Bo Goergen Claims First National Title at 2024 PBA60 Tristan’s T.A.P.S. Memorial Open

A Dream Come True at 64

For many bowlers, the dream of winning a national tour title is something they chase for years. For Bo Goergen, that dream became reality at the age of 64. Overcoming cancer, recovering from knee replacement surgery, and facing one of the sport’s greatest legends, he secured his first national victory at the 2024 PBA60 Tristan’s T.A.P.S. Memorial Open.

“Who would have thought I was going to get my first national win at 64 years old?” Goergen said. “I am trying to let it sink in.”

A Battle Against a Legend

The championship match featured No. 2 seed Walter Ray Williams Jr., the most decorated player in professional bowling history, against No. 4 seed Goergen. Last year, Williams Jr. defeated Goergen en route to his first PBA60 title. This time, Goergen was determined to change the outcome.

“He had got me the last six times, and I told him it was my turn,” Goergen recalled. “He said, ‘Well, I am not going to give it to you.’ I said, ‘I don’t want you to give it to me. I want to earn it.’”

The match started with Williams Jr. taking an early lead, striking twice in a row while Goergen converted a 10-pin spare. But Goergen quickly responded with a double, engaging in lighthearted banter with his opponent. As the game progressed, both bowlers displayed remarkable skill, but Williams Jr. struggled with 10-pin spares on the left lane. Sensing an opportunity, Goergen delivered back-to-back pocket strikes.

Goergen’s Clutch Performance

Heading into the final frame, Williams Jr. posted a solid 226, putting pressure on Goergen to finish strong. Consulting with Storm PBA Tour Manager Jim Callahan, Goergen adjusted his shot strategy. He executed perfectly, striking twice with confidence. Needing only to stay behind the foul line on his last shot, Goergen did just that—raising his arms in triumph before the ball even hit the pins. He finished with a 233, securing his long-awaited title.

“Somehow execute the shot you have been doing all day,” Goergen said about his mindset. “It doesn’t matter who the opponent is or the score. You still have to get up there and beat the lanes and the pins.”

Overcoming Adversity

Goergen’s journey to this moment has been anything but easy. In November 2022, he was diagnosed with kidney cancer. Just six weeks after surgery, he underwent knee replacement surgery, making his comeback even more remarkable. His dedication to fitness played a crucial role in his return to form.

“At our age, it is hard to be disciplined and get into the gym,” he said. “I just really want to treat my body as a temple because I saw what four months of atrophy in the legs does. I had cancer surgery and then knee replacement surgery right on top of each other. When I came out of that, I was like, ‘How do I get these legs back in shape?’ Just grind, grind, grind.”

His persistence paid off. Since November, he has cashed in every event he played, won the 2023 BowlTV PBA50 Regional Players Invitational, and now secured his first national title.

Looking Ahead

With this milestone victory behind him, Goergen isn’t slowing down.

“Probably after a two-hour drive to Bowling Green it will be like, ‘Holy crap, what did I just do?’” he said. “Tomorrow is another tournament with a great field and a great prize fund, so let’s go out and try to do it again.”

Goergen and Williams Jr. will return to action at the 2024 PBA50 Gary Schluchter Memorial Central/Midwest Classic on Saturday.

Final Standings – 2024 PBA60 Tristan’s T.A.P.S. Memorial Open

1. Bo Goergen – $8,000
2. Walter Ray Williams Jr. – $4,500
3. Walter Schaub II – $2,500
4. Pete Weber – $2,500

Match Results

Semifinals

• Goergen def. Weber 205-193
• Williams Jr. def. Schaub II 227-212

Championship Match

• Goergen def. Williams Jr. 233-226