Below is a look ahead to the 2014 USBC Masters, which is scheduled to take place just 3 months from now. I hope to compete, and see some of you on and off the lanes, along with the best bowlers in the world.

With a little more than 2 months until the 2014 USBC Masters, I have decided to watch this one from the sidelines.

Last year, the top 5 averaged 230-240. Those who cashed averaged above 206. I finished 30 pins below that. I challenged myself to join a PBAX league, and gave myself two conditions for bowling this year's tournament. The first was averaging over 200 in the PBAX league, the second was weighing under 200. Unfortunately, I missed on both counts.

I was closer with my PBAX league average. I have been in the 190's most of the season, and was around 195 until we bowled the Masters pattern. I thought if I bowled well, I would be close to 200, and might go. Instead, I bowled worse on the Masters pattern, and my average dropped. It seemed that I would get lined up, and string the first 4-5 strikes the first game, then my look was gone for the rest of the night. I never figured it out. I plan to continue bowling PBAX, learning more about playing the patterns, and will consider competing again when my chances of success are greater.

Regardless, it was a great experience last year, and I wish the best of luck to all who participate this year.