Rookie of the Year

Matthew Russo, a 24-year-old lefthander, whose victory in the PBA Jonesboro Open made him the only rookie to win a 2021 Guaranteed Rate PBA Tour title, was named the 2021 Harry Golden PBA Rookie of the Year.

In early August, Russo earned the No. 2 seed for the stepladder finals in the PBA Jonesboro Open, getting a win back against Butturff in the semifinal match before defeating 2019 PBA Rookie of the Year Mykel Holliman for his first career PBA Tour Title.

Russo joined the PBA Tour after graduating from Webber International University in 2019. Before graduating, Russo earned U.S Amateur Champion in 2017 and was Collegiate Player of the Year in 2019. He also holds four gold medals from the PABCON in 2018, is a two-time member of Junior Team USA and is a four-time Team USA member.

The Harry Golden Rookie of the Year has been presented annually since 1964 to the bowler who exceeds expectations throughout the season and shows extraordinary promise. The award is named after legendary PBA Tour tournament director Harry “Goose” Golden, who was inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame in 1983.