Bowie joined Chelsea in September 1944 from Park Vale in Aberdeen after having been spoted in wartime football whilst he was serving in the Navy. His military duty prevented him from playing very often during the war but he was a member of Chelsea team that defeated Charlton 3-1 at Wembley, before 84,000, in the 1942/3 League Cup South Final.

He also guested briefly for Middlesbrough during the war as well as for Hounslow (which is probably where he was originally spotted by Chelsea). He was described as a typical Scottish inside-forward - energetic, temperamental and full of ball-playing tricks.

He was transferred to Fulham, also in the top division at the time, in exchange for Wally Hinselwood. He was transferred to Brentford in March 1952 just before the club were relegated.

During the close season he was sold to Watford of the 3rd Division South. He began to suffer from knee injuries which kept him out of the side and in January 1956, he slipped out of League football by signing for Bedford Town for £500. He moved on to Headington United in February 1957 and amazingly re-joined Fulham in May 1957. He did not however figure in the first team and was soon on his way again when he joined March Town during the 1958 close season. His final destination was Wisbech Town whom he joined in December 1959.