For Linus Hartings, bowling isn't just a sport—it's a lifelong love affair. The 84-year-old Coldwater legend recently marked an extraordinary milestone: his 50th appearance at the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships. And he did it in style, with his wife and four children cheering him on in Reno as he joined the prestigious 50-Year Club.
Hartings, who once owned Pla-Mor Lanes, first stepped onto the Open Championships stage in Indianapolis back in 1974. After a few missed years, he's been a fixture every season since 1987. Over five decades, he's rolled an impressive 79,351 pins, maintaining a solid 177.5 average. "This is the greatest tournament that league bowlers in this country can be a part of," Hartings said. "What an honor it is to be part of that tradition."
Sure, his average isn't what it used to be—"I'm not like I was 20 or 30 years ago," he admits with a chuckle—but that hasn't slowed him down. Hartings still bowls in four leagues a week and credits the sport for keeping him young at heart. "I feel good when I bowl," he says. "I'm bowling now with kids I had in our high school programs years ago. I can't beat them anymore, but that's OK."
The journey to 50 started three decades ago when Hartings received a plaque for his 20th appearance. Every five years, another plaque fueled his determination. Now, that same fire is burning in his son, Rick, who owns Pla-Mor Lanes. At 59, Rick is just a year away from his 40th Open Championships appearance and has his sights set on joining his dad in the 50-Year Club. "This milestone is inspiring and motivating for me," Rick says. "My goal is to get to 50 and join the 100,000-pin club someday."
For Linus, the proudest moment came in 2000, when he watched Rick bowl a perfect 300 game at the tournament. But the real joy? Seeing his son every day at the bowling center. "I get to work with him pretty much every day," Rick says with a smile.
So what's next for the man who's already achieved so much? When asked about his next goal, Hartings didn't hesitate: "51."