GC Worlds Welcome

Greetings USCA Members and croquet enthusiasts across the world. This edition of Croquet News, the Official Magazine of the USCA is dedicated to the 2024 WCF GC World Championship. Included is news from around the croquet world. We hope you enjoy the varied information provided.

Welcome to the championship and qualifier event participants that have traveled from countries across the world and all corners of the United States to enjoy this contest, which will decide the 2024 GC World Champion. We appreciate that elite players have traveled and committed their precious time and resources, to showcase their talents. Thank you for your efforts and good luck to all.

The USCA is proud to host this major event for the benefit and development of the game. We invite visiting participants and spectators (both on site and online) to explore the wide and diverse reach of croquet in the U.S. and our 250 USCA croquet clubs. From the backyard nine-wicket games familiar to all U.S. families to the finest manicured surfaces possible, the USCA embraces all croquet. The USCA actively promotes GC, AC, American Six Wicket and 9-wicket croquet.

The 2024 WCF GC World Championship has been years in the planning. These events require significant financial underwriting. The dedicated efforts of many throughout the USCA croquet community and the financial support provided by members through their continued USCA membership and donations are fundamental to this opportunity being available to the world’s elite talent.

Thank you to our sponsors PFC Hoopmaker, White Tie Croquet and Oakley Woods Croquet and donors.

If you are an existing USCA Member, on behalf of all the participants, thank you! If you are not a USCA Member but enjoy croquet and fun, we invite you to join us! Reach out, and we will connect you.

In advance, I would like to thank the Tournament Directors: Beverley Cardo and Michael Albert; Tournament Manager: Jeff Soo; Tournament Referee: Cheryl Bromley; Marketing Coordinator: Tom Cooper; USCA YouTube Channel/Streaming Producer: Russ Dilley; and the teams of volunteers supporting these event leaders: WCF President Jose AlvarezSala (Spain), WCF Secretary-General Debbie Lines, Venue Contact Macey White, the Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club and their members. Even before the event starts, countless hours have been spent in preparation.

The early development of croquet and rise in the game’s popularity was in part due to the social interaction that the game allowed. Now almost 170 years later, this event and croquet wherever it is played, the game provides physical and intellectual exercise and camaraderie. I invite all participants and spectators to embrace the latter, enjoy the event and make new friends and connections.

In the 47 years I have enjoyed the game of croquet, my life is richer because of the friendships formed and the experiences enjoyed playing this wonderful sport.

Damon Bidencope

Proud USCA Member / USCA President President@croquetamerica.com / www.croquetamerica.com