December 21, 2002

COLUMBUS, OH — The Captain?s Club ensured a bright future for the Carl Spackler Open today after a Bill Bateson national letter of intent was received.  As a rookie, this guy is ready to make an impact that cannot be ignored.

Bateson, a close friend of Chairman Greg Long, has recently released a player profile photo with an aggressive game face that should scare some of the field. "I am extremely excited about this year's recruiting or rookie class," Long said. "This rookie has a list of national tournament experience.  The experience speaks volumes about his ability to perform, and they will be great additions to the tournament.  This is great for the Open Championship and the phenomenal field of golfers."

"The thing I've been most pleased in 2002 is the way I've handled the pressure when I've been in the thick of things," Bateson said.  "When you play golf with Slick, it is not fun. It?s war out there.  He wants to kick my butt as much as I want to kick his.  It is like a Penn State vs Ohio State game out there."

Bateson has been attracting media attention since registration back in the spring.  He has surprised the field by signing a letter of intent even though he scored in the "red zone".  Bateson is scheduled to be a father in May.  Somehow he will still get his shot at the Championship trophy on June 12. Stay tuned.