Province’s best bowlers come to Bryanston for Gauteng Open

The province’s best bowlers descended on Bryanston Sports Club for a full month during the Gauteng Open Bowls Tournament.

The event came to a head-on 27 and 28 July when the semi-finals and finals were held for the four divisions of the tournament.

These were men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s pairs, men’s and women’s fours and mixed pairs divisions.

“We have been a hosting club before but never the headquarters of the Gauteng Open,” said chairperson of bowls at Bryanston Sports Club, Ian McKenzie.

He explained that 19 clubs helped host the Gauteng Open but Bryanston was the official ‘headquarters’ and hosted the most important matches.

“The quality of bowls was exceptionally high and the atmosphere was carnival. The semi-finals and finals were well-attended by spectators. The support for players was exceptional by clubmates who came through.”

Many of these finals were contested by Protea and former Protea bowlers.

McKenzie was also pleased with how many younger bowlers turned up.

He said several of the winners and finalists were under the age of 30, which bodes well for the sport in South Africa.

“For younger bowlers to play where the competition is so fierce is good, so the tournament was very successful in that respect.”

Bryanston Sports Club has also been made the sub-headquarters for the Women’s Nationals Bowls Tournament in May next year.

“One of the reasons we are hosting these tournaments is because of the excellent facilities and greens we have. They allow bowlers to play to the best of their ability and that is a true reflection of their game. We also have good catering and parking security.”

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https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/218721/young-and-old-gather-at-bryanston-country-club-to-enjoy-an-evening-of-bowls/