CHUCK GARDNER is hitting the road.

Brunswick Bowling today named Gardner, a fixture in the bowling industry for more than 25 years, as its PBA Pro Tour product specialist.

Gardner, 50, has been with Brunswick Bowling since January 2007, most recently as the Southeastern product specialist, providing pro shops with access to Brunswick bowling equipment, technical information and event support.

In his new role, Gardner will be responsible for coordinating all facets of the Brunswick pro staff, including on-site presence for the men’s and women’s PBA Tour and other professional bowling events. Gardner will assist Brunswick pro staff with bowling equipment for use during pro events, and will coach the pro staff members on their physical games. He also will coordinate sales visits, seminars and exhibitions for the pro staff, when associated with a professional bowling event.

Prior to his time with Brunswick, Gardner was the director of coaching and tour support for Columbia Industries. He also is the former director of pro shop operations for AMF Bowling, and at one time owned a 32-lane family recreation center in Franklin, Va. He sold the center in 1998.

Gardner, a Silver level coach, was named to the list of "100 Top Coaches" by Bowlers Journal International in 2005, and again in 2008.