Joining the PBA

[Ducati 851]

Of course...the dream.

But is it really a dream? Is it that imfathamable?

...apparently NOT


Latest news is joining the PBA is only having a 200 average over 36 games.

My curiosity is of course with all the amazing bowling talent we have throughout Australia, why hasnt anyone ever joined?

Is there a reason Ive overseen?

 

[RHs_rule300]

true that it is only 200 avg over 36 games, also other ways of becoming a member too of course, in my family i have a few quality bowlers avging around 220... i asked them the same question... the responses i got was:
- didnt want to leave the country
- thought they were too old, mostly thought 25 or so was about the max age to begin PBA touring, even though i dont think there is an age restriction within reason (unsure)
- also financial, would cost a lot of money to relocate and to get involved into all the tournaments and when they compare their 220 avg to the 230-250 of the PBA participants, they shy away
- and america apparently uses very different patterns, up to 50 ft, 30mil etc so a 220 avg here would possibly not eventuate to such over there.

possibly valid reasons, possibly not??

 

[da_cowman]

I think you can become a PBA Member, but not an actual exempt PBA bowler. The PBA site would have all the information. I don't think it's just as easy to rock up and bowl on the PBA, bar the few tournaments where amatuers are allowed. (The recent World Champs with Frawls making the TV is an example of this).
They have 5 specified patterns which they modify slightly each time depending on lane surface and topography. As well as Major patterns and pretty special pattern for the Dick Weber Open I think. Again, all this information would be on the PBA site.

Later Da Cowman!

 

[Hooligan]

Several have, try and google Carol Gianotti.

 

[Shayne Melton]

RHs Rule 300 wrote

thought they were too old, mostly thought 25 or so was about the max age to begin PBA touring, even though i dont think there is an age restriction within reason

Billy Oatman won the rookie of the year last year at age 41

 

[AdrianS]

CK Moore's TV 300, title and R.O.Y award at 39 back in the 90's is in this category too. I'm sure if you approached anyone whose done this (Wenban, Doust and Graham Smith) Theyd say how hard it is, i'm not sure if anyone ever has though.

There is actually an Aussie who's a memeber now(and has been for a while), Leo DeBennedetto is still making a few appearences in west region tourneys and cashing a bit. Some people on here may not know he made a top 24 in the days of the old format back in the late 90's

 

[willey]

John Fitch bowled on the Pro Tour in the late 60's early 70's and of course Carol Gionotti made the Top 100 of all time in America, we also had Cara and Maxine as well as those previously mentioned.

willey

 

[wchester]

Anyone who wants to fulfill their dream to join the PBA should absolutely do it. It's something you'll never regret. Unless of course you want to tell the kids and grandkids that you could have been a star if only you had the chance when you were younger.