Ben Bates Set For Champions Tour Debut

Live Scoring

Former Troy University golfer Ben Bates will make his debut on the PGA Champions Tour this weekend in Blaine, Minnesota, on the TPC Twin Cities course.

Prior to joining the Champions Tour, Bates has had numerous successes in his golfing career. He was a three-time All-American on the golf team at Troy. He holds the current record for the player who has made the most cuts on the Nationwide Tour. And now, he is ready to embrace the next level of competitive golf.

“It is exciting to know I am going to play with some of the greatest players in golf,” Bates said.

The Champions Tour has hosted some of the greatest golfers to have ever played the game. The stars include Arnold Palmer, Ben Crenshaw and Tom Watson.

The Champions Tour is different from other tours, such as the Nationwide and PGA, because there are no cuts during the tournament and all players are given carts. The events are also three rounds.

Just minutes before noon Friday, Bates will tee off on the 10th hole of his first Champions Tour event. The 3M Championship will continue through August 7.

To open play on a new tour, Bates turned to an old college friend to serve as his caddie. Former Trojans baseball player Garry "Moe" Bassett will be on the bag for Bates during his first Champions Tour event.

"I like that Moe and I will have plenty to catch up on,” Bates said. “Our conversations in between shots is going to keep my round's tempo on the up and up."

Moe played baseball for Troy State during the same time Ben Played on the golf team. The two ended up being roommates in college in 1982 and 83. The duo has continued to be close friends.

“It's nice to have someone that can keep you at ease,” Bates said. “Our friendship has always been one that is laid back.”

Play in the 3M Championship will be televised on the Golf Channel this weekend. Coverage will be from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Friday and from 3-5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.

Bates will be paired with David Peoples and Bruce Fleisher in the opening round. The field for the 3M Championship includes Mark Calcavecchia, Crenshaw, Watson, Fred Couples, Mark O'Meara and Bernhard Langer. A total of 81 players are scheduled for the event.

Troy University Athletics

Related Videos