Some rules have likely changed over that time, but the fundamentals seem to be consistent, certainly since the game's historic record was started in the 14th Century.

Lawn bowling is distinguished by use of a biased ball. That is, the ball is deliberately lop-sided so that it always curves toward the flat side as it slows down.

The object of the game is to obtain points by getting one's ball(s) closest to a small white ball, the "jack", which may be anywhere between 75 and 108 feet away. The skill, some say "the art", is to gauge the curve to achieve this even when an opponent may have guard balls blocking the "jack".

The play may seem very rigid, perhaps because instructors suggest that proficiency lies in being able to throw the bowl the same way every time; in that respect, not much different from ten-pin bowling or curling. The art, of course, is in the judgment that guides weight, curve, and distance.

The balls, or bowls as they are known, vary in size, weight, and degree of bias. Local conditions are factors in selecting bowls. Bowlers in the British Isles tend to prefer lighter bowls for their characteristically wet, soft grass. The hard bowling rinks of South Africa warrant as heavy a bowl as rules allow. Similarly local conditions may influence choice of bias; for example, minimum for Florida and extra for heavier grass in Canada and on the often moist West Coast.

Bowls are delivered either forehand or backhand, and never aimed straight at the jack. Which a bowler selects is dependent on the position of other bowls already in play. On the average bowling green six feet of curve for every 100 feet of distance is a reasonable expectation. However, every bowling green has its own peculiarities. Herein lies the challenge of the game and, perhaps too, its fascination for players.

Rules of the game vary somewhat from country to country. Whereas in Canada tournament games are played to 21 points, in the United States when the ends are completed the leader wins, much like the end of the frames in ten-pin bowling.

Rules of attire are among the most interesting aspects of the game, as much a part of tradition as baseball uniforms in the major leagues. Canadians, for example, specify unified shoe color; Australians white or tan shoes; and Americans have no specific color. For clothing, "whites" are the order of the day for tournaments. Australians demand a hat, tie, blazer, shirt, long trousers, socks and shoes, white or cream. The tie and blazer may only be worn if officially approved beforehand.

The ostensibly leisurely pace of a lawn bowling game suggests it may be only appropriate for the idle rich or long retired. This image does not hold in most countries of the world. The pace belies the tension of competition, the skill, and, yes, the art. As yet, lawn bowling has no champion like Tiger Woods, but as the game's popularity continues to increase, a Tiger Woods may emerge someday and bowl touchers (to the jack) as handily as Tiger lays approach shots on the pin.

Brief History