75th Annual Florida State Championship Report
Mariner Lanes- Teams center
Mariner Lanes is a 32 lane house, Synthetic lanes (no break point markers) with wood approaches. Using the Qubica scoring system. The ball returns are the older style Brunswick ones, with no extra ball rack.
The lane machine is a corded Kegel machine, while it looks like it's seen a lot of action. Insider info is that a Kegel technician was recently there for three days (At a cost of $8,000!!!) recalibrating, reprogramming and refurbishing it. But they say it was worth it, the shot has never been better.
Lanes and approaches appear to be in good shape and theres plenty of seating around the bowlers circle. But with the crowd and all the ball bags there, you might bump a few elbows. Cafe and bar prices are typical bowling lane prices.
Staff is friendly and there is also a liquor store and a meat market!
Check in is at the main entrance, which can become crowded with the rush to check in. So you might want to come just a little early to make things easier. There is also a ball raffle and 50/50 and brackets.
The 10-pin rule is in force, so check your averages for the day of bowling. They are really watching it.
Lane condition is a flat, low volume one. The shot held for three games easy and scoring is high. I played 7 at the arrows out to 5 standing on 11 with a Ebonite Striking Motion. (200-199-199).
Team high scratch score is 3500+!!! The best scoring is on lanes 31-32, it's been wide open two weekends in a row. The teams on it while we were there, shot 3463 and 3100 scratch.
(They just sanded the approaches and did some leveling on 31-32 just before the tournament started.)
Spring Hill Lanes- Doubles and Singles Center
Spring Hill Lanes is a 44 lane house. Mendes synthetic lanes and wood approaches, ball returns are Mendes the double decker ones. They use the Viking scoring system. There's a cafe and bar, plus a game room.
There's also Kevin's Pro Shop, he's friendly and a good driller. There's also some good deals on balls during the tournament.
Check in is in the lounge as are the brackets, there is also a ball raffle and 50/50.
As for the shot, There's those who think it's a joke, IT'S WIDE OPEN. Throw the ball out right and watch it come back. Word is the tournament official's gave the house the shot to put out. But the house wouldn't give them a printout of what the machine really put out. (I would have called in the tape right then, but they didn't) There's all kind of 300's and high game's/series being shot.
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Aloarjr810
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Click For My GripEdited on 5/10/2009 3:23 PM
