Before elbow tendinitis ended my 'career' (an exaggerated term, for sure), I carried as high as a 204 book average. I guess I bowled for almost twenty years total...even worked in a bowling alley for a couple of years. Won some small tournaments, made as much as $1000.00 in a single day...but spent far more on equipment and lane-time.
Great sport really, at least it was. I started before all the 'reactive' ball technology emerged in the late 80's and early 90's. when I first joined a league in 1977, a pro-quality bowler carried a 190 and above (generally speaking).
When I stopped about five years ago, we had guys in our local league carrying 230+ averages. Different equipment, different game.
But the game is still great way to work the mind and the old adage is true; bowling is 10% physical and 90% mental. Once you master the mechanics, you improve by mastering your mind.
I miss it, but that's life.