I see a few people piss and moan about bowling against Pros at the Open, my question is why bitch? Are they mad about losing another spot or two? 99% don't have a chance of making decent money in the first place. Why not give it a go? Try to beat that guy or at least learn from what they are doing.

Just another example of why the only problem with bowling is the bowlers.

One of my favorite lyrics to listen to before bowling. “Worst of the best but I’m in this race, you don’t know me” I knew in the long run that I was competing against people better than me. But it made me a better bowler, and my good days could beat there average days.

A professional is someone participating as their job or main source of income.  Amateurs are simply partaking in a pastime or hobby.  Most amateurs go in to a tournament hoping to bowl well and maybe place high enough to win something.  Maybe even win the entry fee back and break even.  Hopefully there aren't any amateurs regularly going in to tournaments with the expectation they will make a huge profit.  That's just not realistic.

This is exactly how I feel going into a tournament. I really enjoy the experience rather than worrying about winning anything and I love bowling against people that are supposed to be better than me because it makes me focus more. At that point who knows what will happen.

I could play with the best PBA guys on my best days when I was in my late 40s .  still I am glad the USBC fields weren't loaded with tour pros.

My take on this is if they want to build the sport; this is not the way to do it regardless of our personal feelings.  Bowling on the same lanes as pros I am all for.  But to be in the same division is just dumb.  With inflated averages due to house shots; they should have a 220 and over division.  There is no sensible reason a 180 bowler should be competing against a touring pro.  A 180 bowler can still learn a lot from them without being in the same division.

Exactly my thoughts, just stated more succinctly. All the current system is doing is discouraging the 180 to 215/220 average house bowler from attending the Open.

I know this from experience as someone who takes multiple teams to the Open every year. It's easy to get(and keep) the lower average bowlers in the group, but the 180+(sport converted) guys mostly want nothing to do with the Open, especially if they have been before.

There is value in having the top Professional and Amateurs at the Open, just give them their own division.