Discover Gil Cortez PBA's Winning Bowling Techniques and Pro Career Journey
I still remember the first time I watched Gil Cortez PBA compete—it was during the 2018 PBA Tour Finals, and his approach to the lane was unlike anything I'd seen before. There was this calm intensity about him, a sort of quiet confidence that translated into every movement. Over the years, I've followed his career closely, not just because he's a phenomenal bowler, but because his techniques reveal so much about what it takes to excel in professional bowling. In my view, Gil represents that rare blend of raw talent and meticulous strategy—something every aspiring bowler should study.
Let's talk about his signature four-step approach, which I believe is one of the most efficient in modern bowling. Unlike many bowlers who rush their steps or over-rotate, Gil maintains what I call "controlled momentum." His first step is deliberately short, maybe around 12 inches, setting a steady tempo. By the time he reaches his final slide step, his body is perfectly aligned with his target, and his ball speed consistently hovers between 18-19 miles per hour. I've tried to emulate this in my own practice sessions, and let me tell you, it’s harder than it looks. The key isn't just the steps themselves but how he transfers energy from his legs through his core and into the release. It’s almost like a dance—fluid, rhythmic, and incredibly precise.
Another aspect that stands out to me is his spare conversion rate, which has been documented at around 85% during his peak seasons. That’s not just luck; it’s the result of relentless repetition and mental discipline. Gil often practices spares for two hours straight, focusing on the 7 and 10 pins—those tricky corner pins that separate the pros from the amateurs. I remember watching him in a tournament last year where he converted what seemed like an impossible 4-6-7 split. The crowd went wild, but Gil just nodded calmly, as if he’d done it a thousand times before. That’s the mark of a true champion: preparation meeting opportunity.
Of course, no career is without its challenges, and Gil’s journey has had its share of setbacks. In 2021, he struggled with a wrist injury that forced him to miss three major tournaments. During that period, his average score dropped from 225 to around 210, and many wondered if he’d ever return to form. But here’s where his resilience shone through. He didn’t just rest—he reinvented parts of his game, working with a sports psychologist to strengthen his mental approach. This reminds me of something fellow pro bowler Ross once said after a tough season: "But I’m going to take this rest. But I’ll be back and ready for the next season." That sentiment echoes what I’ve observed in Gil—a quiet determination to bounce back, no matter the odds.
When it comes to equipment, Gil is notoriously selective. He’s been known to test over 30 different bowling balls in a single season, adjusting for lane conditions that can change dramatically from one venue to another. His go-to ball for heavy oil patterns is the Storm Phaze III, which he’s used to rack up at least 15 professional titles. I’ve always admired how he treats his gear not as tools, but as extensions of his own physique. During a clinic I attended, he mentioned that he spends at least 10 hours a week maintaining his equipment—cleaning, resurfacing, and even adjusting finger grips by millimeters. That level of attention to detail is what separates the good from the great.
What truly sets Gil apart, in my opinion, is his ability to read the lanes like few others can. He doesn’t just look at the oil patterns; he feels them through his feet and interprets them through years of experience. I recall one match where he switched from playing the outside line to a deep inside angle midway through the game, resulting in six consecutive strikes. It was a risky move, but it paid off because he’d noticed the lanes breaking down faster than anticipated. That kind of adaptability isn’t something you can learn from a manual—it comes from thousands of games and a deep trust in one’s instincts.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to see how Gil’s career evolves. He’s 34 now, which in bowling terms is prime time for leveraging experience without sacrificing physical prowess. Rumor has it he’s aiming for the PBA Player of the Year title in the next two seasons, and given his track record, I wouldn’t bet against him. His journey reminds us that success in bowling—or any sport, really—isn’t just about power or precision alone. It’s about the marriage of technique, mindset, and passion. As Gil himself once said in an interview I attended, "You don’t just throw the ball; you become the ball." Cheesy? Maybe. But when you see him in action, you understand exactly what he means.
