Biography
Liz Johnson is widely regarded as one of the greatest female bowlers in history. Born on May 2, 1973, in Niagara Falls, New York, Johnson developed into one of the most technically precise and mentally composed competitors the sport has ever seen.
She joined the PWBA Tour in the 1990s and quickly established herself as a dominant force. Johnson is especially known for her groundbreaking appearance in the 2005 PBA Tournament of Champions, where she became the first woman to qualify for a nationally televised PBA Tour event against men. She not only competed — she dominated qualifying and made the televised finals.
Her ability to maintain composure under pressure and execute shots with incredible consistency has defined her career. Johnson is often praised for her spare shooting accuracy and lane-reading intelligence.
Titles and Achievements
- 25+ PWBA Tour titles
- 3 U.S. Women’s Open titles
Multiple major championships
- PWBA Hall of Fame inductee
She is one of the most decorated players in women’s bowling history.
Playing Style
Johnson is a classic stroker.
Smooth delivery
Low-to-moderate rev rate
Exceptional accuracy
Elite spare shooting
- Her game emphasizes control over power.
Ball Speed
Competitive ball speed: 16–17 mph
She maintains consistent speed to maximize repeatability.
Career Earnings
Liz Johnson has earned over $1 million in professional prize money, making her one of the highest-earning female bowlers.
Best Televised Moments
2005 PBA Tournament of Champions finals appearance
Multiple U.S. Women’s Open victories
Dominant major championship performances
Equipment Used
Reactive resin bowling balls with controlled backend motion
Symmetrical cores for predictability
Surface adjustments for flatter oil patterns