In an astonishing display of skill and determination, Kyle Troup from Taylorsville, North Carolina, emerged victorious in a fiercely competitive stepladder finals at Royal Pin Woodland in Indianapolis, Indiana on Sunday February 4th, securing his inaugural U.S. Open title. This triumphant moment comes just a year after narrowly missing out on the championship to EJ Tackett of Ossian, Indiana.
Expressing his elation, Troup stated, "Mission accomplished," as he clinched the $100,000 top prize, the prestigious green jacket, and the coveted U.S. Open trophy. Troup navigated through formidable opponents, including Tackett, Australia's Jason Belmonte, and tournament leader Anthony Simonsen of Las Vegas, in a thrilling live telecast on FOX.
For Troup, this victory underscored the power of maintaining a positive mindset. He remarked, "It makes me believe firmly in speaking things into the universe and sticking to my process. My goal was to get better mentally every day, not worrying about bowling well, just striving to be the best version of myself."
During the riveting stepladder finals, Troup faced the PBA Tour's "Big Three" consecutively, with each match exuding the intensity of a championship showdown. The journey commenced with a suspenseful match between Tackett and 2010 U.S. Open champion Bill O'Neill, who sought his second consecutive major championship after triumphing at the PBA Players Championship earlier in the season.
O'Neill started strong with the first six strikes, but Tackett's resilience and O'Neill's late struggles opened the door for a dramatic finish. Tackett secured the win, advancing to face Troup in another nail-biter. The closely contested match saw Troup securing victory in the final frame, ending Tackett's quest for back-to-back U.S. Open titles.
Facing the PBA Tour's major championship record-holder, Jason Belmonte, Troup maintained control, while Belmonte faced challenges, ultimately scoring 157. Troup's clean performance propelled him to the championship match against Anthony Simonsen, the 2022 U.S. Open champion.
Despite Simonsen's formidable reputation, Troup took a commanding lead early in the match. Simonsen's efforts to stage a comeback fell short, and Troup secured a decisive 223-181 victory, claiming his long-awaited U.S. Open title.
Balls used by Kyle Troup to capture the 2024 US Open Title
- Storm Pitch Black Bowling Ball
- Roto Grip Clone Bowling Ball
- Storm Virtual Energy Blackout Bowling Ball
Layout used: 2LS – 4 x 3/4 x 4 x 5
This monumental win holds special significance for Troup, as it surpasses the achievements of his father, Guppy Troup, an eight-time PBA Tour titleholder who fell short at the 1984 U.S. Open. Kyle acknowledged the familial competition, stating, "It's another notch on my belt compared to his, but we have some family fun with that."
The 2024 U.S. Open, featuring a field of 108 elite bowlers at Royal Pin Woodland, marked a collaborative effort between the USBC, BPAA, and PBA with a total prize fund exceeding $275,000. The victory adds another chapter to the Troup family legacy, with Kyle expressing gratitude for their unwavering support.
