Busselton Bowling Club has capped off a stellar 2017-18 season by receiving Bowls WA’s Jim Murray Award for the most outstanding country club in the state.
Busselton Bowling Club president Wayne Coyle said the club was thrilled to win the prestigious award for the first time.
“This is a huge honour among bowling clubs and really is one of the most sought after awards,” he said.
He believed the club stood out for its membership group and quality of its greens.
“We are one of the few bowls clubs to see an increase in members,” he said.
“We have superior greens. We are one of the only grass green clubs left, they are becoming a rarity – they call it the Wimbledon of lawn bowls.”
Mr Coyle also pointed to an influx of talent boosting the club’s profile and a very successful season on the green.
In the Women’s Pennants, Busselton won all three divisions, and finished runner-up in second and third division.
In the Men’s, Busselton finished first in the mid-week and Saturday divisions.
The club also had Graham Evans, Jennie Bruce and Helen Paganoni represent WA in the over 60s team.
Ms Bruce was runner-up in the state singles, after taking on Ms Paganoni in the semi-final.
Matt Pennington’s strong performance all season was also listed as a highlight for the club.
Mr Coyle said the club had recently focused on becoming a club for the broader community.
“You can’t stay alive as a bowls club alone,” he said.
“We want to be open for the community and invite the community to enjoy the club.
“We are trying to form relationships with businesses who may want to utilise our facilities.”
The club facilities are used for boot scooting, a craft group and a cards competition.
The club facilitates carpet bowls, sessions for primary school students and hosts special bowling events for people with disabilities.
Besides a greenkeeper, the club is run by volunteers.
Mr Coyle paid tribute to all the members and volunteers who helped keep the club going.
“Every volunteer in the place has contributed to this award,” he said.
He said they were proud of the spirit they’d created at the club.
“People come looking to experience bowls but what they witness and really experience is the camaraderie and that’s what draws them in,” he said.
“That’s what we are all about.”
The club is welcoming new members. For more information, visit busseltonbowling.club.
