The Australian Ranking Tier 3 event will be played over five days of competition, with $32,000 in prizemoney up for grabs.
RSL Bowling Club president and tournament organiser Ken Wellard said the idea of holding the tournament came up in September last year.
‘‘I thought we could do something to make the RSL Bowling Club stand out a bit,’’ he said.
‘‘I raised the idea and (RSL CEO) David Hart agreed to support it.
‘‘We’ll have 18 teams of three participating so it should be a great week of bowls.
‘‘The event doesn’t only benefit the club but the town as a whole, with bowlers eating locally and staying at accommodation.
‘‘We want to make it an annual event, so hopefully we can attract even more bowlers next year.’’
The week-long tournament started last night with a calcutta at the RSL Bowling Club.
Play will start at 9.30am today, with each team playing three games of 16 live ends each day of the tournament.
At the end of the five days it will be the team with the highest ranking points that claims the first prize of $12,000.
Prizemoney will be awarded to the top 16 teams with second place earning $6000, third $1800 and fourth $1500.
The club will also host a Good Friday charity day, which will be a rest day for those competing.
‘‘The charity day is open to the public,’’ Wellard said.
‘‘While competitors are also invited to participate it is considered a rest day before their final two days of the tournament.
‘‘The charity day will be a fours event with $10 entry.
‘‘We felt that holding a fun day while raising funds was a great way to fill in the day.
‘‘All money raised will benefit the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.’’
The charity day will start at 1pm on Friday.