I am an avid golfer who has just taken up bowling. As a golfer, I don't understand why some bowlers think their sport is so difficult. I watch the PBA Tour, and hear them talk about lane conditions. In words a golfer can understand, what are these bowlers are talking about? - Myron Sexton, Beaverton, Ore.

UNLIKE GOLF, where most of the difficulty is visible, bowling has challenges that often can't be seen by the naked eye. Since the bowling ball rolls on the lane surface for almost 60 feet, every inch of the lane surface with which the ball comes in contact can affect the ball reaction. If the lane surface is rough because the lane hasn't been resurfaced for some time, the ball can actually leave the surface and bounce slightly off-target. The lane conditioner can be placed at any portion on the lane and cause the ball to skid either more or less. Additionally, the pins can make the ball bounce, which depends on the integrity of the release, etc. These and many other factors can affect how your ball rolls down the lane, and how many pins you knock down. In short, like golf, the lane is a collection of sand traps, water hazards and fairways. Unlike golf, these hazards are invisible, so the only way to find out where they are located is to throw the ball down the lane and observe the reaction; i.e. "read" the lane. There is a great deal of skill that goes into becoming a great bowler, because you must first develop your shot-making ability to the point where you can repeat shots time after time; then and only then can you begin to really read the lane.

WHAT'S WITH THE WIDE SHOES?

I've been bowling for a few years, and now plan to buy a quality pair of bowling shoes. I recently saw a bowler who was wearing shoes with extremely wide soles compared to most other bowling shoes. How do wide soles help you? - Suzy Jackson, Piedmont, Calif.

BOWLING IS the only sport I know where you have as much as 16 extra pounds pulling on one side of your body. This makes it more critical to maintain balance through the approach, slide and follow-through. A wide-soled bowling shoe helps you maintain balance through the slide and keep your body and follow-through going directly toward the target, which should translate into higher scores; i.e., it's not a gimmick.

HITTING THE ACCELERATOR

During my practice (league and tournament competition), I have a difficult time achieving my normal speed. In fact, my first two or three frames in competition are often splits. Can you give me any suggestions to avoid that terrible start? - Don Bloomfield, Plano, Texas

IT IS very common for a bowler to take a number of frames to get muscles loosened and ball speed up to normal. I recommend you try stretching prior to practice and do a number of knee bends. After the practice session, start with your feet a bit left of your normal starting position for the first few frames. Because the ball is thrown a bit slower during the first few frames, this move left will allow for extra hook and help you avoid those troublesome splits during the first few frames.

BACK-TO-BACK

I've been bowling for about two years and have recently developed some lower back problems. Any suggestions to relieve the back problems? - Robert Kony, Kent, England

IF YOU are serious about the sport, you should develop an on-going program that develops muscles in the lower back and stomach. Additionally, use a proper nutritional program to lose weight. When you're bowling, learn to bend more with the knees, not the back. This will ease your back problem while also increasing the power of your release (it puts the body in a better release position). If you get a chance, watch a video of either Parker Bohn III, David Ozio or Marshall Holman. These players use their legs properly to bend during the release. A final thought is to check your bowling ball grip. If you are gripping too hard to hold onto the ball, this puts additional pressure on the back. Visit a qualified pro shop operator to ensure that the grip is correct for you.

Mike McGrath is a PBA and ABC Hall of Famer. Send your questions to him c/o Bowlers Journal International, 122 South Michigan, Suite 1506, Chicago, IL 60603.