Grand Canyon University Coach Ben Canfield, Wins U.S. Open Qualifier At Lakeview Lanes In Sun City On May 13.
Next Up Will Be A Chance To Win An Entry Into The Actual Tournament In Liverpool, NY., In October.
By Michael 'Chip' Begg - Managing Editor thetenpinexpress.com - Director Mesa Metro Association
Sun City- - - At the U.S. Open Qualifier at Lakeview Lanes in Sun City on Saturday May 13, the 35 bowlers who were entered into the event. Knew they would have a long road ahead of them in order to advance to the actual U.S. Open in October. As they were beginning to find out early on into the event, it would take someone who had power and revolutions in their game in order to advance.
Brett Wolfe, Jacob Butturff, and Stu Williams are three bowlers in the Valley who have power and revolutions in their game. But, they were not entered in this particular event. That's because Jacob and Stu already have a spot in the event. And, Brett did not bowl in the qualifier.
However, it was a surprise to everyone who bowled in the qualifier that eventually would end up in the winners circle. As the collegiate club head bowling coach at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Ben Canfield teaches his kids to be the best they can be in the game of bowling. So, when he gets a chance to teach others a lesson on the lanes, it is extra gratifying.
"There were around 35 bowlers that competed in the U.S. Open Qualifier, that was ran by Stu Williams. It was great to bowl well, and end up in the winners circle," said Ben, who will be beginning his third year as coach at GCU in the fall. "The win earned me an entry and travel expense money into the on-site qualifier at the U.S. Open in October. Any bowler can enter the qualifier, but its limited to 80 bowlers."
Coach Canfield must have had beginners luck, too. As it was his first time bowling at Lakeview Lanes.
"I got off to a quick start, by shooting a 702 for the first three games," he said, of bowling there for the first time. "So, I never got to the point where I doubted my ability to win the qualifier. I wouldn't say my two-handed style gave me more of an advantage than any other competitor in the field. I like to play the lanes rather direct, and that allowed me to keep the ball in play for all nine games."
Ben, who has an endorsement deal with 900 Global. Started the day off with the Truth. Switched to a Dream On, and finished the day off with his trusty Drift.
"Stu designed the lane pattern. It was a very demanding 43-foot condition that rewarded good ball selection and shot making. 200 was a very good score. Ben Laughlin was the only other bowler that averaged over 200," he said, of conquering the field. "I was able to keep myself focused throughout the event. By keeping a calm demeanor, it helped me fill frames and string a few strikes in-a-row every once in a while."
The next phase of qualifying will take place in Liverpool, NY., the day before the U.S. Open practice day on October 25th.
"This qualifier was actually one of the first few events I've bowled in, in 2017. Coaching the GCU bowling team took up a majority of my time from January through April," he said, of when he gets a chance to bowl competitively. "It is a great way to start my competitive bowling season, and I'm excited to see what the rest of 2017 has in store.
"I felt confident in entering the event at Lakeview Lanes," he added. "So, the win didn't come as a complete surprise. Arizona has a wealth of talented bowlers. Any win in the state does not come easy."
Ben says his number one goal for this year, is to win a PBA Regional. And, advancing from the pre-tournament qualifier in October for the U.S Open is another thing he would like to accomplish this year."
Arizona State Bowling News June 19, 2017