Who is bowls star David Gourlay MBE?

MULTIPLE-time world champion and Scottish bowls legend David Gourlay looks to add to his glittering career in the World Indoor Bowls Championships 2025.

Son of David Sr and Sarah, the Scottish bowls icon has crafted a legacy of his own with seven World Indoor Bowls titles, including a singles title in 1996.

Gourlay, 58, has earned most of his world success in the Men's and Mixed paired events, during a spell where he claimed six titles in twelve years - his first with compatriot Alex Marshall in 2000.

The Scot represented his country at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Malaysia before taking the helm as head coach and guiding the nation to four medals at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

Gourlay became the longest-serving player in the World Bowls Tour Top 16 last year.

Although he was knocked out in the semi-final of the WBT Open Pairs last week with partner Mervyn King, the singles event provides a chance of potential glory.

Gourlay takes on Englishman Wayne Willgress in Tuesday morning second round.

Born into bowls royalty

Bowls was in Gourlay's blood from young with his farther, David Sr and mother, Sarah scooping up their fair share of titles.

That includes fours gold medal at the inaugural Atlantic Bowls Championships, gold medal in the pairs event 1994 Commonwealth Games for Sarah.

Whilst, won the Scottish and British Indoor Pairs, Triples and Fours Championships and boast the title of 1982 Commonwealth Games Pairs title with John Watson.

Gourlay Jr, from Ayr, started his career in Annbank where his close relation with the sport ignited at the age of 11.

His rise to international prominence started with the national recognition gained for winning every title available on the Scottish national calendar while playing for Prestwick on the indoor circuit.

The apex of his career - the 1996 World Indoor Bowls Championship win - has accompanied his 15 World Bowls Tour Titles.

On the WBT front, David undoubtedly became the most consistent player in the formative of the Tour, claiming the number 1 spot for almost six years.

He gained the status as a stealthily competitor and ruthless winner with his most recent success coming at Llanelli in 2012 for the Welsh Grand Prix title.

Life outside the rinks

Playing bowls at the highest levels has led Gourlay to explore the other pathway the sport offers.

The Glaswegian first steps into coaching were with Australia for a four year stint between 2005-09.

After returning to Scotland he set up his own bowls retail outlet business - David Gourlay Bowls - which sells everything from clothes to tossing coins.

In 2018, he would be welcomed back to the the Scottish set-up as head coach before departing again in 2021.

His achievements and commitment to bowls earned him a place on the 2018 Queen's Birthday Honours where he was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).