Belmonte, Jason (1983-…), is an Australian bowler. He became one of the leading professional bowlers of the early 2000’s. Belmonte has been successful both on the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) tour in the United States and in circuits throughout the world.
Belmonte has won a record 15 major PBA tournaments. His first chronological major title was awarded retroactively. He won the Players Championship in 2011, the first time the tournament was held since 2000. In 2016, the PBA gave the revived tournament major status and awarded Belmonte a major title for his 2011 victory. He won the tournament again in 2017 and 2022. Belmonte has won the Masters title a record four times, in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2017. He has also won the Tournament of Champions title a record four times, in 2014, 2015, 2019, and 2023. Belmonte won the World Championship in 2017, 2019, and 2020; and the U.S. Open in 2020. Belmonte has been named PBA Player of the Year seven times, in 2012-2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2022.
Belmonte was born in Orange, New South Wales, on July 29, 1983. His parents operated a bowling alley in Orange, and Jason began bowling when he was 18 months old. He developed his distinctive two-hand style as a child because the ball was too heavy for him to throw with one hand. Belmonte won his first event at the age of 4. After a successful career as an amateur, he turned professional in 2008. In 2022, Belmonte was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to bowling. The Order of Australia is Australia’s highest award for service to the country or to humanity.
