This weekend I bowled in an Over 50 / Under 50 bowling tournament in Jacksonville, Florida, and it was a really cool experience. Being an over 50 bowler and throwing the ball two-handed makes it a little different because most people think of two-handed bowling as something younger bowlers do. But bowling has changed a lot, and I like being able to use a modern style while still bringing years of bowling experience with me.
One thing I enjoyed about the tournament was seeing the different styles on the lanes. Some bowlers had the classic one-handed game with smooth shots, strong spare shooting, and great control. Then there were younger bowlers throwing two-handed or using higher rev rates and bigger angles. As an over 50 two-handed bowler, I felt like I was somewhere in the middle. I had the experience of an older bowler, but I also used a style that creates more power and motion down lane.
Bowling two-handed over 50 is not always easy. It takes balance, timing, and staying loose. You also have to listen to your body more than you did when you were younger. But I still love the advantage it gives me with rev rate, entry angle, and being able to create carry. At the same time, experience still matters. You can throw it hard and hook the lane, but you still have to make spares, read the oil pattern, and make the right adjustments.
The Jacksonville tournament had a great atmosphere. It was competitive, but still fun. Everyone wanted to bowl well, but there was also a lot of joking, cheering, and support between bowlers. That is one thing I really like about bowling tournaments. No matter the age or style, everyone understands the grind of trying to put good shots together.
For me, this tournament was a reminder that bowling does not have an age limit and your style does not have to fit what people expect. Being over 50 and bowling two-handed shows that you can still adapt, compete, and enjoy the game in a modern way. I may not be the youngest bowler on the lanes, but I can still bring energy, power, and experience to the tournament.
Overall, bowling the Over 50 / Under 50 tournament in Jacksonville was a great experience. I enjoyed competing with different generations of bowlers and showing that two-handed bowling is not just for the younger crowd. Bowling keeps changing, and I am glad to still be part of it.