WHAT IS LAWN BOWLING?
Lawn bowling is distinguished by use of a biased ball. That is, the ball is deliberately lop-sided so that it always curves toward the flat side as it slows down.
The object of the game is to obtain points by getting one's ball(s) closest to a small white ball, the "jack", which may be anywhere between 75 and 108 feet away. The skill, some say "the art", is to gauge the curve to achieve this even when an opponent may have guard balls blocking the "jack".
The balls, or bowls as they are known, vary in size, weight, and degree of bias. Local conditions are factors in selecting bowls. Bowlers in the British Isles tend to prefer lighter bowls for their characteristically wet, soft grass. The hard bowling rinks of South Africa warrant as heavy a bowl as rules allow. Similarly local conditions may influence choice of bias; for example, minimum for Florida and extra for heavier grass in Canada and on the often moist West Coast.
Bowls are delivered either forehand or backhand, and never aimed straight at the jack. Which a bowler selects is dependent on the position of other bowls already in play. On the average bowling green six feet of curve for every 100 feet of distance is a reasonable expectation.
However, every bowling green has its own peculiarities. Herein lies the challenge of the game and, perhaps too, its fascination for players.
Rules of the game vary somewhat from country to country. Whereas in Canada tournament games are played to 21 points, in the United States when the ends are completed the leader wins, much like the end of the frames in ten-pin bowling.
OUR CLUB
Members of the Turf Center Lawn Bowls Club have access to our green and to knowledgable players. One year membership fee is $50. For more information on membership and how to join call (301) 384-6300.
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