It’s 6pm on a summer Wednesday, the heat has finally gone out of the day, and a dozen people are standing barefoot on a perfectly mown green with a drink in hand. Someone sends a bowl curling towards the jack, it stops a whisker away, and the whole rink cheers.
Lawn bowls has had a glow-up. Adelaide’s bowling clubs, many of them sitting on prime parkland and beachside real estate, have become some of the city’s best spots for a relaxed evening out. Better still, you don’t need any experience or equipment to join in.
How to play lawn bowls
The aim is simple: roll your bowls as close as possible to a small white ball called the jack. Players or teams take turns, and once everyone has bowled, the team with the closest bowl scores a point for each of its bowls nearer to the jack than the opponent’s best.
The twist is in the bowls themselves. They’re shaped with a “bias”, so they curve as they slow down rather than running straight. Learning to aim wide and let the bowl draw back in is the first skill, and seeing it work for the first time is very satisfying.
Beyond that, it’s a game of touch and tactics. You can gently nudge your own bowl closer, knock an opponent’s out of the way, or even move the jack.
What you need for your first game
Very little. Clubs supply bowls for social games, and the one firm rule is footwear: either completely flat-soled shoes or, as the name barefoot bowls suggests, none at all. Heels and sports shoes with treads damage the green.
For summer evenings, bring a hat, sunscreen and a sense of humour. Most club bars serve drinks at member prices, and many clubs have barbecues or kitchens.
Night Owls: summer twilight bowls in Adelaide
The easiest way into the game is Night Owls, Bowls SA’s social twilight competition. More than 80 clubs across South Australia take part over summer, with games usually starting between 5.30pm and 8pm on weeknights from Tuesday to Friday.
The format is relaxed and anyone can play: get a group of friends or workmates together, pick a club and a night, and you’re set for a season of weekly games. Many clubs offer tips for first-timers before play begins, and the post-game drinks on the verandah are as much a part of it as the bowls.
Contact your nearest club directly to enter a team, as each one runs its own nights and fees.
Bowling clubs in Adelaide to try
Adelaide Bowling Club – Rymill Park
Founded in 1897, this is the oldest bowling club in South Australia. It moved from behind Government House to its current spot in the East Parklands in 1958. With seven rinks, a large patio and city views, it’s one of the most popular venues for Night Owls and social functions. It’s a short walk from the Botanic Gardens tram stop.
Toorak Burnside Bowling Club – Toorak Gardens
A friendly eastern-suburbs club with premier grass greens and generous covered alfresco areas looking out over them. It runs Night Owls, social bowls and coaching, and newcomers are made very welcome.
Glenelg Bowling Club – Glenelg
A smaller community club close to the beach. It runs Night Owls on Wednesday evenings, social bowls on Tuesdays year-round, and an all-abilities program.
Port Adelaide Bowling Club – Cheltenham
A popular choice for barefoot bowls parties, from birthdays to work Christmas functions. Bookings fill up quickly in December, so plan ahead.
From social bowls to pennants
Many people who start with a summer of Night Owls stay on. Most clubs offer free coaching for new members, regular social bowls during the day, and pathways into pennants, the weekly inter-club competition.
Bowls is also one of the few sports where a newcomer can find themselves in a team alongside a state representative. It’s a good way to meet people in a new neighbourhood.
Roll up
Gather some friends, kick off your shoes and book a rink. On a warm Adelaide evening with a cold drink waiting, there are few better ways to spend a couple of hours.
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