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The American Bowling Congress
While there is a lack of certainty where tenpin bowling evolved, the sport was booming in American states like Ohio, New York and Illinois. On September 9, 1895, the American Bowling Congress was created in New York City. This allowed for major tournaments to be held and for regulation to become consistent in the sport, as prior ball weights and pin dimensions varied from state to state. The American Bowling Congress was for men only. Thomas Curtis served as the first president. -
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PBA
The Professional Bowlers Association. Today, it remains the largest and most popular bowling organization, with 3,000 members representing over 30 countries. These PBA members bowl in competitive, multi-level tournaments and events every year. -
A New Era of Bowling Balls
Bowling balls began to be made with Polyester, or “plastic”. These days, people will only use plastic balls to throw on their second shot to pick up their spares. It is incredibly rare for someone bowling above a league-player level to use only a plastic ball. -
The PBA
The Professional Bowlers Association is created. Today, it remains the largest and most popular bowling organization, with 3,000 members representing over 30 countries. These PBA members bowl in competitive, multi-level tournaments and events every year. The PBA has gotten "better with age" - as it now leads the sport in competition, with viewing time even seen on ESPN and streaming services. -
PWBA was founded
The first professional women's bowling association is founded. It no longer exists today due to disbanding. -
Wheelchair Bowling Association Founded
The PBA adds wheelchair bowling to its association. This is significant because "Wheelchairer's" were not able to play this sport until this time. -
First Black Man in Hall of Fame
J. Elmer Reed Becomes the first black man inducted into ABC Hall of Fame. This opened up opportunities and doors for other African Americans to participate in the game as well. -
More bowling balls added to the game
Another type of bowling ball becomes popular – the polyurethane, or “urethane” ball. This type of ball is still used today, although not as common as it used to be. -
Merge of Youth Bowling
Young American Bowling Alliance through a merge of the American Junior Bowling Congress, Youth Bowling Association, and the ABC/WIBC Collegiate Divisions. -
Two Handed Bowling is Brought to The Lanes
Chuck Lande wins numerous PBA events using his famous style of bowling known as two Handed Bowling. -
One more bowling ball!
The bowling ball gets another material addition with “Reactiv Resin”, still made from urethane but with extra additives to create pores on the bowling ball. This allows the ball to soak the lane oil, creating friction on the oil pattern and lane. This is what most bowlers use for their bowling ball material today. -
ABC removes "Male Only" Law
The American Bowling Congress removes the 'male only' law from its constitution to avoid woman activists. -
Growth of Bowling
Bowling was first demonstrated in the Olympics in 1988. Over 20 nations competed in the demonstration, though no medals were awarded since it was not an official Olympic sport. To this day, bowling has not been added to the Olympic roster, but has been shortlisted several times. In 2015, bowling made the top eight of potential new sports to be featured in the 2020 Summer Olympics, but was later cut for financial reasons.