06/28/2026
Caution: Long Post
Ten years ago, RaeLynn and I recognized a need for high-level youth bowling competition in our area. We looked at what great leaders around the country were doing—people like Jeff Wirtz in the Midwest and Mike Bonzek in Georgia—and knew we wanted to create something special here.
Within a few weeks, RaeLynn, James Hayes, and I developed what would become the Southwest Gold Tour.
Our mission was simple: Encourage youth bowlers to compete at a higher level while building lifelong friendships.
Our goal? To attract 20–25 bowlers at each stop.
We also knew we couldn't do it alone.
We reached out to a few friends to help promote and support this new project, and they immediately believed in what we were trying to build.
Glenn Hendrix had a four-lane bowling center on his rural Ardmore, Oklahoma property. He didn't even have a youth bowling program, but when he heard our vision, his response was simple: "SIGN ME UP!" Even after closing the center, Glenn has continued to be a loyal supporter of the Southwest Gold Tour.
Mark Ellis, along with the Oklahoma Bowling Council and the supportive Board of the Oklahoma State USBC, made sure those organizations stood behind youth bowlers throughout the region. Their support helped provide opportunities for countless young athletes.
Leanne Hulsenberg and Storm have been with us from the very beginning. Their generosity, encouragement, and unwavering support have meant more than we can ever express. We are incredibly grateful for everything they have done for SGT and our bowlers.
Looking back now...wow.
Over the past 10 years, together we've accomplished:
🎳 79 events
🎳 4,264 entries
🎓 Over $290,000 in SMART scholarships awarded
🏅 300 Junior Gold entries earned
We cannot forget the thousands of pounds of food, personal/household supplies and cash donations for pantries in the communities we bowl in through the Footprint Tour. Additionally, our families have given to classrooms, tornado victims and those in need of a warm winter coat. YOU ARE THE BEST!
We've also watched our bowlers achieve incredible success, becoming collegiate champions, USBC champions, and PBA Regional and Tour champions.
But the accomplishments on the lanes only tell part of the story.
We've had the privilege of watching these young athletes continue their education, begin careers, start families, and grow into outstanding people who are making a difference in the world.
The families who have supported these bowlers—and the Southwest Gold Tour—have been nothing short of amazing. Their dedication, countless miles on the road, and belief in what we were building helped make all of this possible.
RaeLynn and I have been truly humbled and blessed to be a small part of your journeys. The friendships, memories, and relationships we've built over the past decade will always hold a very special place in our hearts.
Thank you.
And now...
A New Era Begins
It is our honor to announce that former youth bowler and SGT alumnus Peyton Montgomery, along with his bride-to-be, Madi, will be leading the Southwest Gold Tour into its next chapter.
Peyton is an accomplished bowler, educator, and coach with a genuine passion for youth bowling. We are so excited to see where they take the tour in the years ahead.
We hope you'll join us in supporting Peyton and Madi as they continue the mission of providing opportunities for young bowlers and helping shape the next generation.
The future of the Southwest Gold Tour is in great hands, and we can't wait to see what's next.
Thank you to every bowler, parent, coach, proprietor, sponsor, volunteer, and friend who has been part of this incredible 10-year journey. You are, and always will be, part of the Southwest Gold Tour family.
Dicki & RaeLynn
