‘Born to Bowl’ follows the pursuit of glory as bowling struggles to survive

by

It’s hard to say for sure without numbers, but I’ve noticed bowling alleys closing down, like the recent loss of Pico Bowl in Santa Monica, which suggests bowling isn’t as popular as it used to be. However, most of us have probably bowled at least once – maybe with our families, at a birthday, or even as a fun night out. Everyone remembers the unique sounds of the bowling balls hitting the lane and the pins falling, and that feeling of swapping your everyday shoes for bowling shoes. (And if you have your own, that’s dedication!)

I used to bowl as a kid and again with friends when it became popular a while back – before bowling alleys became more about drinks than the game itself. I’m not good at it, but like with all sports (and I have no athletic talent!), I enjoy watching and getting caught up in the competition, the stories of the players, and how the game works. The new five-part documentary, “Born to Bowl,” directed by James Lee Hernandez and Brian Lazarte (who made HBO’s “McMillions”), captures all of that. It follows five bowlers – four established champions and one up-and-comer – as they compete on the Professional Bowlers Assn. tour, a four-month season with 19 tournaments, including five major championships that each offer a $100,000 prize.

Bowling is surprisingly difficult, and professional bowling is incredibly demanding. It doesn’t offer the glamour or high earnings of some other sports, like golf. While Ben Stiller makes a brief appearance, the sport generally has a reputation as being for working-class people. Professional bowlers often drive themselves to tournaments in their own cars, traveling to smaller cities – places like Reno, Indianapolis, and Akron – and competing in bowling alleys that look more like warehouses. They carry their equipment with them and share affordable hotel rooms with fellow competitors, often forming close friendships despite their rivalry on the lanes, as shown in the series ‘Born to Bowl’.

Let’s take a look at some of the bowlers. First, there’s Kyle Troup, known as the “Pro with the Fro” because of his curly hair – he jokes he’s like the Bob Ross of bowling, or maybe even Richard Simmons, with his bright and fun style. Then there’s Anthony “Simo” Simonsen, who made history as the youngest player to win a major bowling title at just 19 years old. He’s currently dealing with a back injury, has a bit of a temper, and isn’t afraid to swear. He left school at 15 and started bowling to make ends meet, saying it likely saved him from homelessness. When he’s not bowling, he works as a forklift driver.

Cameron Crowe is a relatively new face on the professional bowling scene – skilled enough to compete, but still looking for his first major title. (The rich history of Black bowlers deserves its own film, by the way!) Veteran Jason Belmonte, a highly successful bowler from Australia, revolutionized the sport with his unique two-handed technique. Now 41, he’s facing questions about whether he’s still at the top of his game. He’s particularly focused on beating E.J. Tackett, who’s currently enjoying a string of wins. Tackett himself describes the pursuit of perfection in bowling as a fun, though ultimately unreachable, goal.

Bowling is in the blood for all of these players. Tackett grew up in a bowling center owned by his parents, and now he manages it himself – he jokes about switching between fixing plumbing and bowling. Belmonte’s parents also ran a bowling alley. Troup’s father, Guppy Troup, is a PBA Hall of Famer known for his lively personality, admitting he spent as much time socializing as he did bowling. Troup fondly remembers bowling with his mother every Saturday, where a win earned him a $5 prize.

Every season begins with hope and confidence, but real life doesn’t follow predictable storylines. This isn’t just about winning; it explores the pain of losing just as much. A championship can often come down to the smallest detail.

Not everyone is thrilled to have a film crew documenting their every move, but the competitors are willing to honestly assess their performance – what worked and what didn’t – as they vie for a spot in the televised finals. These finals offer substantial prize money and the chance to advance their careers. Most of the participants are already well-known, though one, Belmonte, is famous enough to be recognizable, but not a household name – a good balance, according to one observer. However, the future of the show is uncertain. The agreement between the Professional Bowlers Association and Fox Sports is ending, and without a new deal, there won’t be a season, and consequently, no prize money awarded.

“Born to Bowl” follows several bowling competitions, and while it jumps between them, it remains engaging. The filmmakers effectively capture the excitement and emotional impact of the sport. Throughout the documentary, you’ll discover the hidden complexities of bowling – from the lane’s oil patterns to the inner workings of a bowling ball. You’ll also learn about the important role of the ‘ball rep,’ who acts as a coach and technician, offering support and guidance to the bowlers.

The film’s biggest weakness is its occasional sarcastic narration by Liev Schreiber, which feels a bit dismissive of the sport it’s documenting. There are also far too many puns about bowling balls – even just one would have been enough. However, I did genuinely enjoy the scenes of people sliding down the lanes; that’s always fun to watch.

Bowling isn’t just about competition for these five players. Belmonte explains, “I just enjoy the simple act of throwing a ball, seeing how it travels, and repeating the process.”

Read More

2026-03-16 22:01