Kyle Troup Claims 2024 U.S. Open Title in Dominant Fashion

Kyle Troup has cemented his place in PBA history, capturing his first U.S. Open title at the 2024 U.S. Open presented by GoBowling. The 32-year-old emerged victorious in what was arguably the most star-studded championship round in PBA history, defeating EJ Tackett, Jason Belmonte, and Anthony Simonsen to secure his 11th career PBA Tour title, his second career major, and a $100,000 top prize.

A Champion’s Mindset: From Green Attire to Green Jacket

From the very start of the tournament, Troup had his sights set on victory. On the first day of qualifying, he wore an all-green outfit, intending to don the same attire for the championship round as a symbolic gesture toward winning the prestigious green jacket.

“I’m a firm believer in speaking things into existence,” Troup said. “I said I was going to wear green on Sunday to get my green jacket. One of my ball reps told me, ‘Winners take what they want and the losers wait for it.’ We took what we wanted today.”

A Star-Studded Championship Round

Held at Indianapolis’ Royal Pin Woodland—the only venue to host all five PBA major championships—the championship round featured five players with Hall-of-Fame-caliber résumés. The lineup consisted of Troup, Simonsen, Belmonte, Tackett, and Bill O’Neill, who together owned a combined 89 titles and 28 major championships entering the event.

Troup’s journey to the title wasn’t easy. After failing to make the first cut in his first seven U.S. Open appearances, he finished 26th in 2021 and narrowly missed winning the 2023 event, losing to Tackett in the title match. This time, however, redemption was his.

“It is redemption now,” Troup said after his win. “I wasn’t worried about that all week, but if I got the green jacket and the eagle, I knew the emotions were going to flow. This (has been) a long journey back, but it feels amazing. I’m a two-time major champion. I’m not just a one-hit wonder now in the majors.”

The Path to Victory

Troup showcased remarkable consistency on the notoriously difficult U.S. Open oil patterns. While his opponents averaged a combined 179, Troup never bowled below 212 in the finals.

• In the opening match, defending champion Tackett edged out O’Neill 212-209 in a close contest.
• Troup then got his revenge against Tackett, securing a 212-200 victory in a rematch of the 2023 title game.
• Facing 15-time major champion Belmonte in the semifinals, Troup dominated 229-157 as Belmonte struggled with spare conversions.
• In the final against Simonsen, Troup sealed the title with a 223-181 victory, clinching the match in the ninth frame.

“I felt like I saw the picture from the first shot of the first match. I kept telling myself ‘Quiet mind. Quiet body. Slow feet.’ Just like that,” Troup said. “I never really worried about anybody else’s ball reactions. I knew mine was great, and that’s all that mattered.”

A Special Win for the Troup Family

Troup’s victory held extra significance as he celebrated in front of his father, Guppy Troup, a PBA legend who finished as the U.S. Open runner-up 40 years ago.

“To win in front of Guppy is a blessing every time,” Troup said. “This also means I did something else that he didn’t do. Gup, we have an eagle coming home now! This is a U.S. Open win for the whole Troup family.”

What’s Next on the PBA Tour?

The 2024 PBA Tour continues on Monday at Bowlero Mt. Prospect near Chicago. The PBA Elite League resumes with Rounds 3 and 4 on Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. ET, while qualifying for the PBA Illinois Classic begins on Tuesday.

The Illinois Classic finals will air on FS1 on Saturday, Feb. 10, at 8 p.m. ET.

Troup’s U.S. Open victory not only cements his legacy but also sets the stage for an exciting PBA season ahead.