Bernhardt makes 50th appearance at USBC Open Championships
April 19, 2026
RENO, Nev. – Marking his 50th appearance at the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships, David Bernhardt Sr. of Macomb, Michigan, took a memorable walk down the center aisle at the National Bowling Stadium, joined by his son and hall-of-fame teammates – a fitting tribute to a remarkable career.
The 79-year-old recently celebrated the milestone appearance in Reno, Nevada, and he was presented with a plaque, chevron and diamond lapel pin to recognize his longevity.
He was accompanied during the presentation by his son, David Bernhardt Jr., and USBC Hall of Famers Bob Chamberlain Sr. and Mika Koivuniemi. Koivuniemi also has been inducted to the Professional Bowlers Association Hall of Fame.
Across five decades of competition at the Open Championships, Bernhardt has toppled an impressive 87,272 pins, maintaining a career average of 193.9.
His accomplishments include a Regular Doubles title in 1992 alongside USBC and PBA Hall of Famer Gene Stus, as well as a 300 game during the 1988 event in team competition – one of just three recorded that year in Jacksonville, Florida.
Bernhardt and Stus combined for 1,487 to win the title in Corpus Christi, Texas. Bernhardt rolled his highest series at the Open Championships to lead the way – 771. Stus added 716.
Gene Stus and David Bernhardt Sr.
“The most important memory I have was winning doubles with one of my best friends, Gene Stus, in 1992 in Corpus Christi,” said Bernhardt, who made his tournament debut in 1974.
Beyond the Open Championships, Bernhardt’s impact on the sport is equally significant. He is the founder of Turbo, a former member of the PBA and an inductee to the Metro Detroit USBC Hall of Fame.
Among his most cherished memories are being personally congratulated by USBC Hall of Famer Joe Norris after taking the doubles lead in 1992 and sharing the lanes with his son during his first Open Championships in 2004.
“I really enjoy my son bowling with us,” Bernhardt said.
For Bernhardt, the opportunity to compete alongside family and friends over the years has been especially meaningful.
This year’s team reflected a legacy of experience, combining for 180 years of participation at the Open Championships. In addition to Bernhardt’s 50th trip, Chamberlain – a 1980 Regular Team champion and member of the 100,000-Pin Club at the tournament – celebrated his 58th appearance, and they were joined on the lanes by Jeffrey Mraz (31 appearances), David Bernhardt Jr. (22) and Robert Chamberlain Jr. (19).
The Open Championships is celebrating its 122nd edition in 2026 and making its 15th trip to Reno, Nevada. The 2026 event is scheduled to feature more than 55,000 bowlers and 11,000 five-player teams competing across 128 consecutive days at the National Bowling Stadium.
Follow the action from the tournament’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts.
The 79-year-old recently celebrated the milestone appearance in Reno, Nevada, and he was presented with a plaque, chevron and diamond lapel pin to recognize his longevity.
He was accompanied during the presentation by his son, David Bernhardt Jr., and USBC Hall of Famers Bob Chamberlain Sr. and Mika Koivuniemi. Koivuniemi also has been inducted to the Professional Bowlers Association Hall of Fame.
Across five decades of competition at the Open Championships, Bernhardt has toppled an impressive 87,272 pins, maintaining a career average of 193.9.
His accomplishments include a Regular Doubles title in 1992 alongside USBC and PBA Hall of Famer Gene Stus, as well as a 300 game during the 1988 event in team competition – one of just three recorded that year in Jacksonville, Florida.
Bernhardt and Stus combined for 1,487 to win the title in Corpus Christi, Texas. Bernhardt rolled his highest series at the Open Championships to lead the way – 771. Stus added 716.
Gene Stus and David Bernhardt Sr.
“The most important memory I have was winning doubles with one of my best friends, Gene Stus, in 1992 in Corpus Christi,” said Bernhardt, who made his tournament debut in 1974.
Beyond the Open Championships, Bernhardt’s impact on the sport is equally significant. He is the founder of Turbo, a former member of the PBA and an inductee to the Metro Detroit USBC Hall of Fame.
Among his most cherished memories are being personally congratulated by USBC Hall of Famer Joe Norris after taking the doubles lead in 1992 and sharing the lanes with his son during his first Open Championships in 2004.
“I really enjoy my son bowling with us,” Bernhardt said.
For Bernhardt, the opportunity to compete alongside family and friends over the years has been especially meaningful.
This year’s team reflected a legacy of experience, combining for 180 years of participation at the Open Championships. In addition to Bernhardt’s 50th trip, Chamberlain – a 1980 Regular Team champion and member of the 100,000-Pin Club at the tournament – celebrated his 58th appearance, and they were joined on the lanes by Jeffrey Mraz (31 appearances), David Bernhardt Jr. (22) and Robert Chamberlain Jr. (19).
The Open Championships is celebrating its 122nd edition in 2026 and making its 15th trip to Reno, Nevada. The 2026 event is scheduled to feature more than 55,000 bowlers and 11,000 five-player teams competing across 128 consecutive days at the National Bowling Stadium.
Follow the action from the tournament’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts.