Junior bowlers from around the world to compete for golden nugget

CLUB Tweed will host some of the best young lawn bowlers from across the world at the 23rd annual Junior Golden Nugget tournament.

The event will be held on July 25-26, with 48 junior competitors from across Australia and overseas set to compete in two days of high-level competition.

It is an under-18s tournament and widely regarded as one of the world’s premier junior bowls events.

The field will feature a male and female division with international representatives from China, Hong Kong and New Zealand.

Club Tweed bowls coordinator Emma Boyd said it will be the strongest line-ups in the tournament’s history.

“This is one of the most exciting events to coordinate each year,” she said.

“The friendships, talent and eagerness these young players bring is a credit to their families and clubs.

“Club Tweed is privileged to present this year’s field and looks forward to welcoming players, families and supporters for an unforgettable weekend.”

Among the leading contenders is NSW representative Zoe Davis, who will be aiming to go one step further after finishing runner-up in last year’s event.

Harry Coleman is also expected to feature prominently after his second-place finish in 2025, while Club Tweed junior Lilly Vardy is back again after finishing third last year.

The 17-year-old has already established herself as one of Queensland’s brightest young talents, claiming the Queensland under-18 singles title three times.

The Junior Golden Nugget has built a reputation as a pathway event for future Australian representatives and elite bowlers.

Past competitors Corey Wedlock and Ellen Fife were recently selected in the Jackaroos team for the Commonwealth Games in Scotland.

Other state and national representatives to play in the tournament include Dylan Fisher, Nick Cahill, Jarryd Davies, Kane Nelson, Lisa Phillips, Samantha Noronha, Jessie Cottell and Kira Bourke

Entry to the event is free, with spectators encouraged to attend.