| Where: | Southampton, Hants at Old Green |
| When: | Wednesday in late August |
| Time: | 3pm |
The Old Green in Southampton is reputedly the oldest bowling green in the world and the Knighthood of the Old Green Tournament has records dating back to the eighteenth century. It has different rules to ordinary bowls: the jack is placed on the green and competitors bowl two woods, each being measured and removed in turn – the winner is the one whose woods are nearest the jack. If the jack moves, it is replaced in position for the next participant; after all have had a turn, the winner of that “end” is announced, the jack is moved and the whole process starts again until an overall winner emerges. This can take some time! The winner is the first competitor to win seven “ends” and automatically becomes a Knight of the Old Green. Knights are not allowed to compete in subsequent tournaments but organise and judge instead, wearing formal suits and top hats and looking very important! The Mayor, Town Crier and other dignitaries attend.
Helpful Hints
It used to be held in the first week of August but this is no longer the case and it’s usually towards the end of the month, always on a Wednesday. Visitors are welcome.
In 2026 it should be on Wednesday August 19th.
Click here for the Club Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/southamptonoldgreen/
Click here for the event website : http://www.sobg.co.uk
Is there a list of nights of the green
Hi Alan ,
Thanks for your inquiry! I’ve had a quick look at the bowling club’s own webpage and can’t see a link to the list of the winners – but I’m on a train and getting patchy coverage! If you follow the link to the club (scroll down below Helpful Hints on the page for the event) it will take you to their own website which has a contacts form that you can use to ask them. I’m sure they have a list as I think I’ve seen it before- recent winners appear under old articles in the news section but I wasn’t able to find a list. If you have trouble getting through let me know and I’ll try finding out for you after work tomorrow
Best wishes
Averil
Is the Knighthood competition open to the public to spectate in 2026. Are tickets on sale?
Hi Lesley,
I’ve been trying find out what’s happening for this year but so far messages have either bounced back or failed to elicit a response. I’ll see what I can do- it used to be easy to check the club calendar bit the last year or two it’s been increasingly tricky. I’ll let you know what I manage to find out…wish me luck!
Best wishes,
Averil
It’s on 19th this year and you just turn up on the day- no tickets required.