In the world of tenpin bowling, talent knows no age limit. At just 15 years old, Ben Pettit has already etched his name into the annals of bowling history, captivating audiences worldwide with his extraordinary skill and unwavering determination. Hailing from Porirua, New Zealand, Ben’s journey to becoming one of the most promising young bowlers in the sport is nothing short of inspirational.

Ben’s passion for bowling ignited at the tender age of three when he first stepped foot into North City Tenpin, his home bowling center. Under the guidance of supportive mentors and the watchful eye of his older brother Will Pettit, himself a New Zealand youth tenpin bowling representative, Ben quickly found his stride on the lanes. By the age of four, he was already showcasing his natural talent, joining an after-school league and mastering the art of the single-handed throw.

As Ben’s love for the sport blossomed, so too did his ambition to excel. At 11 years old, he embarked on a pivotal moment in his bowling journey, transitioning to the innovative two-handed technique popularized by the legendary Jason Belmonte. This strategic shift proved to be a catalyst for Ben’s meteoric rise, propelling him to new heights of success and setting the stage for a series of groundbreaking achievements.

Ben’s list of accolades reads like a veteran’s resume, defying expectations and rewriting the record books with each milestone reached. At just 13 years old, he made history by clinching the New Zealand men’s open tenpin bowling title, becoming the youngest ever to achieve such a feat. Not content with resting on his laurels, Ben shattered barriers once again at 14, bowling sanctioned 300 games with a poise and precision far beyond his years.

Career Highlights and Statistics:

– Hammer Bowling International Staffer

– #1 men’s bowler in New Zealand

– #1 in U21 and #1 in U18 in New Zealand

– Youngest ever at 13 to win the New Zealand men’s open tenpin bowling title

– Youngest ever at 14 to bowl sanctioned 300 games in New Zealand

– Youngest ever to be ranked #1 adult men’s tenpin bowler in New Zealand

– First bowler to be ranked #1 open bowler, #1 U21 and #1 U18 bowler in New Zealand simultaneously

Personal Bests:

– High Game: 300 (15 sanctioned games to date)

– High Three Game Series: 853 – average 284 per game (16 sanctioned 800 series to date)

– High Four Game Series: 1,091 – average 273 per game

– High Six Game Series: 1,639 – average 273 per game

Notable Achievements:

– Winner of the New Zealand Open Men’s title three years in a row (2021, 2022, and 2023)

– Winner of the New Zealand U18 title twice (2022 and 2023)

– Winner of the New Zealand U21 title once (2023)

– Winner of the Emerging Sportsperson award at the 2022 Hutt Valley Sports Awards

– Winner of the Young Sportsman of The Year at the 2022 Porirua City Sports Awards

– Winner of the U14 Australian Masters title and the U18 Australian Masters

– Winner of the U21 Sydney Bowlfest title