Expert: - 12/11/2008

Question
Well,I am 16 years old,and I am in Jr.Gold,and I was wondering if you had to win one of the qualifying tournaments in Jr.Gold and then go on and win at Nationals to become a professional bowler.Would it be better to be on Team USA,and then start looking forward to becoming a pro?I was pro shot leauge also last summer,and every week they would change the pattern and my overall average was around a 180.

Answer
Jonathan,
PBA membership requirements are listed at PBA.com, check out: (https://www.pba.com/members/requirements.asp).

Work hard on your game. Success at Jr. Gold and Nationals will help get you noticed by Colleges. Many top pros (Barnes, Reyes, O'Neil, Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, Rash, etc.) are college bowling alumni.

Practicing and performing on tougher lane conditions (as you have been) helps hone your skills and demands more from you. Knowing you equipment and being able to adjust your game, allows top players to perform.

Thanks for the questions. Good luck.