HERE WE ARE IN SUN CITY, ARIZONA Pierre Vanderhout’s - Travel Blog (Visitor from Kingston, Ontario, Canada) November 3, 2024 Some trips are predictable. For example, I knew it was only a matter of time before I made it to Chile. But other trips can’t be foreseen. I certainly never thought I’d be in Sun City, Arizona, to play in the US Open lawn bowling tournament. And yet, here I am. From a bowling perspective, this place is amazing. There are 5 clubs within perhaps a 15 minute drive of each other. The greens are true, quick, and aesthetically appealing. I can see why so many of my bowling friends have raved about it. I can’t wait for play to begin – for now, we have a couple of days of practice. But, for travel blog purposes, I will try to focus on all aspects of the trip…not just the lawn bowling ones. Sun City is essentially a suburb to the northwest of Phoenix, Arizona. Phoenix currently is the 5th largest city in the U.S.A. Who knew? But Phoenix is not a typical city, and Sun City is hardly a typical suburb. For starters, home ownership in Sun City is limited to those 55 and older. So, there are a LOT of recreational activities available. And also a lot of “Snowbirds” (retired Canadians who spend the winters in the southern U.S.A.). After only a day here, I can understand why it is so popular. More HERE with photos!
Wow, thanks for posting eyesopen. Back in the day, DEVCO was huge into supporting the United States lawn bowling association (even to the point DEVCO paid the $5 fee for every one of the 1400 lawn bowlers to be part of the association). Tournaments always loved coming here, and one of the goals was to use the event as a sales tool. Before they had sold out and moved to West i heard stories from bowlers coming here, staying in company owned villas (Play and Stay units) and be given golf cars to get around in. I guess it should come as no surprise, at one point, Sun City had 12 lawn bowlers living here who were in the lawn bowling hall of fame. I've written lots of articles and features entitled "Lawn Bowling Heaven." Everything and i mean EVERYTHING was another valuable marketing tool.
