How to Start a Lawn Bowling Club: A Step-by-Step Guide

Why Start a Lawn Bowling Club?

Starting a lawn bowling club is one of the most rewarding things you can do for your community. Lawn bowling brings people together across ages, abilities, and backgrounds. A well-run club becomes a social hub, a source of healthy exercise, and a gateway to competitive sport.

If you are passionate about lawn bowling and there is no club near you, or you want to grow the sport in your area, this guide will walk you through every step of the process.

Step 1: Assess Your Community

Before you start, answer these fundamental questions:

Is There Demand?

• Talk to people. Gauge interest among friends, neighbors, and community groups. You need at least 15-20 committed founding members to make a club viable.
• Check for existing clubs. Use our club finder to see if there is already a club nearby. If the nearest club is more than 30 minutes away, there is likely room for a new one.
• Survey local interest. Post on community boards, social media groups, and local newspapers. The response will tell you whether the demand exists.

Who Is Your Target Audience?

• Retirees are the traditional core of most bowling clubs, but do not limit yourself.
• Corporate groups looking for team-building activities.
• Young professionals attracted by the social "barefoot bowls" trend.
• Schools and youth groups who need organized sport options.
• People with disabilities who benefit from the sport's accessibility.

Step 2: Find a Green

The green is the single biggest requirement and the biggest expense. Here are your options:

Option A: Partner with an Existing Facility

This is the easiest and cheapest route:

• Parks departments may have existing greens that are underused or abandoned. Many cities built bowling greens decades ago that are now maintained but rarely used.
• Golf courses and country clubs sometimes have greens or flat areas that could be adapted.
• Recreation centers may offer space for a temporary or permanent green.

Option B: Build a New Green

Building a bowling green from scratch is a significant undertaking:

• Land: You need a flat area of at least 40x40 meters (about 130x130 feet). Add space for ditches, banks, a clubhouse, and parking.
• Surface: A proper bowling green is a meticulously maintained grass or artificial surface. Natural grass greens require year-round maintenance. Synthetic greens (like TigerTurf) have higher upfront costs but lower ongoing maintenance.
• Cost: Expect $50,000-$200,000+ for a natural grass green including preparation, drainage, and initial establishment. Synthetic greens can cost $200,000-$400,000 but last 10-15 years with minimal maintenance.
• Timeline: A natural grass green takes 12-18 months to establish before it is playable. Synthetic greens can be installed in 2-3 months.

Option C: Temporary or Mobile Greens

For getting started quickly on a budget:

• Flat park lawns can be used for informal social bowls events to generate interest.
• Indoor facilities (gyms, warehouses) can host bowling on carpet or portable synthetic surfaces.
• These options will not replace a proper green for competitive play, but they are excellent for community outreach and recruitment.

Step 3: Organize Your Club

Legal Structure

• Incorporate as a nonprofit. Most bowling clubs operate as 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(7) organizations in the US.
• Draft bylaws covering membership, dues, elections, and rules of play.
• Elect officers: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Greenskeeper at minimum.
• Open a bank account in the club's name.

Membership and Dues

• Set reasonable annual dues. Most US clubs charge $100-$300 per year.
• Offer trial memberships or free introductory sessions to attract new members.
• Include guest policies so members can bring friends to try the sport.

Insurance

• General liability insurance is essential. It protects the club if someone is injured on the green.
• Bowls USA affiliation includes basic liability coverage for affiliated clubs.
• Consult with an insurance broker who understands sports organizations.

Step 4: Register with Bowls USA

Bowls USA is the national governing body for lawn bowling in the United States. Affiliation provides:

• Liability insurance coverage for your club.
• Access to national competitions for your members.
• Official rules and regulations for sanctioned play.
• Coaching resources and development programs.
• Connection to the national bowling community.

Contact Bowls USA directly to learn about the affiliation process and fees.

Step 5: Get Equipment

Essential Equipment

• Bowls: Purchase 8-12 sets (32-48 bowls) of various sizes for member use. Second-hand sets are a great starting option. Budget $1,000-$3,000.
• Jacks: You need at least 4 jacks. Cost: $30-$50 total.
• Mats: 4-6 delivery mats. Cost: $100-$200 total.
• Scoreboards: Manual or digital. Cost: $50-$200 per rink.
• Measures: String measures for close shots. Cost: $40-$80 for a set of 4.
• Chalk spray: For marking touchers. Cost: $20-$40 for a supply.

Where to Buy

See our Equipment Buying Guide for detailed recommendations and trusted retailers.

Step 6: Recruit and Train Members

Recruitment Strategies

1. 1Hold open days. Invite the community to try bowling for free. Provide equipment, basic instruction, and refreshments.
2. 2Partner with local organizations. Senior centers, community colleges, corporate groups, and service clubs (Rotary, Lions) are all potential partners.
3. 3Social media. Create a Facebook page and Instagram account. Post photos, event announcements, and beginner tips.
4. 4Local media. Contact your local newspaper, TV station, or community blog. A "new bowling club" story is exactly the kind of feel-good local content they love.
5. 5School programs. Offer after-school or PE programs to introduce young people to the sport.

Training New Bowlers

• Designate experienced bowlers as coaches for introductory sessions.
• Keep it fun. New bowlers should enjoy themselves first and learn technique second.
• Provide equipment so newcomers do not need to buy anything to get started.
• Follow up with new participants. A personal email or phone call after their first visit dramatically increases retention.

Step 7: Organize Play

Regular Sessions

• Set a weekly schedule. Most clubs offer morning and afternoon sessions on multiple days.
• Designate social days (relaxed, open to all) and competition days (more structured).
• Evening sessions during summer attract working-age members.

Tournaments

Once your club is established, tournaments bring excitement and build community:

• Internal club tournaments -- singles, pairs, and championship events.
• Interclub matches -- visit other clubs and host visiting teams.
• Open tournaments -- attract bowlers from across the region and bring revenue.

Use a tournament management tool to handle draws, scheduling, and results efficiently.

Step 8: Build Community

A successful club is more than a place to bowl -- it is a community:

• Social events. Barbecues, potlucks, holiday parties, and awards nights.
• Newsletter or email updates. Keep members informed and engaged.
• Volunteer opportunities. Green maintenance, coaching, event organization -- getting members involved creates ownership and loyalty.
• Welcome new members warmly. First impressions determine whether someone comes back.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Get Started Today

Starting a club takes effort, but the reward is a thriving community centered on one of the world's great sports. Begin by gauging interest in your community, identifying potential green locations, and connecting with Bowls USA.

Already part of a club? Sign up for Lawnbowling to manage your tournaments, track results, and connect with other clubs across the country.