Q: You have a won World Championships in pairs and have medaled in singles at several international events. How much does being a full time professional lawn bowler affect your game.?
Ryan: I am not a full time professional at the moment. From 2007-2011 I was at the Cabramatta Bowling Club. From 2012-Present I am the Bowls Co-ordinator at the Broadbeach Bowls Club. I work 5 or 6 days a week, but do get time off to play bowls in major competitions and to represent the club. Australia would be the toughest place to play in the world, due to the very high standard of play and excellent greens. Major Singles tournaments have helped me prepare for International duties for Canada. Being at a club that fully supports me has had a major effect in my bowls the last few years. Not having to be thinking about going into tournaments and having to win to earn money. Mainly playing against the best players in the World on a weekly basis has helped me achieve my success at the International level.
Q: Aside from just bowling, you have other duties at the Broadbeach Club in Australia. What functions do you perform for your club?
Ryan: Yes it’s a full time job at the club. I open up the club each morning. Setting up the bar and making the club ready for business. I am the Greens Director as well which puts me on the Board of Directors. I am involved in all major business decisions for the club. I run all major events, such as the World Under 25 Championships, Australian Open & 7 of our tournaments. As well, I am the Bowls Co-ordinator which involves selecting teams and running all our club championships.
Q: Would you rather win a World Bowls Gold medal in singles play or skipping the fours?
Ryan: Singles as it is the Blue Ribbon event. I actually think World Bowls should be a four person team. Then four players can play the singles, two pairs and one fours. It is not right that only one person can play singles from each country. Scotland has Alex Marshall, Paul Foster, Darren Burnett & Iain McClean who could all easily win gold medals.
Q: The 1st time that I met you. You were 13 years old. (My whites were older than you.) You were skipping your family fours team In the Ontario Finals. You won a silver medal that day. How did you handle the pressure at such a young age?
Ryan: No real pressure, even now in any big games, Bowls is just a game and we should enjoy it.
Q: Obviously. You get a lot of attention because of you’re strong striking ability. This does help market you. The Australians have labelled you the Master Blaster. Striking though is only a small part of the game. What do you feel are your greatest strengths on the lawn bowling green?
Ryan: Yes a lot of people used to think I could just drive. I don’t drive nearly as much anymore. Only when the greens get 16 seconds +. Driving doesn’t win you games but can help prevent you from losing. I think my biggest strength is just being an all around player. I can draw, drive and have learned the yard on shot on the Australian Greens.
Q: What is your weekly practice routine like for on green practice, physical fitness and mental training?
Ryan: Depending what is on, I play a lot and like to take breaks from the game to re-energize. When we play for the club and it is just on Saturdays. I will have a roll up Thursday afternoon and a pairs practice game on Friday afternoon. When big events are coming up I like to take a break so I actually want to play bowls for 2 weeks in a row.
Q: Here you get to rant for a while. Why do you dislike the respot rule and sets play vs the traditional rules?
Ryan: Re-spot is by far the worst rule in the game at the moment. It changes the game completely. Bowls that are 20 feet heavy come into the game. It takes the drive away and too much luck in the game. Sets play was brought in for tv. The PBA is okay because they get money for it. For Worlds & Commonwealth Games the focus should be on finding out who the best players in the World are. Not to get a game done in 2 hours.
Q: You play at a very rapid pace. Do other players try to alter the rhythm of the game to put you off your pattern?
Ryan: Yes. I have learned there are many mind games people can play in the game. You must learn to use it to your advantage and turn the tables on your opponents when gamesmanship comes into play.
Q: What is the most exciting game that you have ever played?
Ryan: Most exciting game would be pennant or Premier league here in Australia. It is 3 rinks of 4 and add up the scores. Every time we play the strong Helensvale club it is very exciting.
Q: The Commonwealth Games in 2018 will be at your home club in Broadbeach. How much of an advantage is this for you?
Ryan: It will be a huge advantage. The last few International events have been dominated by the host country. The greens at Broadbeach will be very good though, so less of an advantage because of that. But being familiar with the surroundings and the little things the wind plays will help me for sure.
Q: Do you have a favourite green to play on?
Ryan: 15 or 16 seconds is perfect
Q: Most of your success has come outdoors. Do you play on any Australian indoor surfaces?
Ryan:I don’t go into the Australian Indoors because it is sets play and respot.
Q: What is the biggest prize that you have won in lawn bowling?
Ryan:Biggest prize is the world Pairs. Most money is $8000.
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