In the same house - 230 average for 90+ games THS, 192 average for 32 games so far in PBAX. As with Dan's league, no one is over 200, and this league includes the last three house record holders. I was high at 195 before last week.
Like I've said elsewhere, I find it very hard to believe that even the best exempt pros would come in and average 225+ under the exact circumstances we face (e.g. limited practice time to alter the pattern, etc.). With all due respect to the folks at my establishment, I can't believe these conditions are what they are supposed to be. The only pattern that played as expected was Shark. All others were some form of the worst reverse-block pattern I've ever seen. It's like bowling on a tightrope. And these lanes get tougher as the night goes on, because we get some carrydown but we don't bowl enough games to get any break down.
It's very difficult to not let it start to affect your confidence. You try so hard, but if you make the most miniscule mistake you are left with a horrible result. Then you start making dumb mistakes because it gets in your head.
Top it off, you go home and watch Mallott throwing 300's on TV with an area from 8 to 2 at the breakpoint. Scorpion my a**...
There is some solace to be had if you look at the results from some of the PBA regional tournaments. On several occasions, the cash line is well below 200. Go down the list and you'll see some really good bowlers with embarrasingly low scores. So maybe these conditions really are that hard...
Scott.
