Check out these 15 facts you probably didn't know about bowling. 

Celebrate National Bowling Day with Bowlero! Bowling has had a prominent place in history since the sport made its way to the United States. Check out these mind-blowing facts about bowling that are sure to make you take up a new hobby this year. 

1. Ancient History
Bowling can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where evidence of a game similar to the modern-day sport was discovered in a child's grave dating back over 5,000 years.

2. Gutter Ball
The gutters, or channels, on either side of the bowling lane weren't always just for missed shots. In early British lawn bowling, the gutters were actually a tactical element. Players would use them strategically to bank shots and increase their chances of getting closer to the target.

3. Bowling Comes to the Big Apple
The first indoor bowling alley in the United States was built in New York City in 1840, and it quickly gained popularity.

4. Bowling and the White House
Many U.S. presidents have been avid bowlers. Richard Nixon installed a one-lane bowling alley in the White House basement in 1969, and Harry S. Truman was the first president to have a bowling alley constructed there in 1947.

5. Women Make Their Debut on the Lanes
The Women's International Bowling Congress (WIBC) was founded in 1916, giving women the opportunity to participate in the sport.

6. Health Benefits
Bowling isn't just fun; it can also have health benefits. Bowling can help improve hand-eye coordination, balance, and muscle strength. 

7. Outlaw Bowling
In the mid-1800s, Connecticut passed a lawn to ban 9-pin bowling in an effort to curb gambling and crime.

8. Oldest Lanes in the U.S.
The oldest continuously operating bowling alley in the United States is the Holler House in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which was established in 1908.

9. Turkey! 
The term "turkey" in bowling refers to three consecutive strikes in a row. While the origin isn't certain, it's believed to have been coined during the Great Depression. Bowling alleys would give away turkeys as prizes, so achieving three strikes was a big win!

10.  Larger Than Life
The world's largest bowling pin stands at 30 feet tall and is located in Tampa, Florida.

11.  Bowling and the Guinness Book of World Records
The longest marathon tenpin bowling was 134 hr 57 min by Stephen Shanabrook (USA) at Plano Super Bowl in Plano, Texas, USA, from 14-19 June 2010. Shanabrook completed 643 games during his marathon.

12.  Bowling Comes to TV
The first televised bowling match aired in 1950. NBC broadcasted the event featuring professional bowlers Marion Ladewig and Buddy Bomar.

13.  Splitting Hairs
The 7-10 split is one of the most challenging shots in bowling. It occurs when the 7 and 10 pins are the last ones standing and the gap between them is wide.

14.  Road to the Olympics
Bowling has not yet been included in the Olympics, however attempts to include it as an exhibition sport have been made. 

15. Bowling and Hollywood
Bowling has made its way into numerous movies and TV shows, including "The Big Lebowski," where the protagonist, "The Dude," is an avid bowler.