By Greg Myers
James “Danny” Curtis of Mount Olivet, Kentucky picked the perfect time for his first 100 straight broken targets—the 2010 Grand American Handicap Saturday at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta.
“I shot pretty well yesterday (Friday), and I felt pretty good coming into the Grand American Handicap,” said Curtis. “The hot weather doesn’t bother me much.”
Curtis’ 100 was the only perfect score in the event. The farmer and factory worker from a small town of around 700 people finished his perfect round close to 11 a.m., but he didn’t find out he won until around 3:30 p.m.
“I was surprised that there were no other 100s today,” said Curtis. “I was just waiting for the other 100s to pull in, but it didn’t happen.”
This was the first time Curtis shot at the Grand since 2006.
“With my work schedule, it is hard to get up here,” said Curtis. “I’m just an old farm boy who loves to shoot.”
While Curtis won the Grand American Handicap, he didn’t qualify for the $100,000 Grand American Challenge because he shot in only three handicaps over the two-week event. A minimum participation of four handicaps was needed to qualify for the big shootoff.
“I didn’t know I had to shoot in four handicaps to qualify for the challenge, but I don't know that it would have made a difference,” Curtis said. “My work schedule pretty much limits me. I’m not really disappointed. I wasn’t expecting to break a 100. I can’t cry over spilled milk, I’m not that type of person.”
Curtis hopes to return to Sparta next year to defend his crown in the Grand American Handicap.