How to Enter and Qualify in a PBA Tournament

Norm Duke in action during a 2008 event in Wichita, Kansas.

The Pro Bowler's Association doesn't have the profile it had in the '60s and '70s, but it still holds national and regional tournaments. While most of these tournaments are by invitation to bowlers who have qualified through competitions, some slots can be filled by amateurs or non-PBA members.

Instructions

1. Check the official PBA website for the regional tour locations. The regional tours are held in small venues and don't have a lot of prize money. However, regional tournaments are open in non-members. Check the site for details on the entry fees, which are higher for non-members, and lane conditions.

2. Compete well in one or more regional tournaments, which an include touring pros. The regional tournaments are designed to allow the pros a chance to compete when the main tour isn't in place. However, it's also set up so people with regular jobs to have a chance to make a tour competition.

3. Earn an exempt status through your performance. Each PBA tour stop has a field of 64 bowlers, about 55 of whom have exempt status based on past performances. The other slots are filled by bowlers who must win qualifiers for that tournament. One amateur from a qualifying round is usually invited to compete in the tournament.

Tips & Warnings

• PBA members are not guaranteed a spot in any tournament. As of 2011, it cost $220 for PBA members to enter a regional tournament, and $285 for nonmembers. The cost for a PBA tour qualifying round was $300 for members and $325 for nonmembers.

References

• Professional Bowlers Association
• Bowl