Faith and focus lead CP Mathewson to victory at the 2026 Bowls South Africa Masters

Northern Cape bowls stalwart Charles Peter “CP” Mathewson has claimed the 2026 Bowls South Africa Men’s Open Masters title, securing one of the most prestigious singles crowns in the country and booking his place at the World Bowls Indoor Championships in Australia later this year.

Mathewson earned the honour at the invitation-only Bowls South Africa Masters, staged at Wingate Park Bowling Club in Pretoria from 6 to 8 February — a championship regarded as the pinnacle of South African singles bowls, featuring only players selected by the national committee based on performances over a three-year cycle.

With six divisions and limited entries in each, the tournament allows no room for complacency.

Wingate Park, with its five immaculate greens, provided a fitting stage. Among the Open men’s contenders was Kimberley’s CP Mathewson of Beaconsfield Park Bowling Club. Having played bowls since age seven, Mathewson is one of South Africa’s most consistent singles performers, with provincial titles, Quadrangular Singles success, and Protea representation already to his name.

Mental focus drives preparation

Despite that record, a Masters title had eluded him — until now. Mathewson said his preparation was about more than technical work on the green. “My training was obviously on the green, but my mental game had to be very strong,” he explained. “I had to make sure I did not tense up and allow the pressure to get to me.”

He added that faith was central to his performance. “All my strength comes from God. He keeps me grounded and carried me through to this victory,” said Mathewson, who admitted that the tournament came during a challenging period in his personal life.

Sectional battles test resolve

The sectional stages immediately tested his composure. His opening match was against his roommate, Clinton Roots — a result he described as important in settling his nerves. 

Victories over a mentor and a dramatic comeback from a 10 to 3 deficit in another match reinforced his confidence. “When I won that game 21 to 17, I knew God had a plan for me this year. I just had to stay focused, bowl for bowl and end for end,” he said.

Mathewson won six of his seven sectional matches, his only defeat a narrow 21 to 20 loss to Wayne Rittmuller. Even then, he remained composed, knowing his shot difference kept him in contention. A viral moment on the live stream during a match against Wayne Perry further boosted his confidence. 

“That one shot gave me belief that this could be my year,” he reflected.

Final showdown against Bornmann

Topping his section earned him a place in the final against Wingate Park favourite Cecil Bornmann, the reigning Under-30 champion. A large and vocal crowd gathered in support of the home player, but Mathewson was unfazed. 

Before stepping onto the green, he drew inspiration from a personal source. “I was sitting next to the green and looked at a photo of my daughter. I just said to myself, I am going to do this for you,” he said.

The final was tense. Mathewson raced into a 16 to 8 lead before Bornmann mounted a comeback to close the gap. “It was nerve-wracking because if you get too comfortable, things can turn very quickly,” Mathewson admitted. “But I knew it was my game to lose. I just stayed mentally focused and pushed through until the very end.”

He eventually closed out a 21 to 15 victory to claim the 2026 Bowls South Africa Men’s Open Masters title, drawing widespread praise across the country, particularly from the Northern Cape.

Looking ahead to the world stage

The triumph also secured him automatic selection for the World Bowls Indoor Championships in Australia from 11 to 16 May. “That is my main focus now,” Mathewson said. “It is a massive tournament. Whatever happens after that will be God’s will.”

Homecoming and reflection

Despite the scale of his achievement, Mathewson’s return to Kimberley was quiet. Only his family greeted him at the airport; no one from his club was present to celebrate the title. It was a poignant reminder that while sporting success can be shared, family remains constant.

At 30, with faith, focus, and renewed belief driving his game, Mathewson’s Masters breakthrough stands as one of the finest achievements in Northern Cape bowls history and a testament to the mental and physical strength required to succeed at the highest level.