9 Nov 2016

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For most people a lawn bowls green is just a backdrop to the action, but for one man it's his whole world.

That man is Burnside Bowling Club greenkeeper Glen Miller whose passion in life is nurturing the perfect playing surface.

Greenkeeper Glen Miller tends to his green.

Burnside Bowling Club Greenkeeper Glen Miller tends to his green.

The 30-year greenkeeping veteran is co-ordinating a team of greenkeepers ahead of the World Bowls Championships 2016, which are coming to Christchurch at the end of the month – and the pressure is on.

The Champs will be played at four clubs – Burnside, Fendalton, Bowls Papanui and the Bowls Canterbury Centre. Burnside Bowling Club will act as the headquarters for the event, with temporary grandstands and a large marquee to be set up at nearby Burnside Park.

Glen, who is humble about previously being awarded NZ Greenkeeper of the Year, said the greenkeepers are working as a team to try and produce greens that are similar across the four venues.

“It’s a seven-day-a-week job throughout the playing season and we are of course totally focussed now on getting the greens ready for the tournament. Taking care of them involves cutting, rolling, fertilising and the right amount of watering.”

You might expect grass, but in fact Christchurch lawn bowling greens are sown with water weed, which, as the name suggests, requires a lot of water or it dies.

Glen said all greens were progressing nicely and he and his fellow greenkeepers would have them in good shape ready for tournament play.

World Bowls Championships 2016 quick facts:

  • Official opening November 28
  • Event runs from November 29 to December 11
  • 234 competitors, with 224 from overseas (including Australia, United Kingdom, South Africa and Malaysia)
  • 330 volunteers
  • Events spread over four clubs: Burnside, Fendalton, Bowls Papanui, Bowls Canterbury Centre
  • Last hosted in Christchurch in 2008.