In the coming months, we'll talk with some of the best-known bowlers at the USBC Open Championships and get their thoughts on their time at the tournament and what it takes to succeed on the championship lanes.

This week, we heard from 2011 USBC Masters champion Tom Hess, who will make his way to the National Bowling Stadium to compete at the Open Championships on May 11 and 12.

The 41-year-old right-hander joined the Professional Bowlers Association in 2003 and found continued success at the regional level, while chasing his dream of a full-time spot on the Lumber Liquidators Professional Bowlers Association Tour.

Hess' dream finally came true when he defeated PBA journeyman Jack Jurek of Lackawanna, N.Y., 225-214, to win the 2011 USBC Masters for his first career Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour title, which earned him a two-year exemption.

The event was held at the National Bowling Stadium, and this week will mark Hess' first trip back to Reno since winning in February.


HOMETOWN: Urbandale, Iowa

OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS APPEARANCES: 2011 will be my 18th and last for at least three years as I start my two-year exemption on the PBA Tour.

OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS TITLES: 0

BOWLING BALL WEIGHT: 15

FAVORITE BRAND OF BOWLING BALLS: Storm - I'm currently a staff member

ONE all-time favorite host city: Las Vegas

TWO best Open Championships memories: 1, 2006 Corpus Christi, Texas - I threw the last 22 in a row in singles to take the lead by three pins. I eventually finished fourth. 2; Reno in 2007 - my team was in the top 10 when we left and finished in top 30 and top 10 in Team All-Events.

THREE keys to success at the Open Championships: 1, patience; 2, teamwork; 3, shot making

FOURgettable Open Championships moment: My first year in Mobile, Ala. I think I shot 1,365 all-events with a 395 in doubles...not good!!! Or as my friends say....FRY!!!

FIVE bowlers in history on your Open Championships fantasy all-star team: Pete Weber, Mark Roth, Dick Weber, Norm Duke and Jeff Richgels

SIX bowling balls currently in your Open Championships arsenal: Virtual Gravity Nano, Hy-Road, Marvel, Victory Road, Anarchy and Team Storm spare ball

SEVEN cities you'd like to see the Open Championships go to/return to: Orlando, Fla.; Corpus Christi, Texas; San Diego; St. Louis; Las Vegas; Phoenix; Myrtle Beach, S.C.

EIGHT favorite bowling balls ever: Virtual Gravity Nano, Hy-Road, Virtual Gravity, Special Agent, X-Factor, El Nina 2000, Ultimate Inferno and Strike Zone

NINE other current/eligible bowlers you would choose to join you on your ideal pair of companion teams at the Open Championships: My team of Iowans - Jason Guest, Jason Poli, Matt Smith, Mike Peters and myself bowling with Jeff Richgels, Steve Richter, Gail Myers Jr., Mike Shady and Marc McDowell

TEN seconds or less, who is your favorite bowler of all-time?: Can't do just one: Mark Roth and Pete Weber

ELEVEN strikes in a row to start a game at the Open Championships, what's going through your head?: Post it, and let it go!!!!!

TWELVE years from now, where do you hope to be in your bowling career?: I hope to still be exempt on the PBA Tour.