Tour Veteran Finds Himself in the Ultimate Winner's Circle

HOPKINSVILLE, Kent.
After a record-setting season, two-year Hammer staffer and 18-year Tour veteran Doug Kent has captured the title of all titles, Chris Schenkel PBA Player of the Year.

"It's a career dream to be voted the Player of the Year and I'm thrilled by this honor," shared Kent. "At the level that all of the players are at today, it's impossible to win without great equipment in your hands. It's a necessity. Week-in and week-out I felt like I had the best equipment in my hands because Hammer offers such a wide variety of balls for all of the conditions we bowl on. I felt like I had lots of choices and I wasn't limited by the selection, so I just had to choose the right ball for the job."

"I look forward to returning to the Tour with Hammer in my bag next season."

Kent, who owns two bowling centers with his wife, Chrissie, resides in Newark, NY, and has been bowling on Tour since 1988. During that time he has posted nine career wins, including two wins this season. Early in the season, Kent walked home with the USBC Masters title, defeating Jack Jurek, 277-230. He earned his second Tour Major victory of the season at the PBA World Championships after defeating Chris Barnes, 237-216. With this win, he became the sixth bowler in Tour history to win two Major Championships in one season.

In addition to his Major titles, Kent was the runner-up in the Etonic Championship. His three championship round appearances were his best since 2001-02 and he went 6-1 with a 234.57 average. He led the Tour with a career-best $200,530 in earnings and finished the season ranked fourth in PBA World Point Rankings and 10th on Tour with a 222.43 average.

As if he still had something to prove, Kent continued his winning streak with a win at the season-ending Motel 6 Roll to Riches special event. Kent pocketed a cool $150,000 for this top prize, a title and earnings that are not included in his overall season title or earnings count.

"Doug is someone that everyone wants to emulate. He's super-smooth on the lanes and he's a tough competitor all while being a great guy off the lanes," said Hammer brand manager, Brian Graham. "We really enjoyed watching him win all that money with Hammer equipment."

Nothing Hits Like a Hammer™. For more information on Hammer's Tour staff or products or to find the pro shop nearest you, visit www.hammerbowling.com. Hammer is headquartered in Hopkinsville, Kent.