The spectacular Shamrock Challenge bowls tournament is back following a three-year hiatus as a result of Covid 19 and its impact.

Changes to provincial and national programs and catching up with other postponed tournaments caused this absence. But this coming weekend, from 29 April to 1 May, the exciting tournament will be back and bowling enthusiasts of Pretoria are privileged to be able to support it locally.

The tournament will be presented at the Christian Brothers College Old Boys (CBCOB) Bowling Club in Groenkloof, Pretoria. This has been made possible with the generous sponsorship of Bidvest Protea Coin and Spar Express in Lynnwood.

As in 2018 and 2019, a field of top-class bowlers is expected to participate in the tournament. Recent multi-nations silver medallists Anneke Snyman, Jax van Rensburg and multi-nations men’s Protea players, Jason Evans and Brenden Ferns will be in action.

One of the legends of bowls in South Africa, Gerry Baker, will make his third appearance in the Shamrock, as the tournament is commonly known. Gerry has won three medals at the World Outdoor Championships and three at the Commonwealth Games. He broke a South African record by appearing at six Commonwealth Games.

Despite 13 Protea players participating in the Shamrock, at least another 45 provincial players have also entered. Players from as far as Cape Town, Botswana and KZN will join the Gauteng-based players in this prestigious event.

According to the management of CBCOB Bowling Club, it is not a fundraiser but an honour to present this marquee event on the South African bowling calendar. It is about ploughing back to the bowlers through healthy but fierce competition, entertaining them with top-class competitors and participating in a Club of Choice environment of quality food, greens, and drinks and offering a generous total prize money of R80000.

An event of this nature is thoroughly planned months in advance. Nowadays in South African society there is of course also the load shedding factor to consider when such a big tournament is planned. This made the challenge for CBC Old Boys’ management just that much bigger to ensure that the visitors to their club from all over the country will ultimately enjoy a satisfying experience.

Therefore, special provision has been made, and a new gas stove has been installed in the kitchen. Generators will be deployed to support power to fridges and lights, and special arrangements will be planned to cut the greens.

Those interested in the sport who would like to support the tournament as spectators are welcome. The highest quality bowls from some of South Africa’s finest bowling competitors will be on display. Visitors are therefore welcome to pop in to CBCOB Bowling Club, situated at 78 George Storrar Drive in Groenkloof. Play starts daily at 08:30.

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