November 2, 2006

POWELL, OH — Bill Bateson peaked this summer before beginning to slide down the Leaderboard in September. The latest round continues the slide, but to a larger degree.

Bateson came into the season with a private membership, a hefty handicap, private lessons and Marty Zabonik in his ear to improve his mental game.

The results were never far behind as Bateson begun to make his move in April with a 41-point effort. Each week was another round and another spot upward culmating in his career best 8-over par 80 at Scioto Reserve.

"He really looked good in August," says Marty Zabonik. "He has not whiffed in nearly 2 years and really was playing more consistent." Bateson grabbed 6th position in the 2006 Virtual Tournament and was indeed making a public statement of his own.

The problem was the traditional football season in early September and '7-par 1-birdie rounds' are miracles for players like Bateson. "He slowed down his play and things fell apart quickly," says Zabonik. "He is a fragile player. Very fragile."

Bateson moved down the street to the extremely short Safari Golf Course in September and shot 20-over par worth just 27 points. He returned to Scioto Reserve last week to repeat the effort scoring just 32 points. Both rounds are the lowest and second lowest point totals since February.

Bill presently holds 14th position with less than 60 days left in the Virtual Tournament. "A decision needs to be made quickly," says Bateson. "Every poor round destroys what I worked so hard to achieve this summer. I need to get it together or stop playing."

Jason Watson holds first position of the Virtual Tournament by an astounding 6.3 points per round. Scott Zavinski holds second position.