Jessie Macaw still finds herself in disbelief after her stunning victory at the Molecheck Women’s Open Singles Championship. “I had the lofty goal of making post-section, so everything after that was a bonus,” she laughs, reflecting on her unexpected success.

Jessie’s journey into bowls was as accidental as it was unforeseen. While out for a pre-season football run, she spotted an open-day sign at the Khandallah Bowling Club and decided to give it a go. “It looked more fun than running home,” she jokes. From that first day, the game clicked, and she knew she had found her sport. She signed up on the spot.

This isn’t Jessie’s first taste of victory. Back in 2015, she was part of the Wellington team that won the National U8’s Intercentre, playing alongside her now close friend and finals opponent, Kimberley. Their longstanding connection didn’t alter Jessie’s game plan during the final. “I didn’t change my style or mindset; I just trusted what was working well for me – my draw shot.”

Preparation was key to her win. Having focused on her Singles game since the national championships, Jessie spent countless hours on the green with her training partner, Adam Haywood, honing her shot selection and building confidence under pressure. “I’m not traditionally a Singles player,” she admits, but her hard work paid off in the Finals as she maintained consistency and control, sticking to her draw shots with confidence.

The toughest challenge Jessie faced wasn’t a particular game but managing her own self-doubt. “I had to keep a level head, push out the doubt, and trust myself and my bowls,” she says. That mental strength proved to be just as crucial as her physical skill.

For Jessie, the atmosphere of the event was a pleasant surprise. “It was my first time entering this competition, and I was blown away by the atmosphere and the quality of the games. This event attracted such high-quality players,” she notes.

When asked for advice to aspiring bowlers, Jessie’s message is simple: “Always remember to have fun. The results will come in due course, but you need to enjoy it if you want to keep playing. Bowls is a great sport – it’s competitive, it tests your mental strength, and you can play it at any age.”

From a chance discovery to a champion on the green, Jessie Macaw’s story is a testament to perseverance, trust in her game, and the joy of competition.

Congratulations on your fantastic win and adding the 2024 Molecheck Women’s Open Singles to your championship titles.