Can you become a professional bowler? Do you have what it takes to survive on the Professional Bowler's Tour (PBA)? Are you able to maintain the level of talent, skill, knowledge, and mindset necessary to be called, "winner," on the PBA.

The basic requirements for attaining membership in the PBA are very minimal by any standard. Here's the current prerequisites - 1) A 200 average or better for the most recent league season with at least 36 games in that league; 2) A 190 average or better in a sanctioned USBC Sport Bowling League; and, 3) Cashing in a PBA Regional tournament as a non-member.

It wasn't many years ago that it took a 200 average for at least 66 games over a two year period or a 230 average for at least one season to qualify for membership in the professional bowler's association. The qualifying standard, however, is not the most important factor for whether you can make it as a professional bowler.

Let's take a look at my "Choc-List" of "4M's" to see whether you have what it takes to be successful and survive the PBA Tour:

1) "Mental" - you should begin with the basics and become a student of the sport. Study every aspect of the game beginning with equipment specifications to practicing bowling techniques to maintaining the proper mental attitude.

2) "Mindset" - get a bowling coach and take lessons regularly; and, every chance you get, watch the professional bowlers in action. The PBA Tour is broadcast on TV weekly, you can try to catch them in a regional tournament when they come to a location near you, or it is easy to visit their website regularly.

3) "Model" - find yourself someone you admire - Norm Duke, Walter Ray Williams, Mike Scroggins, Parker Bohn III - study their moves, their behavior, and very importantly, their demeanor and mental focus.

4) "Maturity" - regardless of your talent or skill, you must have, or develop, a clear and focused purpose for going after your dream. As I always maintain, nothing good is ever accomplished from a point of anger; but rather, from a point of calmness.

It is many a bowler's dream to get up to the PBA Tour and become a regular participant. In the end, it is only you who will be able to determine that. Only you can control your attitude enough to make the attempt. "Only you can prevent forest fires." -- Smokey the Bear.

A Hui Hou! (See You Later!)