Hello fellow bowlers... Well the Open is fast approaching, and will be on top of us before we know it. I know the oiling pattern won't be out for a month or so, but it's never too early to start talking about practice games. I know in the past there have been several houses in WI (Madison, Milwaukee especially) that throw a shot down similar to the Open conditions, does anyone know about any plans to do this again? I know matching the exact shot doesn't always work, but putting something down that will give you an idea of what might be in store for you always helps. Unfortunately I haven't been able to bowl leagues this season, so I need to get out on the lanes and shake the dust off. I'm hoping to two new balls may help as well, but if you can't keep them in play no ball out there will help. If anyone has any knowledge drop me an e-mail or throw a post up in here. Also if anyone knows of some smaller tournaments that have challenging conditions let me know. What better way to see where you're at then to challenge yourself a little.

Bill

Well, the US Open is usually contested on a 40 foot flat pattern and is honestly much better practice than bowling on the actual USBC OPEN pattern..  Which I assume is what this post is about..  

The US Open and USBC Open are two totally different tournaments with completely different lane conditions..

The Flatter US Open pattern will place more emphasis on shot making and spare conversion than the USBC pattern..  Can only make you more accurate and better spare shooter in the long run, which will be good for any pattern.