Florida's Bowling Boom & PBA Legends Say Goodbye

Florida's having a moment. We added 50 new bowling alleys to BAiO this week, and most of them were in the Sunshine State. Meanwhile, the PBA wrapped up some major events and the bowling world said goodbye to a journalism legend who helped shape how we talk about this sport.

🎳 On the Lanes

Tom Hess absolutely dominated the 2026 PBA Senior U.S. Open stepladder finals, averaging 252.5 while outscoring his opponents 1,010-838 to claim his fifth major title. The guy was on fire — after outscoring opponents 761-641 in his first three matches, he rolled into the title game against top seed Chris Barnes and never let up. In the championship match, Hess opened with a converted 10-pin, then fired four straight strikes while Barnes struggled with splits early on. Hess finished strong with a 249 to Barnes' 197, earning his second title of the season and 13th career PBA title.

Over at the USBC Super Senior Classic, Parker Bohn III set a 12-game qualifying record with 2,977 pins (averaging 248.1) and cruised to the No. 1 seed. The 62-year-old left-hander was dominant all tournament, breaking multiple scoring records along the way. Andy Neuer jumped up to grab the No. 2 seed heading into Sunday's stepladder finals.

📣 Industry News

The bowling world lost a giant this week with the passing of Mort Luby Jr., who was just two months shy of his 95th birthday. Luby led Bowlers Journal magazine for decades, introducing innovations like the Bowling Center Architecture and Design Awards and founding the World Bowling Writers organization. The rare publisher who could also write and edit earned 42 national writing awards over his career and the respect of an entire industry.

On a brighter note, Maple Family Centers hit a huge milestone — surpassing $1 million in donations to veterans' charities through the Bowlers to Veterans Link. The LaSpina family launched a "Race to the Million" campaign during their 65th anniversary year and crossed the finish line several months ahead of schedule. Their centers in New York and Florida have raised funds through tournaments, customer round-up campaigns, and matching contributions.

📍 New on BAiO

Florida was the star this week — we added 47 new alleys across the state, from Incredibowl Entertainment Winter Haven to Pinfish Entertainment - Bowling & Arcade in Tavernier. Jacksonville got some love with spots like Better Off Bowling and Pinz Bowling Center, while Tampa Bay area bowlers can check out MacDill Lanes Bowling Center. We even snuck one Kentucky alley into the mix — Southland Lanes in Lexington — just to keep things interesting.

🏆 New League Spots

Bowlers looking for a league night just got 36 more options this week. Florida dominated here too, with spots like Anastasia Bowling Lanes in St. Augustine and Three Point Bowling in Orlando joining our bowling leagues directory.

📊 Stat of the Week

Pinfish Entertainment - Bowling & Arcade in Tavernier, FL was the top new alley we added this week, sporting a solid 4.8/5 Google rating with 139 reviews. For a bowling alley in the Florida Keys, that kind of consistent rating tells you they're doing something right — people are making the drive and loving what they find.

📰 Sources

• MAPLE FAMILY CENTERS GOES OVER $1 MILLION IN BVL SUPPORT — Bowling Center Management
• BOWLING JOURNALISM LEGEND MORT LUBY JR. PASSES AWAY — Bowling Center Management
• Tom Hess Wins 2026 PBA Senior U.S. Open — PBA (Professional Bowlers Association)
• Parker Bohn III No. 1 Seed At USBC Super Senior Classic — PBA (Professional Bowlers Association)