most pba tour titles

Ultimate List: Every Player With A PBA Title

In the history of the pba tour, there have been 365 players who have won at least one title in their career..

In the history of the PBA Tour, there have been 365 players who have won at least one title in their career. None of them has been as successful as Walter Ray Williams Jr. , however.

Williams sits atop the all-time titles list with 47 career victories, the last of which came on Feb. 14, 2010, at the United States Bowling Congress Masters.

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Left-hander Earl Anthony ranks second on the list with 43 titles. The late legend won his final title on May 12, 1984, also at the USBC Masters.

Norm Duke is the third member of the 40-title club with exactly 40 titles after winning two events in 2019. Duke’s most recent win came at the PBA Jonesboro Open on March 3, 2019.

Pete Weber (37 titles) and Parker Bohn III (35 titles) round out the top five on the list.

Here’s a list of every player who has ever won a PBA Tour title along with the name and date of their most recent victory (as of March 16, 2022):

47 Titles Walter Ray Williams Jr. (USBC Masters - 2/14/10)

43 Titles Earl Anthony (USBC Masters - 5/12/84)

40 Titles Norm Duke (Go Bowling! Jonesboro Open –3/3/19)

37 Titles Pete Weber (Tournament of Champions - 3/31/13)

35 Titles Parker Bohn III (Cheetah Championship - 12/20/15)

34 Titles Mark Roth (IOF Foresters Open - 4/15/95)

30 Titles Dick Weber (King Louie Open - 2/19/77)

29 Titles Mike Aulby (Silicon Valley Open - 1/21/01)

28 Titles Jason Belmonte (Scorpion Championship, 3/15/22)

26 Titles Don Johnson (Midas Open - 2/12/77)

25 Titles Brian Voss (Bayer Don & Paula Carter Mixed Doubles - 2/21/10)

22 Titles Marshall Holman (Ebonite Classic - 10/15/96)

20 Titles Tommy Jones (Hall of Fame Classic - 1/19/20) Amleto Monacelli (DHC Japan Invitational - 1/31/16) Dick Ritger (AMF Magicscore Open - 2/3/79) Wayne Webb (Bud Light Championship - 4/12/97)

19 Titles Chris Barnes (Lubbock Sports Open – 6/10/18)

18 Titles Nelson Burton Jr. (Angle Open - 2/11/84) Dave Davis (Fresno Open - 7/3/78) Billy Hardwick (Monro-Matic Open - 4/10/76) Dave Soutar (Syracuse Open - 11/9/82)

17 Titles Carmen Salvino (Miller High Life Classic - 1/6/79) Sean Rash (Chesapeake Open - 8/22/21)

16 Titles Jason Couch (Mark Roth Plastic Ball Championship - 3/6/11)

15 Titles Steve Cook (Cleveland Open - 3/21/92) EJ Tackett (PBA Doubles - 3/6/22)

14 Titles Mike Durbin (Quaker State Open - 1/26/85) Dave Husted (National/Senior Doubles - 1/15/00) Mika Koivuniemi (Viper Open – 12/21/14) Johnny Petraglia (PBA National Championship - 3/29/80) Jim Stefanich (Denver Open - 1/24/76)

13 Titles Bill Allen (Newark Open - 9/22/1968) Patrick Allen (Dydo Japan Cup - 4/25/09) Del Ballard Jr. (BPAA U.S. Open - 4/10/93) Bill O'Neill (PBA Playoffs - 11/8/20) Randy Pedersen (PBA Pepsi Open - 11/24/02) Wayne Zahn (Showboat Invitational - 1/17/76)

12 Titles Larry Laub (Kessler Open - 10/16/79) Harry Smith (Denver PBA Open - 7/18/65) Danny Wiseman (PBA Exempt Doubles Classic - 2/3/08)

11 Titles Joe Berardi (Budweiser Challenge - 10/28/89) Jim Godman (Quad Cities Open - 8/5/80) John Guenther (Ford Open - 1/3/76) David Ozio (AMF Dick Weber Classic - 11/1/95) Jesper Svensson (Best of the Best Championship - 2/9/22)

1 0 Titles Barry Asher (Tucson HBO Open - 7/20/76) Tom Baker (PBA World Championship - 3/21/04) Bryan Goebel (PBA Medford Open - 1/12/03) Steve Hoskins (Lone Star Open - 11/21/00) Tommy Hudson (Seattle Open - 6/5/82) Doug Kent (Denny's World Championship - 3/25/07) Wes Malott (Roth/Holman Doubles - 3/1/15) Mike McGrath (Winston-Salem Invitational - 12/14/73) George Pappas (Buffalo Open - 8/14/84)

9 Titles Dom Barrett (Tournament of Champions - 2/27/22) Paul Colwell (PBA Doubles Classic - 7/11/76) Dave Ferraro (Great Lakes Classic - 11/2/94) Anthony Simonsen (U.S. Open - 2/6/22)

8 Titles Ryan Ciminelli (PBA Gene Carter's Pro Shop Open - 8/18/19) Gary Dickinson (BPAA U.S. Open - 4/2/83) John Mazza (Ebonite Challenge - 10/29/97) Don McCune (Japan Gold Cup - 9/23/73) Mike Scroggins (Etonic Don Johnson Eliminator - 3/7/10) Guppy Troup (Austin Open - 7/24/85) Kyle Troup (PBA Playoffs - 5/16/21)

7 Titles Dick Allen (Cheetah Championship - 3/19/19) Roy Buckley (Buffalo Open - 7/28/81) Jakob Butturff (Lubbock Sports Shootout - 6/30/19) Don Carter (Rochester PBA Open - 11/4/62) Steve Jaros (PBA Dexter Tournament of Champions - 4/10/05) Steve Martin (Greater Los Angeles Open - 1/12/85) Hugh Miller (Dream Bowl 2002 - 9/2/02) Ernie Schlegel (USBC Masters - 5/4/96) Robert Smith (CLR Windy City Classic - 11/25/07) Bob Strampe (Waukegan Open - 8/18/68) Mark Williams (Merit Mixed Doubles Championship - 12/15/96)

6 Titles Dave D’Entremont (PBA Wichita Open - 10/13/02) Skee Foremsky (Columbia 300 Open - 11/4/74) Don Genalo (Molson Golden Bowling Challenge - 7/30/86) Don Glover (Portland Open - 6/14/70) Billy Golembiewski (Mobile Sertoma PBA Open - 2/6/65) Mike Limongello (12th Annual National Championship - 10/16/71) Andy Marzich - (San Diego PBA Open - 10/4/64) Rhino Page - (U.S. Open - 11/1/17) Ron Palombi Jr. (Bud Light PBA National Championship - 2/27/93) Les Schissler (Portland Open - 6/18/67) Gary Skidmore (Showboat Invitational - 1/25/86) Butch Soper (PBA National Championship, 6/8/96) Jess Stayrook (Kingpin Classic - 6/22/96) Jim St. John (Buckeye Open - 2/18/67) Ricky Ward (PBA Medford Open - 1/13/02) Chris Warren (Florida Open - 2/29/92)

5 Titles Glenn Allison (Oxnard PBA Open - 9/27/64) Mike Berlin (Columbia PBA Doubles Classic - 6/4/78) Roger Bowker (Columbia 300 Open - 2/7/98) George Branham III (Cleveland Open - 10/9/96) Pete Couture (Kessler Open - 6/18/83) Tim Criss (PBA National Championship - 2/27/99) Tom Crites (Kessler Classic - 7/5/89) Mike Fagan (PBA World Championship - 1/11/15) Eric Forkel (Brunswick Long Island Open - 5/1/99) Butch Gearhart (Brut Open - 11/13/73) Bob Handley (Columbia 300 Open - 8/2/90) Michael Haugen Jr. (Delaware Open - 8/21/16) Don Helling (Monroe Max-Air Open - 3/22/75) George Howard (Camden Open - 11/25/67) Earl Johnson (Madison PBA Open - 3/13/65) Marshall Kent (PBA Doubles - 3/6/22) Francois Lavoie (PBA Tournament of Champions - 02/28/21) Bob Learn Jr. (Japan Cup 2001 - 9/9/01) Marc McDowell (Rochester Open - 10/28/92) Tom Milton (Miller Lite Classic - 2/13/88) Osku Palermaa (Bowling World Open - 7/12/15) Kris Prather (PBA World Championship - 3/13/22) Ed Ressler Jr. (Houston Open - 8/4/79) Ryan Shafer (Gene Carter Pro Shop Classic - 8/23/15) Harry Sullins (Tums Classic - 3/26/94) Billy Welu (USBC Masters - 1965) Mike Wolfe (Cheetah Championship - 12/11/16)

4 Titles Mal Acosta (Lite Beer Open - 3/22/86) Mark Baker (PBA Oregon Open - 5/26/90) Bob Benoit (El Paso Open - 7/17/93) Tom Daugherty (Scorpion Championship - 3/17/21) Scott Devers (El Paso Open - 7/21/90) John Gant (Brunswick World TofC - 1/25/97) Brian Himmler (Earl Anthony Medford Classic - 1/8/06) Dennis Horan Jr. (Bayer/Brunswick TPC - 2/27/00) Joe Hutchinson (Showboat-PBA Doubles Classic - 6/27/81) Steve Neff (Houston Open - 7/31/78) Jim Pencak (Showboat Atlantic City Open - 4/14/90) Marty Piraino (Columbia 300 Open - 8/20/73) Gene Rhoda (St. Paul Open - 3/12/66) Ronnie Russell (Fall Classic Team Challenge - 11/1/16) David Traber (Peoria Open - 2/14/98) Art Trask (Fair Lanes Open - 4/16/83) Bill Tucker (Lions Club Open - 9/17/67) Tony Westlake (La Mode Classic - 8/8/91) Ron Williams (Cleveland Open - 2/20/93) Steve Wilson (PBA Flagship Open - 2/24/02)

3 Titles Andrew Anderson (PBA Doubles – 3/14/21) Dave Arnold (PBA Miller High Life Open - 10/9/01) Jack Biondolillo (Tucson PBA Open - 8/18/63) Josh Blanchard (Xtra Frame Reality Check Open - 3/19/17) Ray Bluth (Buckeye Open - 3/15/69) Ed Bourdase (Seattle Open - 6/18/74) Allie Clarke (San Jose Open - 1/6/73) Dale Eagle (Ebonite-Firebolt Open - 6/25/86) Palmer Fallgren (King Louie Open - 3/19/88) Andres Gomez (Xtra Frame Pensacola South Open - 6/21/15) Ted Hannahs (True Value Open - 2/23/85) Tim Harahan (Rochester Open - 9/2/68) Patrick Healey Jr. (PBA Dexter Tournament of Champions - 12/14/03) Tom Hennessey (Canadian PBA Open - 6/2/62) Justin Hromek (Hilton Hotels Classic - 1/21/95) Bobby Jacks (Waukegan Open - 8/21/66) Dennis Jacques (Southern California Open - 7/10/85) Mats Karlsson (Brunswick Memorial World Open - 11/19/88) Thomas Larsen (USBC Masters - 4/4/21) Robert Lawrence (BPAA U.S. Open - 4/11/92) Randy Lightfoot (Denver Open - 8/10/82) Eugene McCune (Xtra Frame Cheetah Open - 1/22/12) Mike Miller (Don Carter PBA Classic - 1/30/99) Louie Moore (Syracuse Open - 11/8/76) Scott Norton (Earl Anthony Players Championship - 3/24/13) Jimmie Pritts Jr. (King Louie Open - 3/14/87) Joe Salvemini (Columbia 300 Open - 7/26/89) Curt Schmidt (Fair Lanes Open - 2/14/76) Teata Semiz (Burger King Open - 4/3/77) Tom Smallwood (PBA World Championship – 2/25/18) Bill Spigner (City of Roses Open - 5/30/81) Jason Sterner (FloBowling PBA Illinois Open - 8/31/19) Matt Surina (Tucson Open - 6/19/81) Charlie Tapp (Toyota Classic - 11/11/89) Pete Tountas (1968 USBC Masters) Tommy Tuttle (Portsmouth Open - 3/22/69) Steve Westberg (Amarillo Open - 7/24/78) Steve Wunderlich (Columbia Senior/Touring Doubles - 8/21/85)

2 Titles Brad Angelo (Viper Championship - 12/23/12) DJ Archer (PBA/PBA50 South Shore Doubles – 8/8/15) Sam Baca (Ebonite Open - 3/4/67) Bill Beach (Don Carter Classic - 1/29/72) Jeff Bellinger (Lite Beer Championship - 4/2/88) Bob Chamberlain (Hammer Open - 7/31/85) Dennis Chapis (Eastern Open - 12/6/65) Bill Coleman (Columbia 300 Open - 9/2/80) Darylee Cox (Portland PBA Open - 9/22/63) Tommy Delutz Jr. (PBA Long Island Open - 11/18/01) Mike DeVaney (Scorpion Championship - 9/6/09) Vern Downing (Alton PBA Open - 7/21/63) Frank Ellenburg (Syracuse Open - 11/10/81) Ralph Engan (Cougar Open - 2/22/69) Mark Fahy (USBC Masters - 5/10/86) Buzz Fazio (New Jersey BPA Cavalcade - 3/14/64) Steve Fehr (Brunswick Memorial World Open - 11/20/82) Sam Flanagan (Fresno Open - 7/7/79) Henry Gonzalez (Southern California Open - 7/14/79) Carsten Hansen (PBA Scorpion Championship - 10/5/20) Bud Horn (Mercury Open - 11/16/70) Jason Hurd (PBA Pepsi Open - 11/28/04) Fred Jaskie (Brunswick Regional Champions Classic - 10/9/79) Steve Jones (Ford Open - 1/15/77) Joe Joseph (PBA Tournament of Champions - 5/20/62) Jack Jurek (Shark Championship - 9/6/09) Gus Lampo (Mercury Cougar Open - 2/5/72) Rick Lawrence (PBA BowlersParadise.com Open - 11/21/04) Fred Lening (Parkersburg PBA Open - 2/12/65) Alvin Lou (Rolaids Open - 2/2/80) Sam Maccarone (Molson Golden Bowling Challenge - 8/10/88) Mike Machuga (Chameleon Championship - 11/16/08) Shawn Maldonado (Lubbock Sports Open - 7/25/21) Pete McCordic (Miller Lite Challenge – 7/6/88) Johnny Meyer (Boston PBA Open - 8/15/65) Rowdy Morrow (Senior/Touring Doubles Championship - 8/23/90) Paul Moser (Syracuse Open - 11/7/77) Warren Nelson (ARC Alameda Open - 1/5/80) Jay Robinson (Great Adventures Open - 1976) Rick Sajek (Miller High Life Open - 3/24/84) Al Savas (Southern California PBA Open - 7/8/62) Kyle Sherman (Cheetah Championship - 3/14/22) J.B. Solomon (New Orleans Coca-Cola PBA Open - 3/16/63) Rick Steelsmith (PBA National Championship - 3/29/97) Bill Straub (Rolaids Open - 2/13/82) Bob Vespi (ABC West Lanes Open - 8/20/92) Kent Wagner (Austin Open - 7/15/87) Lonnie Waliczek (PBA Odor-Eaters Open - 3/2/03) Del Warren (Showboat PBA Doubles Classic - 6/10/87) Stuart Williams (FloBowling Tulsa Open -10/20/18) Billy Young Jr. (Tums Classic - 4/20/91) Les Zikes (Waukegan Open - 8/30/83) Sam Zurich (Buffalo Open - 8/16/83)    

1 Title Rich Abboud (PBA Touring Pro/Senior Doubles - 5/15/93) Eric Adolphson (Seattle Open - 5/30/92) Dick Agee (Las Vegas PBA Open - 4/28/62) Scott Alexander (Chevrolet PBA National Championship - 2/25/95) Bryan Alpert (Kessler Open - 6/22/88) Annop Arramsaranon (Busan Cup – 5/26/18) Cristian Azcona (Xtra Frame Wilmington Open - 5/20/18) Dick Battista (Grand Rapids Open - 8/17/70) Mitch Beasley (Chameleon Championship - 12/1/16) Dave Beckmann (Seattle Open - 7/1/80) Ron Bell (Fair Lanes Open - 4/8/89) Don Bickford (Oak Hills PBA Open - 3/31/62) Alan Bishop (Quaker State Open - 2/1/92) Glenn Blakesley (Akron Coca-Cola PBA Open - 2/17/62) J.B. Blaylock (El Paso Open - 7/19/71) Sal Bongiorno (Portland Open - 6/18/75) Terry Booth (Tucson Open - 7/16/69) Leroy Bornhop (Budweiser Classic - 11/28/87) Bo Bowden (True Value Open - 3/28/81) Darryl Bower (True Value Open - 11/16/85) Bill Bunetta (Fairless Hills PBA Open - 5/19/60) Neil Burton (USBC Masters - 5/25/80) Lou Campi (Empire State PBA Open - 5/24/59) Tony Cariello (Kessler Open - 6/26/85) Jeff Carter (GEICO Plastic Ball Championship - 2/22/09) Jimmy Certain (Columbia PBA Doubles Classic - 6/4/78) Wayne Chester (Salt Lake Open - 7/10/78) Jim Chestney (1969 USBC Masters) Bob Collatos (Las Vegas PBA Open - 10/15/65) Chris Collins (Pepsi Championship - 3/5/06) Fred Conner (Waukegan Open - 8/27/78) Toby Contreras (AC-DELCO Classic - 1/22/83) Sam Cooley (Cheetah Championship - 3/15/21) Bobby Cooper (1970 BPAA All-Star) Brian Davis (Greater Harrisburg Open - 8/19/93) John Denton (Toledo Open - 4/16/77) Joe Dignam (Huntsville Open - 7/27/69) Dick Downey (Labor Day PBA Classic - 9/3/62) Mike Edwards (IOF Foresters Bowling For Miracles Open - 4/16/94) Ray Edwards (El Paso Open - 7/6/91) Graham Fach (Barbasol PBA Players Championship – 2/21/16) Gary Faulkner Jr. (Rolltech PBA World Championship - 12/18/15) Steve Fields (Seattle Open - 6/12/93) Joe Firpo (Showboat PBA Doubles Classic - 6/10/87) Duane Fisher (Budweiser TPC - 12/1/90) John Forst (Columbia Senior/Touring Pro Doubles - 10/20/84) Dave Frame (Buffalo Open - 8/10/76) Jim Frazier (New England Open - 8/17/76) Kevin Gillette (Canadian Open - 8/26/80) Peter Hakim (Long Island Open - 4/12/86) Jerry Hale (Southern California PBA Open - 12/21/64) Bruce Hamilton (True Value Open - 2/15/92) John Handegard (Northwest Classic - 7/11/95) Tom Harnisch (Bertrand PBA Open - 8/29/65) Chris Hayden (PBA VIA Bowling Open - 2/16/03) Roger Helle (Tennesse PBA Open - 3/29/63) Tom Hess (USBC Masters – 2/13/11) Bob Hood (Home Box Office Open - 7/16/74) Dick Hoover (PBA Colt Open - 2/10/62) Mike Jasnau (ARC Alameda Open - 1/2/88) Bill Johnson (All-American PBA Classic - 2/23/63) Jimmy Johnson (Brunswick Memorial World Open - 4/18/90) Jimmy Johnson Jr. (PBA Oregon Open - 2/28/97) Liz Johnson (PBA Chameleon Championship - 12/17/17) John Juni (Tucson Open - 1/7/67) Jimmy Keeth (Tums Classic - 4/18/92) Johnny King (Hialeah PBA Open - 12/23/63) Bobby Knipple (King Louie Open - 2/3/73) Brian Kretzer (GO RVing Match Play Championship - 3/21/10) Kelly Kulick (PBA Tournament of Champions - 1/24/10) Anthony LaCaze (Earl Anthony Memorial Classic - 1/17/10) Charlie Lacy (True Value Open - 11/3/84) Dennis Lane (Portland Open - 6/7/77) Yannaphon Larpapharat (PBA/WBT Thailand - 10/6/17) Mike Lastowski (USBC Masters - 5/14/1983) Larry Lichstein (Ebonite Open - 2/6/71) Bill Lillard (Miller High Life Open - 3/5/66) Jeff Lizzi (Brunswick Memorial World Open - 11/11/92) Chris Loschetter (Lucas Oil Wolf Open - 6/18/13) Roy Lown (National PBA Invitational - 5/13/61) Ed Lubanski (Chicago PBA Open - 8/12/62) Gary Madison (Bellows-Valvair Open - 6/7/71) Gary Mage (Seattle Open - 6/5/72) Gary Martineau (Nashville Kiwanis PBA Open - 9/19/65) Jeff Mattingly (Tucson Open - 7/17/78) Jerry McCoy (Seattle Coca-Cola PBA Open - 6/21/64) Cliff McNealy (Cleveland Open - 2/24/79) Bobby Meadows (Fair Lanes Open - 2/26/72) Norm Meyers (Seattle Coca-Cola PBA Open - 9/29/63) James Miller (Showboat Invitational - 1/16/82) Mike Mineman (Bayer Classic - 2/25/07) Paul Moor (Balmaster Open - 1/11/15) B.J. Moore (PBA Wilmington Open - 8/14/19) C.K. Moore (Columbia 300 Open - 2/2/96) Jeff Morin (Seattle Open - 6/6/81) Mark Mosayebi (AC DELCO Challenge - 10/6/99) Jim Murtishaw (Bowlers Journal Florida Open - 2/21/87) Doug Myers (1979 USBC Masters) Andy Neuer (Bud Light Hall of Fame Championship - 2/19/94) Scott Newell (Ricart Ford Open – 2/19/12) John Nolen (USBC Masters - 2/15/09) Jon O’Drobinak (Quaker State Open - 2/1/86) Matt Ogle (Roth-Holman Doubles Championship - 1/20/19) Matt O'Grady (PBA Tournament of Champions – 2/18/18)) Morrie Oppenheim (Southern California PBA Open - 9/1/60) Ray Orf (All-American Classic - 7/22/62) Anthony Pepe (Cheetah Championship - 12/14/14) Jake Peters (Lucas Oil Badger Open – 6/11/13) Connor Pickford (Roth/Holman Doubles – 1/17/16) Kurt Pilon (PBA Peoria Open - 9/25/01) Lewis Ray (Baltimore PBA Open - 6/8/63) Tony Reyes (Motor City Classic - 11/5/06) Philip Ringener (Bud Light Championship - 4/20/96) Andy Rogoznica (Birmingham PBA Open - 3/10/62) Matthew Russo (Jonesboro Open - 8/8/21) Matt Sanders (Billy Hardwick Memorial Open - 6/25/17) Lou Scalia (1967 USBC Masters) Alex Seymore (STP Classic - 3/2/74) Mike Shady (Earl Anthony PBA Open - 5/23/92) Kyle Shedd (Ford Open - 2/23/80) Emmett Shutes (Showboat Invitational - 1/13/79) Gil Sliker (Showboat PBA Doubles Classic - 7/28/83) Bryon Smith (USBC Masters - 1/19/03) Robert Spaulding (Quaker State 250 - 2/4/95) Darren Tang (PBA Bowlerstore.com Classic - 8/15/21 Richie Teece (PBA Shark Championship - 12/17/17) Jon Van Hees (Scorpion Championship – 1/10/16) Chris Via (U.S. Open - 4/11/21) Skip Vigars (Cleveland Coca-Cola PBA Open - 2/24/62) Tom Warren (Showboat Best-Ball Doubles - 7/25/76) Cameron Weier (Qatar Open – 12/2/15) John Wilcox (Syracuse Open - 11/10/75) Keven Williams (Shark Championship - 3/16/22) Dave Wodka (Greater Detroit Open - 10/27/99) Tom Wright (Buffalo Open - 8/15/77)

• Professional
• Walter Ray Williams Jr.

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PBA50 Tour and PBA60 titles as of May 15, 2024 — the complete historical list

This list compiled by the PBA Tour was updated after the 2024 PBA50 Fort Myers Classic, which was won by Tom Hess on May 15, 2024 .

It includes corrections and updates by bowling historian Eric Hartman, who also compiled non–member winners that are included in this list, making it the most comprehensive list in existence.

If anyone sees anything missing or incorrect, please message me at [email protected]  and I will get it added or corrected.

PBA50 TITLES Name (Last tournament won)

16 Titles Walter Ray Williams Jr. (Odessa Open – 6/26/22)

14 Titles John Handegard (Villages Senior Tournament of Champions – 9/10/98) Pete Weber (Bud Moore PBA50 Players Championship – 8/11/23)

12 Titles Tom Baker (Dayton Classic – 7/31/14)    Gary Dickinson (Senior Northern California Classic – 7/5/06) Dale Eagle (Senior Decatur Open – 8/16/11)

11 Titles Parker Bohn III (The Villages Classic – 5/9/24) Ron Mohr (David Small's Championship Lanes Classic – 7/23/19)  Gene Stus (Senior Northern California Classic – 6/12/02)

10 Titles Amleto Monacelli (Odessa Open – 7/5/21)

9 Titles Pete Couture (Senior Jackson Open – 8/28/02) Bob Glass (Senior Chillicothe Open – 5/4/05)

8 Titles Johnny Petraglia (Senior Dayton Classic – 5/17/12) Teata Semiz (St. Petersburg Senior Open – 9/18/97)

7 Titles Earl Anthony (Tri-Cities Senior Open – 7/17/97) Tom Hess (Fort Myers Classic – 5/15/24) John Hricsina (Vermont Senior Classic – 3/19/98) Dave Soutar (Senior Storm U.S. Open – 6/6/03)

6 Titles Norm Duke (David Small’s JAX 60 Open – 8/15/21) Steve Neff (Senior Chillicothe Open – 5/6/03) Dick Weber (Senior/Touring Pro Doubles – 8/6/92)

5 Titles Chris Barnes (PBA50 World Championship – 7/23/23) Lennie Boresch Jr. (Senior U.S. Open – 6/22/22) Dave Davis (Senior Greater Detroit Open – 5/14/02) Tommy Evans (Naples Senior Open – 9/19/95) Larry Laub (Senior Northern California Classic – 7/5/01) Brian LeClair (South Shore Open – 7/18/19) Wayne Webb (Senior Jackson Open – 8/24/10) Ron Winger (Senior Clarksville Open – 8/12/03)

4 Titles Bob Chamberlain (Senior Days Inn Open – 8/27/03) Barry Gurney (Boise Senior Open – 7/1/99)

3 Titles Hobo Boothe (Seattle Senior Open – 7/4/96)  Jim Brenner (Senior Epicenter Classic – 6/28/06) Mike Dias (Northern California Classic – 5/28/19) Michael Haugen Jr. (River City Extreme Open – 7/20/18)  Bob Learn Jr. (PBA/PBA50 South Shore Doubles – 8/8/15)  Vince Mazzanti Jr. (USBC Senior Masters – 6/17/05) Eugene McCune (South Shore Open – 7/29/21)  Hugh Miller (Senior South Shore Open – 8/9/12) Mike Scroggins (DeHayes Insurance Group Championship – 8/12/15)  Mickey Spiezio (Hammond Senior Open – 6/27/91) Harry Sullins (Senior Lake County Open – 8/11/11) Don Sylvia (Northern California Classic – 6/2/10) Dale Traber (USBC Senior Masters – 8/5/11) Roger Workman (Gastonia Senior Classic – 10/5/00) Mark Williams (Senior U.S. Open – 6/11/10) Les Zikes (Don Carter Senior Classic – 9/30/92)

2 Titles Tom Adcock (The Villages Classic – 8/18/23) Richard Beattie (Jackson Senior Open – 7/15/93) John Bennett (Greater Detroit Senior Open – 5/13/03) Joel Carlson (David Small's JAX 60 Classic – 8/2/19) Jimmy Certain (Treasure Coast Senior Open – 10/25/90) Jason Couch (Hamtramck Singles Classic  – 4/25/24) Darrel Curtis (Queen City Open – 8/11/93) Steve Ferraro (Senior Dayton Classic – 4/22/10) Robert Gibbs (Pinellas Suncoast Senior Open – 10/14/92) Henry Gonzalez (Senior Manassas Open – 4/25/06) Don Helling (Showboat Senior Invitational – 8/1/98) John Janawicz (Johnny Petraglia BVL Tournament of Champions – 8/30/23) Jack Jurek (Miller High Life Classic – 4/29/15) Roger Kossert (Ladies and Legends – 5/10/07) Troy Lint (Morgantown Classic – 8/3/23) Gary Mage (Boise Senior Open – 7/24/97) John Marsala (Bud Moore Classic – 5/11/21) David Ozio (Senior Manassas Open – 5/1/07) Ross Packard (Senior Tuscon Open – 6/9/07)  George Pappas (Senior Manassas Open – 5/19/04) Mark Roth (Suncoast PBA Senior World Championship – 6/7/02) Carmen Salvino (Senior/Touring Pro Doubles Championship – 8/17/88) Al Sanford (Northwest Senior Classic – 6/8/00) Ernie Schlegel (Senior Epicenter Classic – 6/27/07) Charlie Tapp (Senior Decatur Open – 8/15/06) Brian Voss (Mooresville Open – 5/2/18)

1 Title Glenn Allison (PBA Seniors Championship – 8/20/86) Brad Angelo (Lightning Strikes Bowl Open – 4/21/22) Phil Barnes (Villages Senior Open – 9/9/98) Bill Beach (PBA Seniors Championship – 8/18/81) Jeff Bellinger (Senior St. Petersburg/Clearwater Open – 8/11/04) Louie Blancarte (Columbia Senior/Touring Pro Doubles Championship – 10/20/84) Brian Brazeau (Senior Decatur Open – 8/12/08) John Burkett (South Shore Open – 7/28/22) Paul Busch (Hammer Senior Open – 3/21/91)      Dino Castillo (USBC Senior Masters – 6/12/22)      Allan Chodor (Hammer Senior Open – 8/30/89) Kevin Croucher (Senior Decatur Open – 8/17/07) John Denton (Showboat Senior Invitational – 8/3/96)  Warren Eales (Lucas Magazine Classic – 4/23/18) Mike Edwards (USBC Senior Masters – 6/15/12) Doug Evans (Senior Don Carter Classic – 8/4/04) Sam Flanagan (Wyoming Valley Senior Open – 6/23/94) Bob Flaws (Senior Miller Lite Knockout Classic – 8/18/09) Larry Galloway (Showboat Senior Invitational – 6/25/92) Bryan Goebel (Miller Lite Players Championship – 5/16/17) Eddie Graham (DeHayes Insurance Group Classic – 8/9/16) Michael Haggitt (South Shore Classic – 7/13/23)  Bob Handley (Senior Northwest Classic – 6/25/03) Robert Harvey (Senior Ladies and Legends – 5/5/08) Michael Henry (Senior Lake County Indiana Open – 8/9/10) Gary Hiday (Senior Clarksville Open – 4/27/04) Rich Holden (Greater Providence Senior Open – 6/8/94) Dave Johnson (Bud Moore Classic – 5/16/22) Ray Johnson (Senior Manassas Open – 8/3/05) Lauri Karppala (Northern California Senior Classic – 6/6/00) Tim Kauble (Lake County Golden Anniversary Championship – 11/9/08) Mike Kench (Ladies and Legends – 4/25/96) Dan Knowlton (Ballard Championship – 7/19/23) Mika Koivuniemi (Suncoast Senior U.S. Open – 6/15/18) Brian Kretzer (PBA50 Cup – 8/12/18) Sam Maccarone (Senior Dayton Classic – 5/23/07) Lon Marshall (Jackson Senior Open – 8/12/92) Frankie May (Don Carter Senior Open – 10/20/93) Larry Miller (PBA Seniors Championship – 8/31/82) Rick Minier (Senior U.S. Open – 6/22/07) Nick Morgan (Senior Northern California Classic – 7/2/08) Rohn Morton (NBS National/Senior Doubles – 1/14/01) Kenny Parks (USBC Senior Masters – 6/13/08) Dave Patchen (Senior Council Bluffs Open – 8/2/07) Randy Pedersen (Dayton Classic – 5/16/13) Chuck Pierce (Hawthorn Lanes Senior Tour Open – 5/24/01) Mike Pullin (Hammond Senior Open – 10/20/00) Jon Rakoski (Monacelli Championship – 7/20/23) Vince Range (Showboat Senior Invitational – 7/17/99) Dan Roche (Hoosier Senior Classic – 8/21/95) Mike Samardzija (Escondido Senior Open – 7/9/92) Keith Sharp (Senior Dayton Classic – 4/29/08) Lee Snow (Senior Epicenter Classic – 6/18/03) Butch Soper (Seattle Senior Open – 6/1/00) Darrell Storkson (ABC Senior Masters – 1/9/99) Matt Surina (Senior Tucson Open – 6/10/05) Adam Toney (St. Clair Senior Open – 7/11/91) Tore Torgersen (Suncoast Senior U.S. Open – 6/14/19) Dennis Torgerson (Showboat Senior Invitational – 8/12/95) Noel Vazquez (Northern California Classic – 6/15/16) Gene Vincent (Senior Lake County Open – 8/11/05) Billy Walden (PBA Seniors Championship – 8/28/85) Chris Warren (USBC Senior Masters – 6/10/18) Phil Ware (ABC Senior Masters – 3/18/93) Norb Wetzel (Villages Senior Invitational –10/9/99) Mel Wolf (Canadian Senior Open – 6/16/94) Jimmy Young (Senior Lake County Open – 8/10/06) Sam Zurich (Senior Northern Illinois Classic – 5/16/07)

PBA60 TITLES Name (Last Tournament Won)

5 Titles Ron Mohr (Dick Weber Classic – 8/18/22)

2 Titles Amleto Monacelli (Tristan's T.A.P.S. Memorial – 8/22/22)

1 Title Tom Baker (Killer B Open – 4/17/17) Darryl Bower (Dick Weber Classic – 8/12/17) Ty Dawson (Super Senior Classic – 6/2/19) Mike Dias (Super Senior Classic – 6/3/18) Bill Henson (Dick Weber Super Senior Open – 8/16/15) Jim Knoblauch (USBC Super Senior Classic – 10/31/14) Sam Maccarone (USBC Super Senior Classic – 8/5/15) John Marsala (USBC Super Senior Classic – 6/4/23) Bill McCorkle (Dick Weber Super Senior Classic – 7/20/14) Kerry Painter (Senior/Super Senior Doubles Classic – 8/13/13) Don Sylvia (Dick Weber Championship – 8/13/16) Brian Voss (JAX 60 National Championship – 8/5/19) Mark Williams (Dick Weber Championship – 8/9/19) Junichi Yajima (USBC Super Senior Classic – 6/19/16) Walter Ray Williams Jr. (Tristan's T.A.P.S. Memorial – 7/5/23)

Greatest Bowlers of All Time: Who’s the PBA Goat in Bowling?

Whether you’re a beginner bowler or not, knowing about the greatest bowlers of all time is essential to gauge your current skill set and discover what’s possible in the sport.

You’d be surprised at some of the feats bowlers have accomplished since the inception of the sport. If you want to know who the greatest bowlers of all time are, their accomplishments, and more, you’re in the right place!

Let’s jump right in!

• 1.1 Earl Anthony
• 1.2 Pete Weber
• 1.3 Walter Ray Williams Jr.
• 1.4 Mark Roth
• 1.5 Norm Duke
• 2.1 Jason Belmonte
• 2.2 Mike Aulby
• 2.3 Don Carter
• 2.4 Del Ballard, Jr.
• 3.1 Lisa Wagner
• 3.2 Patty Costello
• 3.3 Aleta Sill
• 3.4 Robin Romeo
• 3.5 Leanne Barrette-Hulsenberg
• 4.1 Liz Johnson
• 4.2 Mike Durbin
• 4.3 Amleto Monacelli
• 4.4 Kelly Kulick
• 4.5 Jakob Butturff
• 4.6 Harry Smith
• 4.7 Danielle McEwan
• 5 The Most Famous Bowler
• 6.1 Who Was the Best Bowler in History?
• 6.2 Who Has the Most PBA Tour Titles?
• 6.3 Is Earl Anthony the Greatest Bowler of All Time?
• 6.4 Is Pete Weber the Best Bowler Ever?
• 6.5 Related Articles

Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Greatest Bowlers of All Time

Just because you belong to a respected organization like the PBA doesn’t mean you’ll end up being one of the greatest bowlers in history. Yet the organization has been fortunate enough to have many members with outstanding gameplay skills and wins among their ranks.

Here are five impressive names you’ll likely find at the top of any PBA list of exceptional bowlers:

Earl Anthony

Earl Anthony is considered one the most accomplished bowlers, winning six PBA National Championships, with 43 career titles to his name.

Pete Weber has his own collection of 37 PBA Tour titles, 6 PBA 5 0 titles, and recognition of his achievements in 10 major championships.

Walter Ray Williams Jr.

Walter Ray Williams, Jr. has had 47 career titles and is widely known as the bowler with the most wins. Williams won eight primary championships during his career.

Mark Roth is a legend who won 34 career titles. He also won two major championships and set a record for the most single-season championships.

Norm Duke won 2 PBA 50 titles in addition to his 38 titles, which include 7 major championships.

This list is by no means exhausted, and many other spectacular bowlers’ names rank among these names for any number of reasons.

Bowling is a popular sport with many stars that are established and rising. They have worked for their status and for other bowlers to learn from. But when it comes to name recognition, skill, and achievements, these are the five names you will most likely see repeatedly regarding their PBA association.

Best Male Bowlers of All Time

Even though the PBA list includes only males, that doesn’t mean all male bowling greats are found within their lists of the greatest bowlers around.

Here are the five best male bowlers of all time: 

Jason Belmonte

Jason Belmonte has an impressive 13 major titles to his name. The fact that he’s considered one of the best male bowlers out there might not surprise anyone who knows that he was raised in his family’s bowling alley. In fact, Belmonte rolled his first ball at only 18 months old!

Mike Aulby is one of a handful of people who were able to get 8 major titles. Aulby is widely known for his overall championship performances throughout his career.

Don Carter won 6 major titles in his career. Carter was also a charter member and the first president of the PBA.

Del Ballard, Jr.

Del Ballard, Jr. won the titles at 2 US Opens, a Masters, and a PBA National Championship during his career. He’s included in multiple halls of fame, honoring his contribution to excellence in bowling.

Jason Couch , being the only bowler to win three Tournament of Champions titles and a Touring Players Championship, made history. He also achieved 16 PBA titles throughout his career.

The names on the Best Bowler of All Time list include some of the best players bowling has had in the sport over the decade. But remember, records are broken all the time, so several other names could easily have been listed.

Best Female Bowlers of All Time

Women’s bowling has seen some of the most talented players within the sport. So, while you’ll find many different names on lists of the top female bowlers of all time, don’t be surprised to find these five bowlers on every single one:

Lisa Wagner

Lisa Wagner is arguably the most celebrated female bowler of her time. She earned the most professional titles throughout her career and was inducted into the Women’s Professional Bowling Hall of Fame.

Patty Costello

Patty Costello racked up an impressive 25 professional titles and set a record for winning the most titles within a year. Costello is also a member of the USBC Hall of Fame.

Aleta Sill is widely known as the first female bowler to have won over one million dollars in bowling – an impressive feat on its own! Sill also won the Triple Crown twice and is a member of eight bowling halls of fame. On top of that, she also earned 32 PWBA Championships.

Robin Romeo

Robin Romeo won 17 professional titles and was named Bowler of the Year in 1980. She also set multiple records when she qualified for 77 successive tournaments.

Leanne Barrette-Hulsenberg

Leanne Barrette-Hulsenberg won 26 PWBA titles and Player of the Year 3 times. Barrette-Hulsenberg is also one of just four women who has won more than one million dollars while on the PWBA tour.

The women on this list have accomplished more than most of their peers, earning them a place amongst the best bowlers of all time. 

The Most Popular Bowlers

If you want to know who the most popular bowlers are, look above; the bowlers mentioned above are famous for their outstanding accomplishments. They’re also known for being well-liked.

These traits have fostered some serious supporters and fans over the years, making everyone on the lists above a part of the popular crowd.

You can also include honorable mentions:

Liz Johnson

Mike Durbin

Amleto Monacelli

Kelly Kulick

Jakob Butturff

Harry Smith

Danielle McEwan

Many others deserve a place on any most popular bowlers list. Visit any official bowling regulating website and look at their Hall of Fame members to find a plethora of other names. There are many other talented players to learn about there!

The Most Famous Bowler

While winning the most games and money is what some bowlers are all about, there’s a lot to be said about being the most famous bowler around. Name recognition and sponsorships are rewards in themselves, and it doesn’t hurt if you happen to be more famous than accomplished in sports.

Selecting just one bowler isn’t easy, and there are no discernable rules for what would make one bowler more famous than another. Yet, if you were to search for the most famous bowler of all time, you’d likely see the name Earl Anthony.

You likely recognize that name from the (PBA) Greatest Bowler of All Time list earlier in this article. Anthony has been repeatedly named on fans’ most famous lists for years and is remembered as a master of his generation of bowling. Even though Anthony passed away in 2001, his name has been memorialized as a genuine and talented professional bowler.

Is Your Favorite Bowler Missing From Our List?

It’s entirely possible that your favorite bowler(s) is not on our list. If that’s the case, it could just be due to chance. That doesn’t mean that the bowler(s) you had in mind is no less awesome than you think they are.

You might already know an outstanding bowler who plays a few lanes down from you every Saturday. Even so, these lists of the Greats are the subject of many interesting conversations about this amazing sport.

Who Was the Best Bowler in History?

Earl Anthony is widely acknowledged as the best bowler in history, having secured a remarkable 43 career titles. His skill, precision, and consistency on the lanes set a standard of excellence, marking him a standout performer in professional bowling.

Who Has the Most PBA Tour Titles?

Walter Ray Williams Jr. holds the record for the most PBA Tour titles, with 47. A dominant figure in professional bowling, Williams’ exceptional talent and competitive spirit have earned him a revered place in bowling history, showcasing a career marked by consistency and top-tier performances.

Is Earl Anthony the Greatest Bowler of All Time?

Earl Anthony’s legacy as the greatest bowler of all time is well-founded. With a collection of 43 career titles and six PBA National Championships, Anthony’s contributions to the sport are unparalleled, showcasing mastery that continues to be celebrated in the bowling community.

Is Pete Weber the Best Bowler Ever?

Pete Weber is undoubtedly a bowling legend, amassing 37 PBA Tour titles and 10 major championships. However, the title of “the best bowler ever” is often attributed to Earl Anthony, given his higher number of career titles and iconic status in the sport.

Related Articles

• Bowling in the 70s
• Bowling a Perfect 300
• Bowling Movies

And you can continue the conversation in your own life; look to more experienced players at your alley to learn about bowling’s evolution and those who have impacted it over the years.

You can even strike up a conversation with fellow bowlers and ask who they feel belongs on any of these lists. You’re likely to enjoy some lively discussions and debates.

We hope you found this article helpful, and we wish you the best with your individual growth in the sport! 

Kira Byrd , a Certified Fraud Examiner, holds a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. With a passion for bowling from her childhood, Kira has poured her expertise and personal experiences into creating and nurturing Bowling For Beginners. Kira’s mission is to meet new bowlers where they are and guide them toward consistently achieving higher scores. With a focus on skill development and strategic techniques, she empowers readers to take control of their game and unlock their true potential.

Bowling For Beginners embodies strict editorial integrity, ensuring reliable and unbiased information. Kira’s commitment to delivering valuable insights and practical strategies is reflected in every article. Here’s an explanation of our editorial policy and how we get money.

The Extraordinary Career of Walter Ray Williams Jr.

• By: Bowling Fix
• Posted: July 17, 2022
• No Comments

Walter Ray Williams Jr. is a name synonymous with success in the world of competitive bowling. Walter’s career began in the mid-1970s when he joined the Professional Bowlers Association ( PBA ). He is the highest earning male bowler, and PBA member to date.

Professional Bowler and Horseshoe Pitcher

Walter Ray Williams Jr. is an American professional bowler and competitive horseshoes pitcher. Horseshoe pitching? Yes, Horseshoe pitching. Even though he is a member of the USBC and PBA Halls of Fame, he is also a member of the World Horseshoe Pitching Hall of Fame.

A League of Ordinary Gentlemen

Walter Ray Williams Jr was also featured in a documentary about professional bowling. “A League of Ordinary Gentlemen” is a documentary film about ten-pin bowling that was released on DVD on March 21, 2006. The movie was written and directed by Christopher Browne and stars professional bowlers Pete Weber, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Chris Barnes, and Wayne Webb.

Most PBA Earnings

As of June 26, 2022, Williams is the leader of the all-time titles on the PBA50 Tour with 16 wins. He has been named PBA50 Player of the Year three times and has won three majors. Williams has also rolled 110 career perfect 300 games in PBA competition through 2019. He has won 47 PBA Tour titles and over $4.9 million in prize money as of 2019.

Senior Titles

Williams is the first person in history to have 100 total PBA titles (combined PBA Tour, Regional Tour, PBA50 Tour, and PBA50 Regional Tour titles). As of April 13, 2021, this number has increased to 119. Williams also holds nine world championships in horseshoes (three junior titles and six men’s titles).

Walter quickly made a name for himself on the PBA Tour, winning his first PBA title in 1976. Walter would go on to win an astounding 47 PBA titles over the course of his career, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest bowlers of all time.

PBA Regional Tour

On December 18, 2016, Williams became the first player in history to reach 100 total PBA titles. The total is now 119 through April 13, 2021. Williams has also won nine world championships in the game of horseshoes (3 junior titles and 6 men’s titles).

PBA Player of the Year

Walter’s accomplishments on the PBA Tour earned him the Player of the Year award a record many many times.

In recent years, Walter has shifted his focus to the PBA50 Tour, where he has continued to find success. As of June 26, 2022, Walter is the leader of the all-time titles on the PBA50 Tour with 16 wins.

PBA Senior Tou r

Williams announced in 2010 that he would participate in the PBA Senior Tour (renamed the PBA50 Tour in 2013), but only in a few events because of his other commitments.

In the 2011 PBA Senior season, Williams had a chance to become the only bowler to win both the USBC Masters and Senior USBC Masters. But he again came in second, this time losing to Dale Traber in the finals, 707-695.

Williams won the 2014 USBC Senior Masters and became only the second bowler to win both the USBC Masters and USBC Senior Masters (following Dave Soutar). On June 11, 2017, Williams won his second USBC Senior Masters, becoming the only player in history to win the USBC Masters and USBC Senior Masters twice each.

After the 2020 PBA50 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Williams won the opening event of the 2021 PBA50 Tour season on April 13. With a 708-655 victory over Michael Haugen Jr. in the three-game final at the PBA50 Lightning Strikes Open, Williams held the most PBA50 Tour titles of all time, with 16.

Williams extended the record to 16 by winning the 2022 PBA50 Odessa Open on June 26.

World Championships

In addition to his success on the PBA Tour and PBA50 Tour, Walter has also found success in horseshoe pitching, winning nine world championships (three junior and six men’s titles).

Walter Ray Williams Jr. is one of the most accomplished bowlers in history. With 47 PBA titles and 16 PBA50 titles, Walter has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest bowlers of all time. Thanks to his success on the PBA Tour, PBA50 Tour, and in horseshoes pitching, Walter has earned the title of “The Greatest Bowler of All Time”.

Walter Ray Williams Jr. is a name synonymous with success in the world of competitive bowling.

Trowbridge was the first bowler in history to make over $2 million in career earnings, accomplishing this in 1997. He also became the first $3 million career winner in 2008 when he won the 2003 U.S. Open. Williams also established a new record for single-season winnings, earning $419,700 during the 2002-03 PBA season. Kyle Troup would break this record in 2021.

In 2007-2008, Williams set the second-highest average in PBA history for a single season. Only Norm Duke’s 2006-2007 average was higher at the time. That record has since been broken by Jason Belmonte’s 228.81 in the 2012-2013 season.

Walter Ray Williams Jr has bowled 110 perfect games in PBA competition. This is second only to the 114 perfect games bowled by Parker Bohn III. When Williams won the 2009 Motor City Open championship, he extended his record of winning at least one PBA Tour title per season to 17 consecutive seasons. This streak ended when Williams failed to win a title in the 2010-11 season.

PBA World Championship Career

With his first standard title in ’86, he wasted no time crushing the competition, Walter won the PBA World Championship an incredible 7 times between 1986 and 2000. Walter’s dominance on the lanes is further illustrated by his record-setting 3 consecutive PBA World Championships from 1999 to 2001.

PBA CAREER STANDARD TITLES (39):

• 1986 – True Value Open, Peoria, IL; Fair Lanes Open, Baltimore, MD; Hammer Open, Edmond, OK 
• 1987 – Miller Lite Classic, Miami, FL; Hammer Open, Edmond, OK 
• 1991 – Oronamin C Japan Cup, Tokyo, Japan
• 1993 – Flagship City Open, Erie, PA; Columbia 300 Open, San Antonio, TX; Northwest Classic, Kennewick, WA; Oregon Open, Portland, OR; Tucson Open, Tucson, AZ; Greater Grand Rapids Open, Grand Rapids, MI; Paula Carter’s Homestead Classic, Homestead, FL 
• 1994 – Showboat Invitational, Las Vegas, NV
• 1995 – Rochester Open, Rochester, NY 
• 1996 – Track Snergy Open, Kennewick, WA; Showboat Invitational, Las Vegas, NV; Brunswick Johnny Petraglia Open, North Brunswick, NJ; Rochester Open, Rochester, NY; Greater Harrisburg Open, Mechanicsburg, PA
• 1997 – Columbia 300 Open, Austin, TX; Brunswick Johnny Petraglia Open, North Brunswick, NJ; St. Clair Classic, Fairview Heights, IL
• 1998 – Storm Flagship Open, Erie, PA; Brunswick Johnny Petraglia Open, Coram, NY; Bay City Classic, Bay City, MI; National Finance Championship, Indianapolis, IN
• 1999 – Tuscon Open, Tucson, AZ 
• 2000 – Track Canandaigua Open, Canandaigua, NY; Brunswick Johnny Petraglia Open, North Brunswick, NJ
• 2001-02 – PBA Greater Cincinnati Classic, Erlanger, KY
• 2002-03 – PBA Greater Detroit Open, Taylor, MI 
• 2003-04 – PBA Earl Anthony Classic, Tacoma, WA
• 2004-05 – Uniroyal Tire Classic Wickliffe, OH
• 2006-07 – DYDO Japan Cup, Tokyo, Japan
• 2007-08 – Motor City Classic, Taylor, MI; Great Lakes Classic, Wyoming, MI
• 2008-09 – Lake County Indiana Golden Anniversary Championship, Lake County, IN
• 2009-10 – Motor City Open, Allen Park, MI 

In addition to his PBA titles, Walter has also won numerous other prestigious bowling tournaments, including 10 USBC Masters titles and 2 PBA Tournament of Champions titles. Walter’s success on the lanes has led to him amassing over $4.9 million in career earnings, making him the highest-earning bowler in PBA history.

PBA Hall of Fame

Walter’s accomplishments have earned him a place in both the PBA and USBC Halls of Fame. Walter is also a member of the inaugural class of the World Bowling Writers Hall of Fame. There is no doubt that Walter Ray Williams Jr. is one of the greatest bowlers of all time.

In addition to his PBA titles, Walter has also won numerous other prestigious awards, including 9 PBA player of the year awards. See his full list here:

• PBA Player of the Year (1986, ’93, ’96, ’97, ’98, 2002-03, 2009-10)
• Harry Smith Point Leader Award (1993, ’94, ’96, ’97, ’98, 2002-03, 2007-08, 2009-10)
• George Young High Average Award (1993, ’96, ’97, ’98, 2002-03, 2004-05, 2007-08, 2009-10)
• PBA President (1995-96 and 2001-02)
• PBA Hall of Fame (1995)
• USBC Hall of Fame (2005)
• Ranked second to Earl Anthony on the list of 50 Greatest Players in PBA History (2009)
• 2010 PBA50 Rookie of the Year
• 2012 and 2013 PBA50 Player of the Year
• Seven-time Bowling ESPY Award winner
• 2016 South Region PBA50 Player of the Year

Walter Ray Williams Jr. is one of the most successful and decorated bowlers in history. With over 4.9 million in career earnings, Walter is the highest earning bowler of all time. Walter’s accomplishments have earned him a place in both the PBA and USBC Halls of Fame. There is no doubt that Walter Ray Williams Jr. is one of the greatest bowlers of all time.

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Bowling Fix

Iowan Tom Hess is one of nation's best bowlers. His career has been full of ups and downs.

Tom Hess walks through the garage of his Granger home on an April afternoon and stops at a picture that’s hanging on a side wall. The photo, surrounded by a ladder and some racks with boxes, shows Hess holding the 2011 United States Bowling Congress Masters Champion trophy and celebrating his monumental victory.

“Whoever took that picture was in the right spot at the right time,” Hess said. “Because you can see I get ahold of the trophy and I just turned to the crowd and I just screamed, ‘Yeah!’”

The photo, part of a welcome message for the 2012 Masters, is one of the 54-year-old Iowa native’s favorite possessions. It’s from perhaps the biggest moment of his bowling career, when he captured a championship at one of the most prestigious events on the Professional Bowlers Association schedule.

“You can see the tears in my eyes,” he said. “I’m 41 years old and I’ve just fulfilled a lifelong dream. I’m a PBA champion.”

It was a dream that almost didn’t become a reality. Hess spent years grinding at tournaments and working odd jobs. He hoped to one day make a career in the sport. The victory helped catapult Hess, now a Hall of Famer, into one of the best bowlers in the world.

“He never gave up on that dream of getting better and better at this game,” said PBA commissioner Tom Clark.

Hess' wild career through bowling

Bowling has been an important part of Hess’ life since he first started rolling pins down alleys when he was 4 years old. The Indianola native grew up in a family full of avid bowlers including his mom, dad, grandpa, grandpa, aunts and uncles. Hess’ dad worked at Indian Lanes, an alley in their hometown. The perk allowed Hess to come in and bowl as often as he wanted, free of charge. He took advantage of it almost daily.

The hard work paid off. When Hess was 10, he got into a youth travel bowling league. Players in the league would hop from alley to alley around central Iowa, competing against other bowlers in their age division. Hess was among the best.

He picked up his first major victory when he was about 13. Hess went to a youth tournament in Kansas City, Mo., and took down the rest of the competition.

By 18, he was bowling in adult tournaments.

"I always wanted to be a professional bowler," he said.

Hess got that shot. He started his PBA career as a star on the regional tour. In 2003, he won the Midwest Region Rookie of the Year. A year later, he won his first regional title. Despite the success, Hess couldn't turn it into a full-time career. He had other responsibilities. Hess and his wife Sue, have two kids, daughter Megan and son Andrew. Paying the mortgage and putting food on the table was the priority.

Sometimes Hess couldn't afford to compete in a tournament. Sue says there were times when she worried if they'd be able to get by if Tom came home without any winnings. He always did, though. But the stress and the risk were too much. Hess had to put a career as a bowler on the back burner. He worked various jobs, delivering trench boxes and sod. He tried to find time in his schedule for events and opportunities to make some money bowling.

One time, Hess took a day off from his job at United Rentals to drive to Omaha for a qualifying event. After making the cut, he drove home, worked in the afternoon the next day, and got back in his car to head back for the rest of the event. He finished 18th. He did the same thing for another event in Kansas City that year.

Living in both worlds wasn't easy for Hess, but he did it for decades. He was far from focused on just bowling. His job sometimes interfered with his bowling. Hess sometimes dealt with costumers while he was in the middle of an event.

"Just focus on the bowling, that's what he needed and he never got it," said Hall of Famer bowler Jeff Richgels, a close friend of Hess.

Hess banked that his victory in the 2011 Masters, his first PBA Tour victory, would get him an exemption on the tour for two years. Hess had planned to quit working and spend all his time on bowling. But that fall, the PBA decided to get away from its exempt model. It was a crushing blow to Hess, who by that time was 41 and still spending time going back and forth between home and bowling events so he could keep working.

Hess and his wife, who works at Wells Fargo, tried to save up as much money as possible so he could one day go all in on bowling. Eventually, it got to be too much. Sue wanted her husband to pursue his dream and urged him to quit his job delivering sod. Tom wasn't sold until she drove him into the office one night. His boss, a friend of his, was there. Tom was told they needed someone who could focus on the job. And Tom needed to focus on bowling. He called Sue, who was driving home.

"He's like, 'Hey, turn around,'" Sue said. "I was like, 'OK, great.'"

His career was never the same.

"The thing that he did above everything else is stick with it, no matter what happened."

When Hess turned his attention to just bowling, his career took off. When he was 50, he joined the PBA50 Tour, for players 50 or older. He became a star. The victory at the Masters put him on everyone's radar. But his time on the PBA50 Tour helped his stock soar.

His first season, which was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, was in 2021. Hess shined by winning the season’s final two events, the Senior U.S. Open and USBC Senior Masters, both major championships, to secure the PBA50 Tour Player and Rookie of the Year honors. Only two other players, Norm Duke and Tom Baker, had done that.

Hess beat three Hall of Famers, including legendary bowler Pete Weber, on his way to the Senior Masters victory. In 2023, Hess won the Petraglia Championship and the Fort Myers Lightning Strikes Classic. The late career success was a huge reward for all the years of patience Hess endured.

"The thing that he did above everything else is stick with it, no matter what happened," Clark, the PBA commissioner, said.

Hess wonders what his career may have looked like had he gone all in on bowling sooner. But part of him is thankful for how it's worked out. Hess wonders if he would have been able to handle the success at such a young age. Hess gave up drinking after Sue gave him an ultimatum. He had gotten drunk, went to a casino on the way home from a tournament and lost "every penny I had."

Sue told him he could keep drinking or he could be with her and their son. He chose to quit and has been sober since 1997.

"I quit cold turkey that night," Tom said.

The decision has helped his personal life and his career. Hess believes staying sober gives him an advantage over some of his competitors, who may enjoy that part of life on the road. He spends his time at tournaments bowling, enjoying a nice dinner and then going to bed. Hess will sometimes be the designated driver for friends.

Life is as good as it's ever been for Hess, who is now entirely focused on bowling. He does commentary for BowlTV. During one of the broadcasts, Clark jumped on for what Hess thought was an appearance to talk about the upcoming PBA50 Tour. Instead, it was to let Hess know he was being inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame. Hess, known for his fiery approach at the alley, got emotional. The broadcast's chat space filled up with congratulatory messages from friends, fans and family who knew how hard Hess worked over the years.

"He got the credentials to be considered for the Hall of Fame in a very quick time," Clark said.

Hess' patience has paid off in so many other ways as well. He has contracts with equipment and jersey representatives, which adds to his income. Hess also brings in plenty of money from winnings. Sue said the goal in the past was to simply break even. But his career has turned into a money-maker recently, with Tom now earnning more than Sue.

Hess has even become a celebrity in the bowling world. During one family trip, he was recognized while they were at the top of a mountain.

"It's surreal, is the only way to put it," Sue said. "It doesn't seem like it's real. It's fast. To me, he's just Tom and he's always just been Tom."

But now, he's Tom Hess, bowling Hall of Famer. And he has no plans to quit, at least not anytime soon. Hess said he plans to continue doing some major events on the PBA Tour. He hopes to continue on the PBA50 Tour for at least another decade. After all, this is what he's been waiting to do for decades. Hess now finally has the chance.

"It's always been a dream," he says with a smile.

Tommy Birch, the Register's sports enterprise and features reporter, has been working at the newspaper since 2008. He's the 2018, 2020 and 2023 Iowa Sportswriter of the Year. Reach him at [email protected] or 515-284-8468.

Local professional bowler returns to Albuquerque after winning PBA Major Title

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  (KRQE) –DeeRonn Booker is the Pro Shop manager at Santa Ana Star Casinos Starlight Bowling Center, and the 33-year-old bowler accomplished a major feat on March 31, in Las Vegas, NV. Just a full-time-professional bowler for two seasons, Booker won this year’s USBC Masters, which is one of five events considered to be major events in bowling.

“It was hard to explain, I mean sometimes we think in the back of our minds that this may never happen, but when it did happen I immediately started thinking of all of the people that have helped me get to that point,” said Booker.

This marks Booker’s 1st PBA victory in what was his first TV appearance. Booker was undefeated in this grueling tournament. Making it through the 64-player bracket, Booker knocked out four PBA Tour Champions. “A guy who has won this event twice already, another guy who has won this event four times, the best bowler in the world for the last years, I am like what!? You know, that is exactly what I told myself, I was like are you kidding me? I can tell you that I was so hyper-focused, that I have never been that focused ever in competing and doing anything, and now it’s about trying to figure out how to channel that again”, said Booker.

With this win, Booker is the third African American to win a PBA Tour title, and the first African American to win the Masters. Booker looks to keep winning titles, but he also looks to be a role model and ambassador for the sport.

“I want people to understand my personality, I want them to understand that I am the same person that when you walk in here and say hi, I can’t get the ball to fit right so he is out there on the lane 11-shots shooting 300. You know, with anything that I am doing because everyone means so much to me and what I am doing, like I want them to feel apart of it too”, said Booker.

DeeRonn will continue to work at Santa Ana Star Casino at the pro shop and giving people lessons, but the professional will also be on the road for tournaments. Booker will compete in Kingman, AZ, next on May 4-5.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.

The Sports Report: Dodgers can’t get offense going in loss

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From Mike DiGiovanna : Long lines snaked out from Dodger Stadium entrances a good three hours before Thursday night’s game, and most of the 53,527 fans in attendance were in their seats well before first pitch, a rarity for the notoriously late-arriving Chavez Ravine crowds.

The draw? It was Shohei Ohtani bobblehead night, the two-way star’s first as a Dodger since signing a 10-year, $700-million deal in December, with a doll of the slugger in his batting stance given to the first 40,000 fans through the turnstiles.

“It’s great for Shohei, it’s good for the Dodgers,” manager Dave Roberts said before the game against the Cincinnati Reds. “I mean, it’s gonna be a hot-ticket item for fans lucky enough to grab one of those.”

There were plenty of Ohtani bobbleheads on eBay Thursday night, with asking prices as high as $5,000.

For those who arrived too late to get an Ohtani bobblehead, the Dodgers can commiserate. They, too, left Chavez Ravine empty handed, managing only four singles–one a bloop, one that didn’t leave the infield–against seven pitchers in a 7-2 loss to a struggling Reds team that had lost 15 of its previous 19 games. It’s the first time since 2018 that Dodgers have gone without an extra base hit in two straight games.

Cincinnati shortstop Elly De La Cruz had four hits, a walk, an RBI and a career-high four stolen bases, and Dodgers ace Tyler Glasnow was roughed up for four runs and six hits in five innings, as the Dodgers lost their second straight game, their first such streak since they lost three in a row to Washington and the New York Mets on April 17-20.

Dodgers pitcher Emmet Sheehan has season-ending Tommy John surgery

Dodgers box score

MLB standings

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From Dan Woike : As the Lakers continued meeting with prospects in the final days of the NBA draft combine, their coaching search continued to be a strong topic of conversation among rival scouts and executives.

Internally, Lakers sources not authorized to speak publicly have tried to describe their coaching search as being a “wide open” process, with things still in the early stages.

Following the dismissal of Darvin Ham , the team began researching a batch of candidates that included top assistants, former head coaches and, yes, broadcaster-podcaster JJ Redick .

Candidate interviews are close, but as of now, anything being discussed with certainty has been called “hypothetical” by candidates involved in the process.

But despite what the Lakers are saying, many around the league view Redick as the favorite and offered varying levels of approval.

Continue reading here

NBA PLAYOFFS SCHEDULE

All times Pacific

Second round

Western Conference

No. 1 Oklahoma City vs. No. 5 Dallas at Oklahoma City 117, Dallas 95 ( box score ) Dallas 119, at Oklahoma City 110 ( box score ) at Dallas 105, Oklahoma City 101 ( box score ) Oklahoma City 100, at Dallas 96 ( box score ) Dallas 104, at Oklahoma City 92 ( box score ) Saturday at Dallas, 5:30 p.m., ESPN *Monday at Oklahoma City, 5:30 p.m., TNT

No. 2 Denver vs. No. 3 Minnesota Minnesota 106, at Denver 99 ( box score ) Minnesota 106, at Denver 80 ( box score ) Denver 117, at Minnesota 90 ( box score ) Denver 115, at Minnesota 107 ( box score ) at Denver 112, Minnesota 97 ( box score ) at Minnesota 115, Denver 70 ( box score ) Sunday at Denver, TBD, TNT

Eastern Conference

No. 1 Boston vs. No. 4 Cleveland at Boston 120, Cleveland 95 ( box score ) Cleveland 118, at Boston 94 ( box score ) Boston 106, at Cleveland 93 ( box score ) Boston 109, at Cleveland 102 ( box score ) at Boston 113, Cleveland 98 ( box score )

No. 2 New York vs. No. 6 Indiana at New York 121, Indiana 117 ( box score ) at New York 130, Indiana 121 ( box score ) at Indiana 111, New York 106 ( box score ) at Indiana 121, New York 89 ( box score ) at New York 121, Indiana 91 ( box score ) Friday at Indiana, 5:30 p.m., ESPN *Sunday at New York, 12:30 p.m., ABC

*-if necessary

From Bill Plaschke : The buzz reached its peak late in the fourth quarter, the Sparks losing but winning, the stands downcast but dancing, the tiny gym teeming with hope.

The buzz that has swarmed the WNBA in recent weeks finally came to the Southland on Wednesday, engulfing a cellar team that played as if competing for a title in front of fans who cheered like they were champions.

The Sparks lost their season opener 92-81 to the favored Atlanta Dream, but make no mistake.

This is not the Sparks team that finished the last three seasons with losing records. This is not the Sparks team that has been recently booed and questioned and, worst of all, ignored.

Sparks guard Layshia Clarendon (25) drives to the basket under pressure from Atlanta Dream guard Haley Jones at Walter Pyramid in Long Beach on Wednesday. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) These Sparks look different. These Sparks feel reborn. These Sparks play with spark.

From Kevin Baxter : Lionel Messi will make an MLS-record $20.45 million this season but he’s just one of six millionaires playing for league-leading Inter Miami, according to salary figures released Thursday by the MLS players association.

The league’s average guaranteed compensation is $594,389, up 12% from last season, with the median salary topping $308,000. Nine players have guaranteed compensation of more than $5.2 million and 20 have guaranteed compensation of more than $3.5 million.

Messi, who leads the league in goal contributions with 10 scores and an MLS-best nine assists, has a base salary of $12 million and guaranteed compensation of $20,446,667, the same as last summer. But his pay was prorated in 2023 because he didn’t join MLS until midseason. His guaranteed salary is larger than the total of payrolls of 25 other teams.

New USL League One team in Antelope Valley builds on buzz with crest, name reveal party

NHL PLAYOFFS SCHEDULE

C1 Dallas vs. C3 Colorado Colorado 4, at Dallas 3 (OT) ( box score ) at Dallas 5, Colorado 3 ( box score ) Dallas 4, at Colorado 1 ( box score ) Dallas 5, at Colorado 1 ( box score ) Colorado 5, at Dallas 3 ( box score ) Friday at Colorado, 7 p.m., TNT *Sunday at Dallas, TBD

P1 Vancouver vs. P2 Edmonton at Vancouver 5, Edmonton 4 ( box score ) Edmonton 4, at Vancouver 3 (OT) ( box score ) Vancouver 4, at Edmonton 3 ( box score ) at Edmonton 3, Vancouver 2 ( box score ) at Vancouver 3, Edmonton 2 ( box score ) Saturday at Edmonton, 5 p.m., ESPN *Monday at Vancouver, TBD

M1 New York Rangers vs. M2 Carolina at New York 4, Carolina 3 ( box score ) at New York 4, Carolina 3 (2 OT) ( box score ) New York 3, at Carolina 2 (OT) ( box score ) at Carolina 4, New York 3 ( box score ) Carolina 4, at New York 1 ( box score ) New York 5, at Carolina 3 ( box score )

A1 Florida vs. A2 Boston Boston 5, at Florida 1 ( box score ) at Florida 6, Boston 1 ( box score ) Florida 6, at Boston 2 ( box score ) Florida 3, at Boston 2 ( box score ) Boston 2, at Florida 1 ( box score ) Friday at Boston, 4 p.m., TNT *Sunday at Florida, TBD

THIS DATE IN SPORTS

1875 — Aristides wins the first Kentucky Derby by one-quarter length over Volcano. The day marks the opening of Churchill Downs with an estimated 10,000 spectators witnessing the first Derby. Aristides is ridden and trained by Black jockeys Oliver Lewis and Ansel Williamson, respectively.

1915 — Rhine Maiden wins the Preakness Stakes, to produce the only Kentucky Derby-Preakness wins by fillies in the same year. The 1915 Derby was won by Regret, who did not compete in the Preakness.

1925 — Tris Speaker of the Cleveland Indians collects his 3,000th career hit off Tom Zachry in a 2-1 loss to the Washington Senators.

1959 — Sam Snead sets PGA record for 36 holes at 122.

1969 — Baltimore, Cleveland and Pittsburgh agree to go from NFC to AFC in NFL.

1970 — Hank Aaron gets an infield single off Cincinnati’s Wayne Simpson for his 3,000th hit.

1979 — Dave Kingman of the Cubs hits three home runs and Mike Schmidt of the Phillies hits two, as Philadelphia beats Chicago 23-22 in 10 innings at Wrigley Field. The game includes 11 home runs, 50 hits and 109 at-bats.

1983 — The New York Islanders beat the Edmonton Oilers 4-2 to win their fourth consecutive Stanley Cup.

1992 — Betsy King captures her first LPGA Championship by a record 11 strokes over JoAnne Carner, Liselotte Neumann and Karen Noble. King’s margin of victory breaks the LGPA championship mark of 10 set by Patty Sheehan in 1984.

1998 — David Wells pitches the 13th perfect game in modern major league history as the New York Yankees beat the Minnesota Twins 4-0.

1998 — LPGA Championship Women’s Golf, DuPont CC: 20-year-old rookie Se Ri Pak leads wire-to-wire to win the first of her 5 majors, 3 strokes ahead of runners-up Donna Andrews and Lisa Hackney.

2000 — Australia’s Susie O’Neill breaks the oldest record in international swimming, winning the 200-meter butterfly and beating the 1981 mark by Mary T. Meagher. O’Neill is timed in 2 minutes, 5.81 seconds, topping the record by 0.15 seconds.

2012 — Hall of Famer Johnny Petraglia becomes the first player in Professional Bowlers Association history to win a national or senior tour title in six decades, beating Ron Mohr 220-204 in the PBA Senior Dayton Classic. The 65-year-old Petraglia won the first of his 14 PBA national tour titles in 1966 in Fort Smith, Ark., at the age of 19. Dick Weber also won PBA titles in six decades, but his mark includes a PBA regional title.

2014 — The Houston Rockets advance to the Western Conference finals for the first time in 18 years after overcoming a 3-1 series deficit to eliminate the Clippers with a 113-100 victory.

Compiled by the Associated Press

Until next time...

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Today in Sports - Michael Jordan’s autographed Air Nike 1s from 1985 sell for a record $560,000

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1875 — Aristides wins the first Kentucky Derby by one-quarter length over Volcano. The day marks the opening of Churchill Downs with an estimated 10,000 spectators witnessing the first Derby. Aristides is ridden and trained by African Americans Oliver Lewis and Ansel Williamson, respectively.

1915 — Rhine Maiden wins the Preakness Stakes, to produce the only Kentucky Derby-Preakness wins by fillies in the same year. The 1915 Derby was won by Regret, who did not compete in the Preakness.

1925 — Tris Speaker of the Cleveland Indians collects his 3,000th career hit off Tom Zachry in a 2-1 loss to the Washington Senators.

1930 — Gallant Fox wins the Kentucky Derby by two lengths over Gallant Knight to give Earl Sande his third Derby win.

1959 — Sam Snead sets PGA record for 36 holes at 122.

1969 — Baltimore, Cleveland & Pittsburgh agree to go from NFC to AFC in NFL.

1970 — Hank Aaron gets an infield single off Cincinnati’s Wayne Simpson for his 3,000th hit.

1974 — 18th European Cup: Bayern Munich beats Atletico Madrid 4-0 at Brussels.

1975 — 23-1 long shot Master Derby, ridden by Darrel McHargue, beats favored Foolish Pleasure by a length in the Preakness Stakes.

1979 — Dave Kingman of the Cubs hits three home runs and Mike Schmidt of the Phillies hits two, as Philadelphia beats Chicago 23-22 in 10 innings at Wrigley Field. The game includes 11 home runs, 50 hits and 109 at-bats.

1983 — The New York Islanders beat the Edmonton Oilers 4-2 to win their fourth consecutive Stanley Cup.

1992 — Betsy King captures her first LPGA Championship by a record 11 strokes over JoAnne Carner, Liselotte Neumann and Karen Noble. King’s margin of victory breaks the LGPA championship mark of 10 set by Patty Sheehan in 1984.

1998 — David Wells pitches the 13th perfect game in modern major league history as the New York Yankees beat the Minnesota Twins 4-0.

1998 — LPGA Championship Women’s Golf, DuPont CC: 20-year-old rookie Se Ri Pak leads wire-to-wire to win the first of her 5 majors, 3 strokes ahead of runners-up Donna Andrews and Lisa Hackney.

2000 — Australia’s Susie O’Neill breaks the oldest record in international swimming, winning the 200-meter butterfly and beating the 1981 mark by Mary T. Meagher. O’Neill is timed in 2 minutes, 5.81 seconds, topping the record by 0.15 seconds. Meagher’s time of 2:05.96 was set in Brown Deer, Wis.

2003 — Funny Cide runs away from the field on the turn for home and finishes with a near-record 9¾-length victory in the Preakness. The gelding’s victory is second to Survivor’s 10-length victory in the first Preakness, in 1873.

2003 — English FA Cup Final, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff (73,726): Arsenal beats Southampton, 1-0; Robert Pires scores 38′ winner for Gunners’ 9th title.

2008 — Big Brown, ridden by Kent Desormeaux, charges to the lead turning for home and then cruises down the stretch to win the Preakness Stakes. The colt, named for UPS, wins by 5 1/4 lengths over Macho Again.

2008 — English FA Cup Final, Wembley Stadium, London (82,752): Portsmouth beats Cardiff City, 1-0; Nwankwo Kanu scores 37′ winner.

2012 — Hall of Famer Johnny Petraglia becomes the first player in Professional Bowlers Association history to win a national or senior tour title in six decades, beating Ron Mohr 220-204 in the PBA Senior Dayton Classic. The 65-year-old Petraglia won the first of his 14 PBA national tour titles in 1966 in Fort Smith, Ark., at the age of 19. Dick Weber also won PBA titles in six decades, but his mark includes a PBA regional title.

2014 — The Houston Rockets advance to the Western Conference finals for the first time in 18 years after overcoming a 3-1 series deficit to eliminate the Los Angeles Clippers with a 113-100 victory. It’s the ninth time in NBA history that a team has overcome a 3-1 series deficit to win a playoff series.

2014 — Bayern Munich defeats Borussia Dortmund to win the 2013–14 DFB-Pokal.

2014 — English FA Cup Final, Wembley Stadium, London (89,345): Arsenal beats Hull City, 3–2 (a.e.t.); Aaron Ramsey scores 109′ winner.

2018 — Michigan State University will pay $500 million in claims to 300 survivors of sexual abuse involving Larry Nassar. Largest sexual abuse case in sports history.

2019 — Brooks Koepka fires a 65 (-5) to set new record for lowest 36-hole score in a golf major at the PGA Championship at Bethpage State Park; 7 stroke lead is a 36-hole tournament record.

2020 — Michael Jordan’s autographed Air Nike 1s trainers from 1985 sell for a record $560,000 in an online auction.

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2024 PGA Championship tee times, pairings: Complete schedule on TV, groups in Round 1 on Thursday at Valhalla

A number of star-studded groups will be featured throughout the first round of the 106th pga championship in louisville.

The 2024 PGA Championship has arrived, and so have the tee times for the first day of competition at Valhalla Golf Club. With the second major of the season forthcoming, you not only need to know when your favorites will take the course but how to follow them live throughout the first round. CBS Sports has you covered with a full slate of tee times, though the afternoon session was pushed back to minutes each due to weather. Follow PGA Championship live leaderboard coverage all day Thursday for score updates, weather notices, highlights and much more.

The action heats up right off the bat in Louisville as last year's Cinderella story, Michael Block, is featured in the opening group out to the course alongside Luke Donald and Shaun Micheel at 7:15 a.m. ET. From there, the stars begin to trickle onto the golf course with many big names beginning their first rounds on the 10th tee. Louisville native Justin Thomas gets the home crowd rocking early and often alongside Masters runner-up Ludvig Åberg and Xander Schauffele at 7:53 a.m. This trio precedes a group of major champions that includes 15-time major winner Tiger Woods, Adam Scott and Keegan Bradley at 8:04 a.m.

Immediately following Tiger's grouping is Rory McIlroy. The last two winners of the PGA Championship at Valhalla will be separated by only 11 minutes across the first two days as the 2014 champion gets going at 8:15 a.m. next to Dustin Johnson and Justin Rose.

History will be on the line just a couple groups later as five-time major winner and reigning champion Brooks Koepka begins his quest for a fourth Wanamaker Trophy alongside Max Homa and the man who still needs one to complete his grand slam aspirations, Jordan Spieth. They begin their journey Thursday at 8:37 a.m.

The star-studded groups are not exclusive to the morning hours as the last three major champions will be paired together in the afternoon. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler draws reigning U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark and reigning Open champion Brian Harman at 2:13 p.m. off the first tee.

Other notable afternoon groups include the two right ahead of Scheffler. Collin Morikawa, Phil Mickelson and Matt Fitzpatrick get their championships underway at 1:51 p.m., while Rickie Fowler, Jon Rahm and Cameron Young follow closely behind at 2:02 p.m.

Take a look at the full slate of Round 1 tee times, and check out CBS Sports' detailed PGA Championship TV schedule and coverage guide so you do not miss a second of live action over the next four days. You can also use Kyle Porter's breakdown of the nine golfers most likely to win the Wanamaker Trophy as a refresher of sorts as play kicks into gear Thursday.

All times Eastern

2024 PGA Championship tee times, Thursday pairings

• 7:15 a.m. — Michael Block, Luke Donald, Shaun Micheel
• 7:26 a.m. — Jeff Kellen, Alex Smalley, Ben Kohles
• 7:37 a.m. — Ryan Fox, Josh Speight, Matt Wallace
• 7:48 a.m. — Zac Oakley, Adam Svensson, Ryo Hisatsune
• 7:59 a.m. — Adam Hadwin, Martin Kaymer, Taylor Pendrith
• 8:10 a.m. — Byeong Hun An, Alexander Bjork, Eric Cole
• 8:21 a.m. — Adam Schenk, Corey Conners, Nick Dunlap
• 8:32 a.m. — John Daly, Lee Hodges, Robert MacIntyre
• 8:43 a.m. — Peter Malnati, Kurt Kitayama, Victor Perez
• 8:54 a.m. — Benn Polland, Zac Blair, Ryan van Valezen
• 9:05 a.m. — Jeremy Wells, Sami Valimaki, K.H. Lee
• 9:16 a.m. — Jared Jones, Taylor Moore, Patrick Rodgers
• 9:27 a.m. — Kyle Mendoza, Andy Ogletree, Erik van Rooyen
• 12:55 p.m. — David Puig, Thirston Lawrence, Matt Dobyns
• 1:06 p.m. — Tracy Phillips, Denny McCarthy, Keita Nakajima
• 1:17 p.m. — Talor Gooch, Cameron Davis, Harris English
• 1:28 p.m. — Jason Day, Shane Lowry, Nicolai Hojgaard
• 1:39 p.m. — Min Woo Lee, Chris Kirk, Billy Horschel
• 1:50 p.m. — Gary Woodland, Tom Kim, Joaquin Niemann
• 2:01 p.m. — Collin Morikawa, Phil Mickelson, Matthew Fitzpatrick
• 2:12 p.m. — Rickie Fowler, Jon Rahm, Cameron Young
• 2:23 p.m. — Wyndham Clark, Brian Harman, Scottie Scheffler
• 2:34 p.m. — Patrick Cantlay, Camilo Villegas, Will Zalatoris
• 2:45 p.m. — Patrick Reed, Sam Burns, Padraig Harrington
• 2:56 p.m. — Brad Marek, Mark Hubbard, Maverick McNealy
• 3:07 p.m. — Braden Shattuck, S.H. Kim, C.T. Pan
• 7:20 a.m. — Doug Ghim, Tyler Collet, Adrian Meronk
• 7:31 a.m. — Larkin Gross, Lucas Herbert, Grayson Murray
• 7:42 a.m. — Lucas Glover, Stephan Jaeger, Russell Henley
• 7:53 a.m. — Ludvig Åberg, Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas
• 8:04 a.m. — Tiger Woods, Adam Scott, Keegan Bradley
• 8:15 a.m. — Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Justin Rose
• 8:26 a.m. — Cameron Smith, Hideki Matsuyama, Viktor Hovland
• 8:37 a.m. — Brooks Koepka, Max Homa, Jordan Spieth
• 8:48 a.m. — Tony Finau, Tyrrell Hatton, Sahith Theegala
• 8:59 a.m. — Akshay Bhatia, Tommy Fleetwood, Bryson DeChambeau
• 9:10 a.m. — Sepp Straka, Takumi Kanaya, Nick Taylor
• 9:21 a.m. — Andy Svoboda, Ben Griffin, Dean Burmester
• 9:32 a.m. — Preston Cole, Tim Widing, Adrian Otaegui
• 12:50 p.m. — Rich Beem, Sebastian Soderberg, Kazuma Kobori
• 1:01 p.m. — Josh Bevell, Aaron Rai, Jordan Smith
• 1:12 p.m. — Andrew Putnam, Jesse Mueller, Charley Hoffman
• 1:23 p.m. — Si Woo Kim, Tom Hoge, Alex Noren
• 1:34 p.m. — Y.E. Yang, Matthieu Pavon, J.T. Poston
• 1:45 p.m. — Jake Knapp, Jason Dufner, Francesco Molinari
• 1:56 p.m. — Thomas Detry, Jimmy Walker, Rasmus Hojgaard
• 2:07 p.m. — Austin Eckroat, Luke List, Mackenzie Hughes
• 2:18 p.m. — Sungjae Im, Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Beau Hossler
• 2:29 p.m. — Thorbjorn Olesen, Brendon Todd, Keith Mitchell
• 2:40 p.m. — John Somers, Brice Garnett, Jesper Svensson
• 2:51 p.m. — Emiliano Grillo, Evan Bowser, Alejandro Tosti
• 3:02 p.m. — Vincent Norrman, Wyatt Worthington II, Chris Gotterup

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Tiger misses PGA cut with two triple bogeys in Round 2

Scheffler proves unshakeable keeping focus amid arrest

Kyle porter • 7 min read.

Scottie Scheffler arrested trying to enter Valhalla

Patrick mcdonald • 4 min read, share video.

Tee times, pairings for Round 1 at PGA Championship

Scheffler unshakeable keeping focus

Tiger ejects with pair of triple bogeys

Scheffler shoots into PGA contention, talks arrest

Scheffler arrested, released before Round 2 at Valhalla

PGA worker identified as fatal accident victim

Rahm, Lefty among stars to miss cut at Valhalla

PGA Championship TV schedule, coverage guide

Scheffler to be without usual caddie for Round 3 at PGA

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2025 PWBA National Tour schedule announced

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ARLINGTON, Texas – The relaunched Professional Women’s Bowling Association Tour will be turning 10 years old in 2025 and visit locations all over the country throughout the 2025 PWBA Tour season. Twelve events from May to August are on the schedule for 2025, all at centers with a successful track record of hosting the sport’s highest level of competition, including one that hasn’t hosted an event since the relaunch in 2015. The tour season starts in Topeka, Kansas, with the PWBA Topeka Open at West Ridge Lanes from May 8-10. The PWBA is visiting the city for the first time since the 2015 season, which was won by Liz Kuhlkin of Schenectady, New York, over Danielle McEwan of Stony Point, New York, 241-203.  After Topeka, the tour stops in Las Vegas for the season’s first major, as the United States Bowling Congress Queens will be at Suncoast Bowling Center in Las Vegas inside Suncoast Hotel and Casino from May 14-20. Suncoast hosted the 2024 USBC Masters and will host its second major event in as many years with the Queens in 2025.  The next stop will be Parma Heights, Ohio, for the PWBA Classic Series – Cleveland at Yorktown Lanes, where three titles will be up for grabs from May 27–June 2.  Yorktown Lanes previously hosted PWBA stops in 2019, 2021 and 2023. In 2023, Jordan Richard of Tipton, Michigan, won the PWBA Bowlers Journal Cleveland Open for her third title of that season. That title helped her secure 2023 PWBA Player of the Year honors.  Once the Classic Series is over, the fourth stop will be in Waterloo, Iowa, at Cadillac Xtreme Bowling Center, which will host its second stop in three seasons courtesy of the PWBA Waterloo Open (June 5-7). Cadillac XBC played host to PWBA Tour Championship week in 2023, culminating in Colombia’s Maria José Rodriguez taking home the PWBA Tour Championship trophy. The 2025 season’s second major will take place June 10-17 as the U.S. Women’s Open will be in Lincoln, Nebraska, at Sun Valley Lanes. Sun Valley Lanes last hosted a PWBA event in 2021 with the PWBA Lincoln Open, which was won by Liz Johnson of Niagara Falls, New York, who shot just the fifth championship round 300 game in PWBA history on her way to victory.   The center is familiar with hosting major and PWBA events, as the 2020 U.S. Open was held at Sun Valley Lanes, while the PWBA has visited the center five times since the relaunch (2015-2017, 2019 and 2021). The tour will take a small break before heading to Green Bay, Wisconsin, for the PWBA Green Bay Open from July 9-13 at The Ashwaubenon Bowling Alley. This will mark back-to-back years for the center to host the tour as it also is the site of the 2024 USBC Queens.   July 24-27 will see the annual Professional Bowlers Association/PWBA Striking Against Breast Cancer Mixed Doubles in Houston at Copperfield Bowl. It will be the 25th anniversary of the event and will count as a title for the respective tours. The 2025 PWBA Tour season will close in Rochester, New York, at ABC Gates Bowl with PWBA Tour Championship week. ABC Gates Bowl previously held the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open, which Bryanna Coté of Tucson, Arizona, won for her first career major. PWBA Tour Championship Week will take place Aug. 5-12 and feature three tournaments in a seven-day span similar to the Classic Series. The first two will be stand-alone events, and the third will be the PWBA Tour Championship, the final major of the 2025 season. To qualify for the Tour Championship, a player must be in good standing with the PWBA and have won a National Tour title during the 2025 season and the remainder of the field will be filled from the 2025 PWBA season points list through the most recent tournament preceding the Tour Championship. BowlTV will once again provide exclusive, live coverage of all qualifying and match play rounds for each PWBA event in 2025. BowlTV and national TV coverage of the finals of each 2025 event will be announced at a later date. 2025 PWBA TOUR SCHEDULE With dates, event, center and location (subject to change): •    May 8-10, PWBA Topeka Open, West Ridge Lanes, Topeka, Kan. •    May 14-20, USBC Queens, Suncoast Bowling Center, Las Vegas •    May 27 – June 2, PWBA Classic Series – Cleveland, Yorktown Lanes, Parma Heights, Ohio •    June 5-7, PWBA Waterloo Open, Cadillac XBC, Waterloo, Iowa •    June 10-17, U.S. Women’s Open, Sun Valley Lanes, Lincoln, Neb. •    July 9-13, PWBA Green Bay Open, The Ashwaubenon Bowling Alley, Green Bay, Wis. •    July 24- 27, PBA/PWBA Striking Against Breast Cancer Mixed Doubles, Copperfield Bowl, Houston •    Aug. 5-12, PWBA Tour Championship Week, ABC Gates, Rochester, N.Y.

PBA Playoffs PTQ -->

Round 1 Saturday, May 4 10:30PM ET on FS1

Round 2 Sunday, May 5 12PM ET on FS1

Round 3 Sunday, May 12 6:30PM ET on FS1

Finals Sunday, May 19 2PM ET on FOX

Streaming on BowlTV

The 2022 Guaranteed Rate PBA Tour: By The Numbers

The 2022 Guaranteed Rate PBA Tour season featured all kinds of compelling statistics.

Jason Belmonte won five titles. Anthony Simonsen won two majors. EJ Tackett averaged 225.27 to lead the tour. Kris Prather left 872 9-pins. (Trust me on that last one.)

But any fool could find those numbers on the internet. I wanted to dig deeper — I wanted to find stats only a fool with the internet and basic knowledge of Excel could discover.

What was the average score in championship round wins? What was the highest scoring telecast? The lowest? Who threw the most strikes on the left lane on patterns between 39- and 41-feet on Tuesday afternoons?

Some of these stats shed new light on a player's season or reveal riveting insights into a telecast. Others are simply interesting. Either way, you'll learn something new about the 2022 season.

the number of pins Keven Williams by which missed the show of the PBA Players Championship - Southwest Region Qualifier

The 2022 season began with a gut punch for Keven Williams. After making the regional show in 2021, Williams looked poised to return through 27.9 frames.

He needed one more strike to secure the final spot on the show. The 8-pin had other ideas . The two-pin deficit was the narrowest margin by which any player missed a championship round this season.

The bowling gods would ultimately return the favor. Later in the season, Williams had a chance to claim his first career PBA Tour title, needing two strikes and nine pins to shut out AJ Chapman.

That time, the pins cooperated. He threw all three strikes, securing his first career PBA Tour title by a margin of... two pins.

Keven Williams defeats AJ Chapman, 225-223, to win the PBA Shark Championship! Congrats to Williams, who earns his first PBA Tour title!🏆 pic.twitter.com/vCivCl87M5 — PBA Tour (@PBATour) March 17, 2022

Tommy Jones's average finish in majors

Jones may not have won a major title in 2022, but he was the tour's second most consistent player.

The 43-year-old opened the year with a fifth place at the Players Championship, obliterating the South Region by 293 pins to reach the finals. He followed that performance up with sixth at the U.S. Open, fifth at the Tournament of Champions and third at the World Championship.

His lowest major finish of the season came at the Masters, where he fell to Simonsen (the top qualifier and eventual champion) in the second round of the bracket. Jones won three more matches to finish tied for 13th.

It's hard to believe the Hall of Famer hasn't won a major since 2007. He seems poised to end that drought sooner rather than later.

Jason Belmonte’s record in championship round matches

Statistically speaking, a player's odds of winning a single-game match should be similar to winning a coin flip. Ten frames is a small sample size and results are therefore highly susceptible to variance. The odds shift in the favor of the game's top talents, but not to a significant degree.

And yet, that fella from Australia won 20 of 24 matches, an 83% clip. Dom Barrett, Simonsen, Prather and Jones, the next four winningest players, won a combined 19 championship round matches.

Belmonte won his first eight matches of the season while averaging 243. On the year, he averaged 239.59 under the lights.

Just one player had a higher singles winning percentage on TV: the aforementioned Williams, who bowled (and won) one game.

the number of singles matches won in the championship round by EJ Tackett

Tackett made seven singles shows in 2022: Players Midwest Region Qualifier, U.S. Open, Kokomo, Scorpion, Lubbock, Playoffs and Tour Finals. He lost his first match each time. (In the Playoffs, Tackett split the two-game match with Jesper Svensson but lost the roll-off.)

The 30-year-old has earned somewhat of a reputation for struggling on TV. But looking solely at his win-loss record ignores all context and nuance.

He averaged 208 across eight championship round games while his opponents averaged 239. But those eight games represent about two percent of his season.

Leading the tour in average over nearly 400 games is more indicative of Tackett's success this season than any eight-game sample, even if those eight games came on TV.

If you change a single shot — when Tackett left a stone-9 in his 10th frame, then Belmonte doubled to win the Lubbock Sports Open title — the entire complexion of his season changes.

While Tackett struggled in singles shows, he had one of the season’s best TV performances at the Roth/Holman Doubles.

Hang this EJ Tackett performance in the Louvre pic.twitter.com/NKRv5hlXJc — Nolan Hughes (@nolan_hughes24) March 6, 2022

Jesper Svensson’s average at the PBA David Small's Best of the Best Championship, the highest of any No. 1 seed.

Svensson rolled 300 in Game 2 of the season's first Storm Cup event and never let off the gas. He closed the opening six-game block with games of 279, 269 and 279.

After 20 games and three advancer rounds, he finished at +932 for 20 games to earn the top seed for the stepladder. Despite his evisceration of the pins, Nick Pate finished just six pins behind Svensson.

In the title match against Packy Hanrahan, Svensson rolled a ho-hum 248 to capture the title, the 11th of his young career.

Thomas Larsen’s total earnings

After a 2021 season in which Larsen captured a career-defining victory at the USBC Masters, he struggled in 2022. He earned just one top-20 finish — exactly 20th at the Tournament of Champions — and ranked 55th in points.

Honestly, I just thought it was cool his season earnings were a round number.

the difference in points between Kyle Sherman and Brad Miller

Sherman perhaps earned bragging rights by finishing juuuust ahead of his co-vlogger. Miller’s thrilling run at the Masters, resulting in a third-place finish, closed the gap and secured his PBA Playoffs berth.

the difference in earnings between Brad Miller and Kyle Sherman

Miller’s performance at the Masters also helped close the gap in earnings. Miller surged ahead of Sherman at the PBA League, where Sherman did not compete due to an injury.  

the difference in titles between Kyle Sherman and Brad Miller

Well, we needed a tiebreaker! To the victor go the spoils, or however that saying goes.

There's nothing like winning your first singles title! 🏆 Congrats to Kyle Sherman on capturing the PBA Cheetah Championship, the third event in the 2022 World Series of Bowling XIII! pic.twitter.com/YNsKuT9NtY — PBA Tour (@PBATour) March 15, 2022

the average score in championship round wins

In case you needed a reminder, these guys are the best in the world. Average winning scores topped 250 eight times, twice as often as they dipped below 220.

They saved their best for last, as the two highest scoring shows were the championship matches of the Tour Finals and Kia PBA Playoffs. Kyle Troup averaged 265 in his 3-1 defeat of Jones in the Playoffs Finals, while Belmonte averaged 267.5 in the Tour Finals Championship. 

Scores were higher in part due to the players breaking the lanes down themselves and seeing transition first-hand, but 265+ averages are nothing to scoff at.

the average score in championship round losses

It only made sense to show you both sides of the coin. Losing scores dropped below 200 eight times, and exceeded 220 seven times.

Losing scores were the lowest in the Scorpion Championship, where players averaged just 182.75.  (More on that show later.)

Note: These figures include all games from the Playoffs and Tour Finals. For example, Jones beat Troup 279-201 in Game 3 of the PBA Playoffs Finals. Troup won the match, but Jones’s Game 3 score counts as a win.

the average score on the first Playoffs Quarterfinals show, the highest of any telecast

The Kia PBA Playoffs featured five of the seven highest scoring telecasts — that’s what happens when the game’s best collide. The first quarterfinals show was the highest of them all: Troup, Bill O’Neill, Barrett and Prather averaged nearly 250 combined.

Troup and Prather didn’t give their opponents any breathing room, sweeping their Race to Two matches while averaging 260. O’Neill and Barrett averaged 238.5 combined, the highest losing average by almost 10 pins. In fact, Barrett shot 248-268 and lost both games.

If it wasn’t for Troup and O’Neill’s second game (205-202), this could’ve been one of the highest scoring telecasts in PBA history. Even if they both shot 300, however, it wouldn’t have sniffed the 276.50 collective average at the 1996 Flagship Open.

Kris Prather sweeps Dom Barrett! Prather joins Kyle Troup in the 2022 Kia PBA Playoffs Semifinals! pic.twitter.com/yMuBM7WEvJ — PBA Tour (@PBATour) April 24, 2022

the highest score on the Masters telecast

There are plenty of statistical quirks to discuss with the Masters show. The collective average of 199.88 was the season's lowest and the only one below 200. The last three matches were decided by a combined seven pins.

But the single weirdest statistic from the Masters was that AJ Johnson shot the highest game on the show and did not win his match . He tied with Brad Miller at 224, but lost the roll-off.

67.50, 53.25

the average margin of victory in the PBA Players Championship - West Region Qualifier and Scorpion Championship

No, these aren’t Alabama football’s margins of victory from recent wins over Louisiana-Monroe and Utah State. (Though they are very similar.)

Notice anything similar about those two tournaments? They were both shows in which Belmonte climbed the stepladder to win. 

Belmonte averaged 254.75 and 236 while his opponents averaged 187.25 and 182.75, respectively. He’s an alien.

A similarly large margin of victory happened in the Roth/Holman Doubles, where Tackett and Marshall Kent averaged a 249-199 win in four matches.

Anecdotally, this makes sense. When one player/team has a great look on a challenging pattern, it is difficult for an oncoming player/team to quickly figure out the lanes and take them down.

the number of collective tears shed watching Norm Duke's final shot

After Wes Malott locked up the Elias Cup for the Portland Lumberjacks, the anchor stepped aside to let Duke cap off his PBA career. It took everything he had but Duke, of course, delivered a parting gift for the ages.

There aren't words to properly describe that moment, one sports fans will remember for a long, long time.

🎳😭 Proper send-off for one of the GOATS, Norm Duke. Thank you Norm for what you did for sport of bowling! #TheRingingTen #InsideBowling #bowling #PBALeague pic.twitter.com/HDnedp3Zmh — Inside Bowling (@InsideBowling) July 10, 2022

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