The Welsh Bowling Association was founded in 1904 but suffered with only 19 affiliated clubs. However following the
Coal Industry Commission Act 1919, a Miners' Welfare Fund was set up, which included the provision of recreational facilities for miners and steelworkers. The sport experienced a boom with affiliated bowls clubs rising from 43 to 152. The
Welsh National Bowls Championships were inaugurated in 1919 and the Welsh Women's Bowling Association was formed in March 1932. In 1958 Cardiff hosted the
Lawn bowls at the 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games. In 2008, the Welsh Bowling Association was based at
Llanishen in Cardiff and comprised 10 affiliated
counties and 286 affiliated clubs. The WBA organised competitions, including the county championship, and selected and manages the national side. Also in 2008, the Welsh Women's Bowling Association was based at
Knighton,
Powys. Notably, at the 2009
Atlantic Bowls Championships in
Johannesburg, the Welsh women's team finished first. In December 2023, the Welsh Bowling Association and the Welsh Women's Bowling Association merged to become Welsh Lawn Bowls. == Bowls players ==