A group of 30 lucky participants enjoyed an intimate clinic session with ‘Face of Bowls Australia’ Barrie Lester at Airlie Beach Bowls Club last Friday.
The 40-year-old bowling sensation has represented Australia internationally countless times and now shares his wisdom, including his effective philosophy, to clubs all across Australia.
Local bowls club member, Shane Spann, is good friends with Barrie and took the time to organise the clinic which he said was very popular with the other members.
“I managed to sneak him in last year, but this year everyone wanted to meet him – we only had 30 places and they got booked real quick – we even had a waitlist!” said Shane.
During the two-and-a-half-hour clinic, the 30 avid bowlers learnt everything from the merits of regular exercise to enhance your bowling skills, through to how to maximise your concentration and focus.
Hanging around for the whole weekend, Barrie was available to meet everyone at the club and spent time discussing tips, tricks and all things bowls.
He also played in six games across the weekend.
“It was really good to see so many people from all demographics, the really young to the more experienced, come together,” said Barrie.
“I hold clinics whenever I can – I love to give back at the grassroots level, it’s great to see the reward players get out of it.”
In golf you often have access to a golf pro, but in bowls it is not as common.
“I like to get on the road a bit, get to the rural areas, upskill players who live, breathe and love the game!”
Barrie started lawn bowls 25 years ago, his dad was a keen bowler and he enjoyed heading down to the green with him.
He got his first sponsorship from Lakes Entrance Bowls Club 22 years ago and since then has made a career out of the sport he loves.
“It’s taken me all around the world and I’ve loved every second of it!” he said.
“The ‘Jackaroos’ are like a family, we all support each other and it is such a great environment – the team is the best part about it.
“It’s a very welcoming sport and anyone can give it a go!”
Next up, Barrie will be playing in the Australian Championships which are due to be held in the Gold Coast next week.
He will then participate in the Bowls Premier League which will be held in Brisbane in November and televised on FOX Sports.
Image: International bowling legend Barrie Lester teaches a clinic at Airlie Beach Bowls Club
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