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Lawn Bowling Courts
The manicured lawn bowling greens beside Robin Williams Meadow preserve one of Golden Gate Park’s oldest organized recreation traditions. The San Francisco Lawn Bowling Club dates to 1901 and continues to introduce newcomers to a sport with deep Scottish roots.
Lawn Bowling in Golden Gate Park Since 1901
The San Francisco Lawn Bowling Club grew out of the city’s Scottish community and first played on the Golden Gate Park green in 1901.
The greens survived the disruption of the 1906 earthquake era, when the area was reportedly used as a horse corral, and the club continued to grow through the twentieth century.
The 1915 Clubhouse & Landmark Setting
The Edwardian-style clubhouse and greens form an important historic recreation landscape in the park. The site is recognized as a San Francisco landmark.
John McLaren, Golden Gate Park’s legendary superintendent, was closely associated with the early club.
Learning the Game
Lawn bowls is a precision sport in which players roll biased bowls toward a smaller target ball called the jack. The curve built into each bowl is part of the challenge.
The club advertises free lessons for people who want to learn. Contact the club for the current lesson schedule rather than relying on old fixed weekly times.
Nearby Attractions
Sharon Art Studio, Koret Children’s Quarter, the carousel and Robin Williams Meadow make this a strong eastern Golden Gate Park recreation cluster.
Quick Facts About Lawn Bowling Courts
- The manicured lawn bowling greens beside Robin Williams Meadow preserve one of Golden Gate Park’s oldest organized recreation traditions.
- The club offers free introductory lessons by arrangement.
- The San Francisco Lawn Bowling Club grew out of the city’s Scottish community and first played on the Golden Gate Park green in 1901.
- The greens survived the disruption of the 1906 earthquake era, when the area was reportedly used as a horse corral, and the club continued to grow through the twentieth century.
- The Edwardian-style clubhouse and greens form an important historic recreation landscape in the park.
- John McLaren, Golden Gate Park’s legendary superintendent, was closely associated with the early club.
- Lawn bowls is a precision sport in which players roll biased bowls toward a smaller target ball called the jack.
- The club advertises free lessons for people who want to learn.
More Golden Gate Park Attractions Nearby
- Golden Gate Park
- Beach Chalet
- Bison Paddock
- Blue Heron Lake & Strawberry Hill
- Conservatory of Flowers
- de Young Museum
For the full park overview, museums, gardens, lakes and route planning, see the Golden Gate Park visitor guide.
See More of Golden Gate Park in One San Francisco Route
Golden Gate Park is three miles long, so smaller attractions are easiest to appreciate when they are connected with the park’s major museums, gardens, lakes and nearby neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lawn Bowling Courts
When did lawn bowling begin in Golden Gate Park?
The San Francisco Lawn Bowling Club dates to 1901.
Is this one of the oldest lawn bowling clubs in the U.S.?
Yes. It is widely described as the oldest municipal lawn bowling club in the United States.
Can beginners try lawn bowling?
Yes. The club offers free introductory lessons by arrangement.
Do I need experience?
No. Beginner instruction is available.
What is the small target ball called?
It is called the jack.
Why do lawn bowls curve?
The bowls are intentionally biased, causing them to travel on a curved path.
Is the clubhouse historic?
Yes. The clubhouse dates to 1915 and the complex is recognized as a San Francisco landmark.
Where are the greens?
They are on Bowling Green Drive beside Robin Williams Meadow.
What is nearby?
Sharon Art Studio, Koret Children’s Quarter and the historic carousel are close by.
How long should I spend?
A quick look takes 10 to 20 minutes; a lesson or match requires more time.
