It has a high participation rate because it is a recreational activity that requires little or no skill to do. It provides enjoyment to the participants. It is easy to socialize while doing. It does not require the purchase of specialized equipment. It does not require any real athletic ability or conditioning.

Bowling venues allow few spectators so the majority of money available has to come thru sponsors and TV.

Bowling on TV for the most part is a boring to watch unless you are a rabid fan of the sport. The number of people who watch is low enough and the demographic of the audience is such that few companies wish to advertise on the show.

Golf has a high income demographic that watchs so certain sponsor target that market. Plus they can get 50k to 100k spectators.

Maybe its because of the stereotype of your typical bowler.  Big overweight, beer drinking middle aged man.  Compare that to your stereotype of a football, basketball, baseball, or hockey player.  Hopefully with more exposure of guys like Robert Smith, Danny Wiseman, Pete webber, Jason Couch and others maybe bowlers will get the recognition they deserve.

Yeah - the imagery in basketball and baseball is so much better than bowling...
Middle aged, beer drinking...

Compared to drug abusing, raping, law breaking athletes??? hmmm...
No comparison at all. I guess when Pete Weber's crotch chop is as outrageous as you can get, no one wants to watch.

--------------------
All things are difficult
before they are easy.
---- Thomas Fuller

Edited on 7/29/2004 2:47 PM

Friend of mine went to Florida training camp for baseball to meet the guys!
She was excited, me I couldn't see it.
I enjoy being beside the greats bowling.
What stinks is, Pro's have just as many expenses as the golfers, etc. BUt unless they get sponsers it's a real money issue to get out there and live the dream.
Plus, as stated earlier more people bowl. How many 50 year olds go out and play tackle football!!!
We got guys in their 60's bowling 300's and having fun.
Some old lady who can hardly see had a 200 this past year.
When the locals go out and do this, to them the pro's don't have the respect of other sports.
Plus other sports, recruit folks ( except bowling) Can you imagine if the bowling made people go into a draft to be choosen intstead of the way the now do it.
Hearsay from my aunt)
My cousins son was disappointed, he wanted to become a pro basketball player. I never seen him play but he played for some big college and was one of their top players. He wanted it as a career, (not to knock black people) my aunt claimed they were more into recruiting blacks for basketball rather than good players.
--------------------
Kathy, From PA!
Big mouth, loves to talk.
-----------------------------------------
I wish I knew as much about bowling as my son.
He's not a bragger but mom sure loves to share his good times!