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Where to Find Lawn Bowling in the United States
Lawn bowling is played at clubs across the United States, from sun-soaked greens in Southern California to historic clubs in the Northeast. While the sport is smaller in the US than in countries like Australia and England, there are over 200 active lawn bowling clubs spread across the country, and most of them welcome newcomers with open arms.
Whether you are searching for "lawn bowling near me" for the first time or looking for a new club after a move, this guide will help you find your place on the green.
Browse Our Club Directory
The fastest way to find a lawn bowling club is to use our interactive club directory. You can search by:
- State or city
- Zip code (for clubs near your location)
- Club name (if you know what you are looking for)
Lawn Bowling Clubs by Region
West Coast
The West Coast — particularly California — is the heartland of lawn bowling in the United States. The mild climate allows year-round play, and several of the country's oldest and largest clubs are located here.
Notable areas:
- Southern California: The greater Los Angeles area, San Diego, and Santa Barbara regions have the highest concentration of lawn bowling clubs in the country. Clubs like the Santa Monica Lawn Bowling Club, the Laguna Beach Lawn Bowling Club, and the San Diego Lawn Bowling Club are well-established with active memberships.
- San Francisco Bay Area: Multiple clubs in San Francisco, Oakland, Palo Alto, and surrounding cities.
- Pacific Northwest: Seattle, Portland, and surrounding areas have growing lawn bowling communities, though the rainy season limits outdoor play.
Southwest
- Arizona: Several active clubs, particularly popular during the winter months when seasonal residents ("snowbirds") swell the membership. Sun City and surrounding retirement communities are lawn bowling hotspots.
- Nevada: Clubs in the Las Vegas area serve both residents and visitors.
Southeast
- Florida: A strong lawn bowling state, again driven partly by seasonal residents. Clubs in Clearwater, Sarasota, Lakeland, and other cities.
- The Carolinas and Virginia: A small but dedicated lawn bowling presence.
Northeast
- New York and New Jersey: Historic lawn bowling clubs, including clubs in Central Park and other urban parks.
- Connecticut and Massachusetts: Traditional clubs with rich histories dating back decades.
Midwest
- Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota: Clubs in Milwaukee, Chicago area, and the Twin Cities.
- The Midwest has fewer clubs but a passionate player community.
Mountain West
- Colorado: Growing interest, with clubs in the Denver metro area.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
If you have never set foot on a bowling green, here is what a typical first visit looks like:
Before You Arrive
- 1Contact the club. Call, email, or check their website for open play times, beginner nights, or "roll-up" sessions. Many clubs have specific times for new players.
- 2Ask about shoes. You need flat-soled shoes (no heels, no treads). Many clubs have loaner shoes, but it is worth confirming.
- 3Wear comfortable clothing. You do not need to wear whites for your first visit — casual, comfortable clothing is fine.
When You Get There
- 1Introduce yourself. Club members are almost universally welcoming to new players. Let them know you are new and interested in trying lawn bowls.
- 2You will get a brief lesson. An experienced member will show you the basics — how to hold the bowl, what bias is, how to deliver, and the basic rules.
- 3You will use club bowls. Clubs have sets of bowls in various sizes that you can borrow. The instructor will help you find the right size for your hand.
- 4You will play a short game. Expect a casual game of about 10–12 ends (roughly an hour). There is no pressure — everyone was a beginner once.
- 5You will learn the social side. After the game, you will likely be invited for a drink at the clubhouse. This is where you really get to know the club and its members.
Cost
- Most clubs offer free introductory sessions.
- Annual membership fees typically range from $50 to $200 — far less than most sports.
- Some clubs charge a small daily green fee ($5–$15) for non-members or social bowlers.
- You do not need to buy your own bowls initially — play with club bowls until you are ready to invest.
How to Choose the Right Club
If you are lucky enough to have multiple clubs within driving distance, consider these factors:
Green Quality and Type
- Natural grass greens offer the traditional lawn bowling experience but may be closed during winter or wet weather.
- Synthetic (artificial) greens play consistently year-round and require less maintenance.
- Ask about the green speed — faster greens are more challenging but more rewarding.
Membership and Activity Level
- How many active members does the club have?
- How often do they play? (Daily, several times a week, weekends only?)
- Do they run competitive events (pennant, tournaments) or is it primarily social?
Facilities
- Does the club have a clubhouse with a bar, kitchen, or function room?
- Are there changing rooms and storage lockers?
- Is there adequate parking?
Culture and Atmosphere
- Is the club welcoming to beginners?
- What is the age range of members?
- Is the atmosphere competitive, social, or a mix?
- Do they run barefoot bowls or social events for non-members?
Starting a Lawn Bowling Program
If there is no lawn bowling club near you, there are ways to bring the sport to your community:
Corporate and Social Events
Many event companies and some existing clubs offer barefoot bowls — casual lawn bowling events for groups. This is a great way to introduce people to the sport in a low-pressure environment.Parks and Recreation Programs
Some city parks departments maintain bowling greens or have space for them. Contact your local parks and recreation department to gauge interest.Starting a Club
Starting a new lawn bowling club requires:- A suitable flat, grassed area (or funding for a synthetic green)
- A set of bowls and jacks for beginners to use
- Affiliation with Bowls USA (the national governing body)
- A core group of interested players
- Basic insurance coverage
The Digital Future of Lawn Bowling
Modern technology is making it easier than ever to connect with lawn bowling communities. Our platform helps clubs and players with:
- Club directory: Find and connect with clubs near you
- Tournament management: Organize and run tournaments with automatic draws and scoring
- Partner matching: Find playing partners for pairs and team events
- Score tracking: Record game results and track your improvement over time
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lawn bowling the same as bocce?
No — they are different sports. Lawn bowling uses biased bowls that curve, while bocce uses perfectly round balls. For a detailed comparison, read our lawn bowling vs bocce guide.
How much does it cost to try lawn bowling?
Most clubs offer free introductory sessions. You do not need your own equipment to start — clubs provide bowls, and many have loaner shoes. Annual membership fees are typically $50–$200.
Can young people play lawn bowling?
Absolutely. While the sport has traditionally attracted an older demographic, clubs are actively working to attract younger players through barefoot bowls, corporate events, and junior programs. There is no minimum age — if you can hold a bowl, you can play.
Do I need to be fit to play lawn bowling?
Lawn bowling is gentle on the body and suitable for most fitness levels. The game involves walking, bending, and gentle arm movements. It is often recommended as exercise for seniors because it promotes balance, coordination, and social interaction without high-impact stress.
What should I wear to lawn bowling?
For your first visit, comfortable casual clothing is fine. For club play, many clubs require white or light-colored clothing and flat-soled shoes. The dress code has relaxed at most clubs — check with yours for specific requirements.
Ready to Find a Club?
Use our club directory to find lawn bowling near you, or learn more about the sport with our beginner's guide and rules explanation.
Lawnbowling Team
We are passionate about making lawn bowling accessible to everyone. Our guides are researched using official World Bowls laws, club resources, and input from experienced players across the USA, Australia, and the UK.