Low Harrogate Crown Green Bowling Club, located in Harrogate, offers a friendly and welcoming environment for individuals who are interested in playing crown green bowls. The club aims to make the game accessible to all by providing free taster and coaching sessions, allowing newcomers to learn and enjoy the sport. Whether you prefer social bowling or competitive play, the club offers options for both. They participate in various leagues, including the Harrogate Evening and Vets league, Tadcaster league, and the Airedale & Wharfedale Saturday league.
Crown green bowls is a game suitable for people of all ages and abilities, offering a range of health benefits such as gentle exercise, mental concentration, hand-eye coordination, and the opportunity for social interaction with fellow members. Unlike lawn bowls, crown green bowls is played on a green with a crown that affects the path of the bowl. Players have the freedom to choose any part of the green and any length for their bowls (subject to a minimum distance). The dress code for the sport is informal, with the only requirement being flat shoes to protect the green.
Bowls games typically follow a “21 up” format, where each player has two bowls. An “end” consists of one player bowling the yellow jack, followed by players taking turns to bowl towards the jack. The objective is to get one or both bowls closer to the jack than the opponent's closest bowl to win the end and earn points. The winner of the end then leads the jack in the next round.
The first player to reach 21 points wins the game. For more information on crown green bowling, interested individuals can visit the Harrogate Amateur Bowling Association website.
Low Harrogate Crown Green Bowling Club has a rich history in the Harrogate community. Originally located at the rear of the White Hart Hotel on Cold Bath Road in 1885, the club moved to Victoria Road in 1921. However, in 2001, their lease on the land expired. With the support of Harrogate Borough Council and a donation from the Duchy of Lancaster estates, the club established its present site on Tewit Well Road in 2002.
The club boasts an attractive and challenging crown green, along with impressive clubhouse and grounds. It is often referred to simply as "Low Harrogate” by both club members and other teams in their crown green leagues.
In addition to the playing experience, the club also takes pride in its achievements and events. They were awarded a Silver medal in the Communal Gardens category at the Harrogate in Bloom awards ceremony in September. The club's surroundings are beautifully maintained and tidy, thanks to the efforts of Derek and Ann Wilson and their team of helpers. Moreover, David Spilsbury, a member of the club, recently won the HABA Champion of Champions, emerging victorious in a tough competition that consisted of five games.
Furthermore, the Low Harrogate A team in the Vets League clinched the Division One Championship for the second consecutive year, finishing the season with a remarkable 7-point lead.
Low Harrogate Crown Green Bowling Club offers a fantastic opportunity for individuals to engage in a leisurely yet mentally stimulating sport. Whether you are a beginner interested in learning the game or an experienced competitor seeking a supportive and welcoming community, the club is an excellent choice.
