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The Australian Open will be held for the fourth time in 2008, and will be the third consecutive year held at the Darebin International Sports Centre (DISC). In the short history of the event it has grown rapidly to be the richest and most prestigious event conducted by Bowls Australia.

The inaugural event was held at Yarraville / Footscray Bowls Club in 2005. 64 men participated in the singles main draw, while only 48 women were given the chance to compete. The total prize pool was $68,000, with each singles winner taking home $12,000. This Open also incorporated the Australian Bowls Classic for intellectually disabled bowlers.

The 2006 event moved to the new greens at Darebin, which had just been used to host the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games. A vast increase in the draw size saw 103 men play off for the singles title, and 86 women in the singles main draw. The prize pool reflected this increase in draw size, with $100,000 being awarded. In 2006 the finals of the Alcohol Education Rehabilitation Foundation (AERF) mixed pairs challenge were included as part of the Australian Open event.

Another great increase in entrant numbers occurred in 2007, with a 256 men's singles draw and 128 women's singles draw being played for the $18,000 prize money. Increases in draw size also occurred in every other discipline. The over 60's triples challenge was introduced in 2007, with the aim of increasing entrants for this challenge over following Australian Open events.

The largest prize pool ever on offer will be the highlight of the 2008 ABN AMRO Australian Open. All eyes will be on the singles players, playing off for the $18,000 winner's cheque. Each of the other draws will be highly contested for the increase in prize money across the board. The Australian Bowls Classic, AERF Mixed Pairs Challenge and Over 60's men's and women's triples events will continue to be held alongside the main draws at DISC.

Australian Open Honour Roll

2005

2006

2007