Godman was an early adopter of the "cranker" style of bowling, using a cupped wrist to create more ball revolutions and greater power compared to his contemporaries.
[3] As a youth, Godman was a successful bowler in local leagues and regional events in Northern California before joining the PBA Tour in 1965.
[7] He would reach the finals once more in 1966, losing to Barry Asher at the Crescent City Open in New Orleans in September.
Godman started the match with seven straight strikes, building a dominant lead he would not relinquish on his way to a 266–228 victory, becoming the youngest champion in the event's five-year history.
Godman closed out 1969 with a win in November over Ray Bluth in the PBA Mercury Open in St. Louis[8] to finish the season second to Billy Hardwick on the money list.
[8] Godman rallied in 1971, winning the ABC Masters in May and finishing in the top 5 six times, beating Terry Booth for the PBA Tucson Open in July.
[13] Godman closed out 1973 with a win over Roy Buckley in the Brunswick World Open in Glendale Heights, Illinois.
"[15][16] At the time of his election to the USBC Hall of Fame, Godman was working as a bowling proprietor in Ohio and Florida.