News

We are delighted to confirm that the Welsh Grand Prix will once again be staged at Cardiff Bowling Club next season, on the weekend of the 24th-25th March 2018.

The nominations for the 2016-17 Players’ Player Of The Season award included two Belgians, six Englishmen, six Irish players, two Swedes, a Welshman and a Scotsman. The votes have all been counted and we can now confirm the top three!

The 2017-18 season brings a new event at a new location on the Short Mat Players Tour. The British Open will be the fourth world ranking event and it will be staged in the beautiful city of York, a popular tourist destination.

If you’re thinking of visiting Belfast next season for the Irish Open or World Masters why not consider the two and three bedroom self-catering accommodation located a 25 minute drive from the Irish Open and World Masters venue at Belfast Indoor Bowls Club.

Entries to the Taylor Bowls World Fours Masters and the Taylor Bowls World Pairs Masters open on Thursday 1 June at 6pm.

Congratulations to 14 year old Jonas Hager of Sweden who is the SMPT’s Young Player of The Season 2016-17. Jonas, who will be presented with the Ryan O’Neill Award later in the summer, claims the title won last year by Belgium’s Sibe Laureys, by virtue of finishing the season as the highest placed under 18 in the Order of Merit. Sweden’s Victor Andersson was in second position with Alex Kley of England finishing third.

As the dust settles on yet another great season that saw a new World No 1 crowned, our first ever back to back finalist and then our first back to back winner, we take a look at those players who have stood out above the rest. With two Belgians, four Englishman, six Irish, two swedes, a Welshman & Scotsman who will get your vote and become 2016/17 PPOTS?

This video footage shows what happened when David McVeigh, who represents an organisation called the Belgian Project, met with the Short Mat Players Tour. David dropped into Belfast Indoor Bowls Club to witness the action during last weekend’s World Masters in Northern Ireland. He spoke to Phil Mills, one of the SMPT directors, to find out more about the Short Mat Players Tour and the sport we love…

Joe Beattie wins the 2017 World Masters after a 10-5 victory over Mark Beattie becoming the first person to claim back-to-back SMPT titles after winning the English Masters in February.

Gary McNabb takes bronze with Stephen Proctor 4th. P.J. Gallagher wins the Plate and Andrew Jones takes the Shield.