J’s bowling update - October 2019

In the nearly 2 months we've started 2-handed bowling with J, we have seen a remarkable improvement in his game. Below were the scores from the 2 competition he took part in recently:

Event	Gm1	Gm2	Gm3	Gm4	Gm5	Gm6	TTL	Avg
Novice Challenge  18th Aug 2019	84	98	97	80	103	123	585	98
Ah Poh’s Funbowl 6th Oct 2019	116	123	114	107	128	131	719	120

In the 2 years he's been bowling, I've felt that his performances and scores were stagnant in recent months. And with the 2-handed curriculum, I thought it was going to be frustrating for everyone as well. But on and off we bowl with him on his one-handed bowling and we see better performance, more confidence and higher scores~


Learning to bowl with 2 hands have definitely helped him with his performance.

• Playing with 2 hands gave him a better feel of the ball 
• His strength has improved since he started 2-handed bowling
• It's so difficult for him that he appreciate the simplicity of 1-handed bowling now

I think it's the same for me. I've been playing around with 2-handed bowling but when he started his 2-handed curriculum, I took note of the coaching and tried to follow the steps as much as possible. Now I feel that both my 1-handed and 2-handed games have improved~ 

I'm looking forward to his progress in the coming months and really hoping he can hit the target of 140 average by next year!

J’s 2-handed bowling

And so J’s 2-handed bowling journey is officially a go~ 3 weeks ago he got a sort of introduction to 2-handed bowling.

It was a frustrating day for him... crying, tears, anguish... it wasn’t easy to switch from 1-handed to 2-handed... 

What I did since then was to show him videos of Jason Belmonte and Anthony Simonsen. The game of bowling is changing, Singapore Bowling Federation is also putting an emphasis on 2-handed bowling these days...

Today we worked on his finishing and we saw a massive improvement in his timing and balance. It wasn’t an easy 90-minute session and there were a few tears of anguish along the way but I’m happy we could see massive improvements. Let’s see how it goes from here!

J’s bowling journey Part 2

It has been 2 years since we started J's bowling journey. I am very happy with how far he's come since he's started. Along the way we gave away the 6lb ball and gotten him a new 8lb Columbia 300 White Dot ball from Columbia~

Columbia 300 White Dot

COTTON CANDY

And in this year we've been getting him prepared for the Novice Primary Bowling Challenge!

And so the serious work of getting him ready for the competition started from the beginning of the year...

J’s bowling journey

Its approximately 4 months ago that we decided to sign J up for bowling. We are not those parents that send their kids to all sorts of classes. We just felt that he needed to get out of the house more than just watching TV or nonsense videos on his Youtube/iPad!

i approached one of my friends who I met in Singapore Bowling Federation’s bowling course and he agreed to take on J. A good thing about him is the fact that he watched J grow up. We used to bring J to bowling alleys all over Singapore and put him in a pram while we enjoyed our games.

The video above roughly gave an idea of his level prior to any proper coaching... it was really just fun and games for him and not too much discipline. While I held a level 1 coach qualifications (and failed level 2...), I disqualified myself from teaching him bowling least I lose my temper and throw him down the lanes! Lol~

So is the tedious and important process of putting him at the foul-line, going through drills and focusing on his finishing. Sometime after 1 month his coach decided to see whether he was ready for the introduction of 4-step finishing into his training...

I would say he wasn’t that bad, but I think it’s important that he get that finishing timing become so natural to him it will be easy to extend to 4/5-step approaches in the future. And so we went back to a couple of throws at the foul-line, and then extended periods working on his slide.

This after 2 months

After 3 months...

After 4 months...

I would say I’m very happy with his improvements. He’s only 6 and he’s only had 4 months of proper coaching for 1hour/week. And then today his coach told me he got a 2nd-hand 6lb ball from one of his other students!

New Bowling Ball - Motiv Trident Quest

Finally gotten my hands on the new Motiv Trident Quest yesterday. This after reserving it for nearly a month, even before I've seen a video of the ball in action. I had so much fun with the original Trident, then the Jackal Ghost, that I just decided this ball will definitely be good.

As usual I head down to Eastern Pro Shop @ NSRCC as I've known the guy there since 1992 when he was at Katong Shopping (Wow I've been bowling for 25 years!).

My new Trident Quest, together Trident and Jackal Ghost (top to bottom)

I opt-ed for the same pin-down layout that is deployed on the Jackal Ghost. I find the pin-down has worked best for me after all the trial and (mostly errors). I cannot remember how many different balls and layouts I've tried in the past couple of years, not to mention the thousands of dollars in investments~

Meet the Motiv family~

After nearly 2 hours we finally completed all tasks there:
1) Drilled 2 Motiv Trident Quests (one for my wife as well)
2) Reconditioned my Motiv Jackal Ghost
3) Changed finger inserts for my wife and my Motiv Tridents

New Bowling Alley - Superbowl Tampines @ Tampines Safra - Singapore

Finally made our way to Superbowl Tampines, which is having a $3/game for the month of September 2017. We need no further invitation to play a few games this afternoon.

It occupies the exact area where Orchid Bowl Tampines used to occupy. The only change is that half the area has been converted to a karaoke called 7th Heaven KTV and cafe.... Maybe a time when one cannot get a lane that's going to be a good plan B...

The lanes looked no different but the lighting felt a bit dim to me. Seems like a signature of superbowl lanes whereby the approach area always have a dimmer feel?

In any case, it was time to test my new Hammer shoes. I couldn't get a good slide with the 8S but it was too slippery with the 10S. Eventually I decided to use the 8S with a bit of powder. I guess it will take a while before it gets seasoned and I get accustomed to the new shoes...

I'm happy the lanes are opened... its only a 5-10 minutes' drive from my place. Distance from carpark to lift is 10 metres and from carpark to lanes another 10 metres. It's perfect if I have a need a game at 9pm~ I'm so happy!

And here is my kid getting his time on the lanes. 2 months into his lessons, he's starting to get the basis. I'm not in a rush... he's not in a rush... He's only 6~

My New Force Performance Hammer Bowling Shoes! *Update*

After a couple of years, my old pair of bowling shoes is starting to show cracks and tears. I don't think it will survive another month so I went out and start looking around for a new pair of shoes.

Talked to some people, did my research online and finally decided on Men's Force Performance Shoes from Hammer

Got it on Tuesday and unboxed it immediately to try it on~

Wanted to find a suitable bowling alley to try it out before tonight's league but my schedule didn't allow me... Also chanced upon the below link from thesmartlocal.com about cheap bowling options in Singapore.

But I can't wait to try out the latest Superbowl @ Tampines Safra. Can't wait!

*Update*

Tried on my new shoes for the first time at league last night. 1st game, 6 frames and I was languishing with just 80+ points?!?! Promptly took my old shoes out from the box and started from frame 7. Finished game 1 with a respectable 160+. Then on it was 238-180-239.

I probably made a mistake with the slide pad. Should have gone for the #8 white microfiber slide pad instead of the #10 grey felt slide pad. More training with the new shoes required!

Bowling update

After going through a long slump, largely attributed to insufficient practice as well as not having a ball that suits me, I've finally turned it around in recent weeks. (My score at Mt Faber last week, 1st bowler)

I will have to thank my buddy KT for giving me his Storm Bad Ass. He got the layout all figured out for me and all I had to do was go to the pro-shop and get the ball plugged to my span.

Scratch 190 average at Changi CSC on Tuesday and 210 average at Mt Faber on Thursday.

Next thing will be replug the Unhinged which I've bought from him... Span too short and thumb angle not to my liking~

Changi CSC - Storm Sync + Storm Bad Ass

Mt Faber - Rotogrip Unhinged + Storm Bad Ass

Maybe a trip to Osaka next week to get myself a Nanodesu...

The State of Bowling

As much as I would like to see the sport bloom and grow, it is simply not happening. When was the last time you stepped into a bowling alley? And when was the last time you stepped into one out of your own accord (and not some company event etc)?

Week in week out we see golf ranges filled to the max with regulars, new learners as well as seniors working hard on their game. We don't see that many in the bowling alleys. It is not a coincidence that golf is such a popular sport. We cannot ignore the fact that golf is an essntial tool in business whereas bowling will probably never be one where people can talk about multi-million dollar deals.

Then there's the travelling factor. I only know a few people who will make their way to Malaysia or Thailand for bowling tournaments. Golfers do travel quite a bit for their game. Take in some greenery as well as enjoy the climate in another country, it all adds to the game experience. Honestly one bowling alley don't look that different from another...

Then there's the perceived inequality. The other guy got a better ball. He's bowling on an easier lane. The oiling suits him better etc etc etc. I guess we have too many players with sour grapes in bowling. Houseshot or sports pattern. $300 balls or 2nd-hand balls. If a little kid can make a strike or spare with a 12lb plastic ball then there's no reason why an adult cannot do the same. Its down to accuracy and consistency. In golf it is much more straightforward and people acknowledges the better golfer more readily no matter which tee they starts from (at least that is what I observed).

As bowling alleys start to close down one by one, we are stuck with a big question. Do we make the lanes tougher or easier? Tougher and varied lane conditions will keep the hardcores coming back for much challenges, but will scare the average/poor players out of the game. "Easy" house patterns will keep the players happy as they will get more strikes and feel good about themselves but will be pretty boring after a while.

But things are not all that gloomy. I do see high takeup rate of lanes from schools these days. And we have a few bowling academies grooming future talents. Most may not make it big to change the landscape but we are assured of a generation of bowlers. At least that will keep the lanes in business.

Learning Bowling in Singapore

I took the afternoon off today and went for some bowling with my ex-secondary school classmate/ basketball teammate/ bowling league teammate at Tampines Safra Orchid Bowl. It was quite a tough session as I fell twice due to the fact that the lanes we had for the first few games had a bit of sticky substance on the approach. I think my kneecap may have taken some damage. 

After my second fall we requested to shift to another lane where I was much more at ease with the lanes and managed to get better scores. In the end we played 10 games each and I must admit my body is starting to feel the strain now, not to mention the 2 falls I had... imagine falling with a bowling ball in your hands... probably damaged my ego more than my body but that was just bad luck~~

Bowling lesson conducted by Agape Academy @ Tampines Safra

Midway through our session I saw some kids coming in for bowling lessons. It was conducted by Agape Bowling Academy. Kids these days are so fortunate! Quite a number of them had the entire bowling gear with balls/shoes/etc. And the coaches were very professional. I can't help but admit feeling a bit jealous of the opportunities the young kids have these days. I been through the coaching course myself so I'm pretty sure they are in good hands.

If you wish to learn bowling, the best way will be to look for a coach or an academy. I know of 2 academies in Singapore. Apart from Agape Bowling Academy there is also Strike Academy. Alternatively you can walk into the pro-shop at the bowling alley and they will recommend someone or they themselves will be able to coach you. I guess bowling coaches just love to be in and around pro-shops... or people who love to hang out in pro-shops just happen to take up bowling coaching courses~~ In any case I'm one of them~ (^-^)v

Just today someone called me up to take up a bowling stint for 4 Tuesdays. Unfortunately the timing clashes with my day job... Sighz... I really really wanted to take up the offer but its on a Tuesday. Any day other than Tuesday would have been great....

Recap : February 2012

Super happening month of February. Brought Baby J to HK. Mummy got a company dinner function. I got the Beta Gamma Sigma induction ceremony in HKUST. Just the perfect opportunity to let everyone in HK take a good look at J~

Early morning flight to HK...

It was during this trip to HK that we realized our decision to relocate back to SG was correct. As we put up at the Marco Polo Gateway hotel, we had to walk past hordes of smokers to get anywhere. The same at the ferry terminal. The same in front of the hotel. The same as long as we were walking outdoors or along the streets. 

The hell that was TST... too many smokers!

Basically Mummy gotta show up in the office so I had alot of quality time one-to-one with J. I fed him, put him to sleep and brought him places. But all he wanted was to play in the room. Once we get out of the hotel he will sit tightly in his pram and not move an inch. Even when I pry him away from his throne he will throw a tantrum which will only stop when I put him snugly back into his seat. So alot of pram-pushing for me (not to mention the whole carrying part with some inaccessible areas). We also witnessed a Chinese kid peeing right in front of Harbour City. Classic~ So many updates from my friends about HK being a huge toilet and in just 4 days I managed to catch 2 instances of public urinals~

Managed to catch up with my closest HKUST classmates on a Friday evening and we all had a great time catching up. Everyone loved to play with J and we proceeded to my hotel room even after our dinner.

Baby J visits HKUST~

Saturday morning we went to HKUST for the Beta Gamma Sigma induction ceremony. Honestly speaking I've never heard of this honor society until HKUST sent me the invitation. I guess no harm joining. One day it might come in handy when the boss of Maxim or some other big shots in HK realise we have something in common~

February also saw my return to league bowling. Definitely rusty due to work commitments but I bit the bullet and went ahead. Needless to say my first few games were crap~ New bowling balls didn't help my cause~ But the season is long and I'm sure I will improve... provided I have the opportunity to improve. Because I also started by golf lessons at Asian Golf Institute.

Life with Baby J, bowling, golf and plotting how to earn more money, buying a bigger house and replacing the car takes up all 24 hours of my life! Every moment of my life is important because we never know when we will sleep and not wake up.

A friend of mine passed away in his sleep on a Thursday morning. All I know is he has been working on this project for his company and has been working hard. Even a day before he passed away he was updating his FB wall on how the project may go either way, glory for all involved or crash-and-burn. Little did any of us know that would have been his last transmission. Subsequently it was his elder sister who has been updating his FB wall with what little information we all had of how he passed on. Even till today we still have no idea what killed him...

Should we let our job dictate how we live our life? Should we let it kill us? Did the job kill him or did he let his job kill him? We will never know until we next meet on the other side. If I have one major regret this year that would have been the failure to organise a bigger gathering for the entire HKUST cohort. But given his busy schedule I doubt he would have been able to make the appointment anyway... or maybe he could? I will never know... He left behind a lasting memory of a friend who always have a smile~

Marine Bowl... some similarity... and some differences...

Marine Bowl starts looking and feeling alot like Mei Foo Bowling World. We start knowing people from the pro-shop, the people behind the counter and other regular bowlers. I also know a few other people from the bowling coaching course I attended in May this year. Then there's also the drinks stall from which we get our sandwiches, mee siam and teh~ The nightly leagues also mean that we have to wait till they finishes before we get a chance to hit the better lanes (Avoid lanes 17-28 if you are a serious bowler).

Differences. Walk out of Marine Bowl we get the beach, eateries (but there's a HK cafe which is quite ok) and spacious carparks. The air-conditioning can be cold at times but once I try to recall the situation in Mei Foo, I just brush it aside. Pwah~ The aircon unit in Mei Foo can practically turn one into a popsicle! And of course there's the full-fledged Chinese restaurant in Mei Foo which means we could have our dinner while watching people play!

End of the day the differences are not important. I'm just really glad that I've found a place which I really like and not too far away from home. The next nearest place will have to be Chinese Swimming Club but I have absolutely no idea how to get myself a membership card... In any case I'm not thinking of that until I get a job so...

I'm still looking for a big venture capitalist who is willing to pump some money into revamping Marine Bowl and the place next to it~ So much potential so much wasted rental revenue!~ Anyone?

List of bowling alleys in Singapore

Below is a list of Bowling Alleys I've bowled in since my return to Singapore in January 2011
(List last updated on 10th Mar 2012):


Listed Alleys (Alphabetical Order):
01. Kallang Bowl
02. Marine Bowl - Operations Ended in Mar 2012
03. Safra Resort Bowl - NSRCC Tanah Merah
04. Orchid Bowl - E!Hub Pasir Ris
05. Orchid Bowl - Mt Faber Safra
06. Orchid Bowl - Orchid Country Club (OCC)
07. Orchid Bowl - Tampines Safra
08. Planet Bowl

Members Only
09. 12 Lanes - Chinese Swimming Club
10. Gardens Bowl - Serangoon Gardens Country Club

Feel free to drop me a comment if there's any you'd like to know more about!~
Cheers!

How I got into bowling...

Surfed around the internet on pages related to bowling and found the following website: http://bowling.about.com/

Its interesting what resources the internet can churn up. When I started bowling 20 years ago the only place for information was my bowling coach. But its hard because there would be 10-12 of us in every training session and you really only get that little time with the coach during the 2-hour sessions. After the 2-hour sessions on the lanes there will be a 1-hour theory session once in a while. The coach will impart knowledge like the physics and rules of the game as well as other pre-game preparation routines.

Its really funny how I got to get into this training session. It all started with some free bowling coaching programme offered by the now defunct Katong Bowl (Silver Bowl). After the 4 free sessions the coach asked to speak with my parents. I thought I got into trouble for concentrating on my bowling! When I brought my uncle along the coach told him that he saw some potential in me and asked if I can join his team of youth bowlers on Saturday mornings. I was interested and my uncle was supportive. And soon he bought me my first pair of bowling shoes~

First Saturday and I was already feeling depressed. I was the only one using houseball whereas the other members were all using their own equipment. 2-ball bags, gloves and the lot. I guess the coach noticed my inferior complex and talked to my uncle after the session. Soon enough I got my own ball and glove~

Things went pretty well as I raised my average from 110 to 150 in less than a year. Things could have gotten better if not for secondary school... Bowling wasn't an extra-curricular activity offered in school and I had to give it up because the Saturday trainings would have clashed with my school activities. Come to think about it I should have tried harder in making things work... Or I could have and should have pursued bowling on a personal level.

But the past is the past. I did make lots of friends and created lots of memories during my time with the basketball team and computer club. Its never too late to pursue your passion again~

Bowling alley review 3 - Orchid Bowl Tampines

The 3rd bowling alley review brought me to Tampines Safra. This was the last place for me to bowl before I left for HK as I used to stay nearby. The whole SAFRA compound changed quite dramatically with new soccer pitches and the upgrades to the bowling alley...

Location
Located on the 3rd floor of Tampines Safra, the easiest way to reach this place using public transport will probably be taking the MRT to Tampines station and take another bus. Carpark to lift to bowling alley takes less than 20 metres.

Price
S$4 for non-peak (before 6pm)
S$4.50 for peak (after 6pm)
The most expensive rates so far. But if they can charge it then obviously they have something going on for them. Bowling is such a competitive business in Singapore that if you don't have what it takes then most likely you are already out of business.

Scoring Systems
Touchscreen, after-games statistics and animation. The best of the lot so far although the only way I could find out actual frame scores from previous games was thru score edit. If there was a way to view it, I couldnt find it and thats the problem. Scoring systems should be more user-friendly like the UI on mobile phones.

Lanes
Well-oiled lanes. You can see the shine the moment you step into the place. Consistent reaction on all parts of the lane. The way I like it.

Easy to read lanes. Super pin reaction. After a warm-up of 150 I was scoring 190s to 210s at my first session there. It worked out really well for a conventional stroker like me. Right to centre. Doesn't matter if I hit 1-3 pocket or over to 1-2 pocket.

Atmosphere
Quite a few schools train there. Also caught a private instructor with 2 young girls. Very bright and clean place. Just a bit too much techno and pop music for my liking... Overall I would be happy to play league bowling there but...

Proshop
But the pro-shop didn't impress me. The array of balls wasn't that impressive but maybe I should give it a try and see what its like. End of the day its about the skills, experience and techniques of the driller.

Other Services
2 coin-operated pool table and a cafeteria in the bowling alley with a small arcade outside. Safra also offers a vast array of recreational facilities for the right price.

Conclusion
Score: 8/10
The highest score so far. The only minus point is the location. I will give it a 9 to 9.5 if the location is swapped with Kallang Bowl.

Bowling alley review 2 - NSRCC Tanah Merah

This is the 2nd of 3 bowling reviews I wanted to write before Baby J came to this world. So starved of sleep but I figured I'd better write it before I lose my senses~

Location
Situated within the National Service Resort and Country Club in Tanah Merah, this place is not really accessible by public transport. The best way will be hop on to a shuttle service or drive/take a cab there. Nearest MRT station is probably Tanah Merah. If driving there it's along the ECP pretty much just before Changi Airport.

Price
S$3 for non-peak (before 6pm)
S$4 for peak (after 6pm)

Scoring Systems
Pretty much one of the most outdated systems I've seen in recent years. No descriptions necessary. Think the 80s. Heard that they will have a renovation in Msy. Hopefully it will be changed as well.

Lanes
The lanes felt like Katong Bowl to me. I loved the wooden lanes although the oil wasn't adequately applied in my opinion. Consistent reaction with no particular part of the lane causing the ball to react more or less like the lanes in Kallang. Pin reaction = average. Things will change with the new lanes in May...

Another issue. The lanes can only be reached by stairs. The entrances, front desk and cafeteria are on elevated ground and one must carry his own equipment down a flight of stairs to reach the lanes. And then there's a flight upwards on the way back. If there was a lift I couldn't see it...

Atmosphere
So out of the way you'd expect some serious bowlers. Indeed there were quite a few training when I was there. But the presence of holiday bungalows in the resort means fun-seekers as well. My trip there was spoilt when 10+ teenagers were slotted next to my lane. With so many available lanes that was simply indifferent lane allocation.

Proshop
The same guy who operated the pro-shop in Katong Bowl is here. I was so surprised to see him there. Given he drilled my first ball for me nearly 20 years ago, I bought a Columbia BlueDot from him on the spot. He even invited me to join his team for the Wednesday night league. He's about as friendly as my regular driller in HK and he's been doing it for a long time. Prices comparable to other proshops.

Other Services
Given it's part of a country club, you can even play golf before your bowling game. But even within the same confines of the bowling alley you can find a decent arcade, pool tables and a cafeteria. They are but the other end of the staircase...

Conclusion
Score: 7/10
Remy Ong is a head coach there. Many other national players play there. No bowling alley will be without fun-seekers who do not know the bowling rules and etiquettes of the game. Inconvenient location may not be such a bad thing as it tends to keep non-serious players away. But the stairs oh the stairs... The sunken bowling alley does make for a very conducive environment for serious bowling but there must be an easier way to move my equipment in and out!

Eastern Pro Shop - Operated by the same guy from Katong Bowl who drilled my first ball for me nearly 20 years ago.

The only way out is up... those stairs!!!

Very retro feel~

Super retro scoreboard...

Bowling alley review 1 - Kallang Bowl

This will be the 1st of a series of reviews on bowling alleys in Singapore. First and foremost it will be a reference point for me. I also hope that fellow bowlers will find the information useful.

Location
Situated on the 2nd floor of Kallang Leisure Park, this place is highly accessible via major expressways like ECP, KPE and PIE. Alternatively the Stadium station of the Circle Line is right beside the building.

Price
S$3 for non-peak (before 6pm)
S$4 for peak (after 6pm)

Scoring Systems
Modern scoring system with touchscreen panels and animation showing optimum line of entry for sparing and speed of last throw. I'm one who always think that scoring systems have alot to improve in terms of user interface design and friendliness. Good enough but can be better.

Lanes
The toughest lane I've played so far (against NSRCC TM and Orchid Tampines). Tough because different areas of the lane have very different reaction. And the pins have less action compared to the others. Yet to play an over-200 game here. Will definitely go back again to break 200... Some bowlers are such whores...

Atmosphere
Alot of kids. Kids with no manners and knowledge of bowling etiquette. Lighting is fine, sitting area is spacious but music a bit too loud for my liking.

Proshop
As far as I know the pro-shop has been around for some time. A pretty impressive stock of balls including Hello Kitty and soccer ball polyesters. If I remember correctly the price is a little bit on the high but my memory don't always serve me well.

Other Services
Not many other things to do in the bowling alley except eat and drink from the cafeteria if you are on waiting list but you can catch a movie, go to the arcade or go for ice-skating in the same building.

Conclusion
Score: 6/10
6 is a pretty low score considering that the place is quite new and the equipment modern. But the place just doesn't give me the impression that it is meant for serious bowling. I will go back because its near my place and its a challenge yes because bowlers are such whores. But to play league bowling there... I really got to seriously think about that...

Bowling @ Kallang Bowl

Finally gotten a chance to go bowling with the balls I brought back from HK. Kallang Leisure Park is really convenient as the lift will bring you from carpark to bowling alley in no time. With the Circle line it's just as convenient as it's just outside the building.

Bowling in Singapore is nearly 50% cheaper than HK. And the lanes are generally more spacious compared to HK. Lane at Kallang was dry... At least the lane I was playing on was super dry on my line. Wonder if someone was training the same line the whole day before I played, thus the depleted oil along my line...

Well... Excuses and more excuses for my not so stellar scores. It's a good reason to make a return trip ASAP. Bowling is a funny game for addicts like us. A poor score is as good a reason to return as a bad score.