Police are investigating the armed robbery of a bowling club south of Sydney last night.

Shortly before 10pm (Wednesday 8 May), a man armed with a hammer smashed his way through a front window of the club on Greta Street in Woonona.

The man confronted a female employee, who had just closed the club.

He was handed cash and fled the scene through the broken window.

The woman was not hurt and contacted police immediately.

Police from Wollongong Local Area Command established a crime scene and conducted a search of the area without success.

The man involved is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in his 20s, thin build, 170 to 180cm tall and was wearing a black and grey two-toned jumper, blue jeans and white joggers. He also had a black cloth covering his face.

Anyone with information about the robbery is urged to contact Wollongong Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.