After five successful days (3 to 7 August 2026), the 65th Scottburgh August Tournament has wrapped up with hundreds of bowlers travelling to the KZN South Coast for one of the region’s most anticipated winter sporting events. The tournament was supported by Renishaw Hills and hosted across Scottburgh Bowling Club, AMBC, Widenham Bowling Club, and Sezela Bowling Club.
“Supporting community events like the Scottburgh August Tournament is an investment in the region and its people, and we’re delighted to have played a role in this year’s event,” said Barto van der Merwe, Managing Director of Renishaw Property Developments, a subsidiary of Crookes Brothers Limited.
“What makes this tournament particularly special is the way it brings people together year after year, while showcasing Scottburgh as a wonderful place to visit and, for some, ultimately call home.”
Six decades of bowls and community impact
Established in 1959, the Scottburgh August Tournament has become a fixture on the KZN South Coast sporting calendar, 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.
Scottburgh Bowling Club organiser Peter Lawrence commented, “It has been a most amazing week of bowls. The weather was superb and kind to us, except for a very windy Thursday, and the standard of bowls all round was extremely high.
“This year we 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 Wednesday. With a prize every 10 positions when the two divisions are combined, every team had something within their grasp. I think this really showed in the standard of bowling.”
However, Lawrence said the competitive element was only part of the tournament’s appeal: “Friendship and fellowship trumped the competitive bowls, and the week was full of laughter and fun. The bowlers, mostly pensioners, had a really good time.”
Results of the 65th Scottburgh August Tournament
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 & Widenham
· Madekoi: The Bell BC
· Buddies: PMB Collegians & Widenham BC
· Haai Schoolers – Pretoria High School Old Boys Club
· Cash: Alexandra Memorial BC
The tournament is a boost for Scottburgh
The tournament also provides a significant economic contribution to Scottburgh. Organisers estimate that between 300 and 400 visitors are brought into the area during tournament week, creating additional demand for accommodation, restaurants and local retailers.
For residents of Renishaw Hills, a mature lifestyle village in Scottburgh, bowls has also become an increasingly popular way to combine exercise and social connection.
“Bowls is one of the fastest-growing activities among our residents because it combines healthy outdoor activity with social interaction and friendly competition,” said van der Merwe. “We’re particularly excited that Renishaw Hills will soon open its new bowls green, creating even more opportunities for residents.”
For Renishaw Hills, the event is another example of the value of supporting initiatives that bring visitors into the area while strengthening the community connections that make the KZN South Coast an increasingly attractive place to live, visit and retire.
For more details about Renishaw Hills or to arrange a tour, contact Kelly at 064 198 2693, email [email protected], or visit www.renishawhills.co.za. For more details about Renishaw Coastal Precinct, visit www.renishaw.co.za.
FAQs about Renishaw Hills
1. When will the new Renishaw Hills bowls green open?
Construction of the green is now complete. Once the grass has established, the green is expected to open within the next few months.
2. Why is Scottburgh such a popular winter destination?
Scottburgh enjoys mild, sunny winter weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as bowls, golf, hiking and beach walks. Visitors can also experience seasonal highlights including the annual Sardine Run and humpback whale migration while enjoying quieter beaches and relaxed coastal living.
3. Why are retirees choosing Renishaw Hills?
Renishaw Hills combines secure estate living with an active coastal lifestyle on the KZN Mid-South Coast. Residents enjoy access to walking and cycling trails, conservation areas, social clubs, healthcare support, and lifestyle amenities while benefiting from strong property value growth and a relaxed, nature-focused environment
