lol thanks joe
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University of Central Florida + Brunswick = Collegiate Domination

A lot of the regional guys I know have said the new Brunswick oil plays longer than before so I agree with LANE1_BoWlEr in that you have to watch your speed. Guys I've seen have been throwing balls right thru the break point. Pin below the fingers with 45 to 75 degree layouts are the norm nowadays to give the ball an earlier break similar to the old oil. And remember "straighter is greater" is always the best way to stay out of trouble for newbies and most regional directors get real pissy about lane courtesy, so be sure you understand it since it's different from regular tournament rules. good luck.

I think the reason they changed the patterns, because alot of times in the East(I don't know what other regions this may or may not apply to), surfaces are never fresh.  Even if they are synthetics, chances are they're at least 5 years old which can break down extremely tough.  I've seen scores at some regionals on Pattern E have cut scores around 0 to +10 which is pretty sick for pattern E.  Combined with the humidity, some breakdowns can be hell on the northeast coast.  The Senior patterns from what I've heard play a bit easier and most are a bit shorter.  With an increase of volume in the heads from these patterns, they should play pretty fair from surface to surface(still won't be identical to other regions though, but you can't have everything perfect).

Nonetheless, bowl well Mike.  I'm sure you'll have a great first outing.
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-DP3
...

The one thing thing that seems to get new bowlers is using non-registered wrist supports.  Make sure that yours (if you use one) is on the approved products list (http://www.pba.com/sponsors/default.asp?Type=1).  If you're not sure ask Harry.  He'll make sure you don't do anything stupid.  Also, make sure you get to the practice session on Friday.

Edited on 4/19/2005 5:52 AM

Take advantage of the practice session to get loose from whatever drive you might have to make...but don't expect them to play anything like the practice session.  You might occasionally get lucky and see something similar, but very few of the PWBA events ever played the same and I know that the PBA regional did not.

As others said, don't let the stuff get into your head.  In addition to the other yips that come into play at the first event, pairings can sometimes mess with you- you just have to keep reminding yourself that you can play with the best.  Keep the goals simple...

oh, and have fun

What to expect your first time on the regional tour...

1) It ain't your typical house shot (but you already knew that, right?)
2) It ain't league bowling - 2 lane courtesy: live it, love it, do it.
3) Keep angry outbursts to yourself.  They cost you money, unless your name is Chris Collins.
4) Have fun.  You're out there with some of the best in the world.  Enjoy the moment.

I went into my first regional with a few small goals:

1 - Have fun.
2 - Bowl my best.
3 - Don't finish dead last.

I accomplished all 3 goals and actually took a check to the bank on Monday.

You can do it.
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Nut

Proud owner of a 1046/4 series courtesy of Columbia 300.

None are more hopelessly enslaved, as those who falsely believe they are free....

Keep the ball low.
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The Angry Bowler