Bates is the Nationwide Tour's all-time cuts (226) and starts (410).

Bates has won two events on the Nationwide Tour including the 1997 Wichita Open where he defeated Carl Paulson, Jeff Brehaut and Chris Smith in a four-man playoff.

Bates was a member of the NCAA Division II championship team at Troy State University and won five collegiate tournaments.

Bates made his first PGA Tour appearance since 2001 at the 2010 Transitions Championship.

Nationwide Tour playoff record (2–0) Note: Bates only played in the U.S. Open.