HOLLY SPRINGS, NC — Being called one of the best amateur players in the world never to have placed first in anything is now the nicest thing anyone can say about Fred Bessette. Anymore, "The French Connection" is known as the guy who can't get out and play.

Especially in the On Tour Championship. For years, Bessette had been one of the best closers in amateur golf. He scored well dating back to 1993, when he would empty Jamie Myers? wallet. Now, you can get him to open with anything.

Just listen to him now. "There seems to be a mental block for me," Bessette said, a problem as dire to a golfer as being unable to find the strike zone is to a relief pitcher. I just need to commit to playing.

Bessette, who last played at in Winston-Salem at the 2004 Carl Spackler Open was poised to take home the Championship Trophy.  With double-bogey on his first hole, everyone new he was on cruise control toward shooting in the high 110?s or possibly the low 120?s.

"I've really struggled at the Open. I did not think 70 for nine holes was possible."  Bessette shot a pair of 71's on the back nine of Tanglewood Park.  "I blame my poor game on the heat," he said. "It was hot out there."  

Give Fred credit for making excuses. Just don't give up on him yet. When he returns to form, there will be some very good scores being posted.

Bessette remains the No. 12 player in the On Tour Championship, and this playing poor. He finished 35th with 85 points in the 2004 Open.

Bessette figures his best cure -- maybe his only cure -- is to win from out front. If not, he takes a fragile psyche to the Carl Spackler Open, where only the strongest minds survive.