The reason I bring this up in addition to the no prize fund league thread is helping to expose bowling's misgivings when it comes to the difference between Pros and Ams.

Almost every amateur bowling tournament that has a prize fund, excludes Professional bowlers. Megabuck tournaments have banked on the fact that if a so-called "pro" is not eligible to win, then more people are willing to bowl.

In my opinion, this is where bowling as a whole has failed miserably. Bowling is the only game/sport that teaches its participants to play beneath their ability to gain an advantage. It's the only game/sport in which you are penalized for becoming a better bowler by being excluded from tournaments.

We must change the attitude of bowlers as a whole from a sandbagging, average controlling nation to a always try your best, become the best bowler you can nation.

Money in leagues and money in Amateur tournaments is the root of the present attitude. If the only way to make money was to pursue the professional side of the game/sport, then EVERYONE who wanted to make money (not talking sidepots and brackets here) would have to earn every cent and train to become a better bowler.

Until there is a clear line between Amateur and Professional there will be no big money for our Pros and it will always be easy for an uninformed person to dismiss the true talent and sportsmanship of our Professionals.
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Jon Brandon
2003 PBA West Region Rookie of the Year
"You don't score, until you score......"
http://www.youbowl.com