By Michael 'Chip' Begg
Managing Editor - thetenpinexpress.com
Director Mesa Metro Association
Phoenix - - - During his many years as a resident of Phoenix, Arizona. Carl Ong has meant a lot of different things to those of us who have the privilege of knowing him. Among those attributes have been a: successful business man and a really great friend of the bowling community.
His generous support to bowling will be showcased on the local and national stage this upcoming week, October 19-22. As he is the host and tournament sponsor of the Inaugural Agent Ong Open at Bowlero Kyrene.
Qualifying for the event gets underway on Thursday, 10/19, with squads at: 9 AM and 2 PM. Friday 10/20, with squads at: 9 AM, 2 PM, and 7 PM. And Saturday, 10/21, with squads at: 8 AM, 1 PM, and 6 PM. And a Desperado Squad has also been added for 10/21. The squads' format is a six-game qualifying round with one Final Cut after the conclusion of the Saturday 6 PM Squad. Entry fees are $225 on Thursday for the first entry or $275 for the first entry on Friday and Saturday, and $175 for re-entries. Entry fee for the Desperado Squad is $100, and its format is a two-game qualifier. A three-game Beat the Board sweeper was also added for Thursday night, and the entry fee for this event is also $100.
"Theo Douthit-founder of the CBE and I discussed the idea of the Agent Ong Open in early 2023," said founder Carl Ong. "I was the one that approached Theo about my vision for the Agent Ong Open, and that I would like him to be the Tournament Director and to collaborate with CBE.”
The Inaugural Agent Ong Open will be live streamed on BowlstreamTV, on when the event will air. By being showcased on a national spot light, Carl is hoping the event will give the Arizona bowling community a big dose of exposure it deserves.
"I have partnered with Bowstream TV with Emil Williams Jr," said Carl, of the Agent Ong Open getting national exposure. "I hope it will not only provide exposure to the tournament but also inspire more people to take up the sport, and showcase Arizona and its part in being a Bowling Tournament Destination."
In case you are wondering how the Agent Ong Open got its name, it's simple. Carl and his wife, Cathy, own a successful real estate business in the valley named The Agent Ong Team - Powered by My Home Group.
"Being a successful business person, to me, is about conducting my business with integrity, providing valuable services, and ensuring financial stability. As for being a friend to the bowling community, it's a journey that evolved over time as I actively supported the sport and its enthusiasts."
The Agent Ong Open promises to have a stacked field of talent from Arizona, and other parts of the western United States entered in the event. Among those entered already are local favorites USBC HOF Andrew Cain, Kyle King, and recent AZ State HOF inductee Brett Wolfe. National touring pros Pete Weber and Sean Rash, have also committed to entering the tournament. Weber, of course, is the son of PBA HOF Dick Weber.
"We have a promising number of entries, and the field is shaping up to be competitive. It's encouraging to see a diverse mix of both male and female participants, showcasing the inclusivity of the event," said Carl, of those entered into the event already. "If the Agent Ong Open receives the support and enthusiasm we anticipate, we plan to make it an annual event. It's a way for me to give back to the bowling community and create a lasting impact in the sport.
"Bowling is more than just a game to me; it's a source of joy and connection. It's a sport that transcends boundaries, bringing people together in a unique way. I stay involved because of the love I have for the sport and the meaningful connections it has allowed me to make," he says, of his many years of involvement in the game. "My success in bowling has been primarily a personal journey, and I don't consider myself a competitive bowler anymore. However, my hope with the Agent Ong Open is to elevate the bowling scene in Arizona and the western part of the US, again is making it a destination for tournament bowling and fostering a sense of unity in the community. Bowling also holds a deeper significance for me, as it keeps the memory of my parents alive. Sadly, my father passed away when I was only 17, and my mother, Florence, followed him in January of 2018. But in a poignant moment, I achieved my first 300 ring, a symbol of perfection in the sport, and handed it to my mother as a farewell gift. I wanted her to take it with her, to show my father and let him know that I had finally achieved it, dedicating that milestone to them both."
As if he does not have an impressive resume already, Carl was also the head bowling coach at ASU. It was a successful year for him there as well, as he took the Sun Devils to Nationals in Tulsa, OK.
"I've been involved in bowling locally for over 35 years, but my contributions have been modest," he said, of his participation in the sport throughout the years. "The Agent Ong Open is indeed the most significant initiative I've undertaken for the bowling community, and it's a testament to my dedication to the sport."
Arizona Bowling News - - - October 16, 2023