Have some Outdoor Fun with Lawn Bowling

Lawn bowling has been around for several thousand years and has been known by many different names such as “Bowls”, “Bowling on the Green”, “Bocce” and “Lawn Bowling.” The rules have most likely changed over the course of the game, but the fundamentals have remained consistent since the game’s historic record started in the 14th Century.

The game of Lawn Bowling made its way across Europe with Julius Caesar’s centurions and at that time, as well as today in Italy, the game was known as “bocce”. At the turn of the century, the South Hampton Old Bowling Green Club was organized in England, and the club remains active to this day, with the oldest record in the world.

The rules that are in place today, such as the flat lawn, and dress code derive from Scotland, while over time waves of Scottish emigrants took their game with them and established clubs in many countries, including the colonies of the Western Hemisphere.

The object of lawn Bowling is to obtain points by getting your ball or balls closest to the “jack”, or a small white ball, which may be between 75 and 108 feet away. The art of this game is to determine the curve so that you can gauge your throw even if the opponent has guard balls that are blocking the “jack.” Instructions will tell you that proficiency lies in being able to throw the bowl the same way every single time. In this respect the game is much like 10-pin bowling or curling and has a ridged system of play. The art of the game comes in the judgment that guides weight, curve and distance when you throw your ball.

The balls are known as bowls, and they vary in size, weight, and degree of bias. Local conditions are taken into account when selecting bowls for example, bowlers in the British Isles prefer lighter bowls for their wet, soft grass, but the hard bowling rinks of South Africa require as heavy a bowl as is allowed.

The bowls are either thrown forehand or backhand and are never aimed straight at the jack. The choice of how to play your bowl is dependant on the position of the other bowls in play. The average Lawn Bowling Green has six feet of curves for every 100 feet, but every green has its own differences, which is why this games is such a challenge for players.

The rules of the game vary from country to country however the basic principles are the same. There are also rules of attire which make the game interesting for players, for example Canadians specify unified shoe color, while “whites” are the color required for attire on tournament days. Each country has its own specifications.

While lawn bowling may bring forth such impressions only being played by the wealthy or retired, the sport is gaining popularity and recognition around the world. The pace of the game is leisurely, but also creates tension of competition and requires skill and what players call “art”.

Anyone can play the sport of Lawn bowling; in fact it might be just the thing your family or friends need to spice up a Saturday afternoon. Playing doesn’t require physical fitness and is particularly favored by older folks, but the sport has attracted many younger players as well.

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