.png)
Southwest Lawn Bowls
Welcome to Southern California's Greens
Lawn Bowls — A Sport for Life
The 2026 season is underway — 26 clubs, 1,400+ bowlers, and an open spot for you on the green. No experience needed. Here's how to start.
Southwest Lawn Bowls
Welcome to Southern California's Greens
The 2026 season is underway — 26 clubs, 1,400+ bowlers, and an open spot for you on the green. No experience needed. Here's how to start.
On the green
The Basics
Roll your bowl as close as possible to a small white ball called the jack. Closest bowl scores. That's the heart of it.
Lawn bowls is an outdoor precision sport played on a smooth grass or synthetic green. You can play alone, in pairs, triples, or fours. No running. No contact. Just skill, strategy, and good company.
Why you'll love it
From the Southwest Lawn Bowls coaching team.
The rules are easy to learn. The game takes a lifetime to perfect. You can play singles or in teams of two, three, or four. A game starts by rolling the jack — a small white ball — down the green. Each team rolls their bowls towards the jack. The bowl nearest to the jack wins the end.
It's up to you to decide if you're more interested in singles or team play. Or perhaps both. Tournaments throughout the year offer the opportunity to test your mettle against the best in Southern California.
"I don't think you realize how much walking you do until you actually play it. You can walk three miles in a single session — 40-yard stints, over and over." On top of walking, your arms get a workout as you perfect your technique, and your legs build strength with each delivery.
Many clubs put on regular social functions. "There is a lot of socializing — and you don't have to be competitive to play. If you just want to play with your friends on a Wednesday afternoon, there's nothing stopping you."
"Bowls truly is the sport for all, regardless of age, sex, or physical ability. The gentle pace and lack of contact means you'll often find children playing alongside adults of different abilities and fitness levels on the same team." The national singles champion has been as young as 18 and as seasoned as his seventies.
In Southern California, there are 26 lawn bowling clubs. Most offer free introductory lessons — no equipment needed, just show up. Find a club near you and book your first game. And once you're a member, your club card opens doors to lawn bowling clubs around the world, usually free or for a small daily fee.
Watch & Learn
The HOW! instructional series — written by Hall of Fame bowler Scott Roberts, produced by Gary Barnes.
Following the Season?
Schedules, results, livestreams, and entry details for every Southwest Division event this year.
Get Started
The Southwest Division has 26 affiliated clubs across Southern California. Most offer free introductory lessons — no equipment needed. Call or visit any club below to book your first game.
Good to Know
No. Clubs provide bowls for beginners. You just need flat-soled shoes (most clubs also have loaners). Once you decide you love it, you can buy your own set — but there's no rush.
Lawn bowls is genuinely low-impact. The game involves walking and a gentle rolling action. People of all fitness levels and ages play competitively — the sport is designed to be accessible for life.
Club membership fees vary but are generally modest — typically $50–$200 per year depending on the club. Most clubs offer free trial lessons before you commit to joining.
Absolutely. Every club in the Southwest Division welcomes complete beginners. Most have designated beginner sessions and coaches who will walk you through everything in your first visit.
As competitive as you want it to be. Many members play purely socially — Wednesday afternoon games with friends. Others compete in the full tournament season across Southern California. The sport accommodates both.
The Southwest Division is the governing organization for lawn bowling clubs in Southern California. With 26 clubs and 1,400+ members, it's the largest of seven divisions under Bowls USA. It organizes the tournament season, represents the region at national events, and supports clubs in growing the sport.
The First Game Is On Us
Show up at any club with flat-soled shoes. The first game is on us.
Find Your Nearest Club