What happened to Robert Smith

[NewToBowling]

I know he still bowls competitively but he isn't making many if any finals.

From earlier this decade looked like he was a definite up and comer. Such a powerful release. I know he had the injury bug for a bit but seems healthy now.

[Aslan]

He was a great RB for Minnesota.

[bobforsaken]

He was a great RB for Minnesota.

He was.. until he retired early to prevent injuries. That's what you get for drafting a pre-med student. :)

[RobLV1]

Robert bought a proshop in California. He has long been plagued by injuries, and at 41, is no spring chicken in terms of the professional side of the sport. He's certainly very knowledgeable, and is still very involved in the game. He's also one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet.

[billf]

Head coach for a college, San Diego State I believe

[NYMIKE]

He bowled in a team event a couple of weeks ago on extra frame

[manke]

He probably found out you can't make a living on the tour.

[fordman1]

I thought he moved to Japan or China or some place?

[Aslan]

With a minor amount of googling....I was able to discover that:

- Robert Smith retired from the national pro bowling tour at 36 in 2010.
- He gave up his PBA card in 2012 right around the time 900Global stopped paying their PBA fee.
- He cited primarily health reasons and his inability to compete at the highest level anymore...but eluded to it also being about the state of the PBA at the time and then the issues with 900Global.

[fortheloveofbowling]

He bowled in 9 national tour events this year.

[foreverincamo]

Last I heard of him he was living in Hawaii.

[Aslan]

He bowled in 9 national tour events this year.

He must a got bored.

[J Anderson]

I thought he moved to Japan or China or some place?

At one point he did move to Japan to coach/teach bowling.

[JoeInPI]

I've always liked watching old Robert Smith videos on youtube, I was always fascinated by listening to his ball go down the lane.

Now I enjoy his work with The Cure. Could do without the makeup though. lol