Saturday, September 5, 2026 will be the 96th Annual Governor General’s Tournament, hosted by Almonte LBC this year at 157 Robert St., Almonte. Unfortunately, Governors General have not attended it in many years. It alternates between Ontario and Quebec clubs. Jennifer Putinski, Pipe Major for Almonte Legion Pipe Band, will lead the ceremonial parade from behind the club house around 9:45 am and then the parade of flags and athletes will enter the green. The official opening ceremony is planned for 10:00 am and the first game should begin around 10:30. The presentation of trophies should be around 4:30 pm. We are delighted that The Hub is our official sponsor of this prestigious event.
You are heartily invited to attend and witness some amazing lawn bowling!
History of the Governor General’s Lawn Bowling Tournament
The Governor GeneraI’s Lawn Bowling Tournament is one of the most prestigious lawn bowling events in Canada. 1928, the then Governor General of Canada, His Excellency the Right Honourable Viscount Willingdon, presented a silver trophy to the Eastern Ontario Lawn Bowling Association for annual competition between Men’s ‘fours’ teams from the Eastern Ontario LBA and the Québec Lawn Bowling Federation. The tournament alternated between the two provinces hosted by various Clubs.
65 years later, in 1993, the ladies joined the event and in 1994, His Excellency, the Right Honourable Raymond John Hnatyshyn provided a new trophy which is played for by Ladies ’fours’ teams from Ontario and Quebec. To recognize both the historic and feminine quality of the tournament the trophy was named the Governor General’s Rose Bowl.
The Eastern Ontario Lawn Bowling Association became part of the Ontario Lawn Bowls Association (OLBA) in 1957, thus the ’Ontario’ side of the Tournament Committee is governed by District 16 of OLBA. In 1989, the Ladies and Men’s Associations amalgamated. Despite these changes, the “Governor General’s” as it is affectionately known, has survived as an important and prestigious part of the regional bowling calendar.
The Tournament also includes competition between the Ladies and Men’s Novice Singles winners from District 16 of OLBA and their counterparts of the Quebec LBF.
The Willingdon Cup has been played for every year since its inception. A Joint Committee representing both provinces is responsible for organizing the event. The tournament alternates between the two provinces and this year, Almonte LBC has the honour of hosting this event.
See you on Saturday, Sept 5.
