Post by: charlest on May 23, 2006, 11:24:20 AM
"The 2006 Denny’s PBA Tour Trials takes place May 30-June 4 at Stardust Bowl I in Hammond, Ind., and will offer nine exemptions for the 2006-07 Denny’s PBA Tour season. Several changes have been implemented for the 2006 Tour Trials, including the addition of a prize fund and the switch from wood to synthetic lanes."
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"None are so blind as those who will not see."
Post by: DP3 on May 24, 2006, 10:09:15 AM
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-DP3
Respect the Game
Post by: charlest on May 24, 2006, 03:16:38 PM
Saw-the-rack,
I agree with you. If I were wanting to win one of the spots beacuse I thought I were PBA capable, I would be very, very discouraged. True many guys like you are very capable, but everyone of those listed is capable of averaging 240+ for those 45 games. It's almost a crap shoot.
By the way, one of the changes this year is that there is now prize money available. My opinion is the prize money should be divided among ONLY those who are not one of the 9 (or 10) of those who qualify for a 2006/7 exemption.
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"None are so blind as those who will not see."
Post by: shelley on May 24, 2006, 03:24:36 PM
quote:
It's almost a crap shoot.
It's weird, because I've read several times that with the single-elimination match-play format now, it's a crap-shoot, and it was even worse when the round of 64 was match play as well. The best bowlers for the week aren't necessarily the ones making the show because all that's required to make the show is to beat three people (once match play starts), and winning four matches with 190s to your opponent's 170s makes the show just as well as the guy who had to shoot 250+ to beat his 240+ opponent.
The round-robin match play from the US Open and the Dick Weber (hope that comes back, by the way) is really the only way to show who's bowled well all week. Shoot 260 and lose still gets you more total pins than shooting 190 and winning.
SH
Post by: Ragnar on May 24, 2006, 03:30:53 PM
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"I do desire that we may be better strangers." Willie the Shake, As You Like it(III,ii)
"aroyskrikn zoln dir di oygn fun kop"
Post by: michelle on May 24, 2006, 04:16:54 PM
quote:
I personally feel that tour trials should be free, or at least a reasonable cost to enter. $1,500 is just too high of a entry fee. I think they should get rid of the prize fund, and only charge the cost of bowling, and whatever other fees needed to hold the event. I do not think it costs $1,500 a bowler to hold tour trials, when a PBA national event only costs $400-500.
When its all said and done, the week must cost at least $3,000 for the bowlers.
Compared to the equivalent of having to bowl the PTQ in five different weeks, even the $3K becomes a relative bargain.
As to a total of $3K for the week, I would question that figure. Even if you presume $90-100 a night for one person per room (and I bet there are a handful of decent rooms there for far less), it would take one hell of an appetite to hit $3K for the week. Most probably drive, and I doubt they would have more than $300-400 in fuel expense, which again would likely be split amongst a few people.
quote:
How many of you out there have $3,000 to throw out on a whim and a prayer?
Again, I don't buy the $3K figure but it still isn't a huge sum. A week of bowling of 20 minutes with the dice...at least you could write off a chunk of the bowling if you had a bad week.
Post by: Iketown300 on May 24, 2006, 04:19:10 PM
Thanks for the kind words Mike!
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Ike Brownfield
PBA 05-06
Post by: greenefam on May 24, 2006, 04:24:36 PM
In order to give bowling some level of professional credibility the owners of the tour have decided to go to this concept of an exempt field. this decision has angered many of the veterans that have made a living out of the national tour for years.
Personally I'd like to see more emphasis being placed on giving exemptions to Regional PBA points leaders and maybe specific regional event winners rather than a 'top x take all' tour trial event. If you really want to expand on the credibility of the national tour I think treating the regionals as a proving ground and a rehab tour for former national tour guys is the way to go.
Post by: BrunsNick on May 24, 2006, 04:38:39 PM
$1300 Entry
$250 Round trip flight
$85 Hotel (Split between 4 people, price lined for 40 a night at Best Western)
$225 Rental Car
No telling what food/entertainment will be, but its all written off.
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Nick Smith ... A.K.A. Les Badderâ„¢
Brunswick -=- PBA 03-06
http://www.BrunsNick.com
¡Viva la nación de Brunswick!
Post by: BrunsNick on May 24, 2006, 04:59:16 PM
If you're bowling for income, then just about anything in regards to the trip is a write off. Got to break down the 1099 you get at the end of the year!
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Nick Smith ... A.K.A. Les Badderâ„¢
Brunswick -=- PBA 03-06
http://www.BrunsNick.com
¡Viva la nación de Brunswick!
Post by: michelle on May 24, 2006, 05:01:45 PM
quote:
I dont understand this writing it off stuff. My mom does my taxes and I tell her I can write this stuff off and she doesn't believe me or wants to take the time to learn about it. I really should pay to have my taxes done instead. What do you need to do, keep reciepts of everything you spend?
It's really pretty easy...if you are doing this for income, then you Schedule C the bowling. Your profession for the purposes of that document is Professional Athlete or whatever comes closest. And if you are a member of the PBA and were going to the Tour Trials, then you would be able to make a reasonable first-impression showing that the attempt at business was legitimate.
Personally, if I had ANYONE telling me something couldn't be done and they were not a CPA, then I would not have them doing my taxes. Actually, unless they are a CPA in the first place, they aren't doing my taxes.
In a nutshell, yes...you keep your receipts. Just like you would to document EVERY other business deduction. I also carried an envelope in the truck for each tournament that receipts went into to later be placed in the file. Just make sure that the beer/wine gets shown on a separate receipt when you do the shopping at the beginning of the week, as the IRS tends not to like those liquor writedowns.
Post by: stanski on May 24, 2006, 05:06:28 PM
quote:
Uh huh.
If you're bowling for income, then just about anything in regards to the trip is a write off. Got to break down the 1099 you get at the end of the year!
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Nick Smith ... A.K.A. Les Badderâ„¢
Brunswick -=- PBA 03-06
http://www.BrunsNick.com
¡Viva la nación de Brunswick!
Its only a write off if you itemize, which is usually only possible if you have some sort of large investment (i.e. a house).
I don't see what the problem with having the format like this really is. Golf does the exact same thing with q-school, granted they have more exempt players, but it still seems like an ok system. I think this is much better than having it open to any joe blow that can average 200 for 2 years...
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stanski
Post by: Bluff on May 24, 2006, 06:12:57 PM
quote:
I agree, the prize for the 9 is the exemption. They should maybe only get their entry fee back, if that. The other money should go to the players who were in the thick of things but just fell short. All they get is a pat on the back, knowing they are a good player but won't get the chance to show it this year.
I personally feel that tour trials should be free, or at least a reasonable cost to enter. $1,500 is just too high of a entry fee. I think they should get rid of the prize fund, and only charge the cost of bowling, and whatever other fees needed to hold the event. I do not think it costs $1,500 a bowler to hold tour trials, when a PBA national event only costs $400-500.
When its all said and done, the week must cost at least $3,000 for the bowlers.
How many of you out there have $3,000 to throw out on a whim and a prayer?
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2005-2006 PBA East Regional Results
Billiard Towne.Com Open
April 28-30 ~ 37th (+70, 1670) $400(Cash +69)
Rose Bowl Lanes Open Presented by Hammer
May 12-14 ~ 45th (+25, 1625) $0 (Cash +85)
2006/07 PBA Average - 205.93 (3295/16)
2006/07 Earnings - $400.00
Edited on 5/24/2006 3:22 PM
You lost already!!! Don't event have to try but you already lost!!! Guest you all talk! Well there guys can beat me ballh balllah baallh. You got no balls even if you bowl you end at bottom. This the PBA not your league. These are best in the country or in the world. $1300 Is nothing compare what you get !!
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Honestly I got a lot of balls. No NOT BOWLING BALLS!
Post by: michelle on May 24, 2006, 06:41:14 PM
However, I am curious what you would normally spend on a one week vacation. Even though this would not necessarily be a relaxing week, it seems like one could easily view the expense in the same light as they would a more traditional vacation...
Post by: Long Roller on May 24, 2006, 06:47:10 PM
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Shane Soule
Post by: DanH78 on May 24, 2006, 06:47:55 PM
quote:
Its only a write off if you itemize, which is usually only possible if you have some sort of large investment (i.e. a house).
It falls on Line 12 which has to do with Business Income as detailed on a schedule C just like Michelle said
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What are you gonna do? Beat me with your Jesus stick?
Post by: michelle on May 24, 2006, 07:16:08 PM
quote:
How much does Q school for the PGA cost? Does anyone have a figure?
Don't know how current the figure is, since I found it in a 2001 article...but-
The PGA Tour Q-School costs $4,000 to file an entry. There are three stages of qualifying and the low 35 with ties gain a one-year exemption to the PGA Tour. Costs for other professional tournaments can run $15,000 for a series of 12 tournaments like the Golden Bear, or $410 for a two-day event and $575 for a three-day tournament on the South Florida Tour.
on edit and from the PGA site:
Three primary changes will be made to the 2006 Qualifying Tournament which include the addition of Pre-Qualifying, multiple entry deadlines and a new entry fee structure. Entry applications will be available by the first week of July.
Change 1:
Pre-Qualifying competitions are scheduled to be conducted September 19-22, 2006, and September 26-29, 2006. Applicants that are not eligible to begin play at First, Second, or Final Qualifying Stage are required to play in Pre-Qualifying. The entry fee for Pre-Qualifying is $2,500 with an additional fee of $2,500 for successful Pre-Qualifying contestants in order to play in First Qualifying Stage. The additional $2,500 fee for successful Pre-Qualifiers makes their total entry fee $5,000.
Change 2:
With the addition of Pre-Qualifying there are two entry deadlines. The first entry deadline is Wednesday, August 30, 2006 which is for applicants required to play in Pre-Qualifying. The second entry deadline is Wednesday, October 4, 2006 and is for applicants eligible to begin play in First, Second or Final Stage. In both cases, entry applications must reach PGA TOUR Headquarters by the applicable entry deadline for an application to be accepted.
Change 3:
A new entry fee structure which allows applicants that enter early to pay a lower fee than those that wait until closer to the entry deadline. The entry fee amount is based on the date the application is received at PGA TOUR Headquarters and the fee structure is as follows:
Pre-Qualifying: Received on or before August 16, 2006
Received on or before August 30, 2006 $2,250
$2,500
First Stage: Received on or before September 6, 2006
Received on or before September 20, 2006
Received on or before October 4, 2006 $4,250
$4,500
$5,000
Second Stage: Received on or before September 6, 2006
Received on or before September 20, 2006
Received on or before October 4, 2006 $3,750
$4,000
$4,250
Final Stage: Received on or before September 6, 2006
Received on or before September 20, 2006
Received on or before October 4, 2006 $3,250
$3,500
$3,750
2006 Qualifying Tournament Exemptions:
First Qualifying
Applicants eligible to begin play at the First Qualifying Stage are:
1. Members of any of the International Federation of Tours * or the Nationwide Tour during any of the last five seasons (2002 - 2006).
2. Those that made the cut in a tournament conducted in 2006 awarding official money by any of the International Federation of Tours* or the Nationwide Tour.
3. Those that finished in the top 60 and ties in a First Qualifying Stage in the 2004 or 2005 PGA TOUR Qualifying Tournament.
4. Those that played in a Second Qualifying Stage in the 2003, 2004 or 2005 PGA TOUR Qualifying Tournament.
5. Those ranked 101 through 200 on the Official World Golf Rankings as of the 2006 Qualifying Tournament entry deadline, October 4, 2006.
6. Those that made the cut at the 2006 PGA Club Professional Championship.
7. Those that finished in the top 10 and ties at the 2006 PGA Assistant Club Professional Championship.
* The International Federation of Tours are the: PGA TOUR, PGA European Tour, Japan Golf Tour, PGA Tour of Australasia, Southern Africa Tour, Asian Tour, and Canadian Tour.
Second Qualifying
Applicants eligible to begin play at Second Qualifying Stage are:
1. 2006 PGA TOUR Members
2. Winners of Buy.Com or Nationwide Tour tournaments whose victories are considered official, in the current calendar year plus the previous five (2001 - 2005) calendar years.
3. The top 10 available finishers and ties, to a floor of 25th position, from the current year's PGA Club Professional Championship.
4. Those that made the cut in the current year's PLAYERS Championship, Masters Tournament, U.S. Open, British Open or PGA Championship.
5. The leading fourth through tenth available players, to a floor of 25th position, on the PGA European Tour and Japan Golf Tour respective Official Money Lists as of the Qualifying Tournament's entry deadline, October 4, 2006 and the PGA Tour of Australasia's final Official Money List from the 2005 season.
6. Those who have made 50 or more cuts in PGA TOUR cosponsored or approved Tournaments awarding official prize money in their careers, as of the Qualifying Tournament entry deadline, October 4, 2006.
7. Those who finish from 36th through 70th on the Official 2006 Nationwide Tour Money List.
8. Those ranked 51 through 100 on the Official World Golf Rankings as the Qualifying Tournament entry deadline, October 4, 2006.
9. The leading first and second available players, to a floor of 10th position, on the respective Official Money List as of the Qualifying Tournament's entry deadline, October 4, 2006 for the Asian Tour and Canadian Tour, and the final Official Money List for the 2005-2006 season for the Southern Africa Tour.
Final Qualifying
Applicants eligible to begin play at Final Qualifying Stage are:
1. Those among the top 25 finishers immediately after the 125th position on the Final 2006 Official PGA TOUR Money List.
2. Those Special Temporary Members of the PGA TOUR whose official money and money earned in official money World Golf Championship events is equal to or greater than the 150th place finisher on the 2006 Official PGA TOUR Money List.
3. Those among Major and Minor Medical Extension category members who earn Combined Money equal to or in excess of the amount of Official Money won by the member who finished last in the 25 Finishers beyond 125th place on the 2005 Official PGA TOUR Money List.
4. Those finishing 21 through 35, on the final 2006 Official Nationwide Tour Money List.
5. The leading first, second and third available players, to a floor of 10th position, on the PGA European Tour, Japan Golf Tour respective Official Money List as of the Qualifying Tournament entry deadline and the PGA Tour of Australasia's final Official Money List from the 2005-2006 season.
6. Those among the top 50 on the Official World Golf Ranking as of the Qualifying Tournament entry deadline.
Edited on 5/24/2006 7:16 PM
Post by: dw23 on May 24, 2006, 07:18:22 PM
Post by: Jeff Carter on May 24, 2006, 10:14:10 PM
$1300-$1500 entry fee ( depending when you sign up )
$100-$300 gas ( depending on where you live - or air fare like Nick said )
$200-$300 hotel ( priceline for 5 nights )
$150-$250 food ( if you are smart, you can save a lot of money here )
The smart way to do it is stay at the Extended Stay. The rates are very reasonable, you get a full kitchen so you can save a lot of money on food by cooking for yourself, and find a roommate to share expenses. If you are conservative you can keep your expenses as low as possible. My first year on Tour, my rommate and myself averaged approximatley $750 per week, and were very tired of ramen noodles by the end of the year !!! Its not glamorous by any means, but better than blowing $1200-$1300 per week for sure. As far as travel goes, unless you are coming from Nicks neck of the woods ( Cali ) i reccommend driving so you can travel with more equipment. That saves on shipping your bowling balls and you arent limited on how many you can take with you. Believe me at Tour Trials you will need everything you have !
As far as the taxes part, i keep a spreadsheet on my laptop to keep track of all of my expenses. I break them down into several catagories such as :
Entry Fee
Hotel
Gas
Food
Equipment
Clothing
Air Fares
Car Rental
Laundry
Entertainment
Supplies / Groceries
Misc
All you have to do is put your total expenses down, but you will need to save receipts and expense sheets in case you are ever audited. A little word of caution though, the government doesnt like it when you claim a loss for 3 straight years so unless you bowl enough to offset your expenses, dont waste your time here.
My feeling on the whole Exempt Tour / Tour Trials concept is very mixed. I love the idea of the Exmept Tour, just not the number of 64. It needs to be 80 or 96 to be effective and efficient. 80 to me is perfect because it would allow you to have 5 16 man brackets in an all match play format and a 5 man tv show ( or qualifying, cut to 40 and 5 8 man brackets ). 96 would be workable also, just more spots to be paid. The reason the PBA hasnt increased the field size yet is the simple fact of money. The PBA really wants all of the exempt players to make a profit every week and until the sponsor money starts rolling in at a higher rate, that isnt feasible. Sooner or later we will get there, just not this season. The PBA is the pinnacle of the sport and should be the aspiration of all younger players, but if the number stays at 64 i just dont think its reachable for enough people. Until the top stars start retiring, i dont see a lot of "easy" spots opening up. As far as the tour trials, regionals and PTQs go there are a lot of different way things could go. I personally dont like the Tour Trials concept at all. Its a 1 week crapshoot for a job last last the entire season. Someone gets hot for a week ( 4 of the patterns play close enough on some surfaces ) and they get to ride 1 weeks worth of work into a seasons worth of profits. Meanwhile you have guys bowling 25-35 regionals a year and 20 PTQs / majors to earn their job. I just dont think that its fair to give 9 or 10 guys a job based on 1 weeks worth of work. The smarter thing to do in my opinion is to give the top 2 point leaders in each region, and at least the 2 top point leaders in the PTQ race exemptions. Those are the guys that have proven they are willing to support the PBA. There have been several guys the last couple of years that have earned exemptions through tour trials that are either foreign players ( that didnt have to join beforehand by the way ) or guys that rarley bowl regionals and support the PBA.
Again these are just my opinions so take them for what they are worth. My feeling is the organization should support the members that truly support the PBA.
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Bowl up a Storm,
Jeff Carter
www.stormbowling.com
www.jeffcarterbowling.com ( coming soon )
Edited on 5/25/2006 0:26 AM
Post by: greenefam on May 24, 2006, 10:25:44 PM
Thanks for your insight. It's good to get perspective from someone who has been living with the current situation. I am happy to hear that you also believe that more exemptions should come from Regionals. It confuses me to see the PBA put so much emphasis on the one week event (tour trials) while Regional PBA standings seems to be an afterthought (but it seemed to work for you this year
).
Post by: Jeff Carter on May 24, 2006, 10:39:53 PM
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Bowl up a Storm,
Jeff Carter
www.stormbowling.com
www.jeffcarterbowling.com ( coming soon )
Edited on 5/25/2006 0:27 AM
Post by: BrunsNick on May 24, 2006, 11:02:55 PM
I could tell by the first 2 years in Trials, you were not having a good time!
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Nick Smith ... A.K.A. Les Badderâ„¢
Brunswick -=- PBA 03-06
http://www.BrunsNick.com
¡Viva la nación de Brunswick!
Edited on 5/24/2006 11:01 PM
Post by: Jeff Carter on May 24, 2006, 11:11:15 PM
Good luck next week Nick, i will probably be over there friday and sunday
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Bowl up a Storm,
Jeff Carter
www.stormbowling.com
www.jeffcarterbowling.com ( coming soon )
Edited on 5/25/2006 0:27 AM