Towradgi Park Bowling Club boasts one of Illawarra's best locations and is ready to showcase more than $1 million in refurbishments as headquarters for the South Pacific Carnival.
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With breathtaking beach views from its clubhouse, Towradgi BC is embracing carnival HQ status for a third time in a decade, ahead of one of the biggest annual tournaments in the southern hemisphere.
Being headquarters brings pressure and prestige in equal measure with Towradgi's three greens to host bowls on all nine playing days including finals.
Hundreds of visitors will enjoy a beer and a meal at the club's bar and Breeze restaurant and bistro, while indoor viewing of the main green is among the best of any Illawarra club.
"It's testimony to the quality of our club, our staff and members that we can host this prestigious event for a third time in a short period," said Towradgi Park bowls co-ordinator Wes Falconer.
"Our greenkeeper, David Deed, is of the highest quality in our Zone and outside the Zone, and his work preparing the greens will ensure some fantastic bowls.
"There aren't many clubs in the country that can boast the natural setting we have here and we certainly want to show that off and make the dining experience and watching the bowls a real enjoyment for everyone.
"The first day of the fours we'll have nearly 160 bowlers here and it'll kick the carnival off in a big way."
The club itself is modern and spacious and can comfortably cater for more than 200 guests.
Extra facilities for the carnival will include an outdoor barbecue, while almost 12 months ago, more than $1 million was spent on refurbishments including an open-and-closing roof over the outdoor deck, adding shade and cover in summer while still feeling spacious and open. On the greens, Towradgi also want to make an impression.
About 40 members have nominated for at least one of the three disciplines - singles, pairs and fours — including four all-Towradgi fours teams, plus 15 bowlers in singles.
Having the HQ club do well at the carnival adds to the atmosphere of the event.
Last year's host Warilla took home the singles and pairs.
Falconer is hoping Towradgi will also be contenders.
"The members have really supported the carnival and being at home, we'd like to go as far as we can."
Leading the Towradgi charge will be David Wakeling, who made the final of the Zone 16 Singles in 2014, while Falconer claimed the Illawarra Champion of Club Champion Singles and Brian Purdie and Brian Harriott combined to reach the Illawarra Senior Pairs final.
