Your Essential Guide to the Best Bowling Green Turf
Lawn bowls, a sport with roots stretching back to the 13th century, has long been a beloved pastime across the globe. From the lush greens of England to the sunlit pitches of Australia, lawn bowling brings people together for a game of precision and strategy.
Central to every match is the bowling green—a surface that demands careful attention to ensure peak performance. Historically, these greens relied on natural bowling green grass, requiring endless upkeep.
Today, however, synthetic bowling green turf offers a modern alternative, transforming how clubs maintain their facilities and elevating the experience for players everywhere.
In this article:
What is Bowling Green turf?
A synthetic turf for a bowling green is a specially designed turf surface tailored for lawn bowls. It replicates the smoothness and pace of natural grass but eliminates the challenges associated with maintaining a live lawn.
Typically made from durable polyethylene or polypropylene fibers, this turf is installed on a stable base and often features a shock pad to enhance surface uniformity and comfort.
Top benefits of artificial turf for bowling greens
Switching to synthetic bowling greens brings a host of advantages that make it a game-changer for clubs. Here’s why lawn bowls turf is gaining traction:
Cost savings and low maintenance
Natural bowling greens demand constant care—mowing, watering, fertilizing, and weeding can cost clubs thousands each year. Synthetic lawn removes these burdens, needing only occasional brushing and cleaning to stay pristine.
The result is long-term savings on labor, equipment, and water—freeing up budget for events, upgrades, or attracting new members.
Excellent all-weather playability
Natural grass often suffers under changing weather—rain creates muddy, unplayable surfaces, intense sun can cause patchy dryness, and recovery after bad weather takes time and care.
Artificial turf performs reliably year-round with fast drainage, UV resistance, and a stable surface. Games can often resume soon after rain, and light frost typically doesn’t disrupt play. With fewer weather-related cancellations and less recovery time needed, clubs enjoy more consistent use and better scheduling flexibility.
Consistent and level playing surface
In lawn bowls, precision is everything—and an uneven surface can throw off even the best shot. Bowling green turf provides a perfectly smooth and stable playing field, installed on a precisely leveled concrete or macadam base.
Unlike natural bowling green grass, which can develop dips and uneven patches over time, synthetic turf stays consistent, offering a true roll that boosts player accuracy and confidence every time.
Indoor and outdoor versatility
Natural grass simply isn’t an option for indoor bowling greens—but synthetic turf makes it possible. It provides the same smooth, predictable roll as outdoor grass, making it perfect for all-weather indoor play.
In fact, installing an indoor artificial green is often more affordable per square metre than outdoor builds, as it usually involves less ground preparation. Whether you’re outfitting an outdoor club or creating an indoor facility, synthetic turf ensures reliable, year-round performance.
Attractive and functional appearance
A bowling green should look as good as it plays. Artificial turf stays lush and vibrant year-round, free from bald spots or seasonal browning. It’s a visual upgrade for any club and can even be used along the surrounding banks to cushion bowls on impact while keeping the space sharp and inviting.
Environmentally friendly choice
Maintaining natural bowling green grass often involves chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which can impact surrounding ecosystems. Artificial bowling greens require no chemicals and cut water use by up to 90%—a major plus in drought-prone regions like Australia or California. Clubs can reduce their environmental footprint while providing a clean, consistent playing surface year-round.
Recommended turf for bowling greens
Choosing the right turf is essential for achieving a smooth, consistent, and long-lasting bowling green. We offer two artificial grass solutions tailored to different levels of play and budget requirements:
FastPro – For high-performance bowling greens
Originally developed for hockey, FastPro has quickly become a top choice for professional-level bowling greens. Its dense, texturized PE monofilament yarn provides a smooth and stable surface that delivers true and consistent ball roll—critical for competitive lawn bowls.
Key features
- Texturized 100% PE monofilament for a refined finish
- Exceptional UV stability and weather resistance
- Smooth, uniform surface for precise ball control
- Ideal for clubs, competitions, and high-usage greens
Whether installed indoors or outdoors, FastPro delivers reliable performance in all conditions and maintains its appearance and playability over time.
Green E – A cost-effective option for community and recreational bowling greens
Green E is designed as an economical solution for residential or community-level bowling greens. With high-quality curly yarns and a soft, dense texture, it provides a comfortable playing surface that balances performance and value.
Key features
- Durable curly yarns for consistent ball movement
- Good surface resilience and user comfort
- Suitable for recreational players and casual settings
- An excellent choice for budget-conscious projects
Green E helps schools, local clubs, and backyard enthusiasts create enjoyable and low-maintenance bowling environments without compromising quality.
Conclusion
Switching to artificial turf for a bowling green is a smart investment for any facility aiming to reduce maintenance, extend playtime, and provide a consistent, high-quality experience for players.
With its all-weather reliability, year-round aesthetics, and excellent playing characteristics, artificial grass is setting the new standard for lawn bowling.
Ready to upgrade your bowling green or build a new one? Reach out for free samples and expert advice tailored to your needs.
