The most prestigious lawn bowls tournament in the zone, the 2013 Golden Eagle has attracted a star studded field with rinks at Orange City and Newstead bowls clubs set to host one of the most competitive eagles in years.

Tournament organiser and 2013 title hope Lee Stinson has made it no secret he’d leap at the chance to contest a golden eagle final.

With Steve Carr in his corner this year, Stinson is a shot.

So too is Orange City’s Glen Robinson, teaming up with Bob Wilson in section six.

There’s star bowlers in each of the seven sections in action from this morning, but like all sports, the big wigs need a little bit of luck to go their way early to ensure they’re still rolling come the business end of the eagle on Wednesday and Thursday.

“Bowls is a sport with a little bit of luck involved, which is probably a little bit different to other sports. That’s probably the beauty of bowls, anyone can beat anyone on their day,” Stinson said.

“Whether you’re a low grade player at your local club, if you have a really good day you can beat the state players and Australian players.”

International Richard Girvan and Brian Bateman are the favourites in a tough section one draw.

They tackle Kevin Giumelli and Mario Ruggiero in the first round today.

Stinson said the toughest group will be section two containing three-time winners Bernie Diduszko and Gerard Beath while Doug Newton, this year partnered with Donald Morgan, is a multiple Golden Eagle semi-finalist.

Section five will also be a tough group to crack, though defending champions George Ford and Bob Hamilton should progress through to the sudden death rounds of the eagle.

The winner from each section progresses through to the quarter finals.

The next best team fills the eighth quarter final place.

From there, it’s sudden death, highest score after 21 ends wins bowls until the winner is crowned on Thursday.

The first day of the 2013 golden eagle begins at 8.30am today.