Centers to test oil-pattern program

From the e-mail bag comes news of the Red, White and Blue oil-pattern program being tested this year at a variety of centers throughout the country.

The United States Bowling Congress has developed the new system to benefit the average bowler by closing the gap between the “house shot” lane condition and those used in PBA Experience and other Sport-compliant leagues.

Various local tournaments will be testing the White patterns in 2010 and a number of state championships will be utilizing the Blue this coming year as well.

The bowl.com Web site claims proprietors will be able to easily implement the program because they can download the patterns for free and put out a condition which yields different challenge levels to meet the different needs of their customers.

Associations will have the ability to provide conditions with equity for bowlers of all different skill levels.

Supposedly, bowlers will see the value in the program because it will help them prepare for the big tests at USBC Championship events.

Typically, the lane condition for most leagues is the “house shot,” which uses more oil in the middle of the lane as compared with the outside portion.

Leagues conducted under Sport conditions — like those used in the USBC Open Championships and USBC’s PBA Experience leagues — have a more gradual taper of oil from the middle to the outside.

On Sport lane conditions, or patterns, the best line to the pocket is usually defined by the length of the oil pattern on the lane. Regardless where bowlers line up, the oil pattern demands repetition and accuracy to be successful.

To compensate for the difficulty of Sport conditions, the USBC allows an adjustment between house and Sport conditions — a maximum of 18 pins based on statistical calculations. But bowlers might actually see an even greater difference.

Red, White and Blue patterns were introduced to ease the transition.

Red patterns are similar to what is already found in typical house shots. It is USBC-compliant with a minimum three units of oil on every board at the end of the pattern, but there is a much larger volume of oil in the middle of the lane.

White are a bit tougher, with a smaller ratio of oil from inside to out.

Blue are slightly easier than Sport conditions, but more challenging than White.

Red/White/Blue is a stepping-stone from the house shot to a PBA Experience League. Not only do bowlers become more knowledgeable about the role of lane conditions and how it affects performance, but the program provides an opportunity to prepare for USBC Open Championships.

Lane leaders

Marc Lawrence’s 277-801 topped Wednesday Night Men at McKinley on Dec. 30, while Adam Barta had 300-778 to lead Spiech Classic at Bell-Wick on Jan. 4.

Lawrence’s other games were 277 and 247.

Wally Wasilewski and John Cowher both had a 300 during Holiday Wednesday Men action on Jan. 6, but the Belchyk/Action Plumbing produced three perfect games by Rob Malkovits, Rex Rager and Joe Hanna.

Tom Hood didn’t break 700, but he did have 300 in Bob’s Auto Service Seniors at Amron on Jan. 6 before finishing with 695.

Diamond Dream Team won first quarter and Bowl Jobs won second quarter in Sat. Mixed at McKinley.

Teri Haefke began the new year with a C-G Pro Shop/Ladies Trio 728 series on Jan. 5.

Thanks to Napoleon Hill, who sent a Christmas card last month.

bassetti@vindy.com