Bowls

Bowls is a popular summer sport in Glasgow and is generally played outdoors on a flat square of grass, or indoors on an artificial surface. The aim of the sport is to roll a bowl closer to the jack than your opponent.

See Also:: Petanque

Get Involved

An Overview of Bowls

Bowls truly is the sport for all - all ages, all sexes and all abilities.

There are many different formats of the game recognised – flat green outdoor, flat green indoor, crown green and short mat – so there are plenty of opportunities for you to give it a go. Bowls is also a relatively cheap game compared to other sports, whether you choose to join an indoor or outdoor club, or play for free at your local park between March - September.

Glasgow has the fantastic Kelvingrove Bowls and Tennis Pavillion which offers free bowls throughout the summer months as well as a number of bowling pavilions in parks through the city. We are also the host to a number of fantastic bowls clubs which offer great membership packages and opportunities to play the sport.

Benefits

Bowls is a sport which be enjoyed alone or played in singles or doubles competition. It is a fun and challenging sport which can be enjoyed by all!
Lawn bowls is a great way to get open air exercise.
Allows people to meet new friends and socialise.
Improved mental and physical abilities.

Costs

Glasgow Life offer access to free bowls between March - September in different parks across the city.

The cost of taking up lawn bowls varies from club to club, so it is always best to contact your local one direct to find out the exact prices. Some clubs ask only for a one off membership fee, but most ask for an annual fee, plus an additional playing fee. Some also offer sessions where you can pay and play.

Involvement

To be involved you can attend one of the Glasgow Life pavilions between March - September. Please contact them in advance to make sure they are open!

Adaptations and Equipment

Bowls equipment is provided at Glasgow Life pavilions and is free of charge. This will generally be the case at Bowls clubs however there may be varying membership fees to access the club.

Playing equipment consists of:

A set of 4 matched bowls
The jack - a small white ball
A mat

Facts

The 1930 British Empire Games - the first of what would later become known as the Commonwealth Games - were also the first to feature lawn bowls as one of just seven sports on the programme.