Ohio bowler makes 50th appearance at 2026 Open Championships
April 22, 2026
RENO, Nev. – Linus Hartings of Coldwater, Ohio, reached a remarkable milestone Sunday at the National Bowling Stadium, making his 50th appearance at the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships.
Hartings was joined for the occasion by his wife, Carol; daughters, Cindy, Pam and Deb; son, Rick; daughter-in-law, Patty; and sons-in-law, Rod and Scott, making the moment a true family celebration. He was presented with a plaque, chevron and diamond lapel pin to recognize the achievement.
His journey at the Open Championships began in 1974 in Indianapolis. Reflecting on the many host cities he has visited, Hartings shared a special appreciation for Reno.
“Reno is my favorite,” he said. “Coming from a small town, I really enjoy the small-town feel that Reno offers.”
Over the course of his career at the Open Championships, Hartings has toppled an impressive 79,351 pins, maintaining a 177.5 average. Among his most cherished memories is a family milestone.
“My favorite moment was watching my son bowl a 300 game in the tournament in 2000,” he said. Rick Hartings, who made his 39th appearance at the Open Championships this year, rolled his perfect game during singles competition in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Beyond the Open Championships, Hartings’ accomplishments include six 300 games and one 800 series, underscoring a lifetime of excellence in the sport.
Hartings’ legacy in bowling extends beyond the competition, too. He and Carol previously owned and operated a bowler center, which they have since passed down to Rick – continuing the family’s deep-rooted connection to the game.
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.
Hartings was joined for the occasion by his wife, Carol; daughters, Cindy, Pam and Deb; son, Rick; daughter-in-law, Patty; and sons-in-law, Rod and Scott, making the moment a true family celebration. He was presented with a plaque, chevron and diamond lapel pin to recognize the achievement.
His journey at the Open Championships began in 1974 in Indianapolis. Reflecting on the many host cities he has visited, Hartings shared a special appreciation for Reno.
“Reno is my favorite,” he said. “Coming from a small town, I really enjoy the small-town feel that Reno offers.”
Over the course of his career at the Open Championships, Hartings has toppled an impressive 79,351 pins, maintaining a 177.5 average. Among his most cherished memories is a family milestone.
“My favorite moment was watching my son bowl a 300 game in the tournament in 2000,” he said. Rick Hartings, who made his 39th appearance at the Open Championships this year, rolled his perfect game during singles competition in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Beyond the Open Championships, Hartings’ accomplishments include six 300 games and one 800 series, underscoring a lifetime of excellence in the sport.
Hartings’ legacy in bowling extends beyond the competition, too. He and Carol previously owned and operated a bowler center, which they have since passed down to Rick – continuing the family’s deep-rooted connection to the game.
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.