When Craig Donaldson was named Bowls NSW Bowler of the Year his mind turned to the man who was the inspiration in his life.
The Taren Point Bowling Club player said his late grandfather John Hennessy was in his thoughts when he received the trophy last week.
"My grandfather got me into lawn bowls when I was 14," Donaldson said.
"He was my mentor and he inspired me to do well in bowls; I owe a lot to him for what he did for me in life, and my mother and brother who have always supported me."
Donaldson, 32, of Wooloware — nicknamed "Pixie" by his club mates — enjoyed a stellar year in 2014 to win the award.
He was a member of Taren Point's State No. 1 pennant and Gold Club Challenge winning teams; played for City; and won the Taren Point Club singles and state triples title.
"It's a great club to play for and I feel right at home here," he said.
"There are so many great players and we have a strong winning culture where everyone knows their role."
Taren Point was named the 2014 Club of the Year at the Bowls NSW awards for an unprecedented second consecutive year.
The club's No. 1 pennant manager Richard Pomana said Donaldson was a vital cog in the team's "front end machinery".
"That has traditionally been an Achilles heel for us, despite all the talent we have had here in the past decade," Pomana said. "It is no fluke we are now winning games based on our front end, and Craig is a big reason for that."