May 8, 2005

POWELL, OH — Sometimes it is just better to play somewhere else.  That is probably what Bill Bateson was thinking last Thursday when he played Shamrock Golf Course in Powell, OH.  The course has 18 holes consisting of nothing but fairways lined by other fairways and hackers to boot.

"Never a dull round," says Bateson.  "I cannot believe their proshop does not carry helmets.  I have to go to a bicycle shop to get the appropriate equipment.  That does not sound right."

The sand bunkers at Shamrock are used as bunkers in a battle field.  Golfers hide in them to prevent being hit between the eyes.

"It is really nice to play a golf course and shoot 81," says Bateson.  "That is not my cheating score, but true representation of my game right now with my helmet on.  I played better than 40 points though."

Bill Bateson could move into 4th place for the 2005 On Tour Championship with another like round.  "He kinda looks cute with that helmet," says Marty Zabonik.  "I wonder if he gets helmet with that on."

The 2005 On Tour Championship is under way with Don Creighton leading the season-long tournament.  A very good weather pattern approached the midwest and eastern US over the weekend.  The Captains Club expects another huge entry of scorecards.