Butturff's Rise To The Top Has Been Astonishing
Butturff's Rise To The Top Has Been Astonishing
In three short years, Jakob Butturff’s success on the lanes, especially at the PBA Regional level, has been nothing short of astonishing.
In three short years, Jakob Butturff’s success on the lanes, especially at the PBA Regional level, has been nothing short of astonishing.
The left-hander with an incredibly unusual style has been virtually unstoppable in PBA Regionals since turning pro in July of 2015. During that stretch, he has amassed 18 regional titles, placing him tied for 41st on the all-time list. And, he’s only 24 years old.
With his wrist cupped at an extreme angle, Butturff gets a second look from every bowler who watches him bowl for the first time. But the style has proven very effective on the lanes, and he hopes to continue that success at the PBA Double Decker Lanes West/Northwest Open presented by Roto Grip this weekend. The event will be broadcast LIVE on FloBowling.
At his current pace of averaging six regional wins a year, Butturff is just five years away from topping the PBA’s list of all-time regional titlists. Chris Warren currently holds the top spot with 47 PBA Regional titles, a number that grows to 52 if PBA50 regionals are included.
So, at age 24, does Butturff already have the record on his mind? You bet.
“Absolutely, setting records in anything you do is the biggest accomplishment you can achieve,” Butturff said. “Achieving that goal, no matter how long it takes, is something I’m looking forward to, especially with how much I’ve succeeded so far in just a short period of time. It’s definitely a goal to be the all-time leader in regionals.”
It’s not just regional titles that have made Butturff a success. He’s winning everything and everywhere it seems. So far this season on the PBA Tour, he already has two titles, bringing his career title count to four.
He defeated Marshall Kent, 244-154, to win the Go Bowling! 60th Anniversary Classic in February and knocked off Tom Daugherty, 217-182, to claim the PBA Xtra Frame Kenn-Feld Group Classic in August.
Butturff has also found success on the international stage as a member of Team USA. In 2017, he won the prestigious QubicaAMF World Cup by topping Colombian Oscar Rodriguez, 246-201, and also picked up a gold medal in the coveted five-player team event at the World Bowling Championships.
“If you told me three years ago what I would have accomplished in three years, I would have called you crazy,” Butturff said. “I tried to go out there and just prove what I’m good at and it just led up to where I’m at right now. And it definitely has led to a lot of confidence.”
That confidence will be back on display this weekend when Butturff hopes to claim his 19th career regional title and move closer to his goal of becoming the all-time regional title holder.