PBA champion celebrates 50th appearance at Open Championships
June 13, 2026
RENO, Nev. – Professional Bowlers Association Tour champion Charlie Lacy Jr. of Bolivar, Missouri, recently made his 50th consecutive appearance at the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships, adding another impressive accolade to his collection.
Lacy participated in a ceremonial march down the center aisle at the National Bowling Stadium, where he was presented with a plaque, chevron and diamond lapel pin to recognize his dedication and passion for the sport.
His journey to 50 consecutive trips to the tournament started in 1976 in Oklahoma City, and among the many host cities he has visited throughout his career, Reno remains one of Lacy’s favorite destinations.
He vividly recalls competing at the National Bowling Stadium during the tournament’s first visit to the venue in 1995.
“Seeing the Stadium for the first time was something special,” said Lacy, the winner of the 1984 PBA True Value Open. “I’ve enjoyed every tournament held in Reno.”
Lacy also has put together some memorable performances at the Taj Mahal of Tenpins. In 2004, he paired with Gary Dahn to finish in the top 15 of Regular Doubles and posted his top three-game score (698) at the Open Championships during the set.
Lacy has knocked down 89,292 pins across 50 years at the Open Championships, maintaining a 197.1 average, serving as a testament to both his endurance and consistency on the lanes.
When asked about reaching the milestone, Lacy reflected on the significance of the moment.
“I’ve always enjoyed the ceremony aspect, and now, I’ve gotten to experience it,” Lacy said.
In addition to his accomplishments at the Open Championships, Lacy is a member of the Wy-Jon County USBC and Greater Kansas City (Missouri) USBC Halls of Fame. He also recorded a pair of ninth-place finishes at the USBC Masters.
Lacy’s 50th consecutive appearance places him among a select group of competitors who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to the Open Championships, showcasing a lifetime commitment to the sport, community and its traditions.
The Open Championships is celebrating its 122nd edition in 2026 and making its 15th trip to Reno, Nevada. The 2026 event is scheduled to feature more than 55,000 bowlers and 11,000 five-player teams competing across 128 consecutive days at the National Bowling Stadium.
Follow the action from the tournament’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Lacy participated in a ceremonial march down the center aisle at the National Bowling Stadium, where he was presented with a plaque, chevron and diamond lapel pin to recognize his dedication and passion for the sport.
His journey to 50 consecutive trips to the tournament started in 1976 in Oklahoma City, and among the many host cities he has visited throughout his career, Reno remains one of Lacy’s favorite destinations.
He vividly recalls competing at the National Bowling Stadium during the tournament’s first visit to the venue in 1995.
“Seeing the Stadium for the first time was something special,” said Lacy, the winner of the 1984 PBA True Value Open. “I’ve enjoyed every tournament held in Reno.”
Lacy also has put together some memorable performances at the Taj Mahal of Tenpins. In 2004, he paired with Gary Dahn to finish in the top 15 of Regular Doubles and posted his top three-game score (698) at the Open Championships during the set.
Lacy has knocked down 89,292 pins across 50 years at the Open Championships, maintaining a 197.1 average, serving as a testament to both his endurance and consistency on the lanes.
When asked about reaching the milestone, Lacy reflected on the significance of the moment.
“I’ve always enjoyed the ceremony aspect, and now, I’ve gotten to experience it,” Lacy said.
In addition to his accomplishments at the Open Championships, Lacy is a member of the Wy-Jon County USBC and Greater Kansas City (Missouri) USBC Halls of Fame. He also recorded a pair of ninth-place finishes at the USBC Masters.
Lacy’s 50th consecutive appearance places him among a select group of competitors who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to the Open Championships, showcasing a lifetime commitment to the sport, community and its traditions.
The Open Championships is celebrating its 122nd edition in 2026 and making its 15th trip to Reno, Nevada. The 2026 event is scheduled to feature more than 55,000 bowlers and 11,000 five-player teams competing across 128 consecutive days at the National Bowling Stadium.
Follow the action from the tournament’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts.