If you’ve spent any time at Stardust Bowl III in Dyer, you’ve likely seen Mark Kofoid and his pro shop, “Kofoid’s Pro Shop”. Since 1999, Mark has been the man behind the counter at Kofoid’s Pro Shop, turning what started as a career pivot into a cornerstone of the Region’s bowling scene. For Mark, the job isn’t just about moving inventory; it’s about the science of the game and the genuine satisfaction of seeing a bowler finally “click” with their equipment.
Walking into the shop, you’re greeted by the nostalgic smell of lane oil and the steady hum of the drill press—a sound that has been the soundtrack to Mark’s life for twenty-five years. His journey began in a moment of transition. Facing a layoff in the late ’90s, he was approached by the owner of the building with a simple question that would change his trajectory. He didn’t just take a job; he built a destination for everyone from “Saturday night subbers” to the most elite league players in Northwest Indiana.
Front-Row Seat to Innovation – Kofoid’s Pro Shop
Mark’s expertise spans a massive era of change. He has seen the game transition from the simpler days of rubber and plastic to the high-tech era of reactive resins and complex asymmetric cores. While the technology has become more advanced, Mark’s philosophy remains grounded in the fundamentals: a ball is only as good as the hand it’s fitted to.
He admits he gets a bigger kick out of the small wins than the perfect games. He recalls helping a veteran bowler who had been away from the lanes for two decades. By simply installing a thumb slug and tweaking the pitch for a more modern, comfortable fit, Mark helped that bowler find his joy again. “When they come back and tell me they’re having fun again, that’s the real trophy,” Mark says. It’s that old-school dedication to service that keeps the 219 coming back to his door.
Maintenance Tips from a Master – Kofoid’s Pro Shop
But Mark also knows that even the best equipment eventually loses its edge. As high-performance balls have become more porous to create that signature “snap” on the backend, they’ve also become more susceptible to soaking up lane oil like a sponge. When your favorite ball starts hitting like a marshmallow, Mark has a solution that doesn’t involve buying a new one.
One of his favorite “pro secrets” for local bowlers on a budget is the Hot Water Soak. Over time, those reactive pores get clogged. Mark recommends a controlled soak in hot water to “bleed” the oil out of the coverstock. This simple refresh can restore the ball’s hook potential and give it back that out-of-the-box reaction, proving that being the best you can be doesn’t always have to break the bank.
Bring the life back to your favorite ball without breaking the bank.
- Tape the Holes: Use waterproof tape to seal the finger and thumb holes. You want to deep-clean the surface, not waterlog the inner core.
- The Bath: Fill a bucket with hot water (aim for 120°F to 140°F). Add a few drops of grease-cutting dish soap.
- The Soak: Submerge the ball for 15 to 20 minutes. You will actually see the lane oil start to bead up and float to the surface.
- The Dry: Wipe the ball down while it’s still warm to remove the residue, pull the tape, and let it air dry completely before your next league night.
Whether you’re looking for a full three-ball arsenal layout or just a quick tip to save your favorite rock, Mark remains one of the most trusted resources in the Region. Next time you’re in Dyer, drop by the shop, talk some shop, and let the “Hook Doctor” give your game the check-up it deserves.