A recent upgrading of its facilities has increased the chances of Warwick Lanes attracting major professional bowling tournaments to the Island.

When Premier Pamela Gordon officially the new automatic scoring system on Tuesday night, it made many bowlers aware of the future of the sport on the Island.

One of those is Marge Correia, president of the Bermuda Bowling Club. A longtime bowler and administrator, she has already demonstrated this optimism by negotiating to bring the prestigious ladies professional bowlers tour to Bermuda next year.

While refusing to reveal the exact cost of the improvements -- understood to be well in excess of $100,000 -- Correia did admit that the project required five years of saving in order to accomplish.

"All I can say is that it was a major project for us and now we are proud that we have brought Warwick Lanes up to par with a lot of international facilities that hold major tournaments,'' said Correia. "It is a big step forward for us. A lot of the equipment had been there since 1961 when the place opened and some still remains. But we have made a giant step with these last improvements.'' The main new feature is the installation of a new automatic scoreboard, the absence of which has made the facility look obsolete in comparison to most bowling centres in North America.

A second feature was the installation of a permanent bumper system -- rails to prevent balls from rolling in the gutter and discourage children and newcomers. This addition is on the first eight lanes, although all lanes have been resurfaced.

"The automatic scoreboard is a big plus. A lot of people do not know how to score, now they don't have to,'' said Correia. "And the presence of the rails in the new eight lanes will encourage the young and old players.'' The setting is now ready for big events, such as the PBA Bermuda Southern Regional Tournament and the Bermuda Rendezvous Tournament in February.

And further plans for improvement are also in the cards for late 1998 and early 1999 to replace the ball return system and seating facilities.

"With the recent improvements combined with the painting, we are certain everybody will enjoy both the atmosphere and the surroundings more,'' said Correia. More than 3,000 bowlers participate yearly in various leagues.