Classic contest for an American bowler (5)
I believe the answer is:
derby
I believe this is a triple definition!
'classic' is the first definition.
(I've seen this before)
'contest' is the second definition.
(I have seen 'Local contest' mean 'derby' so perhaps 'contest' could also mean 'derby')
'for an american bowler' is the third definition.
(I've seen this before)
(Other definitions for derby that I've seen before include "Hat, race and local match" , "American bowler" , "Gracefully thin" , "Team" , "Type of hat" .)