Bowling, that simple game of our youth, is being turned upside-down by technology

Something mysterious awaits Kevin Mills at the far end of the bowling lane, down there in the shadows. “Some of the decline has to do with cost to operate and square footage,” says Chad Murphy, the bowling congress’ executive director. “If can lower their costs, that’s a good thing.” European bowling alleys have used string pinsetters for decades because they require less energy and maintenance. “I have one very good friend who refuses to bowl here anymore.” Jason Sousa, right, and father Dan, owners of Napa Bowl, in the service area behind the pinsetters at their family bowling alley. “If they think they hit the pocket and there’s no strike,” executive Alex Funk says, “they blame the string.” League bowler Roxanne Quirk celebrates a successful throw at Napa Bowl in Napa.