The first recorded discussion about bowls at Royal Sydney occurred in 1922. It was announced that plans were in preparation and the discussions would be held about the size of a rink. Nothing happened for a number of years. It is likely that, as with squash, bowls had to wait for the aftermath of the clubhouse and the consequent financial reshaping.

Play began as the Depression arrived in 1929. Nevertheless, a number of members embraced the game with enthusiasm. Between 1930 and 1935 a number of extensions were made to the playing areas available for the game. It completely eclipsed croquet, whose remaining lawn was turned into a new green to accommodate the expanding legion of bowlers.

In the 1950s and 1960s the popularity of the game increased and suggestions were made for an increase in the playing areas available and in the improvement of the surfaces. In 1956 one green was sown with bent grass, possibly the last such surface in Sydney. It remained until 1988, when the top bowling green was used as a practice putting green at the Australian Open and whereafter it was converted to Couch. Other greens were re-laid progressively, using improved strains of couch, a surface that gives better wear all year round.

Currently, Royal Sydney has two high quality bowling greens with a surface consisting of Greenlees Park Couch which are available for play by members all year round.