World Bowls Champion of Champions 2025 USA representatives Giulia Gallo and Charlie Herbert have been embraced by the Barham community. PHOTO: Steve Watson/World Bowls
American lawn bowls champion Charlie Herbert has found a slice of southern comfort in Barham during the World Bowls Champion of Champions tournament at cluBarham being held from September 21 to 25.
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Originally from Roanoke, Virginia, and having lived in Southern California near Disneyland since 1972, Herbert has claimed six United States national singles titles.
Mr Herbert sees the tournament as more than just a competitive arena.
The American bowler has been overwhelmed by the local welcome, as he and his teammate, Giulia Gallo, arrived in Barham a week earlier than other competitors to acclimatise.
“The first day I was here, I was invited into two different individuals’ homes,” Mr Herbert said.
“Where in the Los Angeles area, it might be a little strange, but here it was truly just a blessing.
“They are inquisitive of a complete stranger and want to know what you are all about, but yet share a passion that they have, lawn bowls.”
It is likely this week, if you go into any shop in Barham, they will have met Mr Herbert, know his name, and he theirs.
Barham Bowling Club president Steve Wilson and his wife, Sue, have gone above and beyond to ensure Mr Herbert’s stay is memorable, lending him and Ms Gallo bicycles and showcasing the region’s highlights.
“They drove us probably 50km around the outside area, we went over and saw the red gum forest, a bunch of cows, some really cool ag stuff,” Mr Herbert said.
Competing in his sixth Champion of Champions, Mr Herbert maintains a grounded perspective.
“I learned early on not to get over your skis, meaning you don’t get over yourself and don’t go thinking that you are any better than you are,” he said.
World Bowls Champion of Champions 2025 USA representative Charlie Herbert. PHOTO: Steve Watson/World Bowls
Mr Herbert thinks that many of the other competitors have an advantage over him and Ms Gallo, members of the Laguna Beach Lawn Bowling Club in Southern California, were they play on grass, not synthetic green, as they are at cluBarham.
“Most of the people here have a little bit of an advantage, where they have a facility, very similar to this,” he said.
“One of the reasons why I wanted to get here early is to try and make it a more even playing field.”
Both Mr Herbert and Ms Gallo have already secured their spots in the coming US national championships, potentially setting the stage for a return visit next year.
In the rounds of the 2025 World Bowls Champion of Champions men's singles, Mr Herbert won two, lost six and was unlikely to make the finals.
World Bowls Champion of Champions 2025 USA representative Giulia Gallo. PHOTO: Steve Watson/World Bowls
