LEN NICHOLSON

aka Phantom

As of January 2023, Len Nicholson has been involved in analyzing, cleaning and conditioning bowling lanes in more bowling centers, in more cities, in more states, and in more countries than anyone in the history of bowling. He has the distinct honor of being the only person to have been in charge of conditioning lanes for every PBA Member who is currently in the PBA Hall of Fame. This man traveled the PBA Tour for well over 20-years and has worn many “hats” in this sport that he loves. His insights into the sport of bowling are unique and often sought after from his peers.

  • He began bowling in the Jr. Leagues in 1956. He was a Jr. Doubles partner with All-Time great PBA and USBC Hall of Famer, Billy Hardwick and they remained close until Billy passed away.

  • Former Director of Lane Maintenance for the PBA National Tour. He helped develop the PBA Lane Maintenance Program in 1971. It is still in existence today. He has been directly involved in the conditioning of lanes in over 800 Professional (PBA) tournaments.

  • Former Tournament Director (1982-1991) of the PBA Western Region where he earned the Pat Patterson Award for contributions to, and for, the betterment of the PBA Western Region.

  • Former Staff Member of Professional Bowling Camps (PBC), teaching both the Physical and Mental Games. He has literally given thousands of lessons, to all levels of bowlers.

  • Has personally coached, managed, and/or advised several Members of the PBA Hall of Fame along with many PBA Touring Professionals and PBA Regional Players.

  • Has authored 10 books and pamphlets on various aspects of the sport of bowling.

  • Along with his son Mike (who was 16 at the time), the Nicholsons were the National Champions in the 1980 National Family (Father and Son) Tournament, in Washington, DC.

  • Has bowled four, 300-games and two, 800-plus series (using plastic bowling balls).

  • Bowled a 300 game in the only PBA event he ever entered: (Santa Maria, 1980).

  • Has managed two bowling centers that hosted several PBA Regional Tournaments. (One of those was Pacifica Coast Lanes-from 1981 to 1991 formerly the: Sea Bowl).

  • Was a former Consultant on the Technical Committee for the World Ten Pin Bowling Association (WTBA) appointed by World Bowling President Dr. P.S. Nathan.

  • Currently consults with The Kegel Company and is a Founding Member of The Foundation; which is a group that is finding solutions to the problems in our Sport.

  • He is a Member of the Bowling Writers Association of America (BWAA - IBMA).

  • He was appointed (2-year term) to the BWAA – IBMA Board of Directors in 2011.

  • He was a Member of the Southwest Bowling Writers Association (SWBWA).

  • He owns Nicholson Bowling Consultant (N.B.C.), which is a California-based company that was established in 1985. N.B.C. offers bowling centers advice on how to properly maintain their lanes.

  • He was the 2007 recipient of the: “Flowers for the Living” Award, which is presented annually to a person in the entire bowling industry who is admired, respected, and loved. The Award was created in 1961 by the late Sam Levine, a Cleveland, Ohio newspaper legend.

  • He was presented the prestigious 2009 John Davis Award for his continuing contributions to the Sport of Bowling.

  • He was inducted into the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Hall of Fame, in the Meritorious Service Category: (2011). This was the 1st time ANY lane man was ever in a National Hall of Fame.

  • He was selected by the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) as the first recipient of: The Jim Jaryszak Laneman Award in 2011.

  • He was presented the 2011 Gosta Zellen Golden Quill Award. This Award was presented by the World Bowling Writers Association (WBWA) for outstanding work in tenpin journalism.

  • He was presented the 2020 Mort Luby, Jr. Bowling Writer (IBMA) Hall of Fame Award.

  • He currently hosts a weekly internet Radio Show, which is a first of its kind that features interviews with bowling dignitaries and celebrities from each and every area of the sport. Bowlers Journal International calls Phantom Radio a “pioneer in the field of internet broadcasting” because it is scheduled each week with a new Guest. As of January 2023, Phantom Radio has completed over 1250 consecutive shows with over 425 Guests. The Show is popular for all those who love bowling, and it is syndicated with over 200 bowling-related web sites that carry the streaming video. Research is underway with the Guinness Book of Records as to be the longest-running scheduled podcast. Phantom Radio can be accessed, at: www.kegel.net/phantom Each show comes on the internet every Wednesday and each Guest is on for 7 full days.

  • His book; “My Personal Stories and Memories of The PBA Hall of Famers” was published in 2018 and his most recent book (“Stone 8”) is still available today. “Stone 8” was published in 2019 and chronicles the PBA’s All-Time Top 60 Moments.

  • In March of 2023 he started “Phantom Radio Junior Bowling Club”. It is free for any and all Junior Bowlers who are involved in League Play. Contact Len at: savrsprt@yahoo.com for info.

    His immediate goal is to continue to educate by passing along knowledge and information. His ultimate goal is to continue to promote our great Sport.