Lucius Bateman: Golf’s Unsung Mentor Lives On at Alameda's Corica Park

19 Mar 2025
by AmateurGolf.com Staff
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Lucius Bateman (courtesy Lucius Bateman Foundation)

Few stories in golf embody the spirit of mentorship and community like that of Lucius Bateman. A pioneering coach whose influence stretched far beyond teaching the proper grip or swing, Bateman dedicated his life to uplifting young players—many from challenging backgrounds—by sharing his expertise, kindness, and generosity.

A Legacy Beyond the Fairway
Lucius Bateman’s journey began over a century ago at the Edgewater Hotel and Golf Club in Mississippi. After serving in World War II, he embraced a calling as a golf coach, devoting more than 25 years to transforming the lives of his young students. His driving range became more than a practice facility; it was a sanctuary where lessons in life, discipline, and generosity were interwoven with every swing. Bateman famously took children from disadvantaged backgrounds under his wing—providing transportation, meals, and guidance in addition to free golf lessons—ensuring they had a chance to learn the game and, more importantly, a path toward a better future.

His profound impact is evident in the success stories he helped create. Among them is Tony Lema, who rose from humble beginnings under Bateman’s tutelage to become a major champion and a 12-time PGA Tour winner. Bateman’s influence reached beyond the realm of professional golf, inspiring students to excel in fields as diverse as law and engineering.

Connecting Past and Present at Corica Park

Lucius Bateman's legacy continues at the sprawling 45-hole Corica Park golf facility, managed by Greenway Golf. In a new video narrated by filmmaker Jason Sanchez Rosa—known on Instagram as @putterrico—and featuring insights from Umesh Patel of Greenway Golf and Gary Plato of Lucious Bateman Foundation, Bateman’s timeless influence is brought into sharp focus.

At Corica Park, the spirit of Bateman lives on through initiatives like the Bateman Club. This program supports competitive junior golfers by providing completely free, unrestricted access to all of the facility’s golf courses and practice areas. It echoes Bateman’s belief that financial barriers should never hinder great talent and that every young golfer deserves a chance to develop their skills in a nurturing environment.

Current Bateman Club member Ava Harbo was introduced to the game by her father at an early age, but didn’t really fall in love with the game until July of 2020 when she started taking advantage of the program at Corica Park. Now, she hopes to follow in the footsteps of Bateman’s students who went on to professional careers.

“I've never been to any other course that's so good to the Junior,” said Harbo. “Because even if I weren't in the Bateman Club, I could go out and play the course for free in the afternoon…I do believe when I reach my full potential the LPGA [Tour] is where I’ll be.”

A Call to Remember and Inspire
Bateman’s story is one of resilience in the face of adversity. Despite being denied opportunities to compete on the PGA Tour due to the racial barriers of his time, he never let exclusion dampen his passion for golf. Instead, he transformed personal setbacks into a broader mission—to ensure that the game could be a vehicle for hope and change. His legacy is a reminder that golf is more than a sport; it is a community built on shared passion, mentorship, and the belief in second chances.

We invite you to watch the embedded video to experience Lucius Bateman’s incredible journey firsthand. Through the voices of those who knew him and continue to carry his legacy forward, the film captures the essence of a man who used golf to change lives—and whose spirit continues to inspire everyone at Corica Park.