I'm not bowling because I am in Queensland, running a ball demo day and tournament, as well as some junior coaching.
I also believe that while the trip to Vegas is a fantastic prize, and Clem should be congratulated for his efforts, the following issues have shown up.
1. Top heavy prize funds do not work at a state level. In fact even at a national level I would be surprised if a high top prize increased entries by any amount. Bowlers entering the "Other sports series" want the competition and experience more than high top prizes.
2. There are alot of tournaments everywhere at the moment. If a Victorian bowler wanted to bowl every weekend, they pretty well could. While a stronger bowler is enticed by the trip to Vegas, allocating time to every event (which is likely required to win the top prize) may be a stretch.
3. The bowlers entering the "Other sports series" that don't expect to win, still enjoy the opportunity to compete against the best bowlers in the state in a very low cost tournament. IMHO they are not going to bowl a more expensive tournament regardless of the top prize because they do not expect to win.
4. AMF doesn't really have any image left as a company that looks after the competitive bowler. Unfortunately, Clem has done everything in his power (and done it very well, I might add) to try and change that image, but it may be a classic case of once bitten, twice shy?
Why is this event not supported like other Sport series?? There was 40+ entries in Bendigo a few weeks ago for less money, less games and for most 4 hours of travelling! WHAT THE?
Because you weren't there, I can understand why you can't understand why the bowlers DO support the Victorian Sports Series.
As far as I am concerned there is a more sinister reason for such lack of interest to great Victorian event.
This one could be interesting... What would that sinister reason be in your opinion? Please get it out in the open so others can either agree or disagree.