Holdfast Ring Bowls Club, located in Glenelg North, is a volunteer-run ring bowling club that welcomes both new members and visitors. The club is the last remaining ring bowl club in Australia and offers a unique and enjoyable experience for all who visit.
Situated on Queen Street in Glenelg North, the club boasts a wheelchair accessible facility with accessible toilets to accommodate all guests. The club meets weekly on Sundays from 10am to 6pm, providing ample opportunities for members and visitors to engage in the sport of ring bowling.
The club's green, a square of turf roughly the size of a small backyard, was once a chook run. The bowls used in ring bowling are doughnut-shaped wooden rings that are rolled on their edge on a 15-metre turf rink towards a flat disc known as the “kitty. ” The objective is to get the kitty inside the ring for the highest points, a feat that hasn't been accomplished since the 1940s. Points are awarded based on closeness to the kitty, following similar rules to lawn bowls.
What sets the Holdfast Ring Bowls Club apart is its welcoming and friendly atmosphere. The members invite anyone, regardless of experience, to visit the club on Sundays to learn more about ring bowling, give it a try, and enjoy lunch together. Drinks at the club are also incredibly affordable, with beers, wines, and spirits priced at just $5, and soft drinks at $2. It's hard to find a better value anywhere else in Glenelg.
The club's facilities include a well-stocked bar, kitchenette, and BBQ, making it an ideal venue for various events and functions. The club offers affordable venue hire, which includes the use of the Ring Bowl Green, as well as all the necessary equipment to play. The green is available for hire from 9am to 12pm, seven days a week, and can accommodate up to 80 people.
For those looking to experience a one-of-a-kind sporting activity in a relaxed and friendly environment, Holdfast Ring Bowls Club is the place to be. Whether you're a seasoned bowler or someone looking to try something new, the club welcomes all with open arms. Come by on Sundays, enjoy the sport, and make lasting memories with the members of Holdfast Ring Bowls Club.