Anyone can be a pro, Just pay the FEE!

[unclemantis]

It looks to me like anyone can bowl in a PBA tournament. just pay the $500 entry fee and roll the dice!

[ecub]

Not a pro, but you can compete in the same competition. It just you probably won't make it the first round of qualifications.

[unclemantis]

Not a pro, but you can compete in the same competition. It just you probably won't make it the first round of qualifications.

I watched some of Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday qualifiers. Some where pretty good and others where just, WOW :(

These 3 days is where they separate the men from the boys!

[Greenday]

Talking about the USBC masters? I'll be there tomorrow. I just was looking at scores and some of them are pathetically low for a "masters". You are supposed to have a pretty high average to be in it so how people bowl so insanely low is beyond me. Doesn't look like that rough a pattern either.

[J Anderson]

Talking about the USBC masters? I'll be there tomorrow. I just was looking at scores and some of them are pathetically low for a "masters". You are supposed to have a pretty high average to be in it so how people bowl so insanely low is beyond me. Doesn't look like that rough a pattern either.

I haven't seen the "insanely low" scores that you're talking about yet, and I don't know how high an average you need to qualify for the Masters. I do know a little about psychology and a little about bowling,( basically just enough to get my self in trouble).

Suppose we have a bowler with a 220 average and that's good enough to enter the Masters. Say that this bowler only bowls at one center and the leagues that he bowls in all use the same relatively easy THS. He or she is fairly accurate on the first ball, + or - 1/2 board at the arrows and + or - 2 boards at the break. Good enough so that he or she has a pretty good strike percentage and the leaves are usually easy one or two pin spares. They also know the house like the back of their hand.

This bowler now shows up at the Masters. That shot that's two boards right at the break goes through the 3 pin for a washout instead of making it back to the pocket. The ball that's two boards left at the break goes through the nose instead of holding pocket. So now his or her strike percentage is down, the pins left up are harder combinations to convert. Now lets throw in some nerves for never having bowled in the Masters before. Some internal pressure, "I have to get a run of strikes 'cause I've already got two opens". "Gee, I thought I hit my mark on that washout, I better make an adjustment" Next thing they know the game is over and they have to switch pairs and get lined up again.

[Greenday]

I thought the average was higher, but according to wiki, you just need a 190 average.

And to be honest, if you are a 220 average bowler on a THS but you've never bowled on a sports pattern, playing in the Masters isn't a great idea.

I was looking at the bottom of the scores. Day 1, someone averaged 136.20 over five games. I haven't been bowling seriously for even a year yet and I feel fairly confident I could have walked in and shot a lot better than that. Day 2, scores got a little better, but still guys averaging in the 140s/150s. Today, not much change.

Maybe it's because now when I bowl on sports patterns, my scores don't seem to drop at all and if anything, I'm more consistent in hitting my mark. But it makes me wonder if some of these people even practice sports patterns.

I'm getting there early tomorrow morning. I'm hoping to meet a few different pros if I can. Scott Norton is the must-meet player for me. Guy seems about as humble as it gets and a genuinely nice guy.

[billf]

You would be surprised at how many "house" bowlers that have never been near a sport pattern think they can walk in to a center and bowl well on sport patterns. I usually laugh as they walk away disgusted.

[Greenday]

You would be surprised at how many "house" bowlers that have never been near a sport pattern think they can walk in to a center and bowl well on sport patterns. I usually laugh as they walk away disgusted.

My new teammate used to own a bowling alley. He was sick of people whining if he laid down a harder shot and they weren't scoring high. God forbid people have to try to do well.

[unclemantis]

i was watching the PBA one time and the announcers said that I could walk into a PBA certified house and bowl on any of the patterns that I see on TV.

When does this happen?

[scottymoney]

It looks to me like anyone can bowl in a PBA tournament. just pay the $500 entry fee and roll the dice!

I am not trying to start anything but go find yourself a league to go bowl with and feel a little pressure in your game when your team is counting on you to make a good shot. Then amplify it by alot more when you are bowling with the greatest bowlers in the world. Open bowling can take you only so far.

[unclemantis]

I am not trying to start anything but go find yourself a league to go bowl with and feel a little pressure in your game when your team is counting on you to make a good shot. Then amplify it by alot more when you are bowling with the greatest bowlers in the world. Open bowling can take you only so far.

You are not starting anything. I plan on trying to Sub next week. Figure I will try and sub Monday through Friday and earn myself a reputation.

Thank you all for the suggestions!

[Greenday]

Bowled six games after the tournament was over for the day. I bowled a lot this week so I got pretty damn tired and my wrist killed me. Still managed a 181 in my first game.

Had front row seats right behind the pros all day long. Got my picture taken with Mika Koivuniemi and Scott Norton. Met Tommy Jones. Met and chatted with Chris Barnes.

[unclemantis]

Bowled six games after the tournament was over for the day. I bowled a lot this week so I got pretty damn tired and my wrist killed me. Still managed a 181 in my first game.

Had front row seats right behind the pros all day long. Got my picture taken with Mika Koivuniemi and Scott Norton. Met Tommy Jones. Met and chatted with Chris Barnes.

Oh man that is just awesome!

Mika's personality is just a little too off for my taste.

Is Scott Norton gay?

How is Tommy's hip / leg holding up this week?

Chris Barnes is just an all around AWESOME guy!

Are you sticking around for Sunday?

[billf]

Oh man that is just awesome!

Mika's personality is just a little too off for my taste.

Is Scott Norton gay?

How is Tommy's hip / leg holding up this week?

Chris Barnes is just an all around AWESOME guy!

Are you sticking around for Sunday?


Not that it really matters but yes, Scott Norton is gay. Hence the telecast mentioning his husband earlier this year.

[unclemantis]

Not that it really matters but yes, Scott Norton is gay. Hence the telecast mentioning his husband earlier this year.

It doesn't really matter but I just had that feeling.

Congrats on his husband BTW!

[billf]

Had a feeling? Are you serious? After his first interview I knew. My brother-in-law is gay. His significant other was the best friend at my wedding. Two of the best people I've ever met.

[Greenday]

Oh man that is just awesome!

Mika's personality is just a little too off for my taste.

Is Scott Norton gay?

How is Tommy's hip / leg holding up this week?

Chris Barnes is just an all around AWESOME guy!

Are you sticking around for Sunday?

I've heard Mika wasn't the friendliest guy, but he was happy to sign my coach's son's bowling pin and take pictures. Seemed friendly to me.

Yes, he's gay. He came out this year and had the first nationally televised man-on-man kiss on ESPN when he won the 2013 Chameleon championship. He is another great guy though. He looked good all day, but figures, the two games I didn't watch him were the ones he lost. He really struggled in his last three games and you could see he completely lost his focus.

Didn't know anything was wrong with Tommy Jones. He looked solid to me. Very strong shot today that was very impressive. He bowled three games against Osku Palermaa which I sat right in front of. It was an intense match.

Barnes is indeed awesome. I didn't get to watch him much, but he has a solid shot.

Not going on Sunday. Today was a one day deal. My coach is friends with the owner of the alley so I got to go for free today.

[billf]

I like Mika. I also believe that part of the perception of him not being friendly is just a cultural difference.

[chrono00]

Not that it really matters but yes, Scott Norton is gay. Hence the telecast mentioning his husband earlier this year.

Or as they like to refer to it on the telecast....his "life" partner

[unclemantis]

I like Mika. I also believe that part of the perception of him not being friendly is just a cultural difference.

Then again he is from Finn, was adopted, Lives in Michigan.

[billf]

The move to Michigan was only within the past couple of years. On the road he is Chris Barnes' roommate. Another guy whose focus and attention to detail can come across as standoffish.

[noeymc]

Barns has the best physical game out of any bowler i know if imo

[unclemantis]

Barns has the best physical game out of any bowler i know if imo

Barnes was going to be a Basketball player but that didn't work out. I am sure he would be great at any sport he chooses!

[BrandonKR]

It looks to me like anyone can bowl in a PBA tournament. just pay the $500 entry fee and roll the dice!

And you know this how? All 468 of these bowlers have averages over 200 in a league and most likely over 180 in sport leagues. They have worked their guts out to get to this tournament. Putting together arsenals, working hours and hours on their physical and mental game. To bowl in a major, and to bowl with the best. Just because they are averaging 130 or 150 doesn't mean that they're bad. It's one of the biggest tournaments in the world, lots of pressure, lots at stake, and a tough oil pattern.

I definitely have not, and wouldn't even dream of bowling in this tournament yet,(I'm 14) so I obviously wouldn't know exactly how it is like. But I'm sure as hell that they have put in the hard yards and didn't just enter because they have 220 averages on THS and never bowled on a sport shot before.

I'd love to see you bowl one of these tournaments.

[J Anderson]

And you know this how? All 468 of these bowlers have averages over 200 in a league and most likely over 180 in sport leagues. They have worked their guts out to get to this tournament. Putting together arsenals, working hours and hours on their physical and mental game. To bowl in a major, and to bowl with the best. Just because they are averaging 130 or 150 doesn't mean that they're bad. It's one of the biggest tournaments in the world, lots of pressure, lots at stake, and a tough oil pattern.

I definitely have not, and wouldn't even dream of bowling in this tournament yet,(I'm 14) so I obviously wouldn't know exactly how it is like. But I'm sure as hell that they have put in the hard yards and didn't just enter because they have 220 averages on THS and never bowled on a sport shot before.

I'd love to see you bowl one of these tournaments.

Calm down, Unclemantis was not talking specifically about the Masters. I think that his point is more that the PBA now has an element of vanity press in it. You can become a PBA member by maintaining a 200+ average on a THS for a single season. I believe it used to be two full seasons back when balls were weaker and the THS wasn't quite as forgiving. And if you have money to waste you can bowl in some of the tournaments without a PBA card just by paying the entry fee.

[unclemantis]

Calm down, Unclemantis was not talking specifically about the Masters. I think that his point is more that the PBA now has an element of vanity press in it. You can become a PBA member by maintaining a 200+ average on a THS for a single season. I believe it used to be two full seasons back when balls were weaker and the THS wasn't quite as forgiving. And if you have money to waste you can bowl in some of the tournaments without a PBA card just by paying the entry fee.

John, I appreciate you trying to stick up for me. This kid is passionate and has a huge heart for the sport! I LIKE IT!

Brandon, I was being general with a political note when I first posted. Don't loose that fire of yours!

[BrandonKR]

John, I appreciate you trying to stick up for me. This kid is passionate and has a huge heart for the sport! I LIKE IT!

Brandon, I was being general with a political note when I first posted. Don't loose that fire of yours!

I'm sorry, it just annoys me when I see these types of posts, I immediately think of the bowlers who put in the hard yards who'd be annoyed to see this tis all. :)
Sorry if I came across as rude.

[unclemantis]

I'm sorry, it just annoys me when I see these types of posts, I immediately think of the bowlers who put in the hard yards who'd be annoyed to see this tis all. :)
Sorry if I came across as rude.

Not at all. This is a forum. :)

[scottymoney]

Had a feeling? Are you serious? After his first interview I knew. My brother-in-law is gay. His significant other was the best friend at my wedding. Two of the best people I've ever met.

Yeah as soon as you hear the guy talk you can tell, plus his strike song is Katie Perry...... No straight man would use that as their strike song. Great guy though, saw him and his husband with Kelly Kulick at a Denny's after the Saturday night tapings of the Winter Swing in Detroit.

[unclemantis]

For the record.

Bowling is bowling.

What you do on your own time is none of my concern. That goes for PW and golfing.