King Pin Scratch Open: Hill plans to set up challenging tournament

By Cam Ellis
Published in Sports on January 23, 2015 1:48 PM

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cellis@newsargus.com

Clark Hill leaned back in his chair and thought to himself for a moment.

He was asked how difficult he thought his bowling tournament, the King Pin Scratch Open, was and what a comparable sporting event might be.

"I would compare my tournament to the difficulty of The Masters," he said. "As far as the ability to score, it's very similar to that tournament."

If that sounds like high praise, it's because as the 10th annual King Pin Scratch Open begins this weekend, so come high expectations. The tournament, which takes place at AMF Boulevard Lanes, has a history of being one of the most difficult and popular tournaments of the year.

PBA Hall of Famers like Tom Baker and Walter Ray Williams --the latter of which is considered one of the greatest bowlers of all time -- have shown up in past years.

Hill, who owns the pro shop at AMF Lanes, decided a decade ago that there weren't enough scratch tournaments and put together what he thought would be a small competition. Word spread quickly over the following years, and soon the field expanded to over 300 bowlers.

Large numbers are expected again this year, and Hill credits the decline in gas prices as one of the reasons why that is the case.

One bowler in particular that is scheduled to return is last year's champion, Chris Hans.

Hans, 40, owns a bowling pro shop in Rocky Mount. He met Hill back on tour in Shallotte during the late 90's and the two have been friends ever since. He looks to become the first repeat champion in the tournament's decade-long run -- and claiming the $2,000 prize that comes along with it.

"[Being the first repeat champion] would be awesome," Hans said. "I think it's a tribute to what Clark does with the event. The fairness of the event -- to go this long without a repeat winner speaks to it's fairness."

Hans has his work cut out for him, however. Recent back injuries, slick lanes and stiff competition from states as far away as Arizona, Florida and New York will be working against him in what will surely be a competitive and entertaining weekend.

As for a profit, Hill -- who will not be competing for the cash prize -- doesn't worry about making a buck. Instead, he puts on the tournament for the sake of competition and to reunite with old friends.

"I pay back the money, one hundred percent," he said. "I don't keep a dime of it. It's just something I'm passionate about. That's why I do it."