History of Bowling in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 10, 2025

Bowling is a target sport played globally by millions. Predominantly referring to pin bowling, especially tenpin bowling common in the UK and Commonwealth, it also includes target bowling like lawn bowls. It involves rolling a ball towards pins or a target and is enjoyed by a large population across numerous countries, with a significant number of participants residing in the United States.

November 1986: George Branham III Wins Brunswick Memorial World Open

In November 1986, George Branham III became the first African-American to win a PBA national touring event, specifically the Brunswick Memorial World Open in Chicago, Illinois.

September 1988: Tenpin Bowling Featured as Demonstration Sport at Seoul Olympics

In September 1988, tenpin bowling was featured as a demonstration sport at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea.

August 1991: Tenpin Bowling Becomes Medal Sport at Pan American Games

In August 1991, tenpin bowling became an international medal-level sport for the first time at the 1991 Pan American Games in Havana, Cuba.

1992: ABC Introduced Resin Bowling Balls

In 1992, the ABC introduced resin bowling balls, which led to a 20% increase in perfect 300 scores.

1995: National Bowling Stadium Opens in Reno

In 1995, the National Bowling Stadium, also known as the Taj Mahal of Tenpins, opened in Reno, Nevada.

1995: First Best Bowler ESPY Award Presented

In 1995, the first Best Bowler ESPY Award was presented, marking recognition of bowling in mainstream sports awards.

February 1997: Jeremy Sonnenfeld Bowls First Sanctioned 900 Series

In February 1997, Jeremy Sonnenfeld bowled the first officially sanctioned 900 series of three straight perfect 300 games at Sun Valley Lanes in Lincoln, Nebraska.

1998: World Tenpin Masters Tournament Established

In 1998, the World Tenpin Masters 10-pin bowling tournament was established.

2000: Weber Cup Established

In 2000, the Weber Cup, named after Dick Weber, was established as 10-pin bowling's equivalent to golf's Ryder Cup, featuring Team USA versus Team Europe.

March 2004: Missy Bellinder Becomes First Female Member of PBA

In March 2004, Missy Bellinder, later known as Parkin, became the first female member of the PBA after it opened its membership to women following the demise of the PWBA in 2003.

2004: Brunswick Euro Challenge Founded

In 2004, the Brunswick Euro Challenge was founded for amateur and professional 10-pin bowling players from Europe, Asia, and the U.S.

January 2010: Kelly Kulick Wins PBA Tournament of Champions

In January 2010, Kelly Kulick became the first woman to win the PBA Tournament of Champions and the first woman to win a PBA national tour event.

November 2012: AMF Bowling Centers Files for Bankruptcy

In November 2012, after a decline in league bowling business, AMF Bowling Centers filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time.

2013: PBA League Founded

In 2013, the PBA League was founded, consisting of eight permanent five-person teams with an annual draft.

2015: PWBA Revived After 12-Year Hiatus

In 2015, the Professional Women's Bowling Association (PWBA) was revived after a 12-year hiatus.

August 1, 2023: USBC Certifies String Pinsetters as Independent Category

Effective August 1, 2023, the USBC certified string pinsetters and string pin bowling as an independent category, separate from conventional free-fall pinsetters, due to a lower strike percentage.