LAWN BOWLING 101

Lawn Bowling 101

New to lawn bowling? You’re in the right place! Here's a quick overview of what the sport is all about.

What is Lawn Bowling?

Lawn bowling is a strategic, challenging and fun sport that can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities.  It is played on a large smooth grass surface called a green.  The goal is to roll slightly asymmetrical balls—called bowls —so they stop as close as possible to a smaller white target ball called the jack. When all the bowls have been rolled down to the other side, the end is completed.

 It’s a game of skill, strategy, and finesse. 

How It Works

• The Playing Area: Games are played on a flat, manicured "green" divided into parallel playing strips called rinks.

• The Objective: Each player or team takes turns rolling their bowls toward the jack. The bowl closest to the jack scores points.

• The Twist: Bowls are biased, meaning they curve as they roll—adding a layer of strategy and touch to every shot.

• Scoring: After all bowls are rolled, points are awarded for each bowl that is closer to the jack than the opponent’s closest bowl.

• When playing with more than one person, there are defined positions.  The Lead will always set the mat and bowl first.  The Skip will always go last. Generally, a more Novice player will Lead while a more Veteran player will Skip, but that is for you and your teammate to decide before the match.

•  You are considered a Novice for the first 3 years of your bowling career. So, if you join in 2025, you'll be considered a Novice until 2028. That doesn't mean you can't compete in or win any tournaments (which you will!), it's just the way it's recognized on a National and International level as a new bowler.