If you’ve ever wandered past a bowling green and wondered what on earth those bowls are doing curving across the grass… you’re in the right place! Lawn bowls is a wonderfully social, surprisingly tactical sport that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy. Whether you fancy playing competitively or simply want a relaxing hobby with good company, this guide will give you a warm introduction to what bowls is all about.
Lawn bowls is one of the oldest continually played sports in the world. Versions of the game date back to ancient Egypt, but the modern form we recognise today began taking shape in 14th‑century Britain. It became so popular that King Henry VIII supposedly owned a private green (though he actually banned the common folk from playing unless they were wealthy!).
The world’s oldest surviving bowling green — the Southampton Old Bowling Green — has been in use since 1299, which gives you an idea of just how deep the roots of this sport go. Today, lawn bowls is played in over 50 countries, and features in events like the Commonwealth Games, showcasing the sport’s global reach.
At its heart, bowls is simple:
Roll your bowl as close as you can to the small white ball called the jack. That’s it!
Of course, there’s a little more finesse involved. Here’s the basic flow:
It’s easy to learn but endlessly challenging — like snooker on grass!
Here’s a handy glossary to help you talk like a seasoned bowler:
Lawn bowls is welcoming, social, and surprisingly addictive. If you’re ready to give it a try, drop by the club — we love introducing new people to the game, and we’ll happily show you the ropes.
