One of the best ways to improve your bowling game is by watching the pros. Historically, the most widely famous bowlers have been male, but the female game has always been popular too and in recent years it has taken major strides. At the NCAA college level, women’s bowling is one of the fastest growing sports and it is increasingly drawing the younger crowd, and women’s professional bowling is reaching new heights in terms of money, media rights and viewership.
Of course, a question like who are the best bowlers is subjective, and any actual ranking based on performance changes constantly. But for this article, we’ve tried to pick bowlers that are among the very best and also with some variation in terms of their career paths and experience levels, from veterans to up and comers.
Danielle McEwan (USA)
Danielle McEwan is a young and talented bowler from the United States. She was born on August 23, 1991, in Stony Point, New York. McEwan began bowling at the age of five, and by the time she was eight, she had joined a youth league. She was introduced to the sport by her father, who was a bowler himself.
McEwan turned pro in 2012, and since then, she has made a name for herself in the world of bowling. She has won numerous titles, including two majors. In 2015, she won the US Women’s Open, and in 2019, she won the PWBA Tour Championship. She has also been named PWBA Player of the Year twice, in 2018 and 2019.
McEwan is known for her accuracy and consistency on the lanes. She is also a student of the game, constantly analyzing and improving her technique. Her passion for bowling and dedication to the sport make her one of the top female bowlers in the world today.
Liz Johnson (USA)
Liz Johnson is one of the most successful female bowlers in history. She was born on January 27, 1974, in Niagara Falls, New York. Johnson started bowling at the age of five, and by the time she was 12, she had won her first tournament. Her father, a bowler himself, encouraged her to pursue the sport.
Johnson turned pro in 1996, and since then, she has won an impressive 25 professional titles. She has also won four US Women’s Open titles, making her the only bowler, male or female, to win that tournament four times. She has also been named PWBA Player of the Year three times, in 2013, 2015, and 2016.
Johnson is known for her accuracy and versatility on the lanes. She is able to adjust her game to different lane conditions, which is a key skill in the sport of bowling. Her longevity and consistency in the sport make her one of the all-time greats.
Shannon O’Keefe (USA)
Shannon O’Keefe is another veteran bowler from the United States. She was born on January 4, 1979, in Rochester, New York. O’Keefe started bowling at the age of three, and she quickly developed a love for the sport. Her parents were both bowlers, and they encouraged her to pursue her passion.
O’Keefe turned pro in 2001, and since then, she has won 13 professional titles. She won the US Women’s Open in 2018, and she has been named PWBA Player of the Year twice, in 2018 and 2019. She is known for her aggressive style of play and her ability to make adjustments on the lanes.
O’Keefe is also a coach and mentor to young bowlers. She is passionate about helping others improve their skills and achieve their goals. Her dedication to the sport and commitment to helping others make her one of the top female bowlers in the world today.
Sin Li Jane (Malaysia)
Sin Li Jane is a talented bowler from Malaysia. She was born on December 12, 1994, in Kuala Lumpur. Sin started bowling at the age of six, and she quickly developed a love for the sport. Her father was a bowler, and he introduced her to the sport.
Sin turned pro in 2013, and since then, she has won several titles on the PWBA Tour and Asian Bowling Federation Tour. In 2018, she won the US Women’s Open, becoming the first Malaysian bowler, male or female, to win a major tournament. She has also represented Malaysia in international competitions, including the Asian Games and the World Championships.
Sin is known for her accuracy and mental toughness on the lanes. She is able to stay calm under pressure and make adjustments when needed. Her success has inspired many young bowlers in Malaysia and around the world.
Verity Crawley (England)
Verity Crawley is a rising star in the world of bowling. She was born on March 11, 1998, in Poole, England. Crawley started bowling at the age of three, and by the time she was eight, she had joined a youth league. Her parents, both bowlers, encouraged her to pursue the sport.
Crawley turned pro in 2018, and since then, she has made a name for herself on the PWBA Tour. She has won several titles, including the 2019 PWBA Greater Cleveland Open. In 2021, she won the US Women’s Open, becoming the first British bowler, male or female, to win a major tournament.
Crawley is known for her powerful ball and her ability to read the lanes. She is also a student of the game, constantly working to improve her technique and mental game. Her success at a young age suggests that she has a bright future in the sport.