Tom Hess Secures Sixth PBA50 Title with a Dominant Performance

A Hall of Fame Victory

Tom Hess, a self-proclaimed “dream chaser,” achieved one of his lifelong goals last week when he was inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame. But instead of resting on that milestone, he followed it up with a commanding victory at the 2024 PBA50 Granville Financial Open, leading from start to finish.

Hess capped off his stellar week by defeating legendary bowler Walter Ray Williams Jr. in the championship match, winning 257-193. Knowing he needed a high score to secure the win, Hess approached the match with focus and determination—true to the words on his license plate: “Bowl to win.”

A Tactical Approach to Victory

In his strategy against Williams Jr., Hess chose to have his opponent start the match. “I wanted the opportunity to step up, strike out, and shut Walter out,” Hess explained.

Throughout the game, Hess maintained a consistent approach on both lanes, adjusting his positioning slightly while controlling his ball speed. Early mistakes by Williams Jr., who had two open frames in the first four, allowed Hess to settle in. Despite a late surge from Williams Jr., who bowled two-handed and struck out in the final two frames, Hess remained in control to claim his sixth PBA50 Tour title.

Overcoming Challenges on the Way to the Title

Hess admitted that his journey to the top seed was not without its struggles. During the Advancers Round, he felt the pressure of being the No. 1 seed and initially struggled against Brian Dennis. However, he regained his composure and navigated a tough battle with Brad Angelo.

In his match against Angelo, Hess initially lost 246-162 but rebounded with two outstanding games, winning 299-217 and 249-202 to maintain his top-seed position. “I got lucky to beat Brad. I carried everything,” he admitted.

Reflecting on his achievement, Hess embraced his place among the sport’s legends. “I am in the Hall of Fame, and I belong. I am one of the guys to beat every week on this tour.”

Stepladder Results

The semifinal match saw Williams Jr. cruise past Chris Barnes, scoring 263-203 with nine strikes. Earlier, Williams Jr. narrowly defeated Tom Adcock 236-216, pulling ahead with four strikes in his final five frames.

In the opening match, Parker Bohn III struggled with three consecutive splits, allowing Adcock to advance with a 235-167 victory.

Final Match Scores

• Match 1: Tom Adcock def. Parker Bohn III 235-167
• Match 2: Walter Ray Williams Jr. def. Tom Adcock 236-216
• Match 3: Walter Ray Williams Jr. def. Chris Barnes 263-203
• Championship Match: Tom Hess def. Walter Ray Williams Jr. 257-193

Final Standings & Prize Money

1. Tom Hess – $8,000
2. Walter Ray Williams Jr. – $4,500
3. Chris Barnes – $3,300
4. Tom Adcock – $2,700
5. Parker Bohn III – $2,300

Now, with another title in hand, Tom Hess sets his sights on new dreams, proving once again that he is a force to be reckoned with on the PBA50 Tour.