Gus rolls with it all
Musgrave Hill’s Gus Templeton won the hearts of many in bowls when he stunningly reached the Australian Open men’s singles final this month. The 67year-old grandfather took on 33-yearold Aron Sherriff – the final two in the field of 912 – but went down 21-6.
Q What were your expectations going into the Australian Open? A To qualify and enjoy my bowls. Simple as that. Q
What stories/highlights did you encounter along the way to the final? A Every game was a highlight because I had no expectations. Q What was it like to play on live TV in the final against one of the world’s finest? A
Awesome, Aron showed me a lot of respect which was a highlight. But as I had played in two world championships in different sports I wasn’t overawed. Q I heard you were a Kiwi rep in another sport, I didn’t realise two. What were they and what did you achieve in each? A
I played in the world billiard championships in 2001 and captained the New Zealand eight-ball team in
the 1997 world championships. Q
Wow, well done. Tell us your story of where and when you started bowls. A I started playing bowls in 1976 after getting injured playing senior hockey and tennis. I then took up bowls and billiards.
I have won the New Zealand Inter Club Sevens bowls in 2004, won New Zealand and South Island Clubs Fours in bowls.
I am a life member of Bowls Hornby – formerly the Hornby Domain Club – in Christchurch but moved to
Australia in 2008 because the climate was too cold in Christchurch. I am enjoying year-round bowls in an awesome climate on the Gold Coast at Musgrave Hill, instead of just six months a year in New Zealand. Q I see your wife Karen is a great supporter. A
Absolutely, yes she is my inspiration, we are together 24/7 – she never misses a game. She is extremely supportive not only to my games but to all club games I am involved in. We both enjoy playing poker and have managed to win a few tournaments, our highlight being playing in the APL Millions in Sydney last year. Q What aspirations do you have in the game after your great Australian Open performance? A
I am too old to have any aspirations I just want to continue enjoying my bowls.
*** While talking with Gus he asked: “How long is it since a pensioner got in the final of the Australian Open?” My answer: I think he may be the first in its 15year history.