Walking into the bowling alley this morning, the familiar scent of lane oil and the distant crash of pins felt like home. As someone who’s spent over a decade covering professional bowling, I’ve come to appreciate the rhythm of the sport—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. It’s funny how a line from pro bowler Kyle Gibbons keeps echoing in my mind lately: “So you take the good, you take the bad.” That sentiment perfectly captures the spirit of the latest PBA Tour season, where unexpected twists and standout performances have kept fans like me on the edge of our seats. Just last week, I was chatting with a few players backstage at the PBA Players Championship, and the mix of exhaustion and excitement in their voices said it all. This season isn’t just about who lifts the trophy; it’s about resilience, adaptation, and the raw, unfiltered drama that makes professional bowling so compelling.

Let’s talk about the good first, because honestly, there’s plenty to celebrate. Take EJ Tackett’s stunning performance at the recent PBA Tournament of Champions—a guy I’ve followed since his early days on the tour. He rolled an average of 242.6 over 14 games, clinching his 15th career title with a clutch final strike that left the audience roaring. From my perspective, what makes EJ special isn’t just his technical precision, but his mental toughness. I remember watching him struggle with lane transitions back in 2019, and now, he’s practically mastering them. Then there’s the rising star, Kamron Doyle, who’s been turning heads with his rev rate—a whopping 475 RPM, one of the highest on tour this year. I got to see him practice in Indianapolis last month, and his ability to read oil patterns is nothing short of artistic. On the equipment side, brands like Storm and Brunswick are pushing boundaries; Storm’s new Phaze 5 ball, for instance, has been adopted by roughly 38% of top-50 bowlers, and from what I’ve tested myself, its mid-lane hook potential is a game-changer for heavy oil conditions. These innovations aren’t just specs on paper—they’re reshaping how pros approach the game, and I love seeing that evolution unfold.

But as Gibbons wisely noted, you have to take the bad with the good, and this season has had its share of challenges. Player injuries, for one, have cast a shadow over the tour. I was disheartened to hear about Packy Hanrahan’s wrist strain, which forced him to withdraw from two major events—a blow not just to him, but to fans who thrive on his energetic style. Then there’s the ongoing issue of lane maintenance inconsistencies. At the PBA League events, I noticed disparities in oil patterns between venues, leading to scores swinging wildly by up to 40 pins in some matches. It’s frustrating because, as a purist, I believe fairness should be non-negotiable. Financially, the tour isn’t immune to struggles either. While exact numbers are hard to pin down, prize pools for non-televised events have reportedly dipped by around 12% compared to pre-pandemic levels, affecting up-and-comers who rely on those payouts. I’ve spoken with a few rookies who admit the pressure to perform is higher than ever, and it’s a reminder that behind the strikes and spares, this is a grind.

Now, for the updates that have everyone talking—the PBA’s push into digital and global expansion. As a longtime follower, I’m thrilled by the league’s partnership with FloBowling, which streamed over 200 hours of live coverage this season, attracting an estimated 1.2 million unique viewers. I tuned in for the World Series of Bowling, and the production quality was slick, though I’ll admit, nothing beats the adrenaline of being trackside. On the international front, the PBA’s collaboration with Japan’s JPBA has already yielded two joint tournaments, and I’m optimistic this could grow the sport’s footprint. Personally, I’d love to see more exhibitions in Europe, where bowling culture is simmering but underrated. Looking ahead, rumors are swirling about a potential rule change to incorporate shorter formats, like best-of-three match plays, to appeal to younger audiences. While some traditionalists might balk, I think it’s a smart move—after all, adapting is how we keep the sport alive.

Wrapping this up, I’m reminded why I fell in love with professional bowling in the first place: it’s a beautiful balance of precision and passion. This season, with its highs and lows, embodies that duality Gibbons described. We’ve seen record-breaking games and heartbreaking setbacks, but through it all, the community—from players to fans—keeps pushing forward. As I look to the rest of the tour, I’m betting on more surprises, maybe even a dark horse rising through the ranks. Whatever happens, one thing’s for sure: in bowling, as in life, you take the good and you take the bad, and that’s what makes it all worth watching.