Scratch bowling returns to Elgin

Submitted by Elgin Classic League

Scratch bowling will return to the city of Elgin when the Elgin Classic League begins in early 2014. Registration is currently under way.

This is an opportunity for up-and-coming talent and the best bowlers in the city to come out and test their skills against each other.

“There used to be a time when every city in the country had a scratch bowling league,” said organizer Sean Hargadon. “It was the place for bowlers to develop and perfect their skills. Twenty years ago, the Elgin Coors Classic and Los Amigos leagues dominated the city as the best leagues for the best bowlers. We hope to bring that excitement and competition back to the city of Elgin.”

The Elgin Classic League will consist of three-person teams, bowling four games each week on Monday nights, starting at 6:45 p.m.

Each week the league will alternate locations between Elgin and Bowlway Lanes.

All scores are scratch. There will be no handicap. Team averages will be limited to 630 (210 average) maximum.

The weekly fee is $22. First place is expected to pay $1,200 based on a ten teams. The league will run from Jan. 13 to April 28.

The weekly rotation between bowling centers is an homage to the fabled Chicago Classic League, which was the premier classic traveling league in the country many years ago.

“Like the Elgin Cross-Town Classic bowling tournament,” Hargadon said, “having the league travel between two bowling centers, still with wood lanes, will provide a unique challenge to the bowlers and the teams.”

The Elgin Classic League is currently accepting reservations for teams and bowlers. To learn more, contact Bowlway Lanes at (847) 741-0155, visit www.bowlelgin.com or email shargadon69@yahoo.com.