Sonoma County Bocce Club preps for new season

By MELODY KARPINSKI / Santa Rosa Correspondent

The Sonoma County Bocce Club is looking for locals to join bocce teams in preparation for league play beginning April 8.

The club, which began in November 2010, recently became a non-profit.

“We started with 10 teams and are now up to 32 teams,” said Susan Cole, president of the club. “I am very proud of our organization and what we have accomplished.”

The club will hold league play starting April 8 in Juilliard Park at 5:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday nights, with eight teams participating in three games each. Members of the club play one night a week with their designated team.

Bocce, a game that dates back to 5000 B.C., traces its early beginnings to Egypt. The game (also called “lawn bowling”), which consists of rolling several large balls towards a smaller one, quickly spread throughout Europe and Asia Minor.

“Last year, we were able to raise enough money to completely rebuild the courts in Juilliard Park,” said Cole. “The sport is really blossoming and we are proud that we are still growing strong.”  Aside from Juilliard, bocce courts are also located in Doyle Park.

“Great bocce is really fun to watch and participate in,” said Cole. “Our motto is ‘It takes five minutes to learn and a lifetime to perfect.’ Once you throw one ball, you are hooked.”

For more information, visit sonomacountybocce.org.