RICHMOND, Ky. — 67 million people bowl each year in the United States, according to the United States Bowling Congress. Of that, only 1.2 million people compete in a certified USBC league.

Kentucky State USBC hosted their 3rd annual women’s handicap tournament in Richmond Saturday afternoon at Galaxy Bowl.

The tournament is dubbed as handicap, meaning participants can have their scores judged on an amateur level while participating in singles, doubles and teams. 

For many people bowling is just recreation, but bowlers participating in Kentucky State USBC Women’s handicap tournament know bowling as friendly competition.

“It is something to do, it is somewhere to go, it is somewhere to get away from work or get away from home,” said Narita Rose. 

She's one of nearly 100 women participating in this year’s Kentucky State USBC women’s handicap tournament. The scoring for this competition is handicapped, meaning every bowler has an equal chance of winning.

Handicapped scoring is determined by a percentage of the difference between the average and base average bowler. Chad Bischof, a board member of Madison County USBC, is helping educate bowlers of all skill sets about the importance of tournaments like this one.

“What a handicap does is level the playing field based on your skill level versus the skill level of your competitors. Behind me we do have a few who probably could give the Women’s Professional Tour a run for its money. Then there are others, with all do respect that are not at that skill level, so the handicap levels the playing field,” said Bischof.

Having a tournament where amateurs and professionals can come together on a handicapped score allows bowlers to build upon their skill in hopes of getting to the Women’s Championship.

Bowlers get to do what they love and relieve everyday stressors. Rose, who lost her husband seven years ago, needed a therapeutic activity, so she looked to bowling.

“And instantly fell in love with bowling and had never bowled before in my life. I mean of course recreational, but then I became a little more serious about it,” said Rose.

Competition doesn't exist for Kentucky State USBC bowlers unless they have support. That's why Daniel Farish is doing his part to support his girlfriend and his girlfriend’s mom. Farish is a competitive bowler himself who cherishes bowling whether he is playing or supporting.

“All ages, all sexes, everybody, anybody can bowl, you do not have to worry about weather, you do not have to worry about ability, anyone can do this and that is one of the greatest things about this sport,” said Farish.

Rose has the same mentality as Farish, like many other bowlers.

“We bowl because we enjoy the competition and we enjoy each other's company and the camaraderie between all the bowlers,” said Rose.

The bowlers know it's more than bowling – it is about the bond they create over a sport they love. Kentucky State USBC’s tournaments are also a way to raise money locally in Richmond.  

During the last pre-COVID tournament the Madison county USBC league raised over $25,000 for hospice care in Madison county. Bischof is asking for more participants in the Madison County USBC tournaments to sign up to get their roll on.