June 23, 2004

POWELL, OH — Par for most golf courses is 72. That is an average score of four strokes per hole for 18 holes. What par assumes is that you are capable of getting on the green in regulation (two strokes for a par 4) and taking two strokes to putt the ball in the hole.  Of course the problem is Bill Bateson does not play perfect golf and does not land on every green in regulation.

Pros and scratch golfers execute trouble shot techniques that allow them to "save" par when they are less than perfect.  Bill Bateson is far from pro and takes a bogey, double, or even triple-bogey when less than perfect.

As Bateson continues to struggle this season in 43rd place, he continues to struggle with his inability to "save" bogey entirely too often.  "I am not as bad as the press and the leaderboard represent me.  I get my fair share of pars and placed 5th in my first major championship last year at Thunder Hill.  I am getting a bad rap."

Bateson shot a pair of 47's at Royal American last weekend with only 3 pars.  Bill struggled with more double-bogeys than pars.  His most impressive round was a 32 point effort back on May 7th at Clover Valley Golf Club.  He scored 6 pars, 3 doubles, 1 triple, and one embarrassing quad on No. 9.

Rolling Meadows and the Phoenix, two of the easiest courses in the Columbus area have played like Bill's home courses. He has consistently shot in the low 80's and nearly looked perfect for his ability.  "Short courses are easy for me because I am so big and strong," said a confident Bateson.  "I man-handle them."

Bateson has 5 months left to eliminate his doubles and triples and increase his pars before the On Tour Championship concludes on November 30.  It is clear that he just needs to start saving bogey.  Then worry about par.