There was $16,000 in prize money at stake in the Speight's-sponsored event last weekend.
But money is not the incentive that draws the top bowlers back. It is recognition. National coach Dave Edwards and national selector Terry Scott were watching the players from the sideline.
It is not just the winning that counts but how the players react in games when they are under pressure.
Mark Watt (North East Valley) would have gained merit points from the selectors by the way he fought back against eventual champion Ali Forsyth (Sydney) in the quarterfinal.
He trailed Forsyth 21-14 after 26 ends but clawed his way back to draw level at 24-24 after 35 ends.
Forsyth demonstrated his class under pressure when he drew the winning shot with his last bowl when four down on the head.
The performances by Forsyth, Richard Girvan and Shannon McIlroy during Labour Weekend will have cemented their Commonwealth Games spots for Glasgow.
Forsyth spoke for the visiting bowlers during the presentation.
''The hospitality sums it up,'' he said.
''No-one does it better than this club. It's been a magical three days. ''It's enjoyable playing in front of a good crowd.''
Runner-up Philip Skoglund (Palmerston North) rated the event as the best tournament in New Zealand.
''It is not just on the green. It is the hospitality of all the club members, '' he said.
''I can't say enough about the quality of the food, the entertainment and the work of the bar staff.''
The basic format of the event has been retained but the number of competitors has been increased from 24 to 32.
''We tweak a few things from time to time,'' committee member Jim Scott said.
The club holds a qualifying tournament to select four North East Valley club players but several Dunedin players from outside the cub would like to be included in the field.
''We are considering holding a similar competition for Dunedin bowlers from other clubs who would like to qualify for the event,'' Jim Scott said.
