The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) hands out four awards to honor tour competitors for their accomplishments both on and off the lanes after each PBA Tour season.
No awards were given in 2001, as the PBA transitioned from a calendar year format to a "seasonal" (September to March) format, one of the league's many changes as a result of the PBA's sale in March 2000. In 2014, the PBA returned to a calendar year format for each tour season.
This award was voted by writers of The Sporting News from 1963 to 1970. Since 1971 (with the exception of 2008 to 2010, when the winner was determined by season points only), the award has been voted on by the players and media. In 1999, the PBA named the award after the long-time play-by-play television announcer for the Professional Bowlers Tour, Chris Schenkel of ABC Sports.
Candidates receive votes for this honor by PBA members and media. In 1992, this award was renamed in honor of Harry Golden, longtime PBA tournament director.
The PBA's sportsmanship award honors PBA founding member and Hall of Famer Steve Nagy. The award has been awarded since 1966, the year of Nagy's passing.
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Awarded annually to a PBA member who exemplifies extraordinary community service, charitable and/or educational contributions over the course of a tour season. Created in 2013 by the PBA to honor and continue the legacy of Tony Reyes.
The following awards are earned solely on statistics of the bowler, whereas the above are given based on voting by the media and PBA members.
This award is earned by the bowler who has the highest average during a season with a minimum of 180 games bowled in PBA competition. The award is named after American Bowling Congress (ABC) Hall of Famer George Young, who had a lifetime 202 average in ABC tournament play from 1942 to 1958, the highest of any competitor during that era covering over 20 tournaments.
This award is given to the top points earner during a given PBA Tour season. Named after PBA charter member and inaugural hall of famer Harry Smith, who won twelve PBA titles, including two majors.