Liz Johnson Makes History in PBA50 South Shore Classic
Liz Johnson added another unforgettable chapter to her Hall of Fame career on Thursday, becoming the first woman to ever win a PBA50 Tour national title at the South Shore Classic in Hammond, Indiana. Johnson defeated Brian LeClair 227-224 in the championship match to claim the title and make history once again.
The victory came less than 10 days after Johnson competed in the Go Bowling U.S. Women’s Open, where she bowled 56 games and finished 10th. Despite the demanding stretch, she delivered under pressure in the stepladder finals and closed out the title match by needing just seven pins in the 10th frame after converting a 9-pin on her first shot.
A Historic Moment
Johnson is no stranger to breaking barriers. She was the first female bowler to make a PBA Tour televised finals in 2005 and later became only the second woman to win a PBA Tour title when she captured the 2017 PBA Chameleon Championship. Her South Shore Classic win adds another milestone to a career already filled with legendary accomplishments.
This latest victory also came at the perfect time for one of bowling’s all-time greats. Johnson used the same ball throughout the entire 23-game tournament and delivered when it mattered most, going down to one knee after releasing the final shot and celebrating once the winning count came up.
Final Standings
The top finishers in the 2026 PBA50 South Shore Classic were:
- Liz Johnson — $7,500
- Brian LeClair — $4,000
- Michael Haggitt — $3,200
- Rolando Sebelén — $2,500
- Chris Warren — $2,000
Why It's a Big Deal
Johnson’s win is bigger than one title. It marks a major moment for women in professional bowling and shows that her game still stacks up with the best on the PBA50 Tour. It’s another reminder that one of the sport’s greatest competitors is still making history.