Above 180.com Bowling Podcast

Tim Burg

The Above 180 Podcast is a bowling podcast designed to help you improve your bowling game. Tim Burg covers a wide variety of topics, including coaching tips, finding the proper pro shop, equipment layouts, and all the latest ball reviews.

  1. Bowling Tips for 2026: Mental Game, Proper Fit & Reading Oil Patterns | Tyrel Rose

    1D AGO

    Bowling Tips for 2026: Mental Game, Proper Fit & Reading Oil Patterns | Tyrel Rose

    This week I catch up with Bowling This Month contributor and Team Canada Head Coach Tyrel Rose to break down how bowlers can improve their game in 2026. Rose shares why the mental game remains the true foundation of success on the lanes and explains how developing stronger focus, confidence, and consistency can immediately elevate performance. We also discuss why bowlers shouldn’t overlook proper fit and the ideal time to have their equipment evaluated to maximize comfort and scoring potential. Rose dives into the balance between understanding bowling ball technical specs and learning to read different oil patterns—offering practical advice for league bowlers and competitive players alike. Whether you’re a casual league bowler or serious competitor, this episode is packed with actionable bowling tips to help you sharpen your skills and raise your average in 2026. A must-listen for anyone serious about improving their bowling game.

    27 min
  2. The Truth About Urethane, Brand Loyalty, and Ball Reaction – with Vernon Peterson

    11/17/2025

    The Truth About Urethane, Brand Loyalty, and Ball Reaction – with Vernon Peterson

    On this episode, I sit down with pro shop operator, Silver-Certified Coach and ball reviewer for the Bowlers Journal International Vernon Peterson to discuss the latest trends shaping today’s bowling equipment market. Vernon shares insights on why brand loyalty still runs deep among many bowlers, what the new urethane rule really means for the average player, and how to achieve a similar reaction using shorter pin layouts. We also dive into the ongoing debate of thumb slugs vs. interchangeable thumbs—who benefits most from each setup, and how to decide what’s right for your game. Whether you’re a league bowler or chasing tour-level precision, this episode delivers pro shop wisdom you can use on the lanes.

    31 min
  3. Recruiting, Routines & Rivalries: Coach Brooke Green Talks Clarke Bowling

    10/13/2025

    Recruiting, Routines & Rivalries: Coach Brooke Green Talks Clarke Bowling

    On this episode, we sit down with Brooke Green, head bowling coach at Clarke University. Coach Green shares what her team has been focusing on after the first two events of the season and outlines her expectations moving forward. She also discusses her approach to recruiting, what she looks for in future bowlers, and gives us a glimpse into what a typical practice looks like for her teams.

    22 min
  4. Sharpening Your Game: Craig Spencer Talks Bowling and StrikeTutor

    09/10/2025

    Sharpening Your Game: Craig Spencer Talks Bowling and StrikeTutor

    On this episode, I sit down with Craig Spencer — owner of Virtue Bowling Supply and a USBC Silver Certified Coach. We dive into what bowlers should keep in mind as they return to league and tournament play after a summer break. Craig also shares the vision behind StrikeTutor, where he serves as Chief Product Officer, and explains how both bowlers can use it to to sharpen their game.

    21 min
  5. Marc McDowell’s Third Eagle: Winning Big in His 60s

    08/12/2025

    Marc McDowell’s Third Eagle: Winning Big in His 60s

    Marc McDowell is back on top — and he’s doing it in his 60s. In this episode, we dive into how he claimed his third Eagle at the 2025 USBC Open Championships and why this victory feels extra special. Marc opens up about his mindset heading into doubles and singles after a tough final team game, and how he’s maintained elite performance over decades of competition. He shares the training, preparation, and mental approach that keep him competitive against the best in the game — and what older bowlers can do to stay sharp. We wrap up with his unfiltered take on the team pattern and the grueling lane conditions in Baton Rouge that tested even the most seasoned pros.

    33 min
  6. Breaking Down the 2025 USBC Open: Scores, Oil, and Urethane Drama

    08/05/2025

    Breaking Down the 2025 USBC Open: Scores, Oil, and Urethane Drama

    On this episode, I’m joined by Jeff Richgels, Five-Time USBC Eagles winner and owner of 11thFrame.com, to break down this year’s USBC Open Championships and to make sense of the urethane discussion taking place. We dive into what led to the noticeably lower scores, including lane topography, oil patterns, and the chatter surrounding them. Jeff also shares his insights on the USBC's recent urethane survey — what it reveals, what it might signal for the future, and what he thinks the USBC’s next move could be when it comes to urethane regulation.

    56 min
  7. From College to Champion: Jordan Snodgrass on Making the Leap

    06/27/2025

    From College to Champion: Jordan Snodgrass on Making the Leap

    On this episode, Tim sits down with six-time PWBA titleist Jordan Snodgrass for a deep dive into her journey from college lanes to the pro tour. Jordan reflects on her college bowling experience, shares smart advice for high school athletes choosing a program, and opens up about the biggest adjustments she faced transitioning to the PWBA. Plus, she reveals the one powerful word every player should remember when a coach or tour rep suggests a ball change or lane move.

    20 min
  8. Inside the PWBA: Rising Stars, Big Stops, and O’Keefe’s Return

    05/15/2025

    Inside the PWBA: Rising Stars, Big Stops, and O’Keefe’s Return

    I catch up with the voice of the PWBA Tour, Emil Williams Jr., for a fast-paced rundown of all things women’s pro bowling. We break down the season opener in Kansas, preview the USBC Queens, and look ahead to the biggest storylines of the year. Emil names the rising stars to watch, gives the latest on Shannon O’Keefe’s return, and reflects on some of the most unforgettable moments from the past decade on tour.

    27 min
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4.6
out of 5
51 Ratings

About

The Above 180 Podcast is a bowling podcast designed to help you improve your bowling game. Tim Burg covers a wide variety of topics, including coaching tips, finding the proper pro shop, equipment layouts, and all the latest ball reviews.

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