Brian Brooks wants to atone for any regrets he might have from last year’s Pilat Graphic Design Sport Bowling Masters.

By most standards, the 38-year-old right-hander actually had a great tournament. Without any real experience bowling on the difficult oil pattern, Brooks rolled an 854 four-game series to lead a field of 33 competitors. The next day, Brooks seemed headed for the finals until a sub par last game left him nine pins short, and on the outside looking in.

“I was a little disappointed in myself, but that’s bowling,” he said. “I definitely want to improve on that. My first goal this year is to qualify, and I’d like to make the finals.”

His quest begins at 1 p.m. Saturday at Falcon Lanes for the opening round of the third annual tournament. Shooters will roll four games across eight lanes, with the top 25 percent advancing to Rainbow Lanes at noon on Sunday.

With no pins carrying over, another four-game qualifier will determine the top five. That seeded group will bowl down in stepladder finals. The champion is guaranteed $700, while the runner-up receives $350.

Entry fee is $50. The event, open to men and women, is played in memory of Tom Aubin, who had an enduring influence on Auburn bowling in the 1980s and ’90s. His wife, Dawn, will donate the championship trophy. To sign up, contact tournament directors Mike Ryan (730-2901) or Jeff Matty (730-5017).

Ryan said entries are slowly trickling in — defending champion Joey Petrowski, of East Syracuse, has yet to sign up — but added that he expects more bowlers than a year ago.

And this might be a good time to brush up on the Chameleon and Viper PBA Experience oil patterns that will be used in the event. The common denominator is difficulty. There won’t be a cushy league condition to rely on.

Of course, Michelle Feldman has made those very tracks look easy in the Women’s Series over the past few weeks. But she’s proven to be in a league of her own, and Brooks knows what he’ll be up against.

“The biggest difference between league and Sport bowling is concentration,” he said. “You have to be very focused, and your execution must be consistent, especially for spare-shooting. There’s no room for error.”

Brooks, who bowls three nights a week at the Falcons and Rainbow, is pleased with his efforts this season.

With his usual down-and-in shot, he’s averaging 207. He’ll take that game to the Sport Masters and see how things shake out.

“I might use the same ball and same line as last year,” he said. “I’ll watch to see what others are doing, and make my adjustments accordingly. For me, it’s a small move.”

If nothing else, Brooks will enjoy the competition. He thinks others, including first-timers, should do the same.

“Anybody can do it,” he said. “I’d like to see a lot of people come out and support it. I have good memories, and I’m looking forward to the tournament.”