And what a tour swing it was, my friend. Mike Scroggins take the first major title of his career, Jason Couch wins his first title in two years, and over in Hammond, a pothole-filled road to a tear-filled conclusion. The USBC Masters, featuring one on the largest fields of the year-466 bowlers, continues to be one of the toughest tournaments to win. The oil pattern was as demanding as usual, and played even more so. If you are not used adjusting your starting position every two or three frames, zip up the bag and head home. It looked simple from the first practice ball, but as play progressed, the same conclusion was drawn. There would be more twists and turns than walking down the side of a steep hill. Today's oil patterns can be made to the extremes and this one is no different. Any variance in speed, release, or rev rate can result in a maximun penalty, like a nasty split. Getting to the pocket is easy, it's the pin carry that is difficult.

     So that is in essence the USBC Masters and also explains how most non-exempt touring pros and a few amateurs figure out their way through the fifteen games of qualifying until match play begins. It's a sure bet if someone who does very well does not appear to have a great physical game, it's a safe bet he or she has an outstanding mental game. And there are women who do well here. Check the standings for Carolyn Dorin-Ballard and Diandra Asbaty. They have bowled their way into the Round of 32 the last two years. There always seems to be one or two amateurs who get hot, make the show and even win. Art Brown was this year's high amateur, winning his first match before falling to Scroggins in the semifinal But one may wonder what happened to top seed Norm Duke on the TV finals. He struggled in the first half of the match before making a ball change before nearly stealing the title. According to a very reliable source, Duke threw the last six strikes before airtime with the ball he threw in the first five frames. So why not go with it? What's that famous line from 'Of Mice and Men,' about the best laid plans? But Scroggins was strong from the opening sweeper until the final match, even though he joked about carrying a couple of strikes like a "league bowler." The oil pattern was right in his wheelhouse and he took full advantage.

     The next week in Vernon Hills, another lefty had a great ball reaction, although there were some right-handers that gave a bit of a forecast of things to come. During the second round of qualifying, Joe Ciccone threw back to back games with the first 10 strikes. Both shots going for the 11th strike went a bit left offline. Little did I know three days later, I would see the same thing on ESPN. What you may not know about the TV finals pair (lanes 7-8) at Hawthorne Lanes is the same thing happens in league play as well. Although our Tuesday Sport League bowls on the USBC Masters oil pattern this quarter, similiar pattern breakdown characteristics appear there as did on the show. We had rolled on that pair the week of the tournament and during the last game, the adjustments that had worked the prior two games were not working. The adjustments that did work were twice and three times as large. So when Ciccone had trouble late in that match, I hoped he would make a similar bigger move. Even Jason Couch had a difficult time in his two matches, resorting to using a different ball on either lane. So when Couch saw an opportunity to win a match he had thought was lost, like any great champion, he did.

     Then there was the day when another Weber became the overwhelming crowd favorite. Pete always the more rowdy crowds in his corner, but it wasn't until the Hammond stop that a national audience could see the appreciation from an entire audience for a great talent, no matter who his dad is. It is at this point he officially became one of the established old school pillars of today's PBA Tour. It's different from those of us who have personally known and bowled with him for awhile. He really became one of the links to the early days. Since this past Februaury, more and more fans have become aware of the closeness of bowling's first family. Pete had a rough start this time last year, then a nagging shoulder injury kept this truly magnetic performer off the TV finals. I am not exaggerating when I say when I have seen upclose most of today's big names perform 'on stage,' the aura is different. You are truly watching something really magical and special that doesn't come along every day. Worse, you may not realize it until it is gone. Yeah or nay, fan or foe. Something is different. NASCAR fans know one. All I have to say is a single name: Senior. All hardcore fans know who that is and his style, simple as that. As far as the public eye, Pete's public persona changed on that Sunday in Hammond and cemented his own pillar in the process. As far as the two matches, it was classic Weber; keep it around the pocket, make your spares, catch a double somewhere, and grind it out. Scary thing is he knows his dad is watching. His wife, Tracy, also knows he is watching. Pete is very much his own man, don't get me wrong. But we now know the influence has stuck.

     Next month, the tour returns from the holiday break and the first session of Pro Shop 401. This 'senior' class level and may either put you to sleep or may make you want to read it more than a couple times. It is going to be as technical than anything you may have read in any ball review column, or even any article in 'Bowling This Month.' You have been warned.