A meeting was held at the South Otago-based club last Wednesday night to decide whether it could continue, after membership had fallen to a critical level.
Stirling Bowling Club president Bruce Gold said an independent chairman was appointed, and about 14 people attended.
''It went to the vote, and it was decided we would close. Unfortunately it's a sign of the times.''
Membership had dwindled to about eight, which meant the club could not continue to field teams for midweek and weekend competitions.
With no new members or younger people coming through, the club had made the tough decision to close, he said.
It was a bittersweet decision for the 83-year-old Mr Gold, who is also the greenkeeper, and who had put in many hours for upkeep and to keep the club going.
''I'm really heartbroken, but in some ways it's a big relief to have reached this decision. I'll have a bit more time to myself.''
However, he has already been approached by four other clubs to look after their greens.
He was concerned about the future of other small clubs in the Clutha District, such as Finegand and Clinton.
''I would say in the next two years more will go.''
The 120-year-old Lawrence club also closed a few years ago, which was similarly ''heartbreaking'', he said.
In the next year, the Stirling club would assess and conduct an inventory of its equipment to sell off, before the property itself was sold.
''We're in a sound financial position. We don't owe anything and all the property is freehold,'' Mr Gold said.
In the meantime, he would continue to look after the grounds, and a local card club would use the clubrooms for weekly activities.
-By Mary-Jo Tohill
