Australia's Ten Pin Bowling History

Australian tenpin bowling began at the Washington Bowling Saloon in Ballarat, Victoria, in 1885.

  1. Tenpin Bowling Catches On

    • Tenpin bowling began to spread into the major metropolitan Australian cities. The American Machine and Foundry Corp. noticed Australian tenpin bowling was becoming very popular. In response, AMF set up a corporate entity in Australia in 1959.

    Automatic Pinsetters

    • Before 1959, Australian tenpin bowling alleys were hand-operated. The AMF built the first automatic pinsetters in Hurstville, Australia, in 1960.

    Tenpin Explosion

    • Australian tenpin bowling grew to 1,600 lanes. This resulted in the formation of the Australian Tenpin Bowling Australia Limited (TBA) in 1966.

    TBA

    • The TBA is the governing body for Australian bowling. TBA was established to administer the rules and equipment specifications, provide coaching, and develop and promote the sport nationally.

    Commonwealth Games

    • Tenpin bowling made its first appearance in the 1988 Commonwealth Games. The Australian men's and women's team won three gold, one silver and one bronze medals.

    AMF World Championships

    • Jeannette Baker became the first Australian to win the AMF World Tenpin Bowling Championship. She won titles in 1982 and 1983.