Hello new and prospective Gutterdusters! TreoBenny here. I’m a 30-something former competitive league bowler that took a few years off. I wanted to start bowling again, but I don’t miss the stress and pressure of some of my leagues. I found Gutterdusters and I love it! Below is my “insider’s perspective” on the league.
It occurred to me, now that we’re between Gutterduster seasons, that a newcomer doesn’t have a clue about the league beyond the pluggers and blurbs Mike posts. Nothing against Mike’s plugs and blurbs, but there isn’t anything from a league member’s point of view. I’m here to change that.
A respectable amount of the Gutterdusters’ charm is Mont Clare itself. I think its classic bowling center feel makes it unassuming and easy for first-time patrons to get comfortable. But, all the modern touches are there: electronic scoring, big LCD screens for sports, cash jukebox, and of course, awesome food and drinks. The lanes themselves are cozy as well. I’ve played several recreational team sports and bowling is by far the most social. What other sport puts both teams in the same seating area? I look forward to each week at Gutterdusters as much for the bowling itself as the chance to meet a new team of fellow leaguers.
Now that I’ve covered what the house, (that’s league bowler slang for the bowling center) adds to the league in the way of ambiance, I’ll talk about competition. Wait, before you freak out about the “C” word, let me explain. Yes, Gutterdusters is described as a “non-competitive” league. That doesn’t mean we don’t try to throw strikes – because we do. What we don’t do is get into shouting matches or trash talking sessions. Your social standing in the league isn’t performance based. We’ll be just as glad to see you the week after you bowl 40 over average as the week you bowled 40 under. In short, there’s no pressure to perform. Additionally, the entire spectrum of bowling skills is present. Averages in the 80′s and 90′s all the way to 200. Never bowled in a league before? No problem. We won’t beat you over the head with tips every week if you don’t want them. But, I’d like to see you do anything weekly for 3 months not start to come into your own. 
Next is my category of bowler. I’ve bowled competitive leagues. I’ve bowled in tournaments. I know how to look for “the shot” each week. I know what reactive coverstock, asymmetrical core, and axis migration mean. I refer to the arrows on the lanes by number. So why do I want to bowl in a non-competitive league if I’m well-versed in bowling? Because bowling isn’t my career. I’d love if it was, but the facts now are that I have plenty to worry and stress out over. My bowling league shall not be one of them. There are many novices in the Gutterdusters league, but there are also many well-versed bowlers like myself that just want to bowl and have a nice, easy Monday night. I don’t want to be scolded about the stone 8 or ringing 10-pin I left. Now, before you accomplished bowlers balk at Gutterdusters, you should know that Mike and the team at Mont Clare have several shots they put out from week to week. Some easy to find, others not so much. You can challenge yourself as a member of Gutterdusters, without the pressure of winning at all costs.
In conclusion, Gutterdusters is for everyone! I enjoyed last season immensely and I hope to see you on the lanes starting the 31st!
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