Lawn Bowling

LEISURE WORLD’S BEST-KEPT SECRET

Is it bowling? Bocce? Curling? NO, it’s lawn bowling — a very dynamic outdoor sport spanning more than 600 years. It has its own unique history here in Leisure World!

“We think it’s very important to preserve and share our history,” says Lawn Bowling Club Past President Dan Aicher. “Only a small percentage of Leisure World residents are familiar with the sport. It’s one of the bestkept secrets that needs to be told.”

“A History of Leisure World Lawn Bowls Club 1974-1987,” by K. Otto Logan, the fourth President of the Lawn Bowling Club, was recently discovered. This hidden gem shares how lawn bowling began in Leisure World including club notes, photos and newspaper articles.

The following historical information is featured in this book.

A YEARS-OLD TRADITION

You may not know that lawn bowling has been enjoyed for centuries. It can be traced as far back as 5,200 BC in ancient Egypt where similar games were played. But it wasn’t until 1299 in Southampton, England that the first known lawn bowling club was formed.

The game developed quite the following and was even enjoyed by royalty, including Queen of England Ann Boleyn, who reigned from 1533 to 1536. Sir Francis Drake of England was infamous for refusing to fight against the invading Spanish Armada until he finished his lawn bowling game. His statue, depicting a lawn bowler, sits in Plymouth, England. Historical lawn bowling aficionados include George Washington and renowned English poet William Shakespeare.

Lawn bowling hasn’t changed very much. The friendly sport still enjoys many of the same noble traditions, including exchanging greetings at the beginning and the end of a game and always remaining respectful to other players. Since 2014, lawn bowlers no longer wear white attire - now only reserved for tournaments.

Debuting In Leisure World

Early 1970’s -Lawn bowling was first introduced in Leisure World when Eldon and Claire Schmad moved into Leisure World and wanted to share their love of the sport with the community.

In January 1974, Eldon worked with the Recreational Director on establishing our club. The couple also received support from Sun City’s club who helped procure the basic equipment. Within two months, the bowling green was on track and all the supplies – rakes, mats, the jack and bowls had arrived. Later that summer, they finalized the equipment house, scoring boards, measuring tapes and scheduled training sessions.

Officially launched in Leisure World on October 18th, 1974 and named the Golden Hills Lawn Bowling Club, we will be celebrating 50 years of bowling in 2024.

GOING GREEN – LITERALLY

As the club grew, the upkeep of the greens where the game was played became crucial. In the summer of 1979, the club worked with Leisure World’s maintenance crew to change the playing area to a tiff-green Bermuda grass, which would withstand drought and frequent play.

Lawn bowlers understood how important the greens were to their game, so they decided to help the maintenance crew plant 77,000 Tifgreen Bermuda grass stems in one week. By early fall the grass was ready for play.

With beautiful greenery, the club continued to soar. In

November 1980, the club’s executive committee decided to change its name to Leisure World Lawn Bowlers Club and a new era had begun.

Expanding With Lakeside Clubhouse

Needing a place to mingle and store their equipment the club began fundraising efforts but Western Savings had a soft spot for the club. In February of 1986, Western Savings donated $65,000 to support creating a clubhouse.

“The Lawn Bowling Club has assisted greatly in the development of Leisure World,” said then-Project Manager and Western Savings Vice-President John A. Jacobs in a letter to the Leisure World Board of Directors. “The entrance to Leisure World is greatly enhanced by the attractiveness of the lawn bowling green.”

The Lakeside Clubhouse officially opened in May 29, 1986.

Nourishing Body And Soul

“There are a lot of competitive sports, but lawn bowling gives you something different,” explains Dan Aicher. “In lawn bowling, you have five seconds to think about your line and your angle. The rest of the time you’re walking back and forth socializing. There’s always lots of laughter and fun while you play.”

It is also very restorative, providing health benefits. People also use it as therapy. You walk about a mile a game while bending and stretching. It’s good for your body and your mind.

LWLBC welcomes all residents, regardless of their physical ability. Come out and enjoy the fun!