Golden Nugget Program by GoldeNugget

MONDAY JULY 29TH TO 1ST AUGUST, 2024 37TH INVITATIONAL PRESTIGE SINGLES

CHAIRMANS WELCOME

On behalf of the Directors, members, and staff of Club Tweed I am most pleased to welcome competitors and spectators to the 2024 Golden Nugget.

We are very pleased to host this prestigious event which has been in the Australian Bowls calendar for over thirty years. We are very proud of our high-profile status, both nationally and internationally.

Once again it is an outstanding field assembled this year featuring popular local, national and international bowlers. Live streaming will be available so that many more here and overseas can follow their favourite bowlers.

The members are proud of our great club which prides itself on the capacity to run and cater for such major events. The keys to our success are the quality of our staff and the dedication of our many volunteers. We also appreciate the visitors to the club who along with our members will no doubt enjoy this world class event. Our recently updated facilities and services are designed to improve the bowls experience and the comfort of spectators.

Our thanks to the sponsors, Club Tweed, Asahi, Carlton United Breweries, Treasury Wines, Aero Bowls, and BCIB, who through their generous support greatly assist in the running of the event.

Best wishes to the competitors. We hope you enjoy the experience of bowling against such a high-quality field and that you leave the club with good memories.

LEIGH TYNAN, Chairman of the Board

PROGRAM OF EVENTS

SUNDAY 28TH JULY 2024

6PM Meet the Players/ Open Draw & Opening Ceremony

MONDAY 29TH JULY 2024

9.15PM Call of Cards & Trial Ends

9.30PM Round 1 - Women & Men

1.15PM Call of Cards & Trial Ends

1.30PM Round 2 – Women & Men

TUESDAY 30TH JULY 2024

9.15PM Call of Cards and Trial Ends

9.30PM Round 3 – Women & Men

1.15PM Call of Cards and Trial Ends

1.30PM Round 4 – Women & Men

WEDNESDAY 31ST JULY 2024

9.15PM Call of Cards & Trial Ends

9.30PM Round 5 - Women & Men

1.15PM Call of Cards & Trial Ends

1.30PM 2nd & 3rd In section Play Off for Semi Final

THURSDAY 1ST AUGUST 2024

9.15PM Call of Cards & Trial Ends

9.30PM Women & Men’s Semi-Finals

1.15PM Lunch

1.30PM Call of Cards and Trial Ends

1.30PM Women & Men’s Final

LADIES’ PLAYERS

CASS MILLERICK

Moama Bowling Club - VIC

Cassandra Millerick is a star in lawn bowls. The current Jackaroo was the runner-up in the 2024 Australian Open fours and won gold in the 2023 Australian Open Singles and the Victorian Champion of Champion Singles. A former Gold Coaster now skipping the Victorian State Side, Cass is a big improver and will have many admirers watching her performance at the Golden Nugget.

CHLOE STEWART Club Tweed - QLD

Chloe Stewart, Victorian-born but now a local talent, has an impressive track record with wins in the Queensland Champion of Champions Singles in 2019, 2020 and 2023. She has also secured gold medals in the Australian Championship Singles and Triples and won the Queensland Singles for the second time in 2023. A top singles player, Chloe was the runner-up in the 2018 Australian Indoor Singles. Chloe will be one to watch.

DAWN HAYMAN

St Johns Park - NSW

Dawn Hayman is a singles machine. Coming off recently winning a mammoth four state titles at the State Championships in NSW and also becoming a debut World Champion, there is no stopping Hayman. She won the Australian Champion of Champion Singles in 2019 and 2020, the Australian Open Pairs in 2019, and was the runner-up in the 2022 Australian Open Singles. Dawn’s skill and consistency make her a key player to watch in the 2024 Golden Nugget.

JAMIE-LEE WORSNOP

Cabramatta Bowling Club - NSW

Jamie-Lee Worsnop made her national debut in 2022 and quickly made a name for herself. She won the Australian Indoor Singles gold in 2014 and bronze at the World Cup in 2015. In 2021, she secured silver in the singles and fours at the Australian Open. Jamie-Lee’s 2024 achievements include being part of the overall team and overall development women’s champion at the Trans-Tasman. In 2023, she won silver in the fours and bronze in the pairs at the Multi Nations, proving her prowess on the international stage.

LADIES’ PLAYERS

KATELYN INCH

Club Kawana - QLD

The 2022 commonwealth games Bronze medallist is ready for the challenge of the 2024 Golden Nugget. The kiwi also recently won a bronze medal at the 2023 World Bowls in the fours discipline adding to the overall women’s team win for New Zealand. Inch also has won the QLD singles 3 times (2023, 2020, and 2017) This all-round player will be one to watch at Club Tweed.

KELLY MCKERIHEN

Clayton Bowls Club - Canada

Kelly McKerihen is a highly decorated bowler with a track record of success. She won bronze medals in the Women’s singles at both the 2012 World Outdoor Bowls Championship in Adelaide and the 2016 Championship in Christchurch, and the 2023 World Bowls Singles, scoring a silver medal. In 2024, she clinched the pairs title at the New Zealand National Bowls Championships, followed by the Australian Open fours title. Known for her skill and determination, Kelly continues to be a formidable presence on the green.

KELSEY COTTRELL

Club Helensvale - QLD

Kelsey Cottrell, the current World Number 1 ranked female bowler, has an impressive list of achievements. In 2023, she won gold in the Triples and silver in the Fours at the World Championships. She also secured gold in the mixed pairs at the World Bowls Indoor Championships and silver in the singles at the Multi Nations. The 2022 Australian Championships saw her win gold in the singles and bronze in the mixed pairs. A Golden Nugget winner in 2022, Kelsey was also named the 2022 Bowls Australia Female Bowler of the Year. A crowd favourite and a must-watch player.

KRISTINA KRSTIĆ

Manning Memorial Bowling Club - WA

Kristina Krstic is a prolific winner and last year’s runnerup. Krstic has won a gold medal in the pairs at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and gold in the fours at the 2023 Multi Nations. She also won gold in the triples at the 2019 Multi Nations. A dominant force in state championships in Western Australia, Kristina is set to make her presence felt once again at the Golden Nugget, bringing her formidable skills and competitive spirit to the tournament.

LADIES’ PLAYERS

LYNSEY CLARKE Club Tweed - QLD

Lynsey Clarke is the current defending champion of the Golden Nugget. Her illustrious career includes a gold medal in the pairs at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and a silver in the triples in 2014. She also won gold in the pairs at the 2008 World Bowls and in the triples in 2012, and gold in the triples and silver in 2023. With ten Australian Open gold medals and 26 Queensland State Titles, Lynsey won the Nugget in 2006 and has amassed 458 Australian caps. A serious competitor, can Lynny go back to back?

SELINA GODDARD

Takapuna Bowling Club and Cabramatta Bowl Club - New Zealand

Selina Goddard is a highly accomplished bowler with five national titles to her name. She won bronze at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in the women’s fours and again at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in the pairs and fours. In 2023, she represented New Zealand at the World Outdoor Bowls Championship, winning bronze in the women’s fours and also winning the women’s overall team. Selina’s extensive experience and success make her a strong contender at the Golden Nugget.

NATASHA VAN ELDIK Raymond Terrace - NSW

Natasha Van Eldik is a powerhouse in the world of lawn bowls, with victories in the Golden Nugget in 2014 and 2019. She is the only woman to win the Australian Open Singles three times and has been named Australian Female Bowler of the Year five times. Natasha boasts four World Championships gold medals and is one of only four Commonwealth Games dual gold medallists. A confident player with a big drive, she remains a crowd favourite and master Singles player.

TAYLA BRUCE

Burnside Bowling Club - New Zealand

Tayla Bruce’s first Golden Nugget experience. She had a remarkable 2022, winning her third national title with a singles crown and securing double bronze at the Commonwealth Games in the triples and fours. She clinched the gold medal at the World Singles Champion of Champions in Wellington. In 2023, she won the New Zealand National Bowls Championships women’s pairs title and represented New Zealand at World Bowls, winning gold in the singles and silver in the triples. Tayla’s consistency makes her a formidable competitor for the 2024 Golden Nugget.

MEN’S PLAYERS

AARON TEYS

Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club - NSW

Aaron Teys, a gold medallist in the fours at World Bowls and Pairs silver medallist, is known for his top-notch singles play. He won the 2015 Australian Open Singles, the 2018 Australian Indoor Singles, and the World Champion of Champion Singles. Aaron also secured gold in the 2023 Multi Nations Singles, showcasing his continued dominance in the sport. His competitive yet cheeky nature and continued successes make him a strong contender.

ARON SHERRIFF

Broadbeach Bowls Club - QLD

Aron “Omar” Sherriff, the current World Number 1 ranked bowler, is a now six-time Australian Open Singles winner and dual World Bowls champion. Known for his exceptional will to win and friendly demeanour, Aron has been named International Player of the Year five times. He won the 2022 Australian Indoor Singles and was the 2018/19 Australian Male Bowler of the Year. His impressive resume also includes the 2019 Australian Open Pairs title, making him a tough competitor with a track record of success.

AARON WILSON

Cabramatta Bowls Club - NSW

Aaron “Disco” Wilson is a dual Commonwealth Games Singles Gold Medallist, having won in 2018 and 2022. He is the first Australian man to win Games gold in the UK and the only male dual Games gold medallist. Currently, the World Pairs silver medallist, Aaron’s list of achievements includes the 2021 Australian Open Singles gold and back-to-back pairs gold in 2022 and 2023. Known for his fierce competitiveness, Aaron is in excellent form and ready to take on the challenge.

BEN TWIST

St Johns Park - NSW

Ben Twist, the 2024 Australian Open Fours Silver Medallist, and the 2022 Commonwealth Games Triples Silver Medallist, has made a mark since his debut, winning gold and silver at the Wales 10 Nations. He claimed the 2016 Hong Kong Classic Singles and the 2017 Hong Kong Classic Pairs, along with numerous major singles tournament victories. Ben went backto-back in the 2022/23 men’s AO pairs, showcasing his skill and determination.

MEN’S PLAYERS

COREY WEDLOCK

Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club - NSW

Corey Wedlock, the 2019 Golden Nugget winner, is a relaxed yet fiercely competitive bowler. Named the 2020 Australian International Bowler of the Year, Corey has continued to dominate with a gold medal in the 2023 Multi Nations Triples and multiple Adelaide Masters’ Singles titles (2019, 2021, 2023). A double world champion at the 2023 World Bowls and a two-time Hong Kong International Pairs gold medallist, Corey’s laid-back demeanour belies his exceptional talent and determination.

JAY BYE-NORRIS

Kurri Kurri Bowls Club - NSW

Jay Bye-Norris is a powerhouse on the greens, recognised as Bowls Victoria Male Bowler of the Year in 2021. His accolades include winning the 2018 Australian Championships Fours and securing bronze in the 2019 Australian Championships Singles. Known for his consistency and skill, Jay has achieved back-toback victories in the Victorian Open Singles. His competitive spirit and impressive track record make him a formidable opponent at this year’s Golden Nugget.

GARY KELLY

Warilla Bowls and Recreation club – Northern Ireland

Gary Kelly, the current World Bowls Pairs Champion and Singles silver medallist, is a tough competitor known for his resilience. With a silver medal from the 2016 World Championships Pairs and a bronze from the 2010 Commonwealth Games Singles, Gary was the runner-up in the 2022 Golden Nugget. His determined Northern Irish spirit and extensive experience make him a formidable force on the greens.

LEE SCHRANER

Raymond Terrace - NSW

Lee “Leeroy” Schraner returns to defend his title as the 2023 Golden Nugget winner, aiming to secure back-to-back victories. A world-class competitor, Lee clinched gold at the 2019 World Champion of Champions Singles and added bronze in 2018 and 2022. With an impressive record of only three losses in 42 international matches, Lee is the sole Australian to win three National Champion of Champion Singles titles. Runner-up in the 2009 Golden Nugget, Leeroy is in excellent form and ready to compete.

MEN’S PLAYERS

NATHAN BLACK Club Holdfast - SA

Nathan Black has had a stellar rise in the lawn bowls scene. The 2024 Trans-Tasman Overall Team and Overall Development Men’s Champion, Nathan also won gold in the singles at the 2023 IIBC World Under 25 Indoor Championships and bronze in the mixed pairs. A 2020 BPL Cup Champion, Nathan’s youthful energy and competitive edge make him one to watch in this year’s tournament.

RYAN BESTER Club Musgrave - Canada

Ryan Bester, the current World Singles Champion, is a twotime World Singles Silver Medallist (2012, 2016) and twotime Golden Nugget champion (2014, 2015). Renowned for his powerful drive and accurate draw, he has won multiple Queensland State Singles titles and was the 2018 Australian Open Singles gold medallist. Ryan’s brilliant drive and draw make him a favourite and a must-watch player in this year’s tournament.

PETER TAYLOR

Alstonville - NSW

Peter Taylor, the 2020 men’s bowler of the year and 5-time state singles runner up with a wealth of experience. His consistent performances and competitive nature make him a notable contender in this year’s Golden Nugget.

SHELDON BAGRIE-HOWLEY Gore Bowls Club - New Zealand

Sheldon Bagrie-Howley is bringing an impressive array of achievements to the 2024 Golden Nugget. He secured a silver medal in the World Junior Mixed Pairs and has continued to excel, winning gold in the New Zealand National Fours, Singles, and Mixed Pairs, showcasing his versatility and skill across different formats. Adding to his accolades, he earned a silver medal in the Multi-Nations Fours and a bronze in the World Bowls Fours. Known for his determination and competitive spirit, the Kiwi is poised to make a significant impact at this year’s Golden Nugget.

PAST WINNERS AND RUNNERS UP

GOLDEN NUGGET HONOUR BOARD

CONDITIONS OF PLAY

- Law

All matches shall be played in accordance with the Crystal Mark Domestic Regulations for Australia with full control of all matches being in the hands of the Tournament Committee.

2 - Format

Invitations will be extended to highly qualified representative players (men’s and ladies’) taking past and current achievements into consideration.

Any selected player who withdraws from the Tournament before the commencement of play in the first match of the first round of sectional play shall be replaced by another player at the discretion of the Tournament Committee.

a. The Tournament will be limited to 12 men and 12 lady bowlers who will be drawn into 2 sections of 6 players each (6 men and 6 ladies) on a Round Robin principle, i.e. each player in each section will play a match against the other five players in that section.

b. All matches shall be 25 shots up.

c. Players are credited with 2 points per win plus margin, and 0 points for a loss in sectional play.

d. The two section winnerswill progress to the men’s and women’s semifinals. The second and third placed in the two sections will play off for a spot in the semi-finals.

e. The losing semi-finalists will be declared equal third.

- Tournament Committee

This Committee will be in control of all matches, players and officials and shall have the power to make, alter or add to any conditions it deems necessary, should play be interrupted by unforeseen circumstances. The decision of the Tournament Committee shall be final in all matters relating to the conduct of the Tournament, including any matters arising prior to the commencement of the Tournament.

4 - Bowls Testing

Bowls testing may be conducted by the Tournament Committee at any time during this event.

- Green Officials

Accredited national umpires will be appointed by the Tournament Committee to officiate at all matches. Markers and scoreboard attendants will also be appointed for each match.

- Inspecting the Head

The head may not be visited until the player has played his/her third bowl. In exceptional circumstances, a request to visit the head earlier in the end may be made to the Marker, such a request shall be granted. At this stage, both players will be entitled to visit the head, but this must be together and without delay.

7 - Commencement of Play

Play in all matches shall commence strictly in accordance with the times as set out in the Tournament Format. Two trial ends with four bowls shall be permitted prior to the commencement of play in each

match. Should a player receive a forfeit in the first round of each day’s play, he/she may practice on the vacant rink, subject to the Tournament Committee granting permission and provided there is sufficient time available without delaying the Tournament.

8 - Forfeits

In the event of a player failing to fulfil or complete a match after the commencement of play through illness or any other cause, their opponent will receive a WIN and shall be credited with 2 points for the win and a shots margin equal to the average of net shots won in all matches played in that round in that section. Fractions shall count.

9 - Duration

All matches shall be 25 shots up. Any shots in excess of 25 will not be considered in the event of a count-back being necessary to decide a section winner.

10 - Dead Ends

Dead Ends shall be replayed.

11 - Section Winners, Runners-Up & 3rd in Section

These will be decided as follows:

a. The player with the highest number of match wins.

b. Should two or more players complete the sectional play with an equal number of match wins, the player with the greatest number of ‘shots up’ shall be the winner.

c. If match wins and the margin of net shots are equal, the player with the highest proportion of ‘shots for’ divided by ‘shots against’ shall be the winner.

12 - Interrupted Play

In the event of inclement weather or any other cause, any or all of the following conditions may be applied:

a. Alter the programmed playing times.

b. Declare the section winners and runners-up after anynumber of completed rounds. Such winners and runners-up shall become finalists, as detailed in Conditions 2(b) and (c) hereof.

c. Transfer any or all matches to the Indoor Bowls complex.

13 - Prize Money

Prize money will be allocated as follows for Men and Ladies: Winner $7,000 Runner-Up $3,500 Equal Third $2,000, Playoff Loser $750 Trophies will also be awarded to the winners and runnersup.

14 - Attire

Competitors shall wear uniform as specified and approved by Tournament Committee - shirt and headgear as supplied. Ladies: white skirt, tailored shorts, skorts or trousers. Men: white or cream trousers or shorts. During interview and official occasions, Golden Nugget sponsors’ clothes and products only to be displayed.