If you are between 8 years and 90 years old you can start playing bowls. Here is a step-by-step guide to starting lawn bowls in South Africa.
Quick Guide to Starting Lawn Bowls in South Africa
First, don’t worry if you are very young, very old, unfit, overweight, disabled or anything else. There is a place for everyone in the game of lawn bowls.
And don’t worry if you don’t own a set of lawn bowls. No one expects you to own a set when you are a beginner. You can start playing lawn bowls without owning a set. Clubs do hold sets you can use to start, and there are plenty of bowlers who might lend you a set until you buy your own.
So Now You are Ready to Go
Get in touch with the club nearest you. Perhaps you know where it is. In that case, just show up and tell anyone there that you plan to start playing bowls. Bowlers are friendly folk. They will help, and soon you will be on the green.
Maybe you don’t know where you closest bowling club is. That’s easy! Contact the secretary of your district here, saying you are planning to start playing bowls. Shoot off and email and the secretary will advise on which club you can approach, with contact details.
Once you show up at a club, one of two things will happen: either a coach will introduce you to the club and the green and give you a lesson or two. This is the ideal situation. Starting out with the proper guidance can save you literally months of frustration.
At smaller clubs, probably you will be invited by a member to roll a couple of bowls to get the “feel”. Whoever is helping you will give you some good advice.
Read the Rules
Download the Rules of Bowls from the Bowls South Africa website. You can find the link here.
As soon as possible you should join the club. This will allow you to play social games on Wednesdays and Saturdays – and at any other times planned by your club. Remember: social play is the heart of the club. Competitions and league play will follow once you have acquired some experience of the game.
And once you join the club and start playing social bowls regularly, you will meet all the other players in the club and in your age group e.g. Under 15, Under 30, Under 45 and players of all other levels.
Now that you are playing bowls regularly, make sure you receive ongoing coaching – even 30 minutes a month. What a different a small tweak to your stance and delivery can make. Soon you will want to buy your own set of bowls. Follow this easy guide to choosing the right set.
A Game for Life
Above all – enjoy your bowling career especially the fresh air and camaraderie – and all the social interaction that results from your club membership. Help where you can and introduce family and friends to the game. Lawn bowls is truly a Game for Life.
Good bowling!
