Other than the exempt PBA pros and team USA members, should you have to bowl a qualifier tournament in order to bowl at the U.S. open?

Clearly there where a large number of bowlers that had no business bowling at the U.S. open. Over ¼ of the field did not average 180 on the condition. Not really throwing stones as I’m not sure I could have average 180 on the condition but I don’t feel I have any business bowling the open either.

I feel there should be local qualifier tournaments held around the country. They could be held using the U.S. open lane pattern. Entry would be about ½ what it is to enter the open with the qualifiers getting paid entry into the open.

This would allow everyone around the country to test their game on the condition without having to make a long trip plus would reasonably ensure that only bowlers with the skill set needed to compete would be bowling. Plus it would allow them to get accustomed to the etiquette rules as well.

I don’t believe it is fair to the top bowlers, both amateur and pro, to have to bowl with others averaging 130.  

Personally, I think there should be a qualifier.  I was looking at some of the scores, and I agree with Pinbuster that a lot of the bowlers out there should've stayed home.  The only thing with the qualifier is I'd like to see the entry fee about half of the normal fee.  That way, I'd feel more comfortable donating the money while getting experience on a tough pattern.
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"Deserve's got nothin' to do with it" -- William Munny