending competitions such as Captain V Captain, Cheshire V Merseyside, as well as Charity Golf Days to raise funds for Claire House and Deaf Children and other major competitions at his club and surrounding areas.

He will also be involved at the forthcoming British Open at Royal Liverpool this July 2014.

As well as playing at club level, Baker has represented the England Deaf Golf Team in a number of major international tournaments including the 2008 World Deaf Golf Championships in Perth, Australia and more recently at the 2013 European Deaf Golf Championships at Kytaja in Finland.

Upon hearing the news, Jamie Blair, the England Golf Disability Officer, congratulated the Cheshire-based golfer on his new appointment.

"England Golf would like to congratulate Peter and wish him success in his role as captain of his club," he said.

"It is fantastic to see deaf and disabled people fulfilling a wide range of roles within clubs and their importance to the success of the sport is recognised not just in their play on the course but in their skills off it."

A statement from the England Deaf Golf Association added: "The English Deaf Golf Association would like to extend warmest congratulations to Peter Baker on his success and wish him all the best."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]