Over the past 10 years, one of the most irritating peeves on the PBA Tour is that so-called amateur bowlers are able to earn more money than professionals, particularly in megabuck tournaments that ban PBA members.
In 1991, PBA charter member and Hall of Famer Frank Esposito, at that time a partner in the High Roller organization, arranged to include professionals in the famous Super Bowl High Roller, a megabuck event. Although it was not backed by PBA officials, PBA rules did nothing to dismay players who chose to engage in this type of competition. Esposito’s invitation fell on a weekend when many of the pro bowlers were facing long drives to the next tournament site.
Nevertheless, the pros failed to take advantage, particularly with thousands of dollars at stake.
At that time, the PBA Senior Tour was inactive. Out of 40 PBA entries, only seven were regular tour members, including Gary Dickinson. The tournament did little to entice bowlers who were so critical of amateurs earning more than professionals.
The winner was Kent Wagner. Inasmuch as PBA entries were practically nil, High Roller officials discarded any future plans to lure pros.
A year or so ago, about 10 of the greatest "so-called" amateur bowlers turned professional. Previously, these amateurs were reluctant to join the pro ranks because they were accustomed to earning from $40,000 to $125,000 yearly without weekly expenses and monotonous tour travel. They were practically forced to turn professional when megabuck promoters restricted their activity in brackets and sweepers. Most of these amateur-turned-pros have done rather well on the PBA Tour, particularly Chris Barnes.
I doubt that promoters of high-paying
megabuck tournaments will ever again
attempt to lure PBA members.
In 1999, PBA and High Roller officials collaborated in an effort to stage a megabuck tournament that included PBA members. This tournament had the full blessing and backing of the PBA. Brochures were mailed to over 30,000 players, and print ads appeared in more than 50 publications. This list includes all PBA 1998 rookie players that feasted on these type of contests.
The result: Only 39 entries were recorded.
Of those, only six PBA members entered—two regional players, three senior players, and the lone regular tour player, Jason Couch. Outstanding amateur players like Tim Mack, Paul Renteria, Brian Boghosian, Michael Lichstein, Mike Neumann, Brian Kretzer, and a raft of others have made their stand. They maintain amateur status and are content to earn their living as non-professionals, despite amateurs and professionals being distinguished merely by PBA membership cards.
I doubt that promoters of high-paying megabuck tournaments will ever again attempt to lure PBA members.
It’s high time that PBA malcontents stop their bellyaching concerning the earning advantages of amateurs. They have blown their opportunity to compete for $100,000 to $200,000 megabuck tournaments, even against supposedly inferior competition.
As the old saying goes, Put up or shut up.
Inasmuch as pro bowlers didn’t put up, it’s only appropriate that they shut up.
PBA Hall of Famer John Jowdy is a past president of the Bowling Writers Association of America.