When you first start playing bowls you will probably not have to pay anything. Clubs are only too happy to welcome new players and put them through a couple of coaching sessions free of charge. At most you will have to play a low green fee.
Is lawn bowls an expensive sport?
Lawn bowls is extremely affordable. The basic costs are:
- A pair of comfortable flat-soled shoes or sneakers
- A set of bowls (This is the most expensive item but you don’t have to buy a set of lawn bowls immediately. Clubs or club members can lend you a set until you figure out the brand, model and size of bowl you like. Once you have invested in a set it will last you for years and years.)
- Bowling clothes. Most clubs make secondhand clothes available to start with
- Bowling accessories such as a measure, etc. These can be bought over time
- Club membership fees. These vary widely from club to club, and range from laughably low to extremely expensive. The pricey clubs are mainly city clubs where there are a large number of members
How to lawn bowls clubs fund themselves?
Many clubs are owned by municipalities, which generally makes it easier to fund the club. Lawn bowls club income arises from the following:
- Membership fees
- The pub (Generally this is the most important source of income)
- Green fees
- Tournaments and club league
- District / pennant / state / national competitions
- Fun competitions and barefoot bowls
- Business league
- Catering
- Facility rentals for non-bowling functions
- Fund raisers
- Gambling (Yes, many large clubs have one-armed bandits and suchlike in their buildings)
