Frequently Asked Questions

FLBC is a private bowling and social club with a long history in West Hartford. The clubhouse was added to the Connecticut List of Historic Places in 2014. Our members share in the work of maintaining the clubhouse and grounds.We are not a part of the West Hartford Park System. 

Bowls is a strategic and enjoyable sport played on a smooth grass surface called a green. The game is usually played in teams of two, but there are singles and triples match formats as well. 

Players roll hard resin balls, called bowls, aiming to get them closest to a small white ball called the jack. The bowls have a weight bias on one side that cause them to roll in an arc, rather than straight. The arc is used strategically in delivering your bowls toward the jack. Players take turns rolling their bowls toward the jack, and when all bowls are played, the round is called an end. The player or team earns one point for each bowl closer to the jack than the nearest opponent bowl.

A game typically lasts about 90 minutes. Players agree to the number of ends in a game before they begin play, allowing for a shorter or longer match. The typical number is eight ends.

The club offers training each spring consisting of 3 lessons, each lasting 1 ½ hours. The cost this year is $39.00 per session.

Flat soled shoes; sneakers are fine. A small towel. A set of 4 bowls. Bowls will be supplied by the club for training purposes.

After completing 3 training sessions, joining the club is an option. Dues are $300.00 for a full membership, or $30.00 for an Associate/non-bowling membership per year. Bowls may be rented for $30.00 for the first year, or purchased either from available stock at the club, or from a manufacturer. We will provide information to help you choose.

A typical season is May through October. Weather dictates!

A schedule is developed in the spring and members have an opportunity to sign up for round-robin type games at various times to suit personal preferences. There are also times for pickup games when nothing is formally scheduled, as well as monthly social activities like pot luck suppers and pizza and bowling under the lights. Additionally, there are 2 tournaments each year in which members wear traditional "tournament whites" and compete for a trophy (and some bragging rights!). Each member has a key to the club and can come at any time to practice.

If inclement weather causes a cancellation, notification will be distributed via email and text. We are respectful of our green and careful not to damage the grass.

Fernleigh members are always eager and available to answer questions.

If you see us bowling on the green, come visit! We are happy to welcome spectators. Fernleigh members are always eager and available to answer questions.

If you have additional questions, reach out to us! Email us at info@flbc.info.