June 25, 2003

Columbia, S.C. – The University of South Carolina men’s golf assistant coach, Rachel Bates, earned a spot on the 2003 U.S. Women’s Open roster. Bates, a former Gamecock player, will go up against the best on July 3-6 at the Pumpkin Ridge Golf Course in North Plains, Ore. The field of 154 will face a 6,509 yard, par 72 course.

Bates, shooting a two-round score of 154, placed fourth at the sectional qualifier at the Charlotte Country Club. The top three players received automatic bids to the U.S. Women’s Open, but earlier this week Bates received news that she would move from alternate to entrant.

“It is a great opportunity for me,” commented Rachel Bates. “I’m just going to do the best I can.”

During her playing time at USC, Bates earned second-team All-SEC honors. Bates is currently in her fourth year as assistant coach of the USC men’s golf team.