Robert Smith (bowler)
Robert Smith (born January 16, 1974), is an American professional bowler currently on the Professional Bowlers Association Tour. A native of Simi Valley, California, Smith has previously held residence in Captain Cook, Hawaii, Columbus, Ohio, and Hong Kong [1]. Currently, he resides and works near his home town in Ventura, California.
Robert Smith | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | January 16, 1974 |
| Years active | 1991-present |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Bowling Information | |
| Affiliation | PBA |
| Dominant hand | Right |
| Wins | 7 PBA Tour (1 major) 1 international |
| 300-games | 31 |
| Sponsors | 900 Global |
An eight-time titlist (including 7 PBA Tour titles), he is considered by many to be the world's most powerful bowler. Smith's ball roll has been tracked as high as 27 revolutions per shot and traveling at up to 34 miles per hour (55 km/h) - the average professional achieves about 16 revolutions per shot, traveling at 18 miles per hour (29 km/h).[2] This high rev-rate (up to 720 RPM) is more than most bowlers have been able to produce. Based on this characteristic, he was known on tour as "Maximum Bob."
Career titles
| Season | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Bowling's U.S. Open | Phoenix, Arizona |
| 2000 | Flagship Open | Erie, Pennsylvania |
| 2001–02 | PBA Empire State Open | Latham, New York |
| 2002–03 | Oranamin C Japan Cup | Tokyo, Japan |
| 2003–04 | PBA Banquet Open | Council Bluffs, Iowa |
| 2003–04 | PBA Odor-Eaters Open | Tucson, Arizona |
| 2007–08 | CLR Windy City Classic | Vernon Hills, Illinois |
| 2010–11 | 8th Euro-Med Storm Int'l Masters Challenge | Manila, Philippines |
Of these eight titles, the most notable is the 2000 U.S. Open, a major PBA tournament that features what many consider to be the most demanding lane oil pattern of any bowling event.[3]
Other achievements and recognition
- Smith won the USBC 1992 Chuck Hall Star of Tomorrow Award[4]
- Became the youngest person to win the U.S. Amateur Championship - aged 19 - in 1993.[5]
- Member of Team USA in 1994 and 1995.
- Named the first team Collegiate All-American at San Diego State University in 1993
Trivia
- In the 2000 U.S. Open, Robert Smith became the first player in the history of the sport to have won both U.S. Amateur and U.S. Open titles.[6]
- Smith made at least one TV finals appearance in each of his first 12 full seasons on tour.
- He has 31 career 300 games in PBA competition.
- Smith bowls league at Buena Lanes in Ventura, California where he shot back to back 300 games in 2019 with a plastic bowling ball.