October 23, 2005

POWELL, OH — Bill Bateson is already looking forward to 2006.  He is ready to make a move towards something exciting and setting his handicap at bogey golf plus.

He shot 94 strokes at Scioto Reserve last week in his final steps of a future puzzle.  "My game has hovered over bogey golf for 5 years now," says Bateson.  "I really need to try something different next year."

Bateson averaged 92 strokes this season.  It was 90 strokes per round in 2004, 95 strokes in 2003 and 88 strokes in 2002.  He also placed 57th in his second major in Pottsville.

"I have been focusing on the minor things over the past few years," says Bateson. "For example, I have decreased my wiffing percentage from 1 percent to one-third of 1 percent.  This has decreased embarrassment, but my overall scores are unaffected."

Bateson did not disclose his plan for 2006, but rest assured, everyone can expect something very bad or very good.

Bill Bateson is currently in 43rd position in the On Tour Championship.  The 2005 season-long tournament will complete in just over 2 months.  Jean Dore currently holds first position.