Cape Town Mapping Project

Gardens Bowling Club

 Formed in 1895, Gardens BC is the 3rd oldest bowling club in South Africa and the oldest in the Western Province. Situated in Cape Town City Centre, it has magnificent Table Mountain as a backdrop to the bowling green which is open 9 months of the year, from October until July.

The green was formally opened on 23rd December 1896 by the first president, Mr David Robertson. It is the 3rd oldest lawn bowling club in South Africa, after the Kimberley Club (1889), and Port Elizabeth (1882).  But, as far as the Western Province is concerned, the Gardens Bowling Club is the mother club. In 1919, the club was reconstituted after the shareholders returned their share certificates to the club as a gift. A new constitution was drawn up and open membership was inaugurated.