Sun City West committee backs forwarding U.S. Open lawn bowls request to governing board

Nick Turner, president of the Johnson Lawn Bowls Club and a member of the Charter Clubs Committee, told the committee that Bowls USA plans to stage the U.S. Open lawn bowling tournament at multiple greens in the Sun City area and asked the committee to recommend the governing board approve hosting the event.

The tournament is open to competitors worldwide. Turner said Sun City West, Sun City and Sun City Grand can host many matches because of the number and quality of local greens, and that hosting would allow club members to continue their regular play on at least one green. "I am recusing myself from my committee position," Turner said, adding he would present information and abstain from the committee vote.

The committee heard that hosting would require only modest operational adjustments: additional green maintenance attention, extra restroom cleaning and trash service, and club volunteers to help with daily setup and scoring roles. Turner said many tournament roles — including "markers" who assist in singles matches — are supplied by club members and that player fees would fund hospitality and related services.

Director Chattin (chair) asked for committee comment; no objections were raised. The chair then sought a consensus to move the item to the governing board workshop and members raised their hands in favor. The committee recorded no formal roll-call vote in the transcript and Turner abstained from the committee decision because of his recusal.

The committee discussion emphasized local capacity to host matches across multiple greens and the expected travel convenience for competitors compared with alternatives in other states.

The committee forwarded the recommendation to the governing board for final action and follow-up on operational details and scheduling.

The governing board will review the committee’s recommendation and determine next steps, including any formal contract or scheduling approvals.