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10 - 23 JULY, 2026
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Matt Flapper, Paul Foster, Aaron Wilson and Jamie-Lee Worsnop were BPL23 champions with Geelong Jets. (Bowls Australia)
Grove bowls coup Australia’s premier bowls competition is headed to Ocean Grove in November and is expected to draw a crowd of more than 6000 across five days of competition. Ocean Grove Bowling Club (OGBC) will host the Bowls Premier League (BPL), featuring Australia’s leading players and international stars in a fast-paced, televised team format from 9 to 13 November. The announcement came less than two months after OGBC hosted the World Bowls Indoor Championship that brought bowlers from 32 nations to Ocean Grove in May. The BPL will also hold special significance for OGBC as the home of reigning BPL champions the Geelong Jets. Bowls Australia chief executive Matthew Kennedy said Ocean Grove was an
outstanding choice to host the next BPL24. “Ocean Grove Bowling Club has established itself as one of Australia’s leading bowls venues through its facilities, passionate volunteers and recent success proving their ability to deliver major events to the highest standard,” he said. OGBC chief executive Nathan O’Neill said securing the BPL was another major milestone for the region. “The event will reinforce Ocean Grove Bowling Club’s vision to become Australia’s leading destination for bowls,” he said. “More importantly, it creates another opportunity to generate economic activity, showcase our region and deliver lasting benefits for our members and community.
“We’re incredibly proud to bring the Bowls Premier League to Ocean Grove. It’s an opportunity to showcase our wonderful region.” Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, Geelong Jets coach and OGBC premiership player and general manager of partnerships and programs Matt Flapper said hosting the event in Ocean Grove is a proud moment for the franchise and the wider Geelong region. “There’s something special about representing your region at home,” he said. “The Geelong Jets were created to unite and represent the broader Geelong bowls community, and to now host the Bowls Premier League at Ocean Grove is a proud moment for everyone involved.
“We can’t wait to be in front of our home crowd, showcase our region on the national stage and give local supporters the chance to experience Australia’s premier bowls competition right here on the Bellarine.” Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine executive director Tracy Carter said the event highlighted the region’s growing reputation as a destination capable of hosting major sporting events that deliver lasting tourism and economic benefits. “The event will drive visitation, support local businesses and showcase our destination through national exposure,” she said. The event is supported by the Victorian government and City of Greater Geelong.
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