RENO, Nev. - At the beginning of his USBC Open Championships career, Don Sutherland Jr. of San Jose, Calif., was focused on putting together the most competitive team he could and taking home a tournament title.

It wasn't until a few years later that he decided to have more fun, which ultimately made him more relaxed on the tournament lanes. That mindset paid off in a huge way as the 49-year-old right-hander fired the 43rd perfect game of this year's event at the National Bowling Stadium on Monday.

Sutherland found perfection in his third game of doubles, which was preceded by games of 224 and 238 for a 762 series. He teamed up with his wife, Cyndee, for a 1,323 total. Brandon Tarabek and Chad Reiffer of Grand Rapids, Mich., lead Regular Doubles with 1,497.

"It feels incredible," said Sutherland, who made his 15th Open Championships appearance. "It's a dream for most bowlers to shoot 300 at Nationals. I've had my share of 300s through the years, but this one means everything. It's just a dream come true."

Sutherland now uses the Open Championships as an opportunity to have a good time with friends and family. In his eyes, it's better to simply enjoy the event.

"It's about the fun of bowling Nationals with your friends," said Sutherland, who bowls league at Cloverleaf Bowl. "It's about having a good time with the people you know. It's not so much about competing or trying to shoot 300 and win a championship. It's more about coming out and having fun. The 300 is just the gravy on top of it, but it's not what we come out here for."

Sutherland struggled in five prior visits to the Stadium and now feels very good after exacting some revenge on the tournament lanes.

"That makes it more special," said Sutherland, who added 658 in team and 611 in singles for a 2,031 all-events total. "This is sort of our national bowling shrine, so that makes it very special. This is the only home for bowling across the country that we have. Plus, I never really bowled well here. It's been an absolutely amazing day. I will never think of the Stadium the same way ever again."

Click here to watch video highlights from the 2011 Open Championships.

Presenting sponsors for the 2011 USBC Open Championships are Circus Circus, Eldorado Hotel Casino Reno and Silver Legacy Resort Casino Reno. Other sponsors include Sands Regency Casino Hotel, official brackets sponsor, Kegel, official lane maintenance provider, Humana, official registration sponsor, US Steltronic, official scoring system, and supporting sponsors Storm Bowling Products, UPS, Nationwide Insurance, Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa, Harrah's Reno Casino and Hotel and Peppermill Hotel Casino.