Australian Open Bowls Gold Coast

The Australian Open Bowls Championship is one of the premier national titles in Australian lawn bowls. Held annually over 10 days, it features over 500 domestic and international competitors across singles, pairs, triples and fours events. In 2009, the tournament made a permanent move to its iconic home at Broadbeach Bowls Club on the Gold Coast.

While the Broadbeach Bowls Club is the epicentre, events are usually spread across several venues on the Gold Coast including

  • Burleigh Heads Bowls Club
  • Club Helensvale
  • Club Robina
  • Coolangatta Bowls Club
  • Gold Coast Bowls and Community Club
  • McKenzie Park Nerang Bowls Club
  • Mermaid Beach Bowls Club
  • Mudgereeba Bowls Club
  • Musgrave Hill Bowls Club
  • Paradise Point Bowls Club
  • Southport Bowls Club
  • Tugun Bowls and Community Club

 

Event Background

The Australian Open was first held in 1891 and has developed into one of the longest-running national sporting championships in Australia. For over a century, it was contested in different locations each year before a decision was made to secure a single permanent home.

In 2009, Bowls Australia awarded hosting rights to the Gold Coast in a major coup for the region. This coincided with a boom in bowls with the sport’s inclusion in the Commonwealth Games. The $5 million redevelopment of Broadbeach Bowls Club ensured world-class facilities for the event.

Some key moments since moving to the Gold Coast include record prize money of $350,000 on offer in 2019 and broadcasting deals securing national TV coverage. The picturesque sea views at Broadbeach provide a stunning backdrop and has become known as the ‘happy home’ of Aussie bowls.

The 2022 Open was anticipated to be the biggest yet with over 600 competitors from 17 countries before reduced numbers due to pandemic issues. Further upgrades are planned to continue enhancing the tournament experience and exposure of the sport. The Gold Coast looks set to be the permanent home of this cherished national championship.

2023 saw an AUD $400,000 total prize pool, the richest in the event’s history attracting 600 men’s and women’s competitors from over 15 countries. Once again, activities centered on Broadbeach Bowls Club.

 

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