Home club – Milwaukee Lake Park LBC
When and where did you first start bowling?
August 2004 in Milwaukee
What do you like about lawn bowling? What keeps you coming back?
It’s a combination of the great people I have met and continue to meet, at home and around the U.S., and the great level of competition that the game provides, in addition to its strategy and amount of mental strength required.
What brand and model of bowls do you use?
a. 10-12 second green: Henselite Classic (standard bias)
b. 14-16 second green: preferably Taylor Ace
What size lawn bowls do you use?
Anywhere from a size 5 to a size 7.
How many sets of bowls do you presently own?
I don’t actually own any bowls. I either use one of around 8-10 sets that my Dad owns, or a set that my dad’s friend lets me use. If I had enough money I might buy a set of Taylor Aces, preferably colored.
What type of grip do you use? (finger-tip, claw, palm, other)
I just put the bowl in my hand with my thumb on the dimple/line on the side , and don’t cup the bowl ever unless it’s raining or conditions are extremely damp and the bowls are too wet
How do you initially select your line? (point on bank, spot on green, shoulder-arc of bowl, overall visualization of green, other)
I like to be really dynamic and just go with whatever works. But normally I just pick out a spot on the green, and once you’ve rolled enough bowls it just kind of comes to you.
What game do you prefer to play and why? (i.e. singles-pairs-triples-fours)
I like aspects of all of them – singles because you rely on yourself and have nobody to blame but yourself, pairs because of camaraderie among you and one other player, and the team games because it forces you to focus even more and become a more complete player.
What is your goal during trial ends?
Just getting a feel for pace and line, it’s always nice to start out with both going well and maintain it, but sometimes it’s a struggle and that’s just the way bowls is.
In singles, do you usually take the mat or give it away?
I let my opponent determine that. If they are killing me with their last bowl, then I take the the last bowl. But if they are really feeling a certain length I’ll take the mat and change it up.
In a clutch situation, are you more likely to draw or drive? (assuming both shots could work)
That’s really tough; if I knew the answer to that I would be really dangerous on the green. But honestly, there are so many variables, I just make a decision and go with it. I always try to know what I’m going to do before I step on the mat.
What self-talk/mantras do you use during a game?
First I never do it aloud, that’s distracting to your opponent and kind of creepy. I just try to stay up-beat and remember that the game isn’t over ‘till it’s over.
Do you prefer whites or colored attire for tournament play?
Whatever somebody wants to do is perfectly fine with me. I like colored outfits just because white can get boring.
Which is your favorite bowling green in US?
Lakeview, Sun City AZ, the green next to the road (away from the lake to be exact), it’s really nice.
What one rule of the game would you like to see changed?
I would like to see a system that assigns a range of bias’ one can use on a given green according to its speed. I think narrow bowls have taken away from the tradition of the game.
What else would you like people to know about you?
Just because you’re young and like to lawn bowl doesn’t mean you’re weird…I hope. [ed: Max is 17]
List your major lawn bowling accomplishments
Boy that’s a short list. I’ll get back to you. I think I’ll win my division playdown really soon, probably this year, but don’t hold me to that.
