Whether you’re aiming for competitive success or simply looking to enjoy a few social games, lawn bowling offers plenty of opportunities locally, provincially, nationally, and even internationally.
We sat down with David Llewyn last season to get his insights on tournaments, season planning, and strategies for making the most of your time on the green. After covering all our burning questions, here’s what we learned. Read on to help plan your season and find the opportunities that suit you best.
🏟️ Tournaments in Ontario & Across Canada
There’s a full calendar of exciting events throughout the season. Here are some popular Ontario tournaments David recommends — all open events:
📅 May
-
Burlington Fours
-
Cobourg Open Fours
-
Heritage Greens (Kitchener) – Five-a-side, great prep for Nationals
-
St. Mary’s Fours
📅 June
-
Burlington Singles
📅 July
-
Milton Skins Trips
-
Woodstock 2-Day Pairs
📅 August
-
Oshawa Gold Cup Fours
🏠 Club Competitions
Don’t overlook what’s happening closer to home! Club play is a great way to sharpen skills and build camaraderie 🤝
-
Regular jitneys
-
Inter-club matches (e.g., Cosburn vs. Leaside)
-
In-house tournaments, often with prizes 🎁
🥇 Provincial & National Events
-
Provincial events (singles, pairs, triples & fours) are held across Ontario
-
Gold medal winners advance to National Championships
-
Provincial mixed pairs include district and provincial play (no national event)
💡 Tip: Factor in entry fees, accommodations, and travel costs when planning your season.
🌟 More Ways to Compete
🏅 WOBA Tournaments
-
Western Ontario Bowls Association events offer higher-level competitive play
🎯 PBA & Non-OLBA Events
-
Professional Bowls Association tournaments
-
Big prizes 💰, tough competition, and exciting venues
-
Winners may earn trips to Scotland or Potters in England
✈️ International Bowling Adventures
Why not bowl abroad? 🌍
USA
-
US Open (California or Arizona – Oct/Nov)
-
SE Open (Florida – March)
-
Sun City / SCD (Arizona – February)
🌎 Other popular destinations
-
United Kingdom
-
Spain
-
Portugal
-
Australia
-
New Zealand
❄️ Indoor Bowls (off-season options)
Keep rolling year-round!
-
PIBC – Pacific Indoor Bowls Centre (Vancouver)
-
Richmond Green
-
UK indoor facilities (open all year)
🗓️ Planning Tips for Tournaments
Before committing, consider:
-
Format (singles, pairs, triples, fours)
-
Length and frequency of play
-
Entry fees & prize money
-
Travel time and logistics 🚗✈️
-
Tournament quality
-
⭐ Top picks: Burlington, Heritage Greens, Cobourg
-
-
Where to find info: club boards, OLBA calendar, regional contacts
🎯 Playing the Game: Strategy, Teamwork & Improvement
🤝 Building Your Team
-
Choose teammates based on goals, availability, chemistry — and sometimes age
-
🗣️ Communication is everything — this is a team sport
-
👏 Acknowledge good shots and support each other
-
🧪 Chemistry often matters more than individual skill
-
If you can’t field a four, play triples or pairs instead!
🧠 Strategy on the Green
📏 Mat Placement
-
Most ends are 2/3 or 3/4 length
-
Try extremes — minimum or full-length (T to T)
-
Adaptability is key 🔑
🎯 Play with Intent
-
Learn drives and aggressive shots
-
You don’t need to win every end — play smart
-
If you’re already holding shot, weigh risk vs. reward
🗣️ Clear Communication
Say what you mean:
-
“Let’s protect the back.”
-
“I need a bowl here.”
-
“Let’s move the mat.”
👥 Know Your Role
-
Leads & seconds work as a unit
-
Vice & skip must collaborate
-
In fours, not everyone needs to speak every shot — stay engaged and respect roles
🚫 What NOT to Say
-
“You’re short again.”
-
“You’re heavy.”
-
“You’re too wide.”
✅ Instead:
-
Talk about conditions
-
Stay constructive, never critical
-
Everyone knows when they’ve missed — no need to pile on
💪 Help Yourself: Physically & Mentally
🏋️ Physical Preparation
-
Practice with purpose — line, weight, and shot selection
-
Know your delivery and refine it
-
💧 Stay hydrated & 🍎 eat light before and during games
🧘 Mental Game
-
Be positive — be someone others enjoy bowling with 😊
-
Treat bowls like therapy — leave stress off the green
-
Surround yourself with good energy and supportive teammates
👫 Strong teams are built off the green too:
-
Share meals 🍽️
-
Have a laugh 😂
-
Travel together
-
Support and lift each other up
Whether you’re chasing a national title 🏆 or simply enjoying a roll-up with friends, planning your season — and understanding the game and yourself — will make every end more rewarding.
🌱 See you on the green! 🎯