Esmé Haley’s best is still to come

Lawn bowls legend, Esmé Haley (63) has more awards than she knows what to do with.

Still, she said her best is yet to come.

Having bowled for South Africa for about 10 years, including winning a gold and a bronze medal at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, the Fairland resident finally decided to retire from international bowling at the end of last year.

But as she said, she is still as competitive as ever, and this year she won the SA Masters singles event, the Johannesburg Bowls Association (JBA) singles and pairs events, and was awarded the JBA bowler of the year. This brings her tally of major titles to three SA Masters singles, three SA Nationals singles and three JBA Masters.

“I still feel like I am getting better each time I play,” smiled Haley. “I love the perfect greens on a bowls lawn, it is like therapy for me. I love the amazing people, and how the game is like chess – you really need patience and composure. Only when I am physically unable will I stop playing bowls.”

Haley said she often went to Linden Bowling Club, where she is a member and coach, and bowls by herself, or if someone else happens to be there, she bowls with them. “I think the secret to my success is I love the game so much, whether in practice or at a tournament, I am relaxed and enjoy the game to the same degree.”

The club’s mascot, a beautiful eclectus parrot called George, often sits on the side of the lawn and encourages the bowlers to play well. Haley is one of his favourite bowlers, and he likes to sit on her shoulder while she bowls.

Related articles:

GALLERY: Honeydew wins annual bowling challenge 

GALLERY: Bowls at the next level