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Bowling

Late bloomer becomes senior pro

By LARRY BUGG
Published February 9, 2005

Some people practically have to wait a lifetime before learning what they want to do when they grow up.

Allen Greene is one of those. It took him about 30 years to find that out. He now knows he's about to become a senior professional bowler since he turns 50 on June 4.

A natural athlete, Greene was a talented high school baseball pitcher and competed as a golfer before he picked up a bowling ball.

"I just started bowling three years ago," said Greene, who has a 211 average at Spring Hill Lanes and 201 at Neffers in Homosassa. Greene owns and runs Greene's Pro Shop, a bowling business in Crystal River. He said he's an engineer by trade but rushed into bowling and the competition.

"Everybody started pushing me," Greene said about opening the shop. " "Steve Neff pushed me really hard. This is a big need in Citrus County."

Greene is an Orlando native who spent most of his career working in computers. He moved to Citrus County in 2000.

His wife, Jo Ann, is a bowler who averages 200 and introduced Greene to the sport. She owns and runs Jo Ann's Hair Styles in the same building as her husband's business.

"She started me on a plastic ball," Greene said. "Steve Neff called it unnatural ability.

"Steve has taught me extensively," Greene said. "I went to the Kegal Training Institute in Lake Wales. It's a world-renowned training center."

Greene has a 740 high series and a 285 high game, and he brings an unusual mind set to the sport.

"I think I do well at bowling because I have an understanding of the technology," he said. "I look at things differently.

"People do not realize what is involved. A ball driller can make or break you. ... I practice four hours a day. I bowled four to five nights a week." Greene competed in Las Vegas in the High Roller and TAT tourneys. "I cashed in my first national tournament," he said. "It was $500."

He realizes he's walking the path less chosen.

"My motivation is a combination of a goal for myself," Greene said. "At 50, I want to be able to get a senior pro card and be able to compete with those guys (on tour)."

His first event practically will be a roll of the dice. He plans to start with the ABC Senior Masters, June 11-16 in Las Vegas. He will meet Neff and Ken Waters there.

"I have a real love of bowling," Greene said. "Of all the sports, bowling is my favorite. I wish I got into the game 30 years ago."

If fate had been a little different, Greene might have ended up playing major-league baseball.

He said he was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in 1973 out of Orlando Edgewater High School as a left-handed pitcher. But two weeks later, he was hit by a car while driving a motorcycle.

The accident dislocated his left shoulder, and the Twins dropped him quickly, Greene said. He was told he never would be able to throw in the mid 80s again.

He played men's open slow-pitch softball for 20 years. His teams, Woodhaven and Bennetruck, captured seven national titles. Greene pitched and had a .600 batting average.

"I have lived a colorful life," said Greene, who also was a Mini Tour golfer for three seasons in Orlando.

Greene, though, wishes he had been bowling from Day 1.CITRUS TOURNEY: The 44th Greater Citrus County Championship Tournament is scheduled for March 12, 13, 19 and 20.

The team events will be at Manatee Lanes on March 13 and 19 at 1 and 5:30 p.m. The singles and doubles are 9 a.m. and 2 and 7 p.m. on March 12 and and 20 at Sportsmen's Bowl in Inverness. The registration fee is $18 per competitor per event. Entries may be delivered to any of the five county centers. Registration also can be sent to Virgil Gunter, P.O. Box 4018 Homosassa Springs, FL 3447. He can be contacted at VWGunter@yahoo.com or 352 628-5172.

MARINER LANES: The Sweetheart Scotch Doubles Tournament will be played 1 p.m. Sunday. The cost of the event is $15 per couple. First place is worth $100 and dinner for two based on 50 couples. For information, call (352) 683-7576.

MANATEE LANES: The center will have a special on Tuesdays from noon-3 p.m. There will be open bowling for $1.50 per game and half-price shoe rental.

SPRING HILL LANES: The Thursday Nite Live League will start Feb. 17.

It will be 9-pin no-tap mixed competition with four team members. The cost is $10 per week. For information, call (352) 683-7272.

The Valentines Tournament is set for 1 p.m. Sunday at the center.

This is a scotch doubles format, with teams alternating shots. The entry fee is $18 per squad. First prize will be about $250.

FSBA: The Florida State Bowling Association will have its 71st annual championship tournament starting April 23.

The competition will be at Countryside Lanes, 27867 U.S. 19 North in Clearwater; and AMF Clearwater, 1850 N. Hercules Ave. The team fee is $18. Doubles and singles cost $18 per person.

Mail entries to Florida State Bowling Association, Att: Bob Peters, 520 Grant Ave. Lehigh Acres, FL 33972; or call (239) 369-2638.

- If you have bowling announcements, information or comments, contact Larry Bugg at Larrybugg@msn.com

[Last modified February 9, 2005, 00:44:18]