Bruce beat Budd 25-23 in the New Zealand club championship singles at the Westpac Bowls Stadium to win her first national open title.
The age gap of 65 years did not matter as they matched each bowl for bowl over the last 10 ends.
Bruce was impressed by the way her older opponent fought back when looking down and out early in the game.
''I can only wish that I can play like her when I'm that age,'' Bruce said.
''She's awesome and was an inspiration to me.''
Bruce (Burnside), a Canterbury University student, finished runner-up in the singles at the national championships in Dunedin in January.
She is one of the most promising younger bowlers in the country and was a New Zealand under-18 representative in 2012 and 2013.
Budd (Terrace End, Manawatu) had been playing indoor bowls for 30 years when she decided to start the outdoor game at the age of 58.
She had more time for bowls when she retired from the Ministry of Fisheries in Palmerson North. She has made good use of her time and has won 44 Manawatu women's titles and three New Zealand titles in the past 27 years.
Budd won the national championship pairs title in Dunedin in 1993, the New Zealand club fours title in 2007 and the triples in 2009.
Budd belies her age and looks trim and youthful on the green. However, she has some medical problems.
''I have high blood pressure and have had three small strokes,'' she said.
Budd keeps herself fit with two days of tai chi each week. She has no special diet but makes sure she has plenty of fruit and vegetables.
She had played a lot of bowls with her husband, Alan, who died three years ago, and has a grandson who plays bowls on Lord Howe Island.
Budd knew it would be tough playing against Bruce. It worked out that way when Bruce led 17-7 after 13 ends.
''I know she is a tough cookie to play and I had no big ideas and thought I'd get really done today,'' Budd said.
Budd picked up her game and drew level at 20-20 after 24 ends and took the lead, 23-21, when she drew three shots on the 27th end.
''My bowls were still OK and I just tried to keep patient and hold my composure,'' Bruce said.
''If you start getting panicky about the time limit, and the two more shots, you lose it.''
Bruce remained steady and scored four shots on the last three ends to win the game.
Final placings in the round-robin competition were: Bruce 1, Budd 2, Lisa Parlane (Browns Bay, North Harbour) and Imela Holdom (Alexandra, Central Otago) 3, Dianne Paterson (Wanganui) 5.
