Patrick Bates Jr. - December 1, 2005
Patrick Bates Jr. is a dedicated and hard working athlete who is turning into one of this region's best young golfers. He has been a member of the Brantford Golf and Country Club (BGCC) for the past four years, and this summer experienced one of his greatest accomplishments when he qualified for the senior men's club championships at the BGCC.
His first match of the tournament was playing against a previous club champion, and it was a little intimidating for a thirteen year old, but Patrick rose to the occasion beating his opponent on the 15th hole and advanced to the next round.
Then came a big test when he had to face the eventual club champion John Alpaugh, in the final round. The match was only decided on the 18th hole when Alpaugh hit a wedge to six inches of the hole beating Patrick.
Over the summer Patrick played in several golf tournaments including the Ontario Bantam Championships, where he shot rounds of 74 and 70 resulting in a seventh place finish. At a junior invitational at the Brantford Golf & Country Club last year he shot an incredible 32 on the front nine, which included five birdies and a bogey, making it an exceptional round for this aspiring young golfer.
Patrick enjoyed more success at the Bridgestone Junior Golf Tour competing in eleven events in the 13-15 age group. He had eight top-ten finishes including two wins, two second place finishes and four third place finishes. Patrick maintains a 4 handicap at the BGCC and is proud to say he regularly beats both his teacher and his dad on the course.
Patrick has been part of the Brantford Minor Hockey Association for the past ten years, he is captain of his Brantford 99'ers minor bantam A hockey team, and is looking forward to leading his team to another successful year.
Patrick is a grade eight student at St. Bernards School, and is working hard academically towards his goal of getting a scholarship to a southern U.S. university. His long-term aspirations include becoming a P.G.A. touring professional, and at the rate he's going, Patrick has a great chance of reaching his dream.
Congratulations Patrick, and good luck! |
