Pāpāmoa Bowling Club is rolling into a new era after completing a major upgrade at its Gordon Spratt Reserve site, replacing its old artificial surface with a brand-new playing green.

The transformation, which took about three weeks to complete, has given the club a noticeably smoother and more modern playing surface – and members are already noticing the difference.

Club sponsor co-ordinator Fraser Gibson said the green was officially handed back to the club last week after the project, led by the Tauranga City Council and contractor TigerTurf, was completed.

“We had no access for about three weeks. The whole area was fenced off,” he said.

“But we got back in last Thursday, and it’s magnificent to play on. It’s really good – the bowls just move so smoothly now.”

Pāpāmoa Bowling Club’s Fraser Gibson, president Ken Smythe and vice president John Keen on old artificial green. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

The upgrade marks a significant change for the club, which had previously been using an older synthetic surface with wear and uneven patches.

“Just with the wear and tear, it had bumps and different spots where the bowls would wobble,” Gibson said.

“But now it’s just beautiful – it’s smooth as a baby’s bum.”

To keep members playing during the closure, nearby clubs stepped in to help, with Tauranga and Te Puke providing space for roll-ups and tournaments.

The old artificial surface at Pāpāmoa Bowling Club. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

“People still got to play a little bit, but it was great to get back home,” Gibson said.

The Pāpāmoa Bowling Club, established in 1999, had grown into a busy community hub with about 90 playing members and daily activity year-round.

President Ken Smythe said he only discovered bowls after retiring and quickly became hooked.

“The week I retired I just went down to the club. I’d never played before,” he said.

“It takes a couple of seasons to really pick up, but, once you do, it’s fantastic.”

The old artificial surface at Pāpāmoa Bowling Club. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Smythe, in his first year as president, said the club catered to all skill levels and prides itself on welcoming newcomers. “We’ve always had coaching. People can come down on Thursday mornings and learn for free,” he said.

The club runs roll-ups twice a week, hosts up to 15 external tournaments a year, and has a popular summer corporate programme that attracts up to 300 participants.

Gibson said those corporate events had become a major part of the club’s identity, bringing in both income and new interest in the sport.

“Companies come in for Christmas functions or team days. We provide the bowls, coaching, and they just come down and have fun,” he said.

The brand-new playing green. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

“People love it because it’s about sport and connection rather than just going out drinking.”

The club is now looking to the future, with plans underway to expand its clubrooms to accommodate its growing membership and community use.

Smythe said the club had grown from about 50 to 80 members in the past few years, with demand continuing to rise.

“Our clubroom is only about a 50-seater, and we’re standing room only at meetings now,” he said.

“We’re looking at doubling the space so we can better support our members and community groups.”

The new green is expected to be officially showcased at upcoming tournaments, with members already settling back into regular play – this time on a surface they say feels like a major step forward. “It’s just a completely different look and feel,” Gibson said. “To us, it’s just magnificent.”