Bates has fun with Sir Charles
By Jim Henry – Herald Sports Editor

Ben Bates says he can’t remember laughing that hard while playing in a golf event. No wonder, since Bates was teamed with the one and only, Sir Charles.
Bates, described as a “laidback” Nationwide Tour original from Havana, played alongside Charles Barkley in the recent Ford Wayne Gretzky Classic in Ontario, Canada. Barkley, of course, remains one of professional basketball’s most identifiable figures, an outspoken yet charming TNT analyst and Hall of Famer who never minces his words or ceases to have a good time.
“I think Charles had more fun than anybody this week,’’ Gretzky told PGA.com. “I can’t tell you how many people came up to tell me how great he was and how great it was to meet him.’’
That list was a long one and included Nationwide Tour members Craig Bowden and Bates.
“He was a prince,’’ said Bowden, who also served as Barkley’s straight man for the tournament’s first 36 holes. “He signed every autograph. He stopped and talked to people and thanked them for coming. Said Bates: “I can’t remember laughing that hard playing in an event.’’
Barkley also professed much admiration for the players on the Nationwide Tour, saying it is unfair for anyone to compare the circuit with the minor leagues.
“These guys are too good for that,’’ Barkley said.
“They all can play. Some of these guys have won on the PGA TOUR. Some are U.S. Amateur champions and NCAA champions. I’m not saying they’re going to be the next Jack Nicklaus or Tiger Woods, but people who want to compare this to the CBA (Continental Basketball League) or some AAA baseball league aren’t paying attention.’’
Barkley also believes he knows the difference between players on the Nationwide Tour and PGA.
“Maybe these guys didn’t get a break when they needed one,’’ he said. “Sometimes that’s all it takes. But to me, it’s all about confidence. After ability that’s the most important thing in golf.’’
Bates has currently won $20,832 on the Nationwide Tour in 2008, and his best finish is tied for 24th at the Panama Movistar Championship.