DO I NEED TO BE A CLUB MEMBER TO BOWL?

No…but membership gives you more opportunities to bowl. Members get to play in our leagues, tournaments, and social events throughout the year.

Non-members can drop-in during our public events or schedule a free introductory lesson. Our most popular are Friday Night Bowls in July and August. Friendly volunteers will give an introduction to the club, and how to play. You can come with friends, bring a picnic, and enjoy the view and sunset. 

WHAT DO I NEED TO GET STARTED?

We require that anyone who steps on the greens wear flat soled shoes (barefoot is fine too), and get a lesson before rolling a bowl. Heels and incorrectly rolled bowls can damage the greens.

Tell me more about the greens

The greens are the large grass surfaces on which we play. JPLBC has two greens (1 & 2) that are divided into lanes in which a game is played. These are called rinks.

Our greens are meticulously cared for year-round by a crew of dedicated volunteers who do everything from mowing to, watering, aerating, plugging, and sanding. 

do I need special EQUIPMENT?

We have a selection of club bowls for all hand-sizes and strengths for you to use, including a few junior sets. We will help you get fitted to the right size. Most bowlers end up purchasing their own set once they determine what they like, plus all the accoutrements.

are KIDS are welcome?

Yes, although kids under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. We look forward to cultivating our next champions!

champions? I thought this was just a casual pastime.

It’s both! There is nothing better than a relaxing game in a beautiful setting. But it is also a sport played worldwide, with opportunities to compete at the club, division, and national levels. Some of us have qualified to play at international competitions, or traveled abroad to compete in international open tournaments. See the teams who have gone to play in the national championships!

Do I have to wear white?

Only if you want to. We have certain special occasions to wear white, but most of the time we wear whatever is comfortable to bowl in.  

When is the bowling season?

We have leagues throughout the year and consider ourselves true Pacific Northwest bowlers - a little rain means nothing! Our official season starts with Opening Day in May and things slow down again in October. Our compatriots in California and Arizona have tournaments during the winter months which many of our players attend (and get a little sunshine in winter!)

Nothing beats bowling at sunset in August. Come give it a try!