Greens guru to write for Bowler
“Grass has personality” – Rino Parrella Career greenkeeper of 35 years Rino Parrella will write a monthly column for Queensland Bowler magazine starting in September (2013).
(Rino is on the cover of the August issue, in clubs and online now.)
Rino loves grass.
“It has character, personality, it’s self repairing and it’s kind to play on,” Rino said.
Unfortunately, grass loves the sun and bowlers are becoming increasingly sun safety conscious.
With the introduction of shade shelters has come the introduction of synthetic greens, which don’t need sun.
(See advertising feature in August Bowler magazine for the latest in shade sail and synthetic greens suppliers. Click here)
Pine Rivers is one bowls club with players on both types of green.
While everyone we interviewed raved about the sun protection and cheap maintenance of the synthetic greens, grass remains the sentimental favourite, which is why Rino’s new column will come in handy for the hundreds of volunteer greenkeepers throughout the state.
Like former Cambooya cop and Pirates president Ron Howden and Australia Post driver Kevin Read, who maintain the grass green at Pine Rivers as a labour of love.
“It keeps me fit and outdoors,” Howden said.
“Ninety per cent of bowls competitions in Australia are still played on grass and that’s where you’ll find the rep bowlers when they’re gearing up for a comp.
“Both our synthetic greens and grass green are very important.”
Pirates board director John Evans agrees.
“I like the traditional surface, I enjoy it,” Evans said.
“The synthetic green has made me think more, it’s different to grass, but I find grass generally more consistent.
“We can’t afford not to look after our grass green, since 99 per cent of clubs still play on grass.”
The volunteer green keepers around Queensland, like Ron and Kevin, can look forward to some great tips from one of Queensland’s most experienced professional greenkeepers, in September Queensland Bowler magazine.
