Bowls or lawn bowling is an outdoor sport that involves rolling a weighted or biased ball so that it stops as close as possible to a smaller ball called a “jack” or kitty”. Bowling in Glasgow has rich roots that date back to 1695 when the first known bowling green was run by Mungo Cochrane in Candleriggs. As with Golf, it is widely acknowledged that the modern sport of lawn bowling, as we know it, owes its existence to the Scots.
A cotton merchant in Glasgow by the name William Mitchell, of the Willowbank Club, published the first set of bowling rules in 1864. However, it wasn’t until 1892 that the Scottish Bowling Association was formed. The rules still form the foundation of how we play the game today, although different variations of the game have cropped up.
Due to the growing popularity of the game, it has seen exports to other countries, and today it is currently played in over 40 countries across the world. What’s more, it has been a Commonwealth Games sport since the year 1930.
The popularity of bowling in Glasgow is on a steady rise because it is a sport for all regardless of age or expertise. There are numerous formats of the game that are recognised, but as mentioned, the foundation of the bowling rules is generally the same.
Glasgow is home to many sports facilities and parks where both residents and tourists can enjoy bowls. The cost of playing is usually lower when compared to other sports. There are several options to choose from when it comes to bowls. You can pay a membership fee at the numerous clubs across the city or even head to a local park for a game. During the summer, you can play the game for free across several parks and clubs across the city.
Bowls is a sport that can be enjoyed by all, whether alone or in teams. The sport carries several benefits, one of which, bowling in Glasgow within certain seasons and parks is free. This also includes the equipment since players are not required to carry their own for a game. The sport also gives players a great open-air exercise session which improves both physical and mental well-being. It also gives players a great platform to socialise and meet new people!
As we have seen, not only is playing lawn bowling in Glasgow cheap or even free of charge, it carries several benefits with it. The sport is quite simple to learn as well, and most experienced players are more than willing to give beginners a helping hand and tips to improve their gameplay.