California bowler keeps focus, leads singles at 2018 USBC Women's Championships
April 29, 2018
By Tony Contini and Aaron Smith
USBC Communications
RENO, Nev. - Patty Venneman of Auburn, California, relied on the experience she gained from joining a traveling league to find success at the 2018 United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships, where she now holds the lead in Ruby Singles.
The 52-year-old right-hander ascended to the top of the standings Saturday after rolling games of 233, 193 and 213 for a 639 series at the National Bowling Stadium. Linda Kilgore of Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, previously led with 620.
Venneman noted that her style hasn't changed over the years, but her equipment selection has grown. Her experience while competing in a traveling league with varying lane conditions sparked the need to have enough equipment to cover any condition. She now travels with five bowling balls.
"The only thing I've changed is my arsenal," said Venneman, who made her fourth USBC Women's Championships appearance. "I've always bowled exactly the same."
With her equipment selection solidified, Venneman focused on her shotmaking as she continued to see the strikes add up.
"When I get out on the approach, everything else goes away," Venneman said. "My target is the only thing I'm looking at. That's how you have to bowl. You can't let anybody's action and attitudes get in your head. You need to execute your shot and get off the approach."
After a 502 series in team Friday, Venneman knew she had to change some things in order to find the right look. For doubles, she elected to start with a ball designed for heavier oil conditions, which worked to start, but she soon found herself in similar trouble.
She relied on advice from her husband as singles approached, and a different ball ended up giving her the reaction she was looking for.
"He asked me if I was fighting with my ball reaction, and I was," said Venneman, who added a 511 series in doubles for a 1,652 all-events total. "He suggested I make another switch. My husband cannot coach me or tell me how to throw it, but he's now my bowling ball coach."
While on the lanes, Venneman only focuses on her game, but after the frame, her goal is to have fun, laugh and enjoy herself. She now gets to enjoy the wait to see if her score is enough to hold onto the lead throughout the rest of the 74-day event.
The 2018 Women's Championships kicked off April 19 and will conclude July 1.
"I just want to have fun," Venneman said. "But, when I get up on the approach, that's it."
Ruby Singles includes bowlers with entering averages of 175-189.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Women's Championships page.
USBC Communications
RENO, Nev. - Patty Venneman of Auburn, California, relied on the experience she gained from joining a traveling league to find success at the 2018 United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships, where she now holds the lead in Ruby Singles.
The 52-year-old right-hander ascended to the top of the standings Saturday after rolling games of 233, 193 and 213 for a 639 series at the National Bowling Stadium. Linda Kilgore of Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, previously led with 620.
Venneman noted that her style hasn't changed over the years, but her equipment selection has grown. Her experience while competing in a traveling league with varying lane conditions sparked the need to have enough equipment to cover any condition. She now travels with five bowling balls.
"The only thing I've changed is my arsenal," said Venneman, who made her fourth USBC Women's Championships appearance. "I've always bowled exactly the same."
With her equipment selection solidified, Venneman focused on her shotmaking as she continued to see the strikes add up.
"When I get out on the approach, everything else goes away," Venneman said. "My target is the only thing I'm looking at. That's how you have to bowl. You can't let anybody's action and attitudes get in your head. You need to execute your shot and get off the approach."
After a 502 series in team Friday, Venneman knew she had to change some things in order to find the right look. For doubles, she elected to start with a ball designed for heavier oil conditions, which worked to start, but she soon found herself in similar trouble.
She relied on advice from her husband as singles approached, and a different ball ended up giving her the reaction she was looking for.
"He asked me if I was fighting with my ball reaction, and I was," said Venneman, who added a 511 series in doubles for a 1,652 all-events total. "He suggested I make another switch. My husband cannot coach me or tell me how to throw it, but he's now my bowling ball coach."
While on the lanes, Venneman only focuses on her game, but after the frame, her goal is to have fun, laugh and enjoy herself. She now gets to enjoy the wait to see if her score is enough to hold onto the lead throughout the rest of the 74-day event.
The 2018 Women's Championships kicked off April 19 and will conclude July 1.
"I just want to have fun," Venneman said. "But, when I get up on the approach, that's it."
Ruby Singles includes bowlers with entering averages of 175-189.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Women's Championships page.