Surrey’s Scottsdale Lanes hosts 5-pin nationals June 23–28, spotlighting a fading Canadian pastime and its passionate players from across the country.
National Spotlight on Scottsdale Lanes This June
Surrey is set to host a major national event that celebrates one of Canada’s most iconic homegrown sports—5-pin bowling. From June 23 to 28, the 2025 Masters National Championships will roll into Scottsdale Lanes, one of the last few remaining centres in the city that still offers 5-pin bowling, a sport uniquely Canadian in origin and culture.
A Gathering of Canada’s Top Bowlers
The championships will bring together over 200 elite-level 5-pin bowlers from across eight provinces, including singles competitors and teams from both tournament and teaching divisions. Players like Ken Tyers, Jordon Schuss, and Kelly Gorsek—longtime Surrey residents and seasoned bowlers—will represent British Columbia as they compete for national bragging rights.
A Dwindling Legacy in Local Communities
The event takes place across four Metro Vancouver venues—Scottsdale Lanes (Surrey), Galaxy Lanes (Abbotsford), Poco Bowl (Port Coquitlam), and Grandview Lanes (Vancouver). The selection of venues is a nod to the increasing scarcity of traditional 5-pin lanes due to rising land values and redevelopment pressures. Scottsdale Lanes, which recently converted a third of its lanes to 10-pin, remains one of the few facilities in the region preserving the 5-pin tradition.
A Deeply Personal and Cultural Game
For competitors like Schuss, who began bowling at age three, 5-pin is more than a game—it’s a lifelong passion. Despite the sport’s relatively low public profile, bowlers often describe it as a tight-knit community. “I never thought I’d love it until I got good at it,” said Schuss, a longshoreman who once won nationals and now trains at Scottsdale.
The sport fosters connections across the country, noted Jo-Anne Borgford, co-chair of the national tournament. “This is a Canada-only sport… and because of it, I have friends across the country,” she said.
Youth Participation and Urban Challenges
Despite its rich heritage, 5-pin bowling faces declining youth engagement and rising operational costs. “Kids don’t seem into such sports anymore,” Borgford lamented. Meanwhile, the infrastructure demands and property taxes make operating bowling centres financially unviable in many urban areas.
Kevin Jewell, tournament media representative, emphasized the urgency of youth participation. “We have to promote the game to younger players… a new generation has to come up,” said Jewell, who still bowls competitively in his 60s.
Competitive Yet Inclusive
The Masters Nationals includes a range of skill levels, with systems like “pins over average” allowing players to compete based on consistency rather than just high scores. Ken Tyers, who plays in the seniors division, appreciates this approach. “It keeps guys like me in the game… because I’d have no chance beating someone like Jordan otherwise,” he shared.
Looking Ahead: Preserving a Canadian Tradition
As the Masters National Championships prepare to strike excitement across the region, they also shine a light on the cultural and recreational significance of 5-pin bowling. For venues like Scottsdale and bowlers across the country, the tournament is more than a competition—it’s a celebration of a sport worth preserving.
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