Bowling Green FAQ 6: Why are we getting lots of divots at the ends of the green?

There are a number of possible reasons for this, but the main underlying contributory factor is usually that of a soft surface which cannot withstand much wear, especially in moist to wet conditions. Softer surfaces will also typically have a medium to deep thatch layer, as well as shallow rooting.

Poor delivery by some bowlers, by not bending down enough to enable a smooth delivery of the bowl onto the green after leaving a player’s hand will negatively impact on the surface by producing divots. Dropping a bowl from any height as part of poor delivery can cause serious indentation and damage to a green, so both education and warming up exercises for bowlers can prove beneficial.