Just what is this game anyway?
The game of Lawn Bowls is played on a large, rectangular, precisely leveled and manicured grass or synthetic surface known as bowling green which is divided into parallel playing strips called rinks.
The general object of the game is for participants to roll each of their BOWLS as close as possible to a single small white ball called the JACK (or kitty). Bowls may hit the jack, but the jack must remain within the boundary markers or the END will be declared "dead." Bowls are likely to hit other bowls, and may propel them into a position that is perhaps nearer to the jack, or perhaps to a distant position outside the boundary marker line that will take them out of play.
Games are played between opposing teams, each with from one to four players. SINGLES games are played between two players, DOUBLES between two pairs, TRIPLES between teams of three, and rinks between teams of four players.
After all members of each team have rolled a set of bowls (the completion of an END), the bowl closest to the jack counts one point for its team, and every other bowl belonging to that same team that is closer to the jack than the nearest one of the competitors’ counts 1 additional point. Game is made up of a series of these completed ends.
Each BOWLER has a matching set of four bowls. Each bowl in a set has a matching pair of distinguishing decorations on opposite sides. The number of bowls that each player uses is dependent on the number of team members. Bowls are not perfectly spherical, and will not roll straight. One side is slightly flattened, and it is toward that side with its BIAS that will draw the path of the bowl in a sweeping arc. The mastery of this phenomenon is at the heart of the challenge and excitement of the game.
What can we do for you?
1. We’ll tell you about the game.
Lawn Bowling has its roots in antiquity and has been played where English is spoken since the l3th century. There are over 130 Clubs in the United States and thousands more around the world. We are mostly amateurs and we bowl for the fun of it.
2. We’ll meet you at the Green.
After you’ve rolled that first bowl you’ll know why lawn bowlers love the sport. You too can become addicted to the sport of the ages. Just contact me (Chin) at h/p nos 98797949 if you are interested.
3. Training lessons are free.
Our trained instructors will soon have you bowling on the green.
4. Low cost for a lifetime of enjoyment
A set of four bowls costs about the same as a good tennis racket or one of the better golf clubs and will last as long as you want it to. The club probably has some second hand bowls for sale.
Hi Kim Sen
I would like to learn to play this game, but first I would like to know where the training/play is held.
How does one register to learn? Is it open to non SHC members?
Thanks.
JassmineT
Oops, I overlooked your contact no. Will contact you.
Aren’t we too young for this?
What about croquet too.
Uses the same equipment as lawn bowling except that it is played with mallets (like hockey sticks). We can use the walking as walking sticks or crutches after a lonf game. Or if we feel sore about losing, we can spar with them.
Hee-hee….
Seriously, there is a good and cheap lawn bowling cum croquet facility near East Coast Terrace. You don’t have to book cricket club which may be a bit expensive.
I’m in.
This is a great sport that is not strenuous. Ideal for silverhairs. Very much like tenpin bowling except that instead of knocking over pins you control the bowl to stop as close as possible to the jack.
You will also need flat-soled shoes so you don’t damage the greens just as you need bowling shoes so you don’t damage the wooden surface for tenpin bowling.
Sounds like a good sport to improve poor spatial judgement. Hope it’s not played in the hot sun though.
Hi Chin,
Sounds very interesting.
It would be good if you could give more details as to the venue and frequency of the meet. Also, after acquiring the bowls { are they heavy??? } do we have to bring them to the green. Like bowling where the ball is heavy it will be quite a chore to carry them back and forth. We are no longer spring chickens and most of us do not own a car.
Let us know.
Tks & rgds…………………..Jie
Hi Chin i’m interested in this game .Let me know where its going to be held & the time & day.
Grace wong
Hello….hello…
Wasn’t able to log on to view members response to my lawn bowl activity as I’m moving house and have been busy….so my reply as follows :
Jassmine: Ron’s input about game provides additional insight into this outdoor activity. Sorry, game is always played outdoor.
Ron : Hope to have participate in this sport.
Kong Thean :Pse provide address for the club which could provide cheaper facility for lawn bowl.
Jie: As soon as I could have a group of players i.e 10 or more, I would approach the Association to deploy an instructor for our SHC members.
Lawn Bowl Assn provides the facility and equipment for beginners. Most bowlers would buy their own balls after a few sessions.