Fellowship trumps competitive bowls tournament in Scottburgh
There was a high standard of bowls all round.
The 65th Scottburgh August Tournament recently wrapped up with hundreds of bowlers travelling to the South Coast for one of the region’s most anticipated winter sporting events.
The tournament, held from August 3-7, was supported by Renishaw Hills and hosted across Scottburgh Bowling Club, AMBC, Widenham Bowling Club and Sezela Bowling Club.
Established in 1959, the Scottburgh August Tournament has become a fixture on the South Coast sporting calendar. It is believed to be one of the largest tournaments in the country run by a single bowling club.
The 2026 tournament featured men’s and ladies’ teams of four competing across eight sessions over five days. While competition remained strong throughout the week, organisers introduced a new format to keep teams engaged until the final sessions.
Organisers stated it was the most amazing week of bowls, with superb weather, except for a very windy day four
The standard of bowls all round was high as well.
This year, organisers introduced a new idea for prizes calling it the Decades. Traditionally, the men’s and ladies’ divisions receive prizes for the Top 5, which means teams lower down can feel they have nothing to play for after day three . With a prize every 10 positions when the two divisions are combined, every team had something within their grasp.
Friendship and fellowship trumped the competitive bowls, and the week was full of laughter and fun. The bowlers, mostly pensioners, had a good time overall.
The tournament also provided an economic contribution to Scottburgh, as visitors created additional demand for accommodation, restaurants and local retailers.
Results are as follows:
Men’s division
The 2026 men’s division was won by Boom Squad from Empangeni Bowling Club, skipped by Piet Bester, with Johnny Stander, Shaun Tidbury and Lou van Emmines.
· Boom Squad: Empangeni BC
· Rovers: Rovers BC
· Eagles: Amanzimtoti BC
· Dizzy Dolphins: Howick BC
· The Scramblers: Widenham Retirement Village BC
Ladies’ division
The ladies’ division was won by Pretty Flamingos, representing Amanzimtoti, Umhlali and Widenham, skipped by Susan Nel, alongside Cheryl Mostert, Georgie McKechnie and Jill Hackland, with Ellen Cawker as reserve.
· Pretty Flamingos: Amanzimtoti, Umhlali and Widenham
· Madekoi: The Bell BC and Southport KZN
· Buddies: PMB Collegians and Widenham BC
· Haai Schoolers – Pretoria High School Old Boys’ Club
· Cash: Alexandra Memorial BC.
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