Robert Smith (bowler)
| Robert Smith (bowler) | |
|---|---|
| Born |
Robert Smith 16 January 1974 Simi Valley, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Professional Ten-pin bowler |
| Years active | 1998–present |
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 and Columbus, Ohio and now he resides and works back in his home town of Simi Valley California.
An eight-time titleist (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).[1] 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.[2]
Other achievements and recognition
- Smith won the USBC 1992 Chuck Hall Star of Tomorrow Award[3]
- Became the youngest person to win the U.S. Amateur Championship - aged 19 - in 1993.[4]
- 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.[5]
- Smith has made at least one TV finals appearance in each of his 12 seasons on tour.
- He has 31 career 300 games in PBA competition.