NORTH YORK (Ontario) – Wil bateman, who was heading from the driving to the putting area at the 2023 RBC Canadian Open on Friday morning, got stuck in traffic.
The 29-year old made a bold decision when he arrived on the green, just seven minutes prior to his tee-time. He switched from a blade putter to a mallet, despite this being his first national open and second PGA Tour tournament.
“Honestly, it felt like yesterday I did a great job and I just didn’t get anything done. Bateman explained that last night he said, “You know what? I’m going to just put the blade in my bag and warm up with it this morning, and see what happens.” “I made the first six putts, from about 20 feet, and then I said, ‘Okay. This is in my bag today.
It’s all in the bag now that Bateman has signed for the lowest round of the tournament so far. A 6-under-66 at Oakdale Golf and Country Club moved him into the top 20. Bateman stated, “When the cameras come out and the fuzzy mic is on, you know that you are doing something right.”
It’s only crazier that he had never played with that putter before. High risk, high rewards.
Bateman has had a bumpy journey into professional golf after attending San Diego State. Edmonton-born Bateman, who lives in Scottsdale, Arizona now, has spent most of his professional career bouncing between PGA Tour Canada, and Latinoamerica. After finishing No. Bateman, who finished No. 1 on PGA Tour Canada last year, has played 11 times this season on the Korn Ferry Tour. He has two top-five finishes.
No. @PGATOURCanada
RBCCanadianOpen @Wil_Bateman after an impressive 6-under-round in his own country. pic.twitter.com/6iWLkvH5Zm
— PGA TOUR June 9, 2020
“I just treat this tournament as another one. “I knew I would be a bit nervous when I arrived, but after I played some practice games, it felt like another tournament,” said he. “Obviously, it’s bigger and the players are better. Everyone is trying to achieve the same goal. The ball is still in the hole. This weekend is going to be electric. “I’m looking forward to this weekend.”
Electricity is a good thing.
Bateman is accompanied by his entire family, including his brother, mother, father, and stepparents. The Canadian contingent has also rallied behind him.
Since 1954, no Canadian has won the national open. Mike Weir almost ended this drought in 2004, but lost in a playoff to Vijay Singh. Canadian golf has been on a positive trend this year with Mackenzie Hughes winning the Sanderson Farms Championship, Adam Svensson winning the RSM Classic and Corey Conners taking home the Valero Texas Open.
It would be an interesting story if Bateman’s name was added to the list.
