Idaho bowler shoots 298, adds to recent success

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - During the past two seasons, Jordan Groenlund of Kuna, Idaho, has been successful at the local, state and regional levels, and this weekend he was able to find similar success at the Open Championships.

In just his third Open Championships appearance, the 29-year-old right-hander opened his first game of singles with 11 consecutive strikes before a 4-9 split on his final offering left him two pins shy of the tournament's 26th perfect game.

"The experience was an exciting one, but it was very nerve-wracking as well," said Groenlund, a web designer and computer consultant whose 298 was the sixth of the this year's event. "I was trying not to get distracted. I just wanted to stay focused and still be able to make a good shot."

With a strong opening game, Groenlund's thoughts immediately went to the leaderboard and figuring out what it would take to catch Dave Barker of Springfield, Ill., who leads Regular Singles with 793.

"Having a chance at the singles lead was definitely the first thought to run through my mind after shooting 298," said Groenlund, who added 188 and 212 to finish singles with 698 and had 603 in team and 589 in doubles for 1,890 all-events. "I knew I had to keep stroking the ball and try and build upon that great start."

Groenlund has gained a lot of tournament experience recently, and his triumphs include scratch and handicap all-events titles at the 2005 Idaho State Tournament, the scratch all-events crown at his city tournament in 2005 and a perfect game in a Professional Bowlers Association regional event.

"I've bowled in a lot of other tournaments, but the pressure can really build when you're at the Open Championships," said Groenlund, who had 603 in team and 589 in doubles to finish with 1,890 all-events. "Because there are so many other bowlers, you sort of compete in the background. So when you actually get the point where you're on the verge of an honor score or have a chance at the lead, the importance of bowling for national recognition finally sets in."

Presenting sponsors for the 2006 USBC Open Championships are Eldorado, Silver Legacy and Circus Circus Hotel/Casinos in Reno, Nev. Other participating sponsors are Kegel, official lane maintenance provider, Texas State Aquarium, Majestic Ventures Yacht Charters, Inc., USS Lexington Museum and Texas Treasure Casino Cruises.

For more information on the USBC Open Championships, visit USBCOpen.com.

5/28/2006



By Matt Cannizzaro and David Ellis USBC Communications