Biography
Norm Duke is one of the most technically refined bowlers in PBA history. Born on March 25, 1964, in Mount Pleasant, Texas, Duke was a child prodigy who joined the PBA Tour at just 18 years old.
Despite lacking the physical size or power of many competitors, Duke built a Hall of Fame career based on precision, adaptability, and versatility. His career spans multiple bowling eras, from urethane dominance to the modern reactive resin power game.
Duke’s intelligence and lane-reading ability made him one of the most respected competitors on tour.
PBA Titles and Achievements
- 40 PBA Tour titles
- 7 Major Championships
- Multiple Player of the Year awards
- PBA Hall of Fame inductee
- He is one of only a handful of players to win titles across four decades.
Playing Style
Norm Duke is considered a classic stroker with versatility.
Key traits:
Exceptional accuracy
Ability to adjust hand position
Advanced spare shooting
Smooth, repeatable mechanics
Unlike many power players, Duke relies on precision and lane management rather than raw revolutions.
Ball Speed
Competitive ball speed: 16–17 mph
Duke adjusts speed strategically depending on lane conditions.
Career Earnings
Duke has earned over $3.5 million in PBA Tour prize money, ranking among the top earners in history.
Best Televised Moments
Winning majors in different decades
His U.S. Open victory under extreme lane conditions
Late-career title wins proving longevity
Duke’s sustained excellence is one of his defining characteristics.
Equipment Used
Duke favors:
Controlled reactive resin equipment
Symmetrical core bowling balls
Surface adjustments to fine-tune reaction
His equipment selections prioritize predictability and control.