A tournament built on community, competition and decades of dedication. Founded in 1983 by John McDonnell (Macca), the Classic has grown into one of the largest bowls tournaments in the Albury Wodonga region.
The John McDonnell Classic is a major bowls tournament now played across four bowling clubs in the Albury Wodonga area. It attracts more than 100 teams (over 300 bowlers) and is the largest bowls tournament in the area.
Founded in 1983
100+ teams
300+ bowlers
Played across 4 clubs
In 2025, the event was renamed the John McDonnell Classic to recognise John McDonnell’s contribution to the club.
The Classic was originally known as the Liquorland Tournament and was instigated by John McDonnell (Macca). The total prize money was $500 in cash, plus prizes including wine and beer. The venue had two greens and could host 28 teams.
In 2006 the tournament moved to Windsor Park Bowling Club near the Albury Railway Station which had three greens, allowing the event to grow to 42 teams.
Women began playing in the tournament in 2010, helping ensure the event continued to grow.
In 2012 the event moved to the Commercial Club and became the Commercial Club Classic.
A women’s team won the event in 2017. In 2018, mixed teams of both men and women were invited to compete.
In July 2024, John (Macca) passed away, only a couple of months after the Classic celebrated its 42nd continuous year. In 2025, the tournament was renamed the Commercial Albury Bowling Club John McDonnell Classic in honour of Macca’s commitment and tireless work in making the event the success it is today.
Conditions of Play: 7 Games of 12 ends (4 x 12 Saturday, 3 x 12 Sunday)
Games played at:
Commercial Club
Lavington Club
Nth Albury Hoppers
Wodonga Club
Entry Fee $270.00 Per Team
Includes Meal both days
First 124 teams accepted
Entries & payment close 8th May 2026
To enter, please complete the form below and forward your entries and payment (direct debit or cheque) to: bowls@commercialclubalbury.com.au
OR PO BOX 916 Albury NSW 2640 (Attention: Kaye Habermann)
Winners receive $3,000
Paying down to 50th Position
2nd to 10th Place to share over $7,080
11th to 20th Place to share $3,000
21st to 40th Place to share,$4,800
41st to 50th to share $2,100
Free Raffle During Presentation. 7 prizes to be won
Presentation of all Prizes at Commercial Club after last game on Sunday.
Kaye Habermann
0418 442 450
bowls@commercialclubalbury.com.au
