RealTalk #6 Payout Ratios?

[Theo McNair]

I have heard differing opinions on payouts and payout ratio. So I am putting this out there for the RealBowlers. Is a 1:3 (PBA) or a 1:4 (RBT) payout ratio watering the money down to much to where the top winners are not making the kind of money they should? If so what do you feel is the best payout ratio and why?

For those that may not know the more people you pay the less money you can pay up top. The less money up top, the more people say that "something" is not worth them bowling or traveling to bowl.

I also have seen the scenario where people travel for a $3000 1st place tournament and dont cash because they came in 8th place vs coming to a $1500 1st place and had they come in the same spot they would have almost doubled their money.

This is for singles events of course.

I personally feel that 1:7 and 1:8 and higher ratios are good for those few up top but not really beneficial when you are trying to pay more of the bowlers.

What do you think?

[Theo McNair]

Also, that is a slap in the face to Matt Burden, Rudy Kasimakis, Jason Sterner, Aaron Hayes, Isom Hawes, Lee Vanderhoef, Tony Churchey and all of the other great champions we have had on the RBT, to say they "The best bowler that day usually doesnt win, the person with the best luck one game does"

To me they know how to beat someone and not just the lanes. Thats the make up of "Real Bowlers"!

Alan Chetister said:

Wow, There is way to much to read but I will put what I think about pay out in regards to the RBT since that is the question.

I think 1:3 ratio is to much with Gar. $1500 to $2000 on top. I think 1:4 would allow you to pay more for 2-8 spots. I have made all but one cut of the RBT since I have been here with a 3rd finish with not much to show for it. Most of the money I have made in the RBT is off of brackets. Yes, I bowl every tournament to win but I am doing this for a living now. I have to go to the place that I have the best chance of making money for the weekend not the one that pays the highest. It is so hard to win tournaments with the formats now, elimination and brackets finals are tough. The best bowler that day usually doesnt win, the person with the best luck one game does.

That is my littler ole opinion.....

[Nick Smith]

You know one of the beautys of the tournament bowling is that there is no right or wrong. Every bowler has their particular favorite and opinion on all formats. I myself am a fan of matchplay/bracket style tournaments. There is alittle truth to Alans statement that the best bowler of the weekend usually doesnt win those formatted tourneys. Take the last RBT for example Brain Dennis lead the whole weekend, leading qualifying on sat. and bowling sun. and having the highest score then as well. He lost his first match. As I can best remember only Tony Churchey and myself were the only guys from the top 8 qualifiers that won their first match. It isnt always like that but it does happen and every real bowler realizes and understands that.

Im sure no disrespect was intended by Alans statement, every post put on is almost all opinion based.

Theo I have said it before, it is impossible to please every bowler every tournament. All you can do is be honest, consistent and as fair as possible in giving bowlers what they want.