From humble beginnings to a thriving community hub, Pelican Waters Bowls Club has a proud history that reflects the spirit and dedication of its members.
How It All Began
Our club was originally known as the Golden Beach Bowls Club, with roots stretching back to the 1970s. Thanks to the generous support of Bevan Henzell, land was secured for the club, and construction began.
The first official bowls game was played on 13 December 1980, marking the beginning of a long and cherished tradition.
On 15 April 1982, the club celebrated its first social bowls day with 53 members and eight visitors taking to the green – a sign of the strong local enthusiasm for the sport.
Growth and Development
Over the years, the club continued to grow. A second green was officially reopened in 1992, giving members more opportunities to enjoy the game. In April 2002, the club officially changed its name to Pelican Waters Bowls Club, better reflecting its evolving identity and growing community.
Click here for the re-opening of No. 2 Green in 1992.
Click here for a Change of Club Name invitation letter from April, 2002
A significant milestone came in 2005, when the club celebrated its Silver Jubilee, marking 25 years of bowls and community connection. A commemorative booklet was produced to honour the occasion.
Click here to view our Silver Anniversary Booklet.
In 2012, the greens were upgraded to synthetic surfaces, allowing for all-weather play and year-round enjoyment.
Celebrating 40 Years
In April 2022, Pelican Waters Bowls Club marked its 40th Anniversary with a weekend of celebration. Events included a full-greens bowls day, live entertainment, and the unveiling of a memorabilia wall and digital photo display showcasing the club’s rich history and achievements.
Our Club Today
Located at 49 Nelson Street, Golden Beach, Pelican Waters Bowls Club now boasts:
- Two top-quality synthetic greens.
- A welcoming clubhouse with a bistro, bar, gaming, and function facilities.
- Regular barefoot bowls, coaching, pennant competitions, and seasonal carnivals.
The club remains a not-for-profit organisation, run with the support of volunteers and local sponsors. It continues to offer a warm, social environment for members and visitors alike.
A Legacy of Community
Many of the club’s greens and features carry the names of founding members and key supporters, such as the Henzell Green, honouring the early visionaries who made the club possible.
Click here for more information about the naming of our Greens.
Pelican Waters Bowls Club is more than just a place to play bowls – it’s a vibrant part of the Golden Beach and Pelican Waters community, built on friendship, fun, and a shared love of the game.
49 Nelson Street, Golden Beach
@pelicanbowls