History Of Western Province Bowls

Bowls was first played in South Africa in 1882 and the first green was laid and a club founded at St Georges Park in Port Elizabeth. The sport quickly spread throughout the country. The South African Bowling Association was instituted in 1904 and became the official body for bowls in South Africa. The South African Women's Bowling Association was formed in 1935, which controlled women's bowls in South Africa.

The two bodies unified in East London on 25 August 1996 to form Bowls South Africa. Today Bowls South Africa has over 23 000 registered members, and 513 clubs.

In Cape Town the Western Province Bowls Association was formed in 1906 starting off with three clubs and in 2017 comprises a total of 36 clubs with some 2 700 members. Gardens Bowling Club is the mother club of Western Province and the third oldest club in South Africa with the green being opened for play in December 1896.

The object of the Association is to foster the game of bowls by arranging and conducting Annual Championships and Competitions and to extend its influence by assisting in the formation of new clubs.

Our Western Province Mission Statement

The Association shall promote, advance and administer the game of Bowls in the area of Western Cape Province falling under its jurisdiction without practicing discrimination on the grounds of race, gender, religion or political association.

About Cape Town

Cape Town is a port city on South Africa’s southwest coast, on a peninsula beneath the imposing Table Mountain. Slowly rotating cable cars climb to the mountain’s flat top, from which there are sweeping views of the city, the busy harbour and boats heading for Robben Island, the notorious prison that once held Nelson Mandela, which is now a living museum. Bowlers planning a visit to Cape Town are always welcome to enjoy the hospitality and a game of bowls at any of our clubs in the area.