The Timaru Bowling Club’s new all-weather turf will make other clubs green with envy.
Greenkeeper Leon O’Sullivan said it was a TigerTurf product, which was the ‘‘best artificial green in the country’’.
It was the third green of its type in South Canterbury, costing the club a ‘‘whopping’’ $206,000.
The costs were covered from club money it had set aside.
Greenkeeper Leon O’Sullivan has a go at the new all weather turf. PHOTO: SHELLEY INON
O’Sullivan said members were ‘‘really loving it’’.
They were not the only people who would benefit from it being installed, as the club hosted school outings and business social functions.
Club secretary Raewyn Crowe said the new green was laid from November to December last year.
It played ‘‘different’’ from the older surface, as it held the lines better, Mrs Crowe said.
With the start of the winter season opening last Saturday, the club encouraged people wanting to have a go to just ‘‘turn up’’.
The club had enough gear to fit out aspiring players, and they offered light refreshments afterwards.
She felt it was great for socialising, especially for people living alone, and the sport kept the mind active as it was a good ‘‘thinking game’’. It was a good exercise for older people, and it was something she liked to do, ‘‘while the body allows’’.
With 50 members — ‘‘give or take’’ — about two dozen players showed up on their playing days.
The artificial turf allowed people to get outside and enjoy the sun, despite the soggy winter conditions. Hidden in Aorangi Park — which covers 13ha of land — she said not many people knew about the club .
‘‘It is past the cricket pavilion.’’
Playing days were Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday with play starting at 1pm.
Anyone wanting private coaching could call Crowe on 027 393-8017.
