Expert: Warren Friedl, Pro Shop Owner/Operator, - 4/29/2009

Question
QUESTION: Warren,

I have asked several questions to this site, and it has helped my game a great deal.  After taking a 10 year break, i got back into bowling about a year ago.  When i stopped i was 16 and had an average of about 165-170.  Now I am a consistent 190-195 average.  I am looking to take my game to the next level, and try to enter the 2010 US Open as an amateur.  Please let me know if this is even possible, and what i would need to do to be able to compete with the guys that will be showing up.

Regards,
John

ANSWER: John,
The US Open is an open tournament and anyone can enter. On one of the hardest, longest patterns, the tournament is demanding (to say the least).

Often several hundred top amateurs compete with the top professional players. I'd expect if you competed in several events like the Open, it might provide enough experience to START becoming competitive.

I don't mean to be discouraging, but to be competitive, you'll need to find tough(er) conditions to practice on, and sharpen your game to 200+ on tournament conditions. I encourage your objective, because without a plan or desire to improve, bowling on the Typical House Shot (THS) can give you a false sense of achievement.

Thanks for the questions, good luck. Let me know how you do.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your honest reply.  How would i go about finding tougher conditions to practice on?

Answer
John,
Look to your local centers. Ask about "special" conditions they can put out.

USBC National Championships tournament conditions are downloadable from USBC for some lane machines. PBA Tournament shots are also available from the Kegal Company (a lane machine manufacturer).

Your local pro shop person may know the tougher houses in your area, or be willing to organize a group of bowlers and ask the local center to put out something special.

Many bowlers are not aware conditions can dictate success. Sport leagues and PBA pattern leagues have sprung up for players seeking a tougher environment.

Thanks for the follow-up. Good luck.