Stellenbosch, in the heart of the Western Cape wine country, is the second oldest town in South Africa. The city boasts unique historic Cape-Dutch architecture, a world-renowned university, leading technology centers, outstanding sports facilities, world-class wine and surrounded by mountains, valleys, vineyards and fruit orchards.
 
Lawn bowls has been formally played in Stellenbosch for more than 75 years. The Van Der Stel Sports Club was established in the early 1920s on a part of the Bergzicht farm, originally for rugby, and with time it also involved other sports codes under its administrative wing. Mr JLS Franzsen was the driving force behind the establishment of the bowling club with his friend Prof CS Edgar. The first green was initiated by the then mayor, Dr. H.P Cruze, on December 12, 1942. The well known Paul Roos and Oubaas Markotter were members of the bowling club.
 
The bowling club boasts two neat greens with overhead lighting, as well as a comfortable clubhouse with outside braai facilities, a kitchen, bar and facilities where about 120 people can be accommodated.
 
The club maintains a membership of approximately 80 people of both sexes and includes young people in their 20's to seniors of 80 years.
 
The club is open all year and social game takes place Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
 
One of the most important fundraising opportunities on the club's calendar is the business league where 112 people from the town's business community compete against each other on four consecutive Wednesday evenings in November and February. Some of the games are played under floodlights. It is a particularly popular tournament where participants are in a relaxed atmosphere with good music around the greens. Other local annual competitions offered by the club are sponsored, including the Die Cluver and Markotter opening of the season, as well as the Checkers and Bettie Marcus all-day competitions.