I feel one of bowlings problems is the definition of an amateur. There are literally hundreds of bowlers in the U.S. today making their living by bowling and are not considered to be “professional bowlers” simply because they do not belong to the PBA. Bowling has always had this shady side, hustlers, and even the old company leagues (the old beer leagues) and the such. But with bowling companies sponsoring “amateurs” and the proliferation of mega-buck “amateur” events it has become ridiculous. Tim Mack is a professional by any definition of the word except in bowling.

Golf has strict guidelines. I’m not sure what the exact number is but it use to be if you accepted a prize over $400 you became a professional in the view of the USGA. They just had a guy declared as a professional for winning a car from the Tiger Buick promotion. He cannot enter any amateur events for a year and must petition the USGA to regain his amateur status.

Golf is experiencing some of this problem in that kids in college who are given equipment, practice facilities, and entries into tournaments are now dominating USGA “amateur events”.

A true amateur is someone who works another job at least 40+ hours a week, is involved with their family, and still finds time to participate in their sport.  

Pinbuster - FYI - by your definition, I am an amateur.
And, if the PWBA folds, I will again be an amateur.

BUT - let's talk about the definition of amateur in other sports - since the Olympics changed their definition a few years ago, WHO has been playing on the US BASKETBALL TEAM??? I think a couple of years ago the salaries of the 5 starting AMATEURS was something like 20-30 million a year. Geez - I wish I could be a bowling AMATEUR and make that kind of money...

It's not just bowling any more.
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Bowling? Of course it's a sport.