Spring Training is right around the corner, but Mookie Betts is still going to compete professionally before joining the Los Angeles Dodgers in preparing for the 2023 season.
Betts is participating in the Professional Bowlers Association 2023 Professional Bowlers Association’s U.S. Open, presented by Go Bowling, through Sunday, February 5, 2023. The event is being held at Royal Pin Woodland in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Betts has participated in multiple pro-am tournaments and bowled a few perfect games, both recreationally and in the 2017 World Series of Bowling. He most recently bowled a perfect game during his 30th birthday celebration.
In 2022, Betts competed in the West Region qualifier for the 2022 PBA Players Championship and finished 30th out of the 64 members who participated. He bowled an average score of 191.75 per game but admitted to having more nerves during the tournament than he did helping the Dodgers win the 2020 World Series.
The U.S. Open champion will be rewarded $100,000, while second place will receive $50,000, and third place will receive $25,000. From there, the prize money will continue to decrease by each place down to $1,600 for the 25th to 36th ranked bowlers.
There are 108 bowlers who have entered, and everyone who participates has to have an average score of at least 190 to be eligible.
Games are being be broadcasted on BowlTV.com and Fox with an adjusted format from the traditional 56-game schedule. For 2023, 48-game totals, including bonus pins for each win in match play, will determine the nine finalists.
The removal of the fourth qualifying round will allow for a nine-player stepladder over two days. The first show, which will air live on FS1 on Feb. 4, will feature the No. 5 through No. 9 seeds in a traditional stepladder format. The advancer will join the top four seeds for the second stepladder Feb. 5 on FOX.
The 2023 event still will feature three eight-game qualifying rounds, but now the field will be cut to the top 24 athletes for round-robin match play after Round 3. Recent editions of the U.S. Open cut to the top 36 athletes after Round 3 with an additional eight-game round determining the top 24 for round-robin match play.
Mookie Betts excited for 5050 Foundation bowling tournament
After participating in the U.S. Open, Betts is poised to host the inaugural bowling tournament to benefit his 5050 Foundation.
“I am very excited to host the inaugural Mookie Betts + Friends Bowling Tournament which will benefit my newly created foundation,” Betts said in a statement.
“Brianna and I are committed to helping break barriers that impact the next generation of children, and what better way to raise money than by bowling for a good cause. We’re looking forward to spending time with those who come out for the event.”
The 5050 Foundation is putting together a first annual “Mookie Betts + Friends Bowling Tournament” on Wednesday, February 8, at Lucky Strike L.A. Live in downtown.
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