Bowlers from around the country are descending upon the Bowls Tauranga South for the long weekend for the region's most popular club event of the season.

Club president Barry Elshaw says members have been sprucing the club up and preparing a 'large spread” to entertain 230 visitors.

Bowls Tauranga South Club captain Tony Parkinson, life member June Rowlands and president Barry Elshaw, enjoy a laugh ahead of this weekend's busy tournament. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

'It's always extremely popular because we go overboard looking after the players with breakfast, lunch and tea. It's one of the most sought after tournaments to be involved with.”

Players are coming from as far as Christchurch for the TSB Bank Optional Fours tournament, while 15 teams are on the short-list to play hoping other teams will cancel.

The tournament runs from midday Saturday to mid-afternoon Monday, at the club greens on Tutchen Street off 11th Avenue.