SPRIN G 2022
P I C K U P YO U R C O P Y T O D AY
THE USCA IS DELIGHTED TO WELCOME THE PARTICIPANTS TO THE 2022 USCA G C N AT I O N A L C H A M P I O N S H I P S .
On behalf of the visiting USCA members / players I extend thanks to our gracious host clubs and members at High Hampton, the Chattooga Club, Country Club of Sapphire Valley and Highlands Falls Country Club. These four venues offer stunning settings, for the sport we all enjoy. The USCA has six regions that contest regional championships in the sport of croquet. Regionals provide prequalification events for the national championship. They importantly serve as regional development events in the sport. This national event also serves as a development opportunity for local players to observe higher levels of play. This national championship represents the pinnacle of GC in the USA, and one of the four main games of croquet that the USCA embraces and promotes. Over the last thirty years the sport of croquet has grown in this region. This “Plateau” district currently has active croquet players in the thousands. Staging this event in Cashiers / Highlands provides the opportunity for local players to experience the best players from across the country. It enhances the local croquet player’s experience in the game. The mission of the USCA is to promote the awareness, development and enjoyment of Croquet in America,
providing resources and governance for the sport at all levels. Through USCA membership croquet players across the country support the organization to further these shared goals. We openly invite all players on the Plateau to join our nationwide croquet community and support the game you enjoy. This tournament is supported with sponsorship by Silver Creek Real Estate Group (major tournament and presenting sponsor), PFC Hoopmaker Mallets (equipment sponsor), and Peachtree Hills Place Croquet Club (event sponsor and development partner). We appreciate their commitment and support. On behalf of the USCA Membership we wish all players the best in their matches. We are excited to gather and compete for the GC National Championship here in the North Carolina mountains again. We also extend our thanks to the many local USCA members, host venues and staff, and organizing committee members that have worked hard to make this event a success. Sincerely, Damon Bidencope Proud USCA Member & President
Chattooga Club pictured on front cover.
schedule of events CHAT TOOGA CLUB
1 Pavilion Way Cashiers, NC 28717
M AY 1 5
M AY 1 9
WELCOME RECEPTION
FROM 8:30 AM
Sunday Evening Participant Private Invitation Event
M AY 1 6 1st Flight Singles Blocks A, D 1st Flight Singles Blocks B, C Championship Doubles Block A
COUNTRY CLUB OF SA P P H I R E VA L L E Y
120 Handicap Drive Sapphire, NC 28774
Championship Doubles Block B
1 Club Drive Highlands, NC 28741
M AY 1 7
1st Flight Singles Semi and Finals FROM 9:50 AM
Championship Singles Block C FROM 1:00 PM
Championship Singles Block A, D
M AY 2 0
1st Flight Singles Blocks B, C
1st Flight Doubles
Championship Doubles Block A
Championship Singles Blocks A, C
Championship Doubles Block B
Championship Singles Block B
1st Flight Singles Blocks A, D 1525 Highway 107 South Cashiers, NC 28717
Championship Singles Blocks B, D
FROM 8:30 AM
FROM 1:00 PM
HIGH HAMPTON
Championship Singles Blocks A, C
1st Flight Doubles
1st Flight Singles Blocks A, D HIGHLANDS FALLS COUNTRY CLUB
Championship Singles Blocks A, D
1st Flight Singles Blocks B, C Championship Doubles Plate Championship Doubles Main Knockout
M AY 1 8 FROM 8:30 AM
Championship Singles Block D
M AY 2 1 Championship Singles, Plate Championship Singles Main Knockout 1st Flight Doubles Draw Quarterfinal Process Quarterfinal
1st Flight Singles Blocks A, D
Championship Singles Quarterfinal
1st Flight Singles Blocks B, C
Championship Singles Quarterfinal
Semi Championship Doubles FROM 11:10 AM
1st Flight Plate 1st Flight Knockout 1st Flight Plate 1st Flight Knockout
M AY 2 2 FROM 8:30 AM
Championship Singles Plate, Draw Singles Bowl Event 1st Flight Doubles Final Championship Singles Semifinal
FROM 1:00 PM
Finals Championship Doubles Finals Draw and Process Doubles TOURNAMENT RECEP TION NATIONAL DOUBLES AWARD
Wednesday Evening Participant Private Invitation Event
FROM 1:00 PM
Semifinal / Finals Main Knockout and Plate Championship Singles Final
This program was designed and published by Silver Creek Real Estate Group at 341 Highway 64 West, PO Box 430, Cashiers, NC 28717. 828-743-1999.
COUNTRY CLUB OF SA P P H I R E VA L L E Y
HIGH HAMPTON
CHAT TOOGA CLUB
HIGHLANDS FALLS COUNTRY CLUB
USCA SPECTATOR GUIDE
Golf croquet is easy to learn and great fun for both beginners and expert players alike. O R D E R O F P L AY
Blue, Red, Black, Yellow (always played in this sequence). One shot per turn. The sequence of colors is on the center peg. The order that the hoop points are scored is below. Each player plays two balls, either Blue & Black or Red & Yellow. SINGLES:
D O U B L E S : Player plays one color (if blue) and partner plays other team ball (then black) throughout the game. HOW TO SCORE
Only one of the four balls can earn each hoop’s point for their team. Each hoop point is scored by only one ball, so that all four balls are always contesting the same hoop. A ball scores a point for its side by passing through the next hoop in sequence. If the striker’s ball causes another ball to run the hoop, the point is counted for the side whose ball ran the hoop. If two balls pass through the hoop on the same stroke, the point is scored by the ball that was closest to the hoop at the start of the stroke. HOW TO WIN
The object is to be the first side to score seven points or be ahead when time is called. If tied at six all, hoop #3 is contested as the 13th point to break the tie.
Play is made by striking a ball with the face of a mallet. Turns are played in the sequence blue, red, black, yellow. Each turn consists of one, and only one, stroke. The striker’s ball may cause other balls to move and score points however, the striker’s mallet may never strike any ball other than the striker’s ball. The striker must play using the mallet face only. STARTING THE GAME
The side that wins a coin toss plays blue/black. The blue ball plays first. Each ball is played into the game from within a yard from corner 4. OUT OF BOUNDS
A ball goes out of bounds as soon as any part of it lies over a boundary. When a ball goes out, it is placed just inside the boundary nearest to where it crossed the boundary. T H E H A L F WAY R U L E / O F F S I D E
At the end of a turn where a point is scored, a ball more than halfway to the next hoop is offside, unless it reached its position on the stroke just played, or through contact with an opponent’s ball, or was moved to a penalty spot. When you have an offside ball, your opponent can elect that your ball’s next shot be played from one of the two P spots. The opponent chooses which spot.
F I N D O U T M O R E about the programs the USCA is actively developing and available resources from 10 am – 1 pm at the following locations:
Monday: Highlands Falls Country Club Tuesday: High Hampton Wednesday: Country Club of Sapphire Valley Thursday: Chattooga Club Friday: High Hampton Saturday: Country Club of Sapphire Valley Sunday: Highlands Falls Country Club Join the Croquet community of America to discover fun people, creative ideas and great places to visit to continue enjoying this wonderful activity for years to come. CROQUETAMERICA.COM
CROQUET ON THE PLATEAU A Brief History
The Plateau—the high-mountain ridge stretching from Lake Toxaway to Sky Valley—is home to thirteen croquet clubs and upwards of two thousand players. How did we get here? John and Kathleen Rivers got the ball rolling in the late 80s, while developing The Chattooga Club. Intrigued by the USCA’s claim to be the fastest-growing sport in America, John announced, “This is where the croquet lawn will go”. Kathleen replied, “You’re nuts!” They put the Plateau on the croquet map, building one of the premier croquet facilities in the US, and hosting a world-class tournament — The Chattooga Challenge — featuring the world’s best players. National champions from all the major croquet playing countries participated in the inaugural event. Nearby small clubs developed at Etowah Valley and Black Mountain. Highlands Country Club was next. Having joined the club in 2003, Bill McClanahan led the move from what had been an informal weekly croquet gathering to the founding of the Highland Strikers in 2005, an official club within the club. Burlingame (originally Sapphire Lakes) Country Club started 9-wicket croquet around this time, and with McClanahan’s help and encouragement started playing Golf Croquet. George and Jane Enochs convinced the Lake Toxaway Club to add croquet in 2008. Croquet courts do not
flourish without programing. Having assured the club’s owner that croquet would quickly become a popular club amenity, George and Jane embraced the responsibility for making this come true. They created a mentoring and coaching program that quickly grew the club to over 100 players, eventually approaching 200. With the support of USCA President Gene Young, George and Jane organized a top-level exhibition match featuring Danny Huneycutt and Sherif Abdelwahab, attended by 140+ spectators from across the Plateau. Match commentary to engage and inform the assembled spectators was provided by current USCA President Damon Bidencope. George and Jane’s efforts were a fundamental catalyst for the ensuing growth across the region. These four established “croquet” clubs - Chattooga, Highlands Country Club, Burlingame, and Toxaway created a “critical mass” of activity that could not be ignored by other Plateau country clubs. Trillium installed croquet and then Highlands Falls and Wildcat Cliffs added croquet in 2011, Cedar Creek Racquet Club in 2012 (since renamed as Cedar Creek Club), Cullasaja, Country Club of Sapphire Valley. Mountaintop and Sky Valley were next, in 2017, and High Hampton included croquet as part of their major renovation in 2021. The Plateau has the largest concentration of Golf Croquet in America, and is still growing.
photo by stacy burton
TOURNAMENT HOST CLUB CHAT TOOGA CLUB
The Chattooga Club is situated on one of the finest examples of Appalachian Mountain land. Streams, gentle waterfalls, lake views, vistas of Whiteside from Mac’s View, and rock outcroppings are features enjoyed within the club grounds. Plants range from ancient trees to rare azaleas. The club features both rugged and gentle topography with breathtaking views. At the heart of the club are the Lodge and the pavilion that overlook the two tournamentquality croquet lawns. Three decades ago, the club was the first in the Cashiers / Highlands area to install tournament croquet lawns. The architectural style of the buildings continues to embrace their surroundings, celebrate their natural setting, and acknowledge the traditional mountain style. The pavilion and croquet lawns were the focus of the first international croquet event staged in the area and continue to be central to many high-profile USCA croquet events. Members and guests enjoy exclusive access to a wide array of amenities, activities, and events, providing endless opportunities to reconnect with their family and friends. The Chattooga Club is pleased to continue the tradition of hosting the finest quality croquet competitions as a host for the 2022 USCA GC National Championships. CHAT TOOGACLUB.COM
TOURNAMENT HOST CLUB CO U N T RY C LU B O F SA P P H I R E VA L L E Y
The Country Club of Sapphire Valley, North Carolina, is proud to be a host of the USCA’s Golf Croquet National Championship, to be held May 16-22. The tournament will be co-hosted by four area clubs, offering “magnificent croquet venues” according to the United States Croquet Association. Participants will have an opportunity to play each on a rotation basis. It is no surprise that this event has come to the Plateau, as croquet has burgeoned as a popular sport here. The number of area players has bounced from approximately 300 people 12 years ago, to just under 2,000 today. The tournament is sponsored by Silver Creek Real Estate Group, PFC Hoopmaker Mallets and Peachtree Hills Place Croquet Club. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains at 4000 feet, CCSV has developed a robust croquet program since installing its first lawn in 2013. A second lawn was added three years later and the program has grown to include 180 regular players. The program caters to all levels of interest, from the popular “Wine and Wickets” event to “Ladies on the Lawn” and “Six Wicket”. Its success is due in large part to Kevin Moir, the Club’s director of lawn and racquet sports, whose contagious enthusiasm supports a sold-out “croquet school” for members each winter in Florida. If there is a theme to the program’s success it is “introduction equals passion.” Over and over one hears of newcomers to the sport who are instant converts. Perhaps the best example is Mark Kucharski, CCSV’s head tennis professional who learned the basics of croquet on his first day on the job, in order to assist Moir with occasional teaching and officiating at various social events on the lawn. The “croquet bug” bit before long, aided by the mentorship of club members Sally Muzii and Billy Harper. Today he has several regional tournaments under his belt, most recently making it to the finals in the Steuber Classic.
Among the Club’s participants in the upcoming national contest is Jochen Lucke who was undefeated in the Selection 8 Tournament last year and has won singles and doubles championships between Country Club of Sapphire Valley and Chattooga Club. Upon taking up croquet nine years ago, he quickly discovered he enjoyed not only the sociability of the game but also the competitive strategy involved. Croquet turns out to be a family affair as he and his wife Adrienne hold the current men’s and women’s champions at the Club. Billy Harper, a retired veterinarian from Hobe Sound, will also be competing in the national tournament. His interest borders on passion and has lead him to various regional competitions, including the Florida Regional and the Steuber Tournament, as well as the upcoming Carolina Regional. He especially enjoys the Mountain Challenge Tournament in which players from twelve area clubs compete, and placed second in CCSV’s first ever member-guest event last year. But joy in the sport is not limited to the competitive players. Sally Muzii (one of Mark Kucharski’s early mentors) began playing just 8 years ago and shares her love of the game by teaching beginners in Palm Beach Gardens, her winter residence. A lifelong participant in many sports, she is appreciative of the Club’s exceptional lawns and the surrounding scenery, which she describes as “out of a movie.” Ralph Vickers, a lifelong golfer, has also developed a serious interest in croquet. Citing the mental aspect of the game (chess on a lawn!) and the pleasure of meeting new people, he now plays up to four times a week. It is safe to say that the National Tournament will draw an expansive gallery of croquet lovers. “We are so honored that CCSV will be host to the 2022 USCA Golf Croquet National Championship, as some of the premier players will grace our lawns. I can assure them that they will receive a warm welcome when they arrive,” Kevin Moir promises. A welcome as gracious as that first flute of Pimm’s.
C C S A P P H I R E VA L L E Y.O R G
TOURNAMENT HOST CLUB HIGHLANDS FALLS COUNTRY CLUB
“High atop the Highlands Plateau, where incredible views stretch for miles, is Highlands Falls, a country club where you can play to your heart’s content every day. Highlands Falls is a close-knit community that plays together and relishes the chance to have fun. Our club offers all the amenities and activities you’d expect and then some. Where you prefer golf, croquet, pickleball, tennis, bridge, fishing, swimming, dining, book club, mahjong, working out, competing in our ‘yacht club’ races or a combination of all the above, you’ll enjoy your play surrounded by mountain views, our incredible waterfall and folks who can’t wait to welcome you to our community.” CLUBHFCC.COM
TOURNAMENT HOST CLUB HIGH HAMPTON
In the clear mountain air, surrounded by 1,400 acres of natural beauty, High Hampton invites its members and their guests an escape, to relax, and do as much or as little as they like. High Hampton has been a welcoming family destination for decades. (Est. 1922) In recent years the property has been enhanced to offer a range of new amenities: Two tournament quality croquet lawns, Tom Fazio 18-hole golf course, a panoramic fitness studio, racquet courts, pool, and spa, lakefront activities, and many new restaurants from casual grab-and-go to fine dining. Croquet like all activities at High Hampton has experienced a transformation. The long grass croquet experienced by families over many generations at High Hampton can now enjoy the pristine tournament quality courts and many social croquet events offered. High Hampton was awarded USCA 2021 New Club of the Year. The club welcomes the participants of the 2022 USCA GC National Championships. HIGHHAMPTON.COM
photo courtesy of dataw island croquet club
MEET THE MALLET MAKER PETER COLES (PFC HOOP MAKER MALLET) — EQUIPMENT SPONSOR
Peter’s educational path explored Anthropology, Fine Engineering and later, Computer Science. He founded Coles-Roice in 1973, a company which manufactured components for fine precision instruments. Over the next 33 years, the business expanded into the auto Industry, computer industry, laser measuring equipment, software and chemical manufacture. Peter retired in 2006, and the business continues. Peter was introduced to Croquet at a Probus ‘sports’ event in 2011. He instantly loved it and became a club member that day. “I couldn’t find a croquet mallet I was happy with. So in 2014, I designed - and three other highly qualified engineers perfected - the PFC Hoop Maker Mallet with the philosophy of making a mallet that custom ‘fits’ each user. It must be made perfectly in every way.” Peter plays Golf Croquet on a zero handicap and is currently being introduced to Ricochet in which he has a growing personal interest. He has played croquet all over the world, including the preliminary knockout qualifier event in the 2019 World GC Championship in England. “Sadly I didn’t make it and missed winning the plate by one hoop. At my age, I think that pigeon may have flown the coop!” The future plans for Hoop Maker mallets are to continue to fabricate the most perfect mallet we are able to manufacture, explore new materials, and ensure every PFC Mallet user is completely satisfied with their mallet.
Peter’s weekly activities – flying, shooting, sailing, and making PFC Mallets (typically more than 50 per month. “At 81, hopefully I can continue that for another 10 years.” PFC Hoop Maker Mallet has set up excellent agents in the US, UK (3), Norway, NZ, and Spain. Vickie Johnston, of White Tie Croquet, is PFC’s US agent. Selfdescribed as: “A San Francisco native… too much education…Wall St to Hong Kong to San Francisco before transplanting to Palm Beach in 2011...fell head over heels in love with croquet in 2014...followed by a 5-year deep dive into retailing croquet equipment and clothing...founded White Tie Croquet in 2020 and am now enveloped in clouds of whites!” WhiteTieCroquet.com is a unique resource for croquet clothing and PFC Mallets. The USCA welcomes PFC as the equipment sponsor for the 2022 USCA GC National Championship.
MEET
PETER
COLES
from 10 am – 1 pm at
the following locations: Monday: Highlands Falls Country Club Tuesday: High Hampton Wednesday: Country Club of Sapphire Valley Thursday: Chattooga Club Friday: High Hampton Saturday: Country Club of Sapphire Valley Sunday: Highlands Falls Country Club CROQUETMALLETMETAL .COM
CONTRIBUTIONS
USCA General Fund and The Lee Olsen Fund
The United States Croquet Association (USCA) is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please consult your tax advisor for more information regarding charitable donations.
Defray the cost of the annual tournament held in Pennsylvania at the Merion Cricket Club. • Miscellaneous promotions and activities to benefit the sport of croquet.
If you would like to make a gift through a different method such as a gift of stock, donor advised fund, or another giving vehicle we would be delighted to speak with you about that. Please contact our office at +1 (561) 478-0760.
USCA GENERAL FUND The USCA General Fund is comprised of assets that support the general operations of the organization. Additionally, we support various activities with these assets, some of which are open-ended and others that are for a particular purpose. Some of the items are listed below. • 2024 Golf Croquet World Championship. • 2024 AC World Championship. • The Champions Purse — Established to lessen the impact of tournament fees for winners of a Regional Tournament. • Collegiate
National
Championship
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THE LEE OLSEN FUND The Lee Olsen Fund provides stipends to assist with the travel expenses of all members selected to represent the USA in international team competitions. We also provide assistance to all youth competitors in International events. Beginning in 2018 the Lee Olsen Fund designed and procured uniforms which are provided free of charge to any USCA members selected to represent the USA in international competition. This has resulted in an esprit de corps among our international players and helps to present a unified presence when they compete abroad. The Lee Olsen Fund was established in 1985 to help supply the traveling teams with the proper uniforms and for traveling expenses. It was named for Lee Olsen, a member of the Westhampton Mallet Club and the Beach Club. The fund is instrumental in helping traveling teams and the demands continue to grow.
PEACHTREE HILLS PLACE CROQUET CLUB EVENT SPONSOR AND DEVELOPMENT PARTNER
Established in 2019, the Peachtree Hills Place Croquet Club originated from the Members’ collective passion for the game of croquet. Inspired by English country garden designs, the Central Courtyard greensward features two regulation-sized manicured croquet lawns. Open exclusively to Peachtree Hills Place Members and their guests, the croquet courts are the perfect place for lawn sports and socializing while sporting their croquet whites. Peachtree Hills Place Croquet Club offers Competitive Play, Private Instruction as well as Social Play. Peachtree Hills Place Croquet Club is an event sponsor of the 2022 USCA GC National Championships, partner / host of the USCA High Performance Talent Development (Labor day – 2022), and inaugural host for the Georgia Cup. PEACHTREEHILLSPLACE.COM
T H E L E A D I N G R E A L E S TAT E E X P E R T S F O R T H E H I G H L A N D S - C A S H I E R S P L AT E A U W I T H 1 2 P R I VAT E C L U B S O F F E R I N G C R O Q U E T
proud sponsor of
T H E 2 0 2 2 U S C A G O L F C R O Q U E T N AT I O N A L C H A M P I O N S H I P