Bowler Kyle Troup (USA) won his first career major title when he won the PBA Players Championship in February 2021. Troup was the top seed throughout every round of the Championship: he led all East Region qualifiers through 28 games of qualifying to earn the top seed in the East Region Finals, in which he took the victory to advance to the PBA Players Championship Finals. Then he led the three-game, total-pinfall seeding round held to clinch a spot in the title match – which he then won by bowling a 257 game.
While Troup has not yet won other major individual titles, he has competed internationally as a member of Team USA. He was part of the USA team in the Weber Cup (USA v Europe), where he was voted the 2019 Most Valuable Player for his 6-0 singles record. Earlier, however, he was principally known for his huge afro, his colorful outfits, and his entertaining style; now, the victory at the PBA Players Championship will change that.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” said Troup after the game. “Hard work pays off. I felt very confident in my ball reaction and the angle I was playing. I didn’t really feel nervous at all. I stayed focused, and the pressure and the nerves kind of went away.”
Kyle Troup comes from North Carolina, USA. “As the son of long-time professional bowler, Guppy Troup, I was destined to become a championship bowler,” he says. “I began bowling at the age of two, and by age five I was using a 10-pound ball. To move the ball down the lanes I used two hands. Two-handed bowling was a style that stuck with me. I am a self-taught two-handed bowler.”
Last year, Troup had his best year to date on the PBA Tour, but it was marred by the death of his mother. In December 2020 he decided to take Storm Staff Development Manager Shawn Ryan up on a previous offer to practice together one-on-one. They analyzed his style, his techniques, and his use of feet and hands. “I bowled almost 500 frames in three days,” Troup says. The result of this training could be seen at the PBA Players Championship, the first major tournament in 2021. After the victory, Troup pointed to the heavens; this big win is a memorial to his mother.
As The World Games Athlete of February 2021, Kyle Troup will receive The World Games Athlete of the Month diploma as well as a branded gift from the Official Sponsor of Athlete of the Month, Protective Life.
Kyle recently shared more with Protective Life about bowling, his first major title in his career and the legacy he wants to leave.
Q: How long have you been competing in bowling? What about the sport compelled you to try it out?
I have been bowling since I was three years old. My father really drew me to the sport growing up watching him and how he had fun in the sport.
Q: If you weren’t a bowler, what other World Games sport would you compete in?
I’d love to compete in the flying disc sport. I always enjoyed playing that as a kid back in school. The athleticism in that sport is very exciting to see.
Q: Can you describe bowling in five words?
A sport I truly love.
Q: You recently won your first career major title at the PBA Players Championship in February 2021. Where else have you competed?
I have been blessed to compete all around the world. Thailand, Japan, Sweden, Qatar, Germany, and Finland.
Q: What about the bowling competition drew you to it?
It’s an honor to compete against the best in the world. To be out there knowing you’re the only one in control on the lane is a thrill.
Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I would have to say winning my first major takes the accomplishment. To take the next step in my career and achieve a goal I’ve had for a very long time is a blessing. Winning the doubles twice with my boy Jesper Svensson is pretty special too.
Q: What legacy do you hope to leave in your sport?
I want to be remembered as someone who loves the sport, leaves people with a fun blessing, and have helped bowling become a better sport.
Congratulations to Kyle on being named February’s Athlete of the Month, and we’re looking forward to cheering you on in the future!
Read more about Kyle and previous Athlete of the Month honorees on The World Games website.
