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Short Mat Overview

What’s the game:

  • We play bowls on a large carpet mat  (6′ wide x 45′ long)
  • Game play is somewhat similar to ice curling
  • The object of the game is to roll your bowls close to a target ‘jack‘ ball well down the mat
  • The bowls are biased so they curl.   Most shots are a delicate draw shot to the target jack ball
  • You play as a single or in teams, alternating shots with your opponents
  • You get 1 point for each bowl closer to the jack than any of your opponents bowls
  • A game consists of several ‘ends‘ back and forth, up and down the mat

Why play?

  • An interesting, challenging game of skill
  • Very gentle exercise
  • Lessons and all equipment provided
    (Just wear clean running type shoes)
  • Meet new people and have fun!

Season:  Early November to late April

Location:  Bracebridge Arena,  2nd floor, 169 James St,  (705) 645-8165

2023/2024 Playing Times

  • Mondays 1 – 4 pm
  • Tuesday:   9:30 am – 12 noon
  • Thursday: 1 pm – 4 pm
  • Friday: 9:30 am – noon
    Exceptions: No bowling on certain dates in the 2023-2024 season will be noted on the calendar.  Other groups have the Arena facility at times.

Registration Options & Fees (2023-2024):

  • Full season:  $110
  • 3 Months:     $65
  • Drop-in:        Not offered except for up to 2 ‘Try It’ sessions.

COVID19 Impacts:

  • Due facility size and COVID19, we will have to limit the number of  bowlers at one time to 18.
  • Members who do not have their own bowls:  You may borrow a set for the season.
  • Depending on how many members, members may be restricted to playing only a certain number of times per week.
  • If you don’t have email, you must phone Jim Punch, Short Mat Coordinator, who will register for you.
  • To keep everyone safe and our short mat program running, everyone must adhere to the safety protocols from the Ontario Lawn Bowling Association, the Muskoka Lawn Bowling Club and the Town of Bracebridge.
    Note if there is a significant COVID19 outbreak this winter, we may be closed for a while or may have to  cut the season short.
  • Registration and waiver form:  Click HERE

Questions:  Email us at  office@muskokabowls.ca