Lawn bowling, also known simply as “bowls”, is an outdoor sport where players roll biased balls toward a smaller target ball, called the jack, aiming to get as close as possible. It is a low-impact sport suitable for all ages, promoting flexibility, coordination, and social interaction. It combines strategy, precision, and teamwork, making it both recreational and competitive.
The sport has ancient origins, dating back over 5,000 years to ancient Egypt, where stone balls were rolled toward a target. Modern lawn bowling is played on a flat, manicured lawn or green, typically divided into lanes called rinks. Players use biased bowls, which are weighted to curve as they roll, adding a strategic element to the game. The main objective is to position your bowls closer to the jack than your opponent’s bowls, with points awarded based on proximity at the end of each round, called an end.
Gameplay and Equipment
- Bowls: Weighted, biased balls that curve when rolled.
- Jack: A smaller white ball serving as the target.
- Green: The playing surface, usually grass or synthetic, divided into rinks.
- Delivery: Players roll their bowls toward the jack, using skill to control weight, line, and curve.
- Scoring: Points are awarded for each bowl closer to the jack than the nearest opponent’s bowl
Learn to Play Bowls
Join us for Community Bowls
The best way to get started is to play in our Community Bowls afternoon, which is an informal and relaxed event, held every second Sunday. We welcome visitors, including those who are new to playing bowls and look forward to getting to know you.
Come on your own and we’ll introduce you to our members or bring a friend and we’ll keep you together. We usually play 16 ends, with a break for a drink at half-time.
After the game, stay for a drink or a braai if the weather is good. Bring your own food; we provide the fires and the bar.
WHAT TO WEAR:
Flat-soled trainers or sandals, and comfortable clothes you can bend and move in. We’re casual on Sundays.
WHEN WE PLAY:
Date: Alternate Sundays – please check our Events calendar
Time: 13.15: Your name must be given to the committee members before 13.30
Green fee: R10 members, R30 visitors – there is no charge for first-time bowlers
There is no charge to borrow club bowls, and you stand to win a prize!
Coaching for New Bowlers
Every new bowler must have at least one coaching session before playing in club Tabs-In events. We are fortunate to have several experienced coaches.
The fee for this coaching is R400, but if you become a member, R200 will be refunded to your account.
To book your lesson please click the green button and a coach will contact you to schedule a time.
If you’d prefer a specific coach, mention this in your message. Bear in mind that the coaches volunteer their time and may not be able to respond to your request immediately.
Ada Collier
Brenda Edwards
Arianne Hayes-Hill
Dave Patterson
Every new bowler must have at least one coaching session before playing in club Tabs-In events. We are fortunate to have several experienced coaches.
The fee for this coaching is R400, but if you become a member, R200 will be refunded to your account.
To book your lesson please click the green button and a coach will contact you to schedule a time.
If you’d prefer a specific coach, mention this in your message. Bear in mind that the coaches volunteer their time and may not be able to respond to your request immediately.
Additional Coaching, Drills and Skills
The club runs drills and skills workshops for both novices and experienced players from time to time. Contact us for details of dates and times.
You are considered a novice for 3 years from date of registering with BSA and qualify to enter various novice competitions.
Rules of Bowls
Bowls Skills Videos
Click on the red YouTube icon next to the video name to watch these excellent videos