The 2026 Kegel Queensland Open launches the Open Division nationally ranked season this weekend at Caboolture Bowl, with many of Australia’s leading athletes set to compete for the first ranking points of the year.

Now in its 16^th edition, the event has become a staple on the national calendar and provides an early opportunity for bowlers to establish momentum in the 2026 TBA Open Division rankings race.

What’s at Stake? The winner will claim the first major title of the Open Division rankings season and take an early lead in the race toward the 2026 TBA Open Division national rankings title.

Event Snapshot

• Event: 2026 Kegel Queensland Open
• Dates: 6–8 March 2026
• Venue: Caboolture Bowl & Mini Golf
• Division: Open
• Status: 2026 TBA Ranked Event
• Edition: 16th edition – established in 2011
• Eligibility: TBA Registered Athletes

Why this event matters

The Kegel Queensland Open is the first of six events in the 2026 TBA Open Division National Rankings calendar, offering athletes their first opportunity of the year to earn valuable ranking points toward the national standings.

Strong performances this weekend can provide an early advantage in the rankings race, with competitors beginning their pursuit of the 2026 TBA Open Division Rankings title.

The field at a glance

• A new champion will be crowned this year with 2025 champion Ben Pettit unavailable to defend his title. Pettit made history last year as the first New Zealander and bowler from overseas to win the event.
• Four past champions are set to compete this weekend:
  • Michael Little (2013)
  • Jarrod Langford (2025, 2019-2021)
  • Alicia Melton (2022)
  • Justin Dinham (2024)
• More than 15 High Performance Squad members are registered in the field, including 2025 Open Division Rankings champion Bernie Grueso Jnr, who will be among those looking to begin the season strongly.

Key Storylines to Watch

A New Champion Guaranteed

With defending champion Ben Pettit unavailable, the 2026 event will crown a new winner and add another name to the honour roll.

Former Champions in the Field

Four previous winners return to the lanes this weekend, led by four-time champion Jarrod Langford, whose dominant run from 2019-2021 established him as one of the most successful competitors in the event’s history.

The Rankings Race Begins

As the first event of the 2026 Open Division rankings season, the Kegel Queensland Open offers athletes the chance to build early momentum toward the national standings. Among those to watch will be the 2025 Open Rankings champion Bernie Grueso Jnr.

Caboolture Challenge

The demanding multi-stage format across three days places a premium on endurance and consistency, ensuring only the strongest performers progress through to the step ladder finals.

Format

Stage 1

• All bowlers will bowl 12 games scratch pinfall (6×2 game blocks)

Stage 2

• Top 27 bowlers advance to bowl a further 6 games (3×2 game blocks – pinfall carried forward)

Stage 3

• Top 15 bowlers advance to bowl 7 games of Tri-Matchplay (pinfall carried forward)
  • Tri-Matchplay Bonus Pins:
    • 1^st – 40
    • 2^nd – 20
    • 3^rd – 0
  • Tri-Matchplay Bonus Pins for Ties:
    • Tie for 1^st – 30 each
    • Tie for 2^nd – 10 each
    • Three-way Tie – 20 each

Finals

• Top 5 Step Ladder Finals
• One game matches

How to follow the event

The Kegel QLD Open runs from Friday 6 March to Sunday 8 March 2026.

Live scoring will be hosted via TenpinResults once entered by the tournament committee and Live streaming will be available from the CabBowl Live Stream.

Past Champions

2026 TBA Open Division Rankings Schedule

1. Kegel QLD Open – 6-8 March
2. Australian Open – 3-5 April
3. Melbourne Tenpin Cup – 20-21 June
4. NSW Open – 9-11 October
5. Gunspray Salisbury Open – 7-8 November
6. TBA Australian Masters – TBD