Above 180.com Bowling Podcast

Patrick Dombrowski joins the show after capturing the 2026 Go Bowling! U.S. Open, earning his first career PBA Tour title and major championship in dramatic fashion. Dombrowski defeated Anthony Simonsen 197–195 to claim the coveted green jacket and $100,000 first prize.
In this conversation, Patrick walks us through the journey that led to this breakthrough moment, including the years spent grinding on the PBA Tour and building success on the regional level before finally breaking through on bowling’s biggest stage.

We discuss:

Patrick’s career journey and how he got to the professional level

The mindset and adjustments that clicked during U.S. Open week

What it’s like competing through 56 grueling games at one of bowling’s toughest majors

How the PBA Tour has changed from when he first started competing to today

His observations about the evolution of the sport, competition level, and tour environment

What it means to finally win a major after years of perseverance

It’s a great conversation about persistence, experience, and the grind of professional bowling, and why sometimes the biggest victories come after the longest journeys.

On this episode, I’m joined by former collegiate All-American bowler Mike Hardesty to break down the 2026 PBA season from a gambling perspective. We dive into the types of bowling bets available, the players we’re watching closely this year, and how bettors can approach PBA matchups with a smarter strategy.

We also discuss whether common matchup lines like -118 can be beaten long term, the traps to avoid when betting on professional bowling, and the best timing for placing wagers throughout the season. Mike and I share some of our own insights into bowling betting strategy while stressing the importance of responsible gambling—only betting what you can afford and staying disciplined throughout the season.

If you’re interested in PBA betting, matchup strategy, and finding value during the 2026 season, this is a must-listen episode.

This week I catch up with Bowling This Month contributor and Team Canada Head Coach Tyrel Rose to break down how bowlers can improve their game in 2026. Rose shares why the mental game remains the true foundation of success on the lanes and explains how developing stronger focus, confidence, and consistency can immediately elevate performance.
We also discuss why bowlers shouldn’t overlook proper fit and the ideal time to have their equipment evaluated to maximize comfort and scoring potential. Rose dives into the balance between understanding bowling ball technical specs and learning to read different oil patterns—offering practical advice for league bowlers and competitive players alike.
Whether you’re a casual league bowler or serious competitor, this episode is packed with actionable bowling tips to help you sharpen your skills and raise your average in 2026. A must-listen for anyone serious about improving their bowling game.

On this episode, I sit down with pro shop operator, Silver-Certified Coach and ball reviewer for the Bowlers Journal International Vernon Peterson to discuss the latest trends shaping today’s bowling equipment market. Vernon shares insights on why brand loyalty still runs deep among many bowlers, what the new urethane rule really means for the average player, and how to achieve a similar reaction using shorter pin layouts.

We also dive into the ongoing debate of thumb slugs vs. interchangeable thumbs—who benefits most from each setup, and how to decide what’s right for your game. Whether you’re a league bowler or chasing tour-level precision, this episode delivers pro shop wisdom you can use on the lanes.

On this episode, we sit down with Brooke Green, head bowling coach at Clarke University. Coach Green shares what her team has been focusing on after the first two events of the season and outlines her expectations moving forward. She also discusses her approach to recruiting, what she looks for in future bowlers, and gives us a glimpse into what a typical practice looks like for her teams.