September 14, 2026 Nolan Hughes

The first PBA ELITE Regional Tour event crowned a first-time PBA Regional Tour champion in Phil Drumm of Binghamton, N.Y.

Drumm emerged from a crowded field in the PBA East Region, featuring 11 players with 2027 PBA Tour priority status, to win the open division.

Robert Mockenhaupt captured the title in the senior division in the first of 21 PBA ELITE Regional tournaments.

The 48-foot oil pattern, one of three patterns designed for the PBA ELITE Regional Tour, contributed to a low-scoring pace at Steel City Bowl and Brews in Bethlehem, Pa.

Jake Rollins led qualifying in the open division, averaging just under 220 for his seven games to total 1,536. Drumm qualified eighth with 1,474.

Hunter Machin earned the final berth inside the cut with a total of 1,393, an average of 199, a score indicative of the tough lane conditions.

Matt Taylor moved into the lead following the four-game advancers round on Sunday morning. He did the heavy lifting with a perfect 300 in Game 2.

Alex Horton, a nominee for the 2026 Harry Golden PBA Rookie of the Year award, tied with Rollins in second place heading into the eight-game round robin match play portion of the event.

Joe Paluszek, Drumm, James Bennett, Julian Salinas, and Tom Sorce also advanced to match play.

With no stepladder finals on the docket, total pinfall after round robin match play would determine the champion.

Drumm continued his steady climb throughout match play, grinding out a pair of early wins before a 246-225 loss at the hands of Paluszek. That proved to be Drumm’s only loss as he won his final five matches, mounting a 133-pin advantage by tournament’s end.

The win marked Drumm’s first career PBA Regional Tour title and netted him the $10,000 top prize.

Horton finished second with Paluszek, Taylor, and Salinas rounding out the top five. Complete standings are available here.

Robert Mockenhaupt dominated the senior division wire to wire. He led qualifying with a 1,444 seven-game total pinfall.

Mockenhaupt maintained his lead through the four-game advancers round. In fact, he was the only player who averaged more than 200 in the senior division’s first 11 games.

The New Jersey native was not able to run away and hide during match play. Brian LeClair kept cutting into Mockenhaupt’s lead and trimmed the deficit to just 27 pins heading into the position round, setting up a pseudo title match with 30 bonus pins on the line.

Mockenhaupt put his foot on the gas for the home stretch, defeating LeClair 258-203 to secure the win and the $5,000 top prize.

The PBA ELITE Regional Tour continues next weekend with tournaments in the South and Northwest regions.