LOVE AT FIRST STRIKE
When you see the two immaculately manicured croquet lawns at the heart of Peachtree Hills Place, it’s easy to understand why croquet enthusiasts love this luxury Life Plan community in the heart of Atlanta.
Here you’ll find elegant homes, upscale dining, attentive staff, fitness center with resort-style pool, and an onsite Wellness Center...all in an historic Buckhead neighborhood. Visit us to meet a lively group of friends you can don your whites with every day.
Showcasing Croquet in the US
In this Croquet News (2024 Vol 4) you will enjoy significant content featuring the 2024 WCF GC World Championship. This is the first of three World Championships that the USCA is hosting in the next 12 months. Next year, we will host the 2025 U21 World GC in April in Venice, Fla., and the 2025 World AC Championship in October in West Palm Beach, Fla. The dedication of the tournament planning committee over the last year and the tremendous volunteer and official teams assembled on-site for the two-week event the bar has indeed set a high bar.
On behalf of the USCA membership I would like to thank Bev Cardo and Michael Albert (Event CoChairs / Tournament Managers), Jeff Soo (Tournament Director), Cheryl Bromley (Tournament Referee), Tom Cooper (Marketing), Dylan Goodwin (Media) and Russ Dilley (Live Streaming / YouTube) for their outstanding dedication, professionalism, along with their teams of USCA volunteers that welcomed players from 17 countries around the world and provided this festival of the game we all enjoy.
These events are only possible with the substantial support of our sponsors: Oakley Woods Croquet — Don Oakley, PFC Mallets —Peter Coles, White Tie Croquet —Vicki Johnson, and generous financial support from Freer Pollard, Bev and Randy Cardo, Chris and Gail Barley and Priscilla Flowers.
If you could not attend the event please take advantage of viewing some of the elite play and informative commentary on the USCA YouTube channel – “rdilley USCA Croquet.”
All of those mentioned in the paragraphs above made your USCA look very good. When you see them please take a moment and personally thank them.
Our goal was to showcase “Croquet in the U.S.,” give broad exposure for as many USCA members as possible to the elite levels of play to aid our domestic development, and contribute internationally to the global croquet community and the World Croquet Federation (the USCA is a founding member of the WCF). These items were achieved but the excitement of having Blake Fields become the youngest ever and third consecutive U.S. World GC Champion would normally be associated with a “Once upon a time” opening sentence and was beyond all expectations. We are thrilled for Blake and all USCA participants.
We are achieving many good things. Thank you for your support through your USCA membership. Invite your friends to enjoy this fun game and join the USCA. It is through building our membership that we can meet our mission of promoting and developing this great game.
Damon Bidencope
Proud USCA Member / USCA President President@croquetamerica.com / www.croquetamerica.com
USCA Management Committee
President Damon Bidencope president@uscroquet.com
First Vice President
Michael Albert firstvp@uscroquet.com
Second Vice President
Carla Rueck secondvp@uscroquet.com
Treasurer
Douglas Moore treasurer@uscroquet.com
Secretary Beverley Cardo secretary@uscroquet.com
REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS
Florida
Bill Simmons floridarvp@uscroquet.com
Mid-Atlantic Sally McGrath smcg226@gmail.com
Midwest John Brown midwestrvp@uscroquet.com
Northeast Preston Stuart northeastrvp@uscroquet.com
Southeast Linda Trifone southeastrvp@uscroquet.com
Western Patrick Sweeney westernrvp@uscroquet.com
USCA STAFF
Office Manager
Ursula Peck membership@uscroquet.com
Tournament & Schools
Johnny Mitchell tournament@uscroquet.com
Membership Coordinator Stephanie Lutge croquetoffice@uscroquet.com
United States Croquet Association
700 Florida Mango Road West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel. (561) 478-0760
Fax (561) 686-5507
CroquetNews
Managing
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All content may be edited for length and photos will be adjusted appropriately. Croquet News is produced four times per year and is distributed as a benefit to USCA membership. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the publisher. Views expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the USCA.
theclubhouse
USCA ELIMINATES
MULTIPLE CLUB FEE
As of October 1, 2024, the USCA no longer charges the $25 multiple club fee. Members can now be listed with an additional club at no extra cost once their primary club dues are paid. Voting will recorded from the member's primary club. To add a secondary club affiliation, the player should have the secondary club president contact Stephanie Lutge at croquetoffice@uscroquet.com.
WCF WORLD RANKING UPDATES: A TEAM EFFORT
The World Croquet Federation (WCF) rankings are updated manually by a dedicated team of Ranking Officers worldwide. These updates are processed regularly, but sometimes may be delayed due to the high volume of competitions. The WCF appreciates members' patience as the team works to record results, aiming to update rankings weekly. Players who notice missing results after two to three weeks are encouraged to report them to the relevant contacts: AC results at acresults@worldcroquet.org and GC results at gcresults@worldcroquet.org.
New A6W Rule Books Now Available
The new American Six Wicket Rule Books are now available through the USCA office. Current members can request one free copy with domestic shipping included. For international shipping options, members are advised to contact the office directly. To request your copy, send your name and mailing address to admin@uscroquet.com.
USCA Award Nominations Open
The USCA has officially opened the nomination period for the 2024 Annual Awards, inviting members to recognize exceptional individuals and clubs in the croquet community. The Annual Awards celebrate outstanding contributions, dedication and accomplishments in American croquet over the past year.
This year’s award categories highlight a wide range of achievements, honoring those who have made a meaningful impact on the sport and its community. Members are encouraged to submit nominations, including a brief explanation of each nominee’s accomplishments, via email to admin@uscroquet.com by January 6, 2025.
The USCA Management Committee will carefully review all submissions to select the award recipients. Winners will be recognized for their remarkable influence on croquet at an upcoming ceremony, reinforcing the spirit of excellence and dedication within the sport.
2024 USCA Awards Categories
• Certificate of Appreciation
• Junior Player of the Year
• Player of the Year
• Club of the Year
• Junior Rookie of the Year
• Recognition Award
• Club President of the Year
• Michael Strauss Award for Journalism
• Regional District President
• Collegiate Club of the Year
• Most Improved Junior Player
• Regional Vice President
• Family of the Year
• Most Improved Player
• Rookie of the Year
• Female Player of the Year
• New Club of the Year
• Spectator of the Year
• Financial Support
• Outstanding Individual Contributors
• Senior Player of the Year
• International Support
• Outstanding Support of Croquet
• Senior Rookie of the Year
• Volunteer of the Year
2025 WCF U21 GOLF CROQUET CHAMPIONSHIP UPDATE
The 2025 Under 21 Golf Croquet World Championship will take place at the Sarasota County Croquet Club in Venice, Fla., from April 14-18, 2025. Following the allocation review on October 1, 2024, the Management Committee has expanded capacity from 24 to 28 players to accommodate demand. Twelve ranking places have been awarded based on players’ max DGrade rankings, per WCF regulations.
RANKING PLACES AWARDED AS OF 10/2/2024
Name Country MaxDG GP
Jack Good England 2613 87
Fawzy Helmy Egypt 2545 38
Levi Franks New Zealand 2416 100
Eduardo Nunez Spain 2341 98
Blake Fields USA 2307 12
Jana Mohamed Saaid Egypt 2296 63
Sam Cuthbert England 2225 72
Abdalla Khaled Egypt 2208 14
Saif Hatem Egypt 2160 35
Inigo Morenes Spain 2075 60
Ethan Gumbrell Australia 2053 121
Mohsen Elyamany Egypt 2038 15
REPLACEMENT RANKING LIST (10/2/2024)
Name Country MaxDG GP
Jessica Bullen New Zealand 2027 77
Callum McKinnon New Zealand 2001 20
Alfonso Morales Spain 1960 19
Ivo Bozevnieks Latvia 1953 41
Luke Francis New Zealand 1925 30
Vojtech Dusek Czech R 1850 41
Mattie Clarkson New Zealand 1747 67
Asher Scantlin USA 1679 16
Jan Dolejs Czech R 1655 32
Luka Nettleton USA 1590 16
Krystof Dusek Czech R 1362 21
MaxDG: On 10/2/2024
GP: Games played in the last 12 months
Spanish Croquet Federation Celebrates 30th Anniversary
The Spanish Croquet Federation (SCF) is celebrating 30 years in 2024. The SCF was officially organized on March 22, 1994, and now represents nearly 3,000 members across 35 clubs with 54 lawns in Spain. It is a full World Croquet Federation member with eight votes. Over its history, Spain has gained recognition on the world stage, winning multiple European and World Team Championships, and has achieved notable player rankings with 29 players above a GC DGrade of 2000 and 30 players with an AC Grade above 1200. Recently recognized as an official sport in Spain, the SCF continues its efforts for further growth and potential inclusion in the Spanish Olympic Committee. Learn more about the Spanish Croquet Federation at www.fecroquet.es.
WCF Re-launches Association Croquet Regeneration
Working Group
The World Croquet Federation (WCF) re-formed its Association Croquet (AC) Regeneration Working Group in March 2024 to address the global decline in association croquet participation. While grassroots efforts remain essential, the working group will explore potential initiatives at the global level, such as rule adjustments, digital resources and enhanced coaching materials. Representing major AC-playing nations, the group includes Debbie Lines (Chair), Jeff Soo (Management Committee), Graeme Roberts (Management Committee), Alan Sands (ACA), Bonnie Johnstone (CNZ), Stuart Lawrence (USCA) and Stephen Wright (Croquet England). The group’s Terms of Reference, released in July, outline its strategic objectives. More details are available at https://worldcroquet.org/ac-regeneration/.
PASSAGES
Butch (Ernest) Bessette ....................................................... At Large Member
Ann M Brown ..................................................... The Country Club of Orlando
Jim Butts ............................................................... Mission Hills Croquet Club
David Cartwright ............... Mission Hills Croquet Club, Sonoma Croquet Club
Bill Copeland Dallas Croquet Association
Ellis Goodman Mission Hills Croquet Club
Bert Myer Hall of Fame, Strawbery Banke Croquet Club
Richard Partridge The Country Club of Jackson
Davy Wilkes Lake Toxaway Mallet Club
History of the Lee Olsen Fund
The Lee Olsen Fund (LOF) was established in 1985 to help with the travel expenses of the USCA international team members. This fund was named for Lee Olsen, a member of the Westhampton Mallet Club and the Beach Club, who was a tireless ambassador for croquet.
In 2015, Michael Albert took over the management and fundraising responsibilities for the fund, which had languished for the previous few years. Since that time, he has managed to raise more than $150,000 for the fund. Since 2016, the Lee Olsen Fund has paid the entire cost of sending USCA team members to compete internationally. The successful funding has allowed the USCA to send our best players to represent the U.S. rather than only those who could afford to pay their own expenses.
In 2018, the LOF began paying for custom uniforms for all players representing the USCA in international competitions. Before this time players provided their own kits for tournaments. This has allowed us to create a brand awareness since all players are now easily recognizable as members of the USA team. None of this is paid from member dues or any other source of general revenue produced through USCA events. Uniforms, travel expenses and per diem stipends are available to our competitive players purely because a few people decided it was important.
Our current obligations for the LOF include but are not limited to:
• Support for our players that represented the USCA in Cairo at the first Egypt versus USA Test Match this year.
• 2024 WCF GC World Championship, Virginia, U.S.
• 2025 April 14 - WCF U21 GC World Championship, Venice, Florida, U.S.
• 2025 July 28 - Carter Cup, Ireland
• 2025 August 7 - Solomon Trophy, England
• 2025 October - WCF World AC Championships, U.S.
• 2026 July 24 - MacRobertson Shield, England
This support is only possible because of the generosity of our croquet players across the country, who have made charitable donations to the LOF through the USCA. The USCA is a 501 C 3 charitable organization. All donations are 100 percent tax deductible. Any checks should be made payable to the USCA with “Lee Olsen Fund” on the memo line. This fund is in a restricted account and has strict guidelines to allow the money to be spent on team events, uniforms and youth events. Thank you for your support of our Team USA!
—Michael Albert, 1st Vice President, USCA
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Vickie Johnston, USA Distributor
TheInbox
A Day of Remembrance for Bert Myer
On September 12, 2024, a beautiful end-of-summer day, members of the Strawbery Banke Croquet Club gathered to remember U.S. Croquet Hall of Fame member Bert Myer (2016). After several rounds of play, the group paused for lunch and to share memories of Bert. Jim McLaughlin read several essays from one of Bert’s books of essays. Tributes from Paul Fecteau and Rich Greulich were read. The Taufens, Carl, Pete and Bruce all relayed some of their memories of Bert, especially how he patiently instructed on the tactics of American Six Wicket croquet. Ann Myer also shared stories of how Bert developed a love for the game and the pleasure he got for passing his knowledge on to others. Les Taufen then played his guitar and sang a poignant Tom Paxton song, “Fare Thee Well Cisco.”
Birthday Croquet
Wendell Thompson, founder of the Oklahoma Wesleyan croquet program in Bartlesville, Okla., celebrated his 87 th birthday on November 2 by playing croquet with his buddies.
After the celebration of Bert's life, the group then sang “Happy Birthday” (90th) to Jim and enjoyed a lemon cake baked by Ann. Although bittersweet, it was a beautiful day filled with fond memories of Bert and the tremendously positive impact he had on promoting the game he loved.
Attendees: Ann Myer, Jim McLaughlin, Mary Anne and Les Taufen, Katie and Webster Bull, Bruce Samborski, Valorie and Pete Markarian, Carlton Mabee.
Never Too Late
Derby City Croquet was the 2023 USCA Club of the Year, but it took me this long to get enough people together to take a photo with our certificate!
—Sue Sherer
Photos by Valorie Markarian.
Our European Croquet Tour
Tate and I are back in the beautiful USA after a wonderful month of tournaments in Europe. Traveling with Bill Simmons, our first tournament was the Baltic Open at the Dynamo Croquet Club in Telc, a historic medieval town between Vienna and Prague in the Czech Republic. Players from Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, England and Spain had a wonderful time on their four new hand-built courts. An enthusiastic club with many young players was a pleasure to visit, their DGrades masquerade their fabulous level of play.
From Czechia, we flew to the Riga in former Soviet Republic of Latvia and a 45-minute drive to the Ikskile Kroketa Klub, a modern design clubhouse with three beautiful new courts on the Daugava River. In tough competition, Tate played like a rockstar and won a bottle of Riga Black, the potent local shot, and a Silver Plate, fifth in Europe. Bill then jetted off to the toughest event of all, the Egyptian GC Open in Cairo, Egypt.
With a week off before the Irish National Championships, Tate and I visited our Annapolis Yacht Club friend Terry Hutchinson’s America’s Cup American Magic Team, in Barcelona, Spain. The amazing 50 mile-per-hour foiling 70-foot sailboats flew around the bay and American Magic earned a place in the semifinals of the Louis Vuitton Cup.
A few miles south of the center of Dublin is the beautiful Carrickmines Croquet & Lawn Tennis Club, with four courts, managed by many-time Irish National champion Simon Williams. Three days played in the Irish chill, sun, drizzle rain, fantastic Guinness and tough games with great camaraderie. Tate and I won the Irish National Doubles championship and now our names are on the Maggie Perpetual Trophy. It’s a fun tournament and invites are going out to international players for next year and the Carter Cup. We hope everyone at Sarasota County Croquet Club, National Croquet Center and the USCA had a wonderful summer and we look forward to more fun on the courts.
—Cami Russack
Bill Copeland: 1932-2024
There comes a time when each of us will face the afterlife. As seniors, we realize it all too frequently. While our days linger, we hear of those we encounter on our own journey and focus on the memories of the now departed friends and family.
Today, I am offering my thoughts on a friendship born out of the competitive environment of American Rules Six Wicket Croquet. The following is a small reflection of a recently departed member of my local family within the Dallas Croquet Association. On September 11, 2024, Bill Copeland passed from our presence at the wonderful age of 92.
Bill became friends easily with practically everyone he came in contact with and throughout the croquet world. Bill participated in the 2007 Masters Tournament held at the USCA headquarters in West Palm Beach, Fla. He won the trophy for the First Flight Singles Championship. What an amazing accomplishment. Condolences to the family for their loss. Fortunately, they had many years with this unique man. As a past president and an honored member of the DCA for more than 30 years, members of the Dallas Croquet Association will hold Bill Copeland in fond memory.
Bill was born June 11, 1932, in Austin, Texas. He lived an incredible life, and passed away September 11 surrounded by his loving family.
Bill attended Southern Methodist University where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He was a charter member of Lovers Lane United Methodist Church and a dedicated member of the Salesmanship Club.
In 1986, Bill married Suzan Sinclair. The two shared a love for hunting, sailing, traveling and competitive croquet. A self-taught classical pianist and gourmet cook, Bill enjoyed entertaining family and friends.
In honor of Bill's generous spirit and commitment to helping others, donations may be made to the Salesmanship Club’s Momentous Institute. You can donate online at momentousinstitute.org/donate.
Thanks to Suzan Sinclair Copeland for the information shared regarding her husband and life partner of 41 years.
By John Dill
Castles & Croquet
5-STAR LUXURY CROQUET TRIPS IN ENGLAND
6 days/5 nights
June 2 - 7 July 21- 26 $9,950
Stay in the Elizabethan splendour of the Gravetye Manor with their Michelin Star restaurant and the outrageous, palatial elegance of Cliveden House. Play at 650yr old Hever Castle and Penshurst Place, visit Sir Winston Churchill’s country home then play on his croquet lawn. Compete in our international Tell ‘em that the Yanks are Coming tournament with the Royal Tunbridge Wells Croquet Club and much more!
Learn the 7 Skills to Play Like a Champion as taught by Jiminy Wicket® and the 21 Ways to Play Better Croquet. Celebrate your wins with a Roaring ’20s awards dinner (stripey blazers, bow ties, flapper dresses and fascinators). And all this with door-to-door transport by legendary and luxurious Land Rover. All proceeds support our mission. Limit 4 - 8 guests.
©2024 Jiminy Wicket
Cliveden House The Gravetye Manor
membersclubs
NEW MEMBERS
ALABAMA
Mobile – Country Club of Mobile
Dirk Flad
Vernon Moody
CALIFORNIA
Rohnert Park – Sonoma Croquet Club
Susan Quillin
CONNECTICUT
Greenwich – Greenwich Croquet Club
Breanne Tempesta
FLORIDA
Naples – Audubon Croquet Association
Aimee Robinson
A.R. Sales
Babs Sales
Palm Beach – Everglades Club, Inc.
Robert Goergen
Palm Coast – Grand Haven Croquet Club
Billy Roche
Carmen Roche
Palm Coast – Hammock Dunes Croquet Association
Sandi Rosato
Ponte Vedra Beach – Ponte Vedra Croquet Club
Frank Ferro
David Laird
Ponte Vedra Beach – The Plantation of Ponte Vedra
Nan Ferrara
Joseph Ferrara
Vero Beach – John's Island Croquet Club
Robert Habgood
West Palm Beach – National Croquet Club
Alexander Berry
Ruth Colket
Emma Donna
Robert Goergen
Arnold Goldstein
Dale Goldstein
Karen Harrison
Mark Harrison
Kim Jones
Lynn King
Scott Langston
Nick Logothetis
Faithann Mclver
KENTUCKY
Louisville – Derby City Croquet
Lewis Carlisle
Linda Carlisle
David Schramm
Dawn Schramm
NEW CLUBS
Country Club of Mobile ................................................................ Mobile, Alabama
Oakland County Women's Croquet Club ................................ Southfield, Michigan
Susan Boyd Croquet Court & Pavilion ....................West Columbia, South Carolina
MARYLAND
Galesville – West River Wickets
Ana Fabregas
John Hoskinson
MASSACHUSETTS
Lenox – Lenox Croquet Club
Michael Tiskus
Tawnya Tiskus
Marion – Marion Mallet Club Inc.
Jeanne Motha
MISSISSIPPI
Jackson – Highlands Mallet Club
Barbara Brunini
Jamie McRee
MISSOURI
St. Louis – At Large Member
Roger Cohen
Teri Cohen
NEW JERSEY
Rumson – Rumson Country Club
Kris Murphy
NEW YORK
Buffalo – Buffalo Croquet Club
Rebecca Humphrey
New York – New York Croquet Club
Avery Rowan
JonPaul Turner
Quogue – Quogue Field Club
Robert Goergen
NORTH CAROLINA
Blowing Rock – Blowing Rock Country Club
James Mc Cormack
Cashiers – Cedar Creek Club
John Shannon
Cashiers – High Hampton
Janet Carroll
Highlands – Highlands Strikers Croquet Club
Cantey Callaway
Pinehurst – Pinehurst Croquet Club
Beverly Sims
Southport – The Clubs at St James
Elizabeth Phelan
PENNSYLVANIA
New Hope – At Large Member
Candice Huddy
RHODE ISLAND
Portsmouth – At Large Member
Helen Lee
SOUTH CAROLINA
Bluffton – Sun City Croquet Club
John Loveridge
Charleston – Daniel Island Golf Club, LLC
Andy Wood
VIRGINIA
Gordonsville – At Large Member
Kevin Cordray
Hartfield – Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club
Joe James
Rick Pratt
Fields Powers to 2024 GC World Title
GC World Championship Sees 113 Players Compete Over 14 Days in Virginia
In a stunning display of power croquet, 18-year-old American Blake Fields claimed the 2024 WCF Golf Croquet World Championship with a 7-5, 7-5, 3-7, 5-7, 7-0 finals victory over Australia’s Robert Fletcher at the Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club (CBCC) near Hartfield, Va. The championship match, held on October 26, 2024, was the culmination of two intense weeks of competitive play.
With Fletcher as the #1 world-ranked player in both AC and GC and factoring in his dominant play throughout the event, the possibility of #84 ranked Fields taking a win in the final would have been unthinkable even at the start of the knockout. But for those following the tournament, it became clear that Fields was gearing up for another level during his quarterfinal match against Brian Lozano of Mexico.
Including the qualifying event, 113 players participated in the world championship and most seemed to have been awed by the challenge presented by the Quadway hoops set in the hard base at the CBCC. The consensus opinion was that the hoops, set in the hard dry clay, offered the greatest hoop-running challenge to date in world title history.
But against Lozano, Fields went beyond the “big game” and demonstrated that power could indeed overcome the “unsolvable” Quadways more often than not — if you stick to your guns. The match also provided intrigue as Lozano had been the club pro at Mission Hills Croquet Club in Rancho Mirage, Calif., where Fields initially learned the game and is now the club pro.
“Brian was extremely important in my development of the game,” Fields says. “We played games together every day and talked about strategy and mental approaches. He introduced me to some books about psychology and proper ways to display myself as a gentleman on the court.”
By Dylan goodwin
Photo by Kent Eanes.
The best-of-five kicked off with Fields claiming game one 7-6. Lozano came back with his own 7-6 win. Fields then won game three with a 7-5 score, but when the “teacher” took game four, 7-3, to level the match, it looked like the power strategy approach might have finally played out.
Only that wasn’t the case. Fields remained calm and steady, showing little emotion in a game five that played out under increasing darkness. It was a true dogfight — an epic match that went to the fishhook with Fields getting a 7-6 victory to advance.
Over the short night, fans wondered how Field’s extreme power game would hold up against the traditional Egyptian power game of highly ranked Khaled Kamel. Kamel would be coming off his own adventures in the quarterfinals after going five games against American Tom Balding. In that match, Kamel reversed a 6-5 disadvantage in the decider and at Hoop 12 with a super-clear that left his ball legally set up in front of Hoop 13, plus the advantage at 12. He took 12 and after both of Balding’s distant clears failed to connect, Kamel claimed the 7-6 win to advance to the last four.
Moving to the semifinal, all questions about the matchup were answered quickly. Fields was in the zone and his relentless power game wore Kamel down as he took the match in three games 7-4, 7-4, 7-1 to earn a spot in the finals.
Fletcher’s path was far less complicated as he hadn’t lost a game in the knockout, and notably only had one game loss in block play. His form looked near perfect as he took out 2019 World Champion Ben Rothman (USA) 7-6, 7-1, 7-2, in the quarterfinals. In the semifinal, he would go up against England’s Euan Burridge. Burridge had been a sensation as well taking out eventual Bowl winner Sherif Abdelwahab (USA) in round one, then defending champion Matthew Essick (USA) 7-6, 6-7, 7-2 in round two before knocking off Spain’s Jose Riva 7-5, 7-5, 7-1. But in the semifinal, Fletcher’s excellent form continued as he defeated Burridge in three straight, 7-3, 7-2, 7-1.
LAST FOUR: Action from the main event knockout semifinals round. Clockwise from top left: 1) Blake Fields attempts a jump. 2) Khaled Kamel lines one up. 3) Euan Burridge. 4) Robert Fletcher scores with yellow. Photos by Kent Eanes.
That set up a fascinating final. Fletcher looked flawless, demonstrating power, tact and precision as needed throughout the event. On the other side, Fields was playing with a level of confidence and power rarely seen in the sport. The conventional wisdom indicated that Fletcher’s form and experience would likely overcome the megapower game of Fields.
That theory came apart relatively quickly, though, as Fields took game one 7-5. For the first time in the event, Fletcher found himself playing from behind in a match. Fields continued his solid play and won game two 7-5. Was it going to be a sweep? No. Fletcher fought back 7-3 in game three to stay alive as Fields started showing some signs of slowing down with a few misses on his signature power clears.
After a lunch break, Fletcher evened with a 7-5 win to force a decider. So, the storyline seemed back on track as many GC followers felt like game five would favor the more experienced Fletcher. Still, even with the game four loss, Fields seemed to be getting his monster swing back online. Sure enough, Fields was able to jawz at Hoop 1 and that ended with Fletcher peeling him through unintentionally. The same thing happened at Hoop 2 and Fields dutifully converted the advantage at Hoop 3 to a 3-0 lead. A battle ensued at Hoop 4, but Fields claimed that one as well. Once it got to 5-0, momentum was in play it didn’t take much longer to slam the door with a 7-0 victory to claim the world championship title.
After the match, Fields spoke about the importance of winning the first two games. “I knew I could not show any fear or be afraid facing the number one player in the world,” says Fields. “Winning the first two games was my way to make a statement and show that I came to win and not just try my best and see what happens.”
Besides being the youngest player to claim the GC world championship title, the victory also represented the third straight win for a U.S. player in the event, following Rothman’s win in 2019 and Essick’s title in 2022. The U.S. is now second on the list of GC world titles won following Egypt with nine total titles. South Africa has two and Ireland has one.
Fields says, “Keeping the winning pattern going and winning our third title in a row is very crucial for U.S. croquet. We have proven to have the best croquet players in the world and that we always come to perform. We challenge each other to be better. I can personally say that Matthew and Ben have raised my game to another level because I am competitive and never want to lose, so I had to perform at a higher level to overcome failure. They also are extremely willing to share their knowledge and be supportive.”
Final match coin toss.
Photo by Kent Eanes.
Damon Bidencope introduces the finals match. Photo: 2024 Michael D Shreves.
Robert Fletcher in play during the final. Photo by Kent Eanes.
USCA signage welcomes spectators and players.
Photo: 2024 Michael D Shreves
Debbie Davidoff officiates a jump attempt at Hoop 9 by Blake Fields. Photo by Kent Eanes.
Fields works the court. Photo by Kent Eanes. Fields and Fletcher check the shot line.
Photo by Kent Eanes.
ABOVE LEFT: Shield winner Edmund Fordyce (NZL) in play during the Shield final.
ABOVE RIGHT: Bowl champion Sherif Abdelwahab (USA) during the Bowl final.
LOWER LEFT: Shield runner-up Stephen Morgan (USA).
LOWER RIGHT: Andres Alvarez-Sala (ESP).
Photos by Kent Eanes.
Commenting on the impact of the U.S. three-peat, Rothman says, “It means nothing for visibility unless we use this opportunity. The USCA and the croquet community in general need to help spread the word. Croquet is for all ages. Croquet is for all genders. We need more publicity and marketing to show the country that people of all ages should learn the game and they can play with the best in the world.”
From a competition standpoint, he notes that the U.S. team has never been stronger. He says, “We will go to the World Team Championships with the best team we’ve ever had with a roster that will include the three most recent world champions. We just won the Solomon Trophy with our youngest AC team and Blake could bring our average age down even more in the future because he also plays AC and has completed triple peels in competition.”
USCA President Damon Bidencope says, “The USCA is very proud of Blake’s effort and success. For the USCA to have the last three GC World Champions is fabulous. The standout performances by many of our USCA members in progressing through the event is due in no small part to the USCA providing events for competition, High Performance Talent Development Programs and the supplemental funding of representative teams through the Lee Olsen Fund. Without these fundamental platforms for development reaching these heights we have would not be possible. The engagement of youthful talent is vital to the long-term success of the game.”
ABOVE: Plate winner James Galpin (ENG). BELOW: Plate runner-up Patricio Jnr Garay (ESP).
Photos by Kent Eanes.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: 1) Stephen Mulliner addresses the gallery on behalf of the WCF prior to the awards ceremony.
2) Plate winner James Galpin. 3) Khaled Kamel: Bronze Medal 4) Euan Burridge: Bronze Medal 5) Robert Fletcher: Silver Medal 6) Bowl Champion Sherif Adelwahab. (Co-Tournament Directors Bev Cardo and Michael Albert presented the awards).
Photos by Kent Eanes.
2024 GC WORLDS KNOCKOUT SCORES
OTHER RESULTS
TOP TO BOTTOM SEQUENCE: Title winning hoop score and celebration for Blake Fields. Photos by Kent Eanes.
A PLAN TO WIN
On Saturday, October 26, 18-year-old American player Blake Fields shocked the world of croquet by defeating the world’s number 1 player and heavy favorite Australian Robert Fletcher to win the World Croquet Federation (WCF) Golf Croquet World Championship.
I have been coaching Blake Fields since 2019, when his parents asked me to work with him before the Under 21 World Championship. From the start, my intention was never to make croquet the only focus of our work. I believe that sports build character and what you do as an athlete must reflect on you as a person. From my first conversation with Blake, I realized that I was dealing with an intelligent young man who has tremendous physical abilities but more importantly has a sharp mind that allows him to quickly understand new concepts. His ability to focus on the details were beyond his age. Our conversations were not limited to croquet. I made sure to always inquire about school and his other interests. I did not miss any opportunity to talk about sportsmanship, etiquette and demeanor on and off the court. We talked about mental preparation and ways to deal with adversities.
My role with Blake is more of a mentor and guide than a coach. Over the past five years, we dealt with many croquet setbacks and worked through heartbreaking losses. In every one of those, I reminded him that this is an endless process.
Without getting into a lot of details about Blake’s block play and the first rounds of the knockout stage, I’ll jump to the final match against Robert Fletcher. I was amazed that no one gave Blake a slim chance to win. I heard people speaking about the final match as a foregone conclusion of a Fletcher victory. After Blake’s semifinal match, we took a short walk and I told him that there is desire to win, a belief you can win and a plan to win. Every player at the world championship has a desire to win but not everyone believes they can win. Once you have the belief then you can have a plan. I told him that his strong performance in the semifinal was not his peak. The morning of the final I sent him a text message with seven points and asked him to read them several times. The last two points were to remind him to be fearless and to enjoy the moment.
The most difficult barrier to defeating a great player is the mental one. I hope Blake’s accomplishment will serve as a reminder that matches are won and lost first in your mind and then on the court.
The outcome was a beautiful demonstration of courage, accuracy and pure talent. Blake won playing with the Egyptian style. A style that even the Egyptians think can no longer win world championships. We proved this style works when it is combined with a balanced tactical approach and proper mental preparation. I believe this was the only way to defeat Robert Fletcher, whom I consider the most disciplined player I have seen in more than 45 years of playing and watching croquet.
I have received many messages congratulating me on Blake’s victory. My part was easy as I just said a few words, which could have fallen on deaf ears. Fortunately, they were received by an attentive, talented young man who went out and snatched the world championship from a formidable opponent.
After the victory while in my hotel room, I received a happy call from Blake and his parents. I reminded Blake that this was not his peak. Without a flinch, he agreed!
Congratulations to Blake, his parents and his friends who inspired and supported him. Well done my young champ!
—Mohammad Kamal
Photo by Kent Eanes.
Building a World-Class Event
How the USCA Built a Plan and Team to Host the 2024 WCF GC World Championship
HOSTING GC WORLDS WAS NO SMALL FEAT FOR THE USCA AND THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CROQUET CLUB (CBCC), BUT WITH A DEDICATED TEAM, METICULOUS PLANNING AND ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT, THE EVENT WAS A REMARKABLE SUCCESS AND SET NEW STANDARDS FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP HOSTING. HELD AT THE SCENIC CBCC NEAR HARTFIELD, VA., THE CHAMPIONSHIP RAN FROM OCTOBER 13-26, FEATURING A QUALIFYING EVENT DURING THE FIRST FOUR DAYS THAT OFFERED SPOTS IN THE MAIN EVENT FOR THE TOP SEVEN FINISHERS.
By Dylan goodwin
Photo: 2024 Michael D Shreves
For the scale of the tournament, the journey from planning to execution featured logistical challenges, unexpected hurdles and memorable highlights. For co-tournament director Bev Cardo, organizing an international event of this caliber began with comprehensive planning. “Our first step in meeting the challenges of organizing such an event of this magnitude was coming up with a structured plan,” Cardo says. “Our committee was small, so each person contributed greatly in the area that they were assigned.” The meticulous planning included everything from designing the event’s logo to arranging site logistics and recruiting top referees.
Cardo says, “We also worked to put in place a solid volunteer base. We held regular Zoom meetings and kept planning notes that were revised after each meeting. This planning process was all-consuming, but we worked together as a team and quickly learned that we could rely on each other to put forth our best efforts to get the job done. Once on the site of Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club, the set-up phase began and we were able to see the plan come to fruition. The USCA brought in tenting and portable toilets. CBCC installed the required fencing and built a stage for the opening ceremony, as well as a media booth for live streaming. Our extended team of volunteers, referees, and camera crew showed up from all over the country and it was inspiring to watch the place come alive.”
One of the event’s most critical aspects was creating a welcoming environment for international players and local attendees. The USCA hosted a pop-up tent as the central information hub, where players could collect their welcome packet (with the Croquet News official event preview), gear and other essentials. Social events further fostered camaraderie, starting with a mixer after the Opening Ceremony and a Players’ Dinner featuring croquetthemed trivia. The atmosphere was the result of ongoing teamwork and a strong volunteer base that helped keep the tournament running smoothly. “It was inspiring to watch the place come alive. Everyone embraced the event with enthusiasm as we welcomed our croquet friends from around the world,” Cardo says.
USCA President Damon Bidencope noted the significant role of the Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club’s facilities in ensuring the tournament’s success. With 24 croquet lawns spread across a beautiful landscape, players were welcomed with flags from 17 nations. The scenic setting combined with tight hoops challenged competitors’ skills, offering a premier stage for toptier play. Bidencope says, “Allowing our top players exposure to the world’s elite was a significant goal,” and CBCC’s facilities allowed 80 participants in the main event, including 19 U.S. players, with four of those coming through the qualifier.
The scale of the event required logistical support beyond CBCC’s usual capacity, leading the USCA to mobilize roughly 50 volunteers and officials — traveling to Virginia at considerable personal expense to make the event a success.
“The USCA had to rent several tents, erect safety fencing and supplement changing room and bathroom facilities to ensure the venue could accommodate this event,” says Bidencope. “Several years of careful financial planning was needed for the USCA to be in a position to underwrite the substantial expense of facility-related costs and event expenses. The end result was most successful. All USCA members can be proud that we showcased the sport at a top level.”
He also notes the early challenges in lawn preparation, that required USCA personnel to step in and support CBCC’s grounds crew. He says the flexibility and problem-solving of the event’s co-chairs, Cardo and Michael Albert, were pivotal in overcoming these challenges and delivering a seamless experience.
USCA President Damon Bidencope. Photo by Kent Eanes.
ABOVE: U.S. GC Worlds participants during the Opening Ceremony.
World Championship players. Photos by Kent Eanes.
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED: TOURNAMENT MANAGEMENT ON THE FLY
Despite rigorous planning, adjustments were inevitable. Tournament manager Jeff Soo faced an early schedule disruption when the qualifier games took longer than anticipated due to the super-difficult Quadways. “The hoops were very challenging, more so than many players at that level have experienced before,” Soo says. “To finish the event properly I had to make some changes to the format in the middle of the event, which is a last resort.”
The main championship brought its own challenges, particularly with rescheduling and adjusting the block stage due to prolonged matches. Soo says, “I’ve managed a world team championship (the 2003 MacRobertson Shield), and many large multi-flight tournaments, but never an individual Worlds. It seems obvious in retrospect, but management techniques that work fine for smaller events (or even large multi-flight tournaments) don’t necessarily work at this scale.”
He says that the first day was a scramble inside the managers’ tent. “Afterward, we had time to rethink how to allocate courts and postmatch assignments. From Day 2 onward, our new system worked much better for us and for the players alike.”
OPENING CEREMONY:
(Above) Co-Tournament Directors
Bev Cardo and Michael Albert.
(Below) Jeff Soo, Tournament Manager.
Photos by Kent Eanes.
In the end, Soo was happy to get to the finish line without any major missteps. He says, “We did get a lot of nice comments from players, which I hope is representative of the group as a whole.”
His experience underscores the importance of being adaptable and ready to manage players’ needs equitably while keeping the larger tournament structure in focus. Through it all, Soo notes that his assistant managers, Rocky and Elaine Smith, worked tirelessly to keep the event on track.
A CHAMPIONSHIP TO REMEMBER
Many of the players and attendees noted the sizeable volunteer and referee staff the USCA and CBCC assembled for the event. The entire world of croquet players and supporters is grateful for their efforts because it made for a wonderful tournament overall. In addition, the USCA YouTube Channel video team also deserves recognition and praise for working diligently to make this tournament available to the world and for preserving croquet world championship history in video.
Going forward, Bidencope says the USCA aims to leverage this momentum to grow the sport at the grassroots level and among young players. “Through our USCA YouTube Channel it is possible for grassroots and younger players to visualize and model great talent. The USCA invested considerable funding for this event so that content from many matches could be shared across the country and promote interest and growth in the sport. I am sure that any young aspiring player can watch Blake’s 7-0 win in the fifth game decider against the top ranked player in the world and be excited and motivated by the grit and superb performance.”
Looking ahead, the USCA hopes to continue to build on the momentum of hosting GC Worlds in the U.S. with events like the inaugural U.S. Open GC tournament in January 2025, the U21 GC Championship in April 2025 and fielding a strong team at the Openshaw Shield World Team GC Championship to be held in February in Tasmania.
USCA Office Manager Ursula Peck setting hoops with her son Adam Peck.
Photo by Kent Eanes.
USCA YouTube Channel camera operator Brian Hovis.
Photo by Kent Eanes.
USCA YouTube Channel camera operator Paul Neuebecker.
Photo by Kent Eanes.
USCA YouTube Channel camera operator John Graney. Photo by Kent Eanes.
Referees Ensure Excellence at GC Worlds
OVERSEEING THE 2024 WCF GOLF CROQUET WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY CROQUET CLUB WAS NO EASY TASK, ESPECIALLY FOR HEAD TOURNAMENT REFEREE CHERYL BROMLEY. WITH NEARLY TWO WEEKS OF INTENSE PLAY ACROSS 24 LAWNS, BROMLEY AND HER DEDICATED TEAM FACED THE CHALLENGES OF UPHOLDING RIGOROUS STANDARDS WHILE ADAPTING TO THE UNIQUE DEMANDS OF THE TOURNAMENT. FROM EXTENSIVE TRAINING SESSIONS TO MANAGING THE PHYSICALLY TAXING WORK OF HOOP SETTING, BROMLEY’S TEAM DISPLAYED REMARKABLE DEDICATION AND ADAPTABILITY. IN THIS INTERVIEW, SHE SHARES INSIGHTS ON THE PREPARATION, TEAMWORK AND LESSONS LEARNED THAT SHAPED THIS PRESTIGIOUS EVENT.
INTERVIEW By Dylan goodwin
How did you approach recruiting, training and managing a team of officials for an event of this scale?
Interestingly, as I look back on this now, had it not been for the many prior years of committee work as Chair of the USCA Golf Croquet Committee and our efforts to standardize and organize the process of certifying referees, I wouldn’t have had many referees to choose from. Because of that work, I was able to reach out to approximately two dozen currently certified USCA golf croquet referees in early January 2024 to see who might be available and willing to volunteer in this important role over the 15 days of the event.
I also reached out to international players I knew were certified in their countries, but had no one come forward because those who were traveling to the event were playing in either the Qualifier or Main Event and wouldn’t be available.
Each month until early fall, I held group Zoom training sessions focused on specific topics/rules. And I also held a few smaller in-person, on-court training sessions where possible. Because we were all so spread out around the U.S., I was fortunate that this dedicated group of referees took it upon themselves to do additional work at tournaments and took their studying seriously leading up to arriving in Virginia.
In the end, I had only seven referees available for the Qualifier due to another tournament being held concurrently and other referees also playing in the Qualifier. For the main event, our ranks increased to a total of 17 referees, who put in incredibly long hours with no days off.
Were there any memorable situations or decisions on the field that stood out to you or posed unique challenges for you or your team?
I found each day to be challenging in many different ways, and learned a tremendous amount along the way. Often there were situations arising that I had never experienced in 17 years of playing golf croquet as well as having competed in six world championships. I was especially grateful to consult with Jeff Soo, Tournament Manager, and Stephen Mulliner, WCF GC Rules Committee Chair, for clarification and confirmation when necessary.
One of the most difficult challenges was being able to communicate to the referees on duty as my cell coverage was very spotty to send or receive texts. We were spread out over 24 lawns spanning over six acres, so in addition to the referees covering their respective lawns, I implemented “leads” and “roamers” to be able to check on one another, get messages delivered and provide quick breaks as needed.
BACK ROW: (L to R) Matt Griffith, Steve Jackson, Marc Stearns, Cheryl Bromley, Ellie Griffith, Kendall Hendrick, Kathie Gamble, Dorothy Silliman. FRONT ROW: (L to R) Lynda Bjorklund, Debbie Davidoff, Priscilla Flowers, Laura Hendrick, Eileen Soo, Nancy Crouch. Photo by Kent Eanes.
Eileen Soo and Steve Jackson. Photo by Kent Eanes.
Matt Griffith. Photo by Kent Eanes.
Can you walk us through the process of setting the hoops each day and ensuring they met the standards required for a world championship?
This proved to be much more than any of us bargained for or anticipated. There’s a song that says, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” and I can attest that the physical toll this took on all the referees was honestly quite brutal as the ground felt as though we were pounding into concrete and our group of referees ranged in age from mid-50s to 79 years old.
Not only did we have to adjust and set hoops to specifications each day, but also had to do so after every single game that was played! Working together, we operated like a pit crew at the Indy 500 and somehow got it done.
During the Qualifier and Block play, the spacing in between the ball and stanchion was a maximum of 1/16 of an inch while during the knockout the maximum spacing decreased to 1/32 of an inch, i.e., less than a dime’s edge could fit between the ball and the stanchion. We also found out that by late morning, as the weather warmed up, the balls would expand, requiring us to reset numerous hoops when called upon.
Each referee was equipped with a hammer, a level, a measuring tape and other tools to also be sure the height from the ground to the top of the crown of the hoop was level and within the 12-inch height specification tolerance. We were grateful to Ursula Peck’s son, Adam, coming on board to do a tremendous amount of hoop pounding and resetting as well as to Michael Albert and Damon Bidencope working with the CBCC grounds crew to coordinate the lawn mowing and assisting with new hoop settings.
I am incredibly proud of how this group of referees worked together and supported one another to get the job done.
After working the event for nearly two weeks, what reflections or key lessons will you take forward to improve officiating in future tournaments?
Had I known how much physical work was going to be imposed on us getting the hoops set correctly and constantly throughout every single day, I would have lined up a large, well-trained young crew in advance with shifts to cover the 12-hour days whose primary focus was just on hoops. That way the referees would have been able to just do the final
Marc Stearns.
Clayton Wingfield and Jamie Bingel.
Priscilla Flowers lines up the hoop.
Cheryl Bromley. Photos by Kent Eanes.
court checks, be able to take a lunch break and have shorter days, as well as be able to concentrate on their main purpose for being there, which was refereeing.
For the future, I would encourage all players, particularly those who are selected to play in these types of events, to go through the process of becoming certified referees and keep their certifications current for their own knowledge and advantage. It makes everyone better by sharing this responsibility for our sport. Understanding the rules then spreads across to our clubs.
In addition, advance preparation is paramount to getting a team ready and the more that can be done in person through referee training clinics, the better.
Do you have any final thoughts you would like to share?
Overall, the spectators and players were incredibly respectful and grateful for our efforts. I want to express a huge thank you to all the volunteers from near and far who really stepped up to help make this a very successful and exciting event. Bev Cardo did an amazing job organizing all of them. I would like to say a very heartfelt thank you to our team of referees, Lynda Bjorklund, Nancy Crouch, Debbie Davidoff, Steve Jackson, Priscilla Flowers, Kathie Gamble, Ellie Griffith, Matt Griffith, Fred Heald, Laura Hendrick, Kendall Hendrick, Jim Potts, Ken Scoggins, Dorothy Silliman, Eileen Soo and Marc Stearns for a tremendous effort!
STUMPED
Kendall Hendrick. Photo by Kent Eanes.
AMERICAN Repeat for Lawrence
By Tom and Loretta Cooper
SINCE 1977, WHEN ARCHIE PECK WON THE FIRST AMERICAN SIX WICKET NATIONALS, THE WINNERS HAVE BEEN CONSISTENTLY AT THE TOP OF THEIR GAME. TEDDY PRENTICE IN 1983, DAMON BIDENCOPE IN 1989 AND JEFF SOO IN 2000 ARE A LONG LINE OF THE BEST OF THE BEST. LET’S JUST SAY IT’S A GRUELING WEEK OF BRAIN POWER MEETS SHOT QUALITY.
This year, sandwiched between the Selection Eights and the GC World Championship, the tournament held at Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club in Hartfield, Va., was lighter than normal. In fact, there was no First Flight, but a very strong group of championship players.
The weather was one positive. The beautiful fall temperatures, foliage and full sunshine were enjoyed by all.
In the doubles, one block of nine teams played out in full. The results gave everyone a good idea of the strongest teams. Four teams made it into the knockout with the teams of Danny Huneycutt/Randy Cardo and Stuart Lawrence/Brian Cumming emerging to earn berths in the final. All are past national singles champions and both teams have won the doubles in the past. Lawrence and Cumming were the 2023 champions, thus the defending champions.
The best-of-three match went to Huneycutt/Cardo in straight games. With the Grimsley-set hoops, this was not an easy sweep. Both teams used the limits of their experience until the final clock went off. Huneycutt and Cardo also won the title in 2015 and 2016.
In singles play, three blocks of six players led into a doubleelimination playoff of 12 players. After five days of croquet, most of the players who didn’t get to the knockout were too exhausted to join the plate matches, but Sandy Knuth and Nancy Crouch couldn’t sit still and played a match, which Knuth won 21-14.
When the dust settled and two days of intense (single-banked) singles play finished, four players emerged. In the winners’ bracket were Stuart Lawrence, who was very calm throughout, and Adam Lassiter, who, despite spending the previous Saturday
Doubles champions Randy Cardo and Danny Huneycutt with Tom Cooper.
Stuart Lawrence becomes the first back-to-back American Six Wicket Singles champion since Archie Peck in 1979-1980.
night in the ICU for migraines, was playing nicely. In the losers’ bracket with one loss were Danny Huneycutt and Randy Cardo. Despite great games, the winner’s bracket players prevailed and it was Lawrence and Lassiter in the best-of-three final. The first match was a hotly contested game, which went to Lawrence 26-16. Despite Lassiter’s excellent play, Lawrence took game two to repeat as American Six Wicket National Champion. He is the first player to repeat since Archie Peck went backto-back in 1979 and 1980.
Congratulations to Sandy Knuth who played very well and won the Peyton Ballenger Award for the best finishing woman player in Championship Flight. And many thanks to Doug Grimsley who checked and maintained hoops throughout the event.
FINAL ORDER
CHAMPIONSHIP SINGLES
01. Stuart Lawrence
02. Adam Lassiter
03. Randy Cardo
03. Danny Huneycutt
05. Brian Hovis
05. Shane Hettler
07. Brian Cumming
07. Tom Cooper
09. Sherif Abdelwahab
09. Cecil Creasey
09. Macey White
09. Doug Grimsley
13. Mike Taylor
14. Josh Lassiter
15. Sandy Knuth
16. Rich Curtis
17. Rodney Lassiter
18. Nancy Crouch
CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLES
01. Randy Cardo/Danny Huneycutt
02. Brian Cumming/Stuart Lawrence
03. Macey White/Nancy Crouch
04. Sherif Abdelwahab/Sandy Knuth
05. Doug Grimsley/Rich Curtis
06. Mike Taylor/Shane Hettler
07. Rodney Lassiter/Cecil Creasey
08. Josh Lassiter/Adam Lassiter
09. Bev Cardo/Brian Hovis
Championship singles finalists Adam Lassiter and Stuart Lawrence.
Sandra Knuth (second from left) won the Peyton Ballenger Award as the top performing female player in the event.
Also pictured: Damon Bidencope, Tom Cooper, Michael Albert and Bev Cardo.
Danny Huneycutt, Stuart Lawrence, Adam Lassiter and Randy Cardo.
Expanded Reach
Four Issues to Deliver Maximum Impact
The USCA’s full-color Croquet News magazine is now quarterly with all four issues released in print + the interactive digital edition. Since the Croquet News digital magazine was launched, it continues to set new standards for reader engagement and advertiser click-throughs. Plus, the digital edition goes beyond the USCA membership and offers a global reach of more than 4,000 total readers per issue for the print + digital editions.
Each issue of the magazine includes tactics columns, tournament dates, news, results, national event coverage and features full of the best croquet photography. The print version of the Croquet News is a core attraction for USCA members and still boasts a print circulation of roughly 2,000 copies per issue and reaches over 3,000 croquet players and fans.
Get Started
For a Croquet News media kit, contact Dylan Goodwin at croquetnetwork@gmail.com
Upcoming Ad/Copy Deadlines
2025 February Issue (Spring) – 1/17/25
2025 May Issue (Summer) – 4/18/25
2025 August Issue (Fall) – 7/18/25
2025 November Issue (Winter) – 10/24/25
Croquet Greats To Be Inducted Into THE of HALL FAME US CROQUET
On February 28, 2025, the Croquet Foundation of America (CFA), in conjunction with the United States Croquet Association (USCA), will induct Doug Grimsley and Jeff Soo into the United States Croquet Hall of Fame.
The 47th Induction Ceremony, followed by a dinner party, will take place during the week of The Steuber Classic tournament at The Charles P. Steuber National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach, Fla.
The directors of the CFA and the USCA encourage their friends and all croquet enthusiasts to join them in paying tribute to the esteemed members of our croquet family, Doug Grimsley and Jeff Soo, as we acknowledge their accomplishments. Biographies of the inductees follow.
Invitations to the gala will be emailed to all USCA members, friends and family of the honorees in December. For information about the 2025 Hall of Fame Gala Induction Ceremony, email general. manager@croquetnational.com.
Doug Grimsley
Champion, Leader and Croquet
Ambassador
Doug Grimsley has been a driving force in the world of croquet for more than three decades, blending a stellar competitive career with a deep commitment to the growth of the sport. His journey began in 1991, and in the years since, Doug has accumulated an impressive list of achievements. With nine American Rules USCA National titles, four U.S. Open Association Croquet singles championships and participation in major international tournaments, Doug is one of the sport’s most decorated players.
He has represented the United States on seven Solomon teams, three Carter teams and was a key member of the prestigious MacRobertson Shield team. Over his career, he has played more than 1,600 Association Croquet matches worldwide, including more than 300 triple peels.
Doug’s influence extends far beyond his personal successes. As Chairman of the USCA Tournament Committee for over a decade, he has directed many of the nation’s most important croquet events, including national championships and the Selection Eights. Doug is known not only for his organizational skills but also for his dedication to setting hoops at tournaments, a task he has undertaken at countless events throughout his career — often without pay, though he admits to occasionally accepting a beer as a token of appreciation. His contributions as a tournament director and hoop setter have been vital in ensuring the smooth operation of competitions, both large and small.
Doug’s leadership within the croquet community is evident in his willingness to mentor and support newer players. He is widely admired for his generous spirit, always eager to lend his expertise to help others improve their games. Doug’s funloving, approachable demeanor, combined with his technical mastery, has made him a favorite among players of all levels. His ability to befriend, guide and inspire others is a hallmark of his character. Whether it’s offering advice to a novice player or serving as a calming presence in the midst of a tense match, Doug’s positive attitude and passion for the game are infectious.
Off the court, Doug’s hospitality is equally legendary. Players from around the world have experienced his warmth and generosity firsthand, including international competitors whom he has hosted in his home for extended periods during tournaments. Rob Fulford, an accomplished player from the United Kingdom, recalls how Doug and his family took him in for three weeks while he recovered from pneumonia during a tournament — a testament to Doug’s kindness and commitment to the croquet community.
Throughout his career, Doug has been a stalwart ambassador for croquet. His competitive success, leadership roles and contributions to the sport’s administration make him an exemplary figure. Yet, perhaps his greatest legacy lies in his ability to bring people together, whether through his role as a mentor, his work behind the scenes or his infectious enthusiasm for the game. Doug’s lighthearted personality, combined with his fierce determination and skill, has earned him the respect and admiration of players and peers alike.
Doug Grimsley’s remarkable career in croquet and his tireless dedication to the sport, both as a player and a volunteer, make him a deserving inductee into the Croquet Hall of Fame. His contributions will continue to shape the future of croquet, and his legacy as both a champion and a true ambassador will endure for generations.
Jeff Soo
Croquet Professional and Mentor
Born in 1964 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Jeff Soo has established himself as a prominent figure in the world of croquet, contributing extensively to both the sport’s competitive scene and its development at local, national and international levels. Jeff’s passion for croquet began during a visit to Bald Head Island, N.C., in 1994. This initial exposure led him to join the USCA, where his journey in croquet truly took off.
Throughout his career, Jeff has been a leader as player, coach, mentor, referee, tournament director and administrator. His playing record is unmatched, boasting 21 national titles, including multiple American Six Wicket and Association Croquet singles and doubles championships. Jeff has been selected to Team USA for 15 international team events — once for the Carter Challenge, eight times for the Solomon Trophy and six times for the MacRobertson Shield. In 2009, he was Team Captain for USA’s historic first-ever Solomon Trophy victory.
Beyond the court, Jeff has dedicated himself to fostering the growth of croquet. As a co-founder of the USCA’s High Performance and Talent Development Program alongside Michael Albert, he has played a key role in nurturing new talent, offering coaching and mentorship to emerging players. His efforts extend to grassroots initiatives, particularly in North Carolina’s Western Mountain District, where he helped establish a strong foundation for Golf Croquet with over a dozen active clubs.
Jeff’s contributions to the sport are further evident in his commitment to tournament direction and administration. He has served as an USCA Regional Vice President, chaired several committees and directed numerous national and international tournaments, including the 2003 MacRobertson Shield and the 2024 Golf Croquet World Championship. His expertise as a referee and instructor has earned him widespread respect, both among his peers and the wider croquet community.
Outside of croquet, Jeff has a keen interest in music, photography and the great outdoors. His creative pursuits complement his professional life, as evidenced by his photography being featured on several covers of USCA’s Croquet News magazine.
Jeff Soo’s legacy in croquet is not only defined by his exceptional playing record but also by his unwavering dedication to promoting the sport, mentoring future generations and setting a standard of excellence both on and off the court. His induction into the Croquet Hall of Fame will be a fitting recognition of his decades of service and passion for croquet.
The Croquet Foundation of America (CFA) is now accepting nominations for the 2026 United States Croquet Hall of Fame. The Deadline for filing a nomination is March 31, 2025.
POLICY AND NOMINATING GUIDELINES FOR ELECTION TO THE UNITED STATES CROQUET HALL OF FAME
The Croquet Foundation of America, Inc. (CFA), in conjunction with the United States Croquet Association, Inc. (USCA), seeks to honor individuals who have made prolonged, outstanding contributions to the sport of croquet. Such contributions may take the form of either extraordinary skill and achievement in the sport at the highest level over an extended period; or other personal actions having a widely-recognized, lasting impact on the sport; or very extensive service in developing, managing or promoting the sport of croquet, or its charitable and educational croquet programs, in America. This document explains the nomination process and gives guidance as to the qualifications that will be considered for election to the United States Croquet Hall of Fame. This process is designed to maintain election to the Hall of Fame as a high honor for the inductees and one that reflects credit on the individuals involved in electing them.
I. NOMINATING PROCEDURE
A. A notice shall be published yearly in the winter edition of the USCA’s Croquet News stating that the Foundation will accept nominations to the United States Croquet Hall of Fame until March 31 of the current year, for induction in the following calendar year.
The published notice shall state that (i.) any USCA member in good standing may nominate an individual, (ii.) nominees are considered on an individual basis only, and (iii.) the nominee does not have to be a member of the USCA.
B. The nominator must submit a completed application on or before the March 31, 2025, deadline.
It must include the following:
1. Nominator’s name and relationship, if any, to the nominee –business, friendship, etc.;
2. Written permission of the individual to be nominated and his or her agreement to participate in the induction ceremony (excludes nominations for posthumous recognition);
3. A brief biographical sketch of the nominee, which may include such things as age, family status, address; highlights of past or present occupation(s); charitable and civic involvements; and other matters of general interest unrelated to croquet; and
4. A detailed croquet biography, including number of years of participation, the croquet clubs of which the nominee is or has been a member, the year the nominee joined the USCA and whether still active, and details of all croquet-related achievements.
There is no official application form. The completed nomination, including any and all supporting letters, should be emailed to Beachtwobeach@yahoo.com, with a cover letter addressed to Ruth Summers, CFA Chair, Hall of Fame Validation Committee, and must be “received” by March 31, 2025, the year preceding the year for which the nominee is being proposed.
II. QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES.
Above all, candidates must display personal behavior that demonstrates high regard for the spirit and etiquette of the game which results in greater enjoyment for all – actions that would entitle the nominee to be considered an “ambassador” for croquet, as well as a Hall of Fame member. They should be further evaluated, based on their achievements and contributions to the sport as follows:
A. ACHIEVEMENTS are defined as highly significant performances in sanctioned or titled USCA events; and/or international competitions sponsored by a member association of the World Croquet Federation (WCF). This can involve Six Wicket American or Association Rules Croquet, Nine-Wicket Croquet or Golf Croquet.
B. CONTRIBUTIONS are defined as actions off the croquet court that promote or enhance the sport. Contributions are normally volunteer efforts and may include:
1. Introducing others to the game;
2. Starting, leading or sustaining a local club or clubs;
3. Promoting clubs and events regionally or nationally;
4. Working with an organizational division of the USCA as established on the state, regional and national levels either as an officer or other capacity;
5. Creating favorable media recognition or otherwise promoting the game through such efforts as writing or instruction;
6. Contributing significant financial or in-kind resources in a way that enables the CFA and the USCA to pursue their missions;
7. Promoting the game through social affairs resulting in new friendships and greater camaraderie among players.
Nota Bene
1. The above portion of the application is the advocacy section. The nominator must make the case as convincingly and compelling as possible. Board members are not responsible for seconding a nomination nor adding favorable material, and may in fact introduce or request information which may disqualify a candidate.
2. A nominee may earn income from the game as a professional or some other paid capacity, but his or her financial ties to the game must be stated on the application.
3. Achievements and contributions must be over an extended period time.
III. ANNUAL LIMITATION ON INDUCTIONS
Given 1. The desire to maintain the highest standards for election to The United States Croquet Hall of Fame; 2. The relatively limited size of the croquet-player population; and 3. The desire to have significant time to focus on the individual(s) at the ceremony; The Approved Policy Guideline is that the number of living inductees shall be limited to two per year. Posthumous inductees are limited to one inductee per year in addition to the living inductees, for an overall limitation of three. In rare cases, these limitations are subject to upward revision to no more than three living inductees and one posthumous inductee, or four inductees in total, if two thirds of the Electors decide that exceptional circumstances warrant such a revision. This is the Approved Policy Limit.
Basic Two-Ball Tactics, Part 1
By Jeff Soo
Abbreviations used: blUe, Red, blacK, Yellow
Three- and four-ball breaks are the best scoring plays, giving intermediate and advanced players a real chance to score many points in a turn. Of course, such breaks require the use of one or both opponent balls. To start one, you need a good attacking play, an opponent error or both.
With two-ball breaks, the potential to score many points in a turn is mainly theoretical. Most players don’t have the skills to keep them going for more than a wicket or two, and even championship players don’t expect to do so routinely. But the two-ball break has one undeniable advantage: it is trivially easy to set up because you only need the two balls of your own side. This makes it the bread-and-butter play in American Six Wicket Croquet. The outcome of many games hinges on which side is better at two-ball tactics: setting up these mini-breaks efficiently and executing them safely.
Figure 1 shows a Second Flight game, in which R has just scored 2. R had hoped to then rush Y to 3 but came up short when running the wicket. (One of the main reasons two-ball breaks are so hard to sustain is the unpredictability of the wicket-running stroke. See “Creating a Rush” in this year’s Croquet News spring issue for a discussion of shot variability and risk.) There’s an hour left on the game clock and there is no deadness. What should R do with its continuation shot? As usual, consider some options — and how you would expect each option to play out over the next few turns — before reading on.
The goal is to find the sweet spot that balances efficiency with safety. Efficiency means setting up scoring plays in as few turns as possible. Safety encompasses three kinds of risk: the risk of deadness, the risk of giving the opponent an easy three- or fourball break if you leave one or both balls at the wicket and the risk of giving the opponent too easy an attack if you set up in a vulnerable position. There is often a trade-off between efficiency and safety. Playing to maximize efficiency will usually expose you to greater risk. Playing for safety will usually slow you down.
Let’s start with the quickest option for RY: trying to score more points on this turn. We’re a long way from the endgame, so heroics aren’t needed. That means we are only interested in plays with a good chance of taking croquet at the wicket we intend to score. It’s impossible to cut-rush Y anywhere close to 3. The only way to take croquet near 3 is to use U and K, which are 20-some yards away on the boundary; trying this would be an insane risk. There is no reasonable play for R to score more points on this turn.
The next scoring opportunity for RY is Y’s upcoming turn. Y is for 2, so all R needs to do is to move a foot or so to set Y for an easy rush to the playing side of 2. But by joining up well in from the boundary we are offering UK a chance to attack. Is this a worthwhile risk? At Championship level, definitely not, and at First Flight level probably not. What about Second Flight? K would be the attacking ball and would have two ways to begin: take off to R and Y or cut-rush U to 4. Taking off to R and Y is easy enough, but the critical step is rushing R accurately to 4. Not an easy play for most Second Flight players, nor is accurately cut-rushing U to 4. On balance this looks like a reasonable risk for RY to take.
If R sets a rush for Y and K declines to try to score or attack, K will most likely set U for a rush to 3. Figure 2 shows how this might look after Y has scored 2.
FIGURE 1: R has just scored 2 and now has a continuation shot; U and K are on the boundary.
This time Y has run the wicket with enough control (or luck) to have good position for a rush to 3. Should Y take this rush? In “One Rule to Ring Them All” (Croquet News 2022 fall issue) I posited that any time you have a reasonable chance to take croquet near your wicket, you should go for it. Well, there are exceptions to every rule. For many Second Flight players, this rush will not be as easy in practice as it looks in a diagram. The rush is reasonably straight, but not perfectly so. The balls aren’t as close together as players at this level would prefer for a rush of this length. At 13 yards, it is long enough to magnify the effect of any inaccuracy in the direction or distance of the rush.
More importantly, 3 is U’s wicket. Even if Y succeeds at rushing R close to 3 and scoring, Y will then be faced with a dilemma (unless Y ends up with a nice rush toward 4, which it usually won’t). Leaving R at 3 simply hands U a 3-ball break. Roqueting it means picking up partner-deadness with no easy prospect of scoring 4; Y’s best play at that point would be to attack U and K. If Y is willing to try that attack, rushing R to 3 is a playable option, if a challenging one for most Second Flight players. Otherwise, it simply isn’t worth the risk. (Yes, the scatter-shot may be another solution to the dilemma, but this is another play that often looks better in theory than in practice.)
If Y declines to take the rush on R, is it safe to set up a rush for R to 3? This looks similar to the option I recommended for R in Figure 1. There’s a significant difference, though — this time U would be the attacking ball, and would have a much easier attacking play than K did last turn. (In this case, U should attack directly, i.e., should approach R and Y before scoring 3.) So, if Y declines the rush on R, it should play to the boundary. To be continued in Part 2.
561-351-5704
cheryl.l.harders@gmail.com
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FIGURE 2: Y has just scored 2 and has a continuation shot.
Golf Croquet Stats Using the Cowing Performance Analysis Method
By Cheryl Bromley
I recently was scrolling through YouTube looking for a golf croquet game to watch, and I came across the Australian Croquet Association (ACA) Gold and Silver Medal games played in September 2024. In addition to the great croquet being played, I found the commentator, Marty Clarke, to be very interesting and was fascinated that as he was commentating, he was also tracking statistics of the game.
I was able to get in contact with Clarke to find out more about the work he is doing and he generously sent me a good amount of information on what he has noticed or discovered along the way. It turns out, as some of you may or may not be aware, Clarke is the Australian High Performance Manager for Golf Croquet and has tracked more than 454 GC games, primarily singles, with some doubles, across all levels of play from beginners to international players. He observed many of these games live with others he reviewed on video.
Clarke uses the Cowing Performance Analysis tool, developed by Andrew Cowing of the United Kingdom, and which Jenny Clarke
of New Zealand featured in an in-depth article previously on croquetworld.com (“Quantifying Golf Croquet” by Jenny Clarke, May 23, 2020).
In a nutshell, each shot in a game is noted as a Success or Fail and several categories of shots are tracked. The overall number of shots of a particular type, such as a clearing shot more than seven yards as well as the percentage of shots taken and success rate can all be calculated. He has found that using this tool keeps him very engaged in the matches and that it is also effective for coaching.
According to previous work done by Andrew Cowling and Jenny Clarke, positioning shots are more than 54 percent of the shots taken in a game, clearing shots at various distances makeup about 30 percent of the shots, hoop shots are 10 percent of the game and jump shots about three percent of the shots taken in GC.
Here’s one example of insight gained from Clarke’s analysis: One player in a national level game hit 18 of 18 short clearances (i.e., less than seven yards), made 100 percent of their hoops
attempted and lost 4-7. The lesson is that if you don’t actually have at least seven hoop attempts, you can’t win. So perhaps instead of clearing all the time, instead build in more positioning, especially if it’s a block as well. Additionally, I might add, learning to control the striker ball when hitting shorter clears will help keep your ball relevant.
In addition to the Success/Fail rate of shots, he likes to track other interesting tidbits. For example,
• His data shows that the winner of the toss tends to win the first hoop 61 percent of the time when playing first.
• On average, a hoop is completed in 12 strokes, particularly when a lot of “exchange” is happening. Only 16 percent of the time, a hoop is completed in five strokes.
• That means that in one typical competitive game, approximately 140 shots will be taken (70 per player). The greatest number of shots needed to secure one hoop that Clarke witnessed was 85. What a battle that must have been!
• The average speed of play is 2.5 strokes per minute. Interestingly, he has found that some of the best players play a bit slower than this rate, perhaps due to considering their options a bit longer. The fastest players tend to be U21 players.
When you summarize the overall success rate of a game you’ve played, if you make 50 to 60 percent of your shots, you were probably outplayed by your opponent. Making 60 to 70 percent of your shots is considered competitive; 70 to 75 percent is good to very good and will win matches; 75 to 79 percent will win competitions; and 80 percent and above is world-class.
One final point Clarke noted was that by observing and analyzing matches closely, he can typically start to see the patterns, the weaknesses of the players and the moment when the game changes or when a player might go into “practice mode” if they are far enough ahead or behind!
Eight-Shot Positioning Drill for Golf Croquet
Here’s one drill I like to use when teaching to help players develop the “feel” of their shots and calibrate distances.
You will need: two balls, a sideline and one hoop
1. Start in line with the hoop and try to place your first shot as close to the sideline as you can.
2. Make a mental note, of whether the shot landed short, rolled past the boundary line or ended up just right. Connect the visual feedback on this shot to how it felt when you hit it.
3. Hit your second ball to the sideline to see if you can improve on the first one. Again, pay attention to the feedback from this shot both visually and internally.
4. Next, position the balls so the edges of the balls touch the sideline as you would need to do in a game if you went out of bounds.
5. Pick a specific point in line with the hoop and try to make your ball stop as close to that point as possible. Use the feedback from this shot for your next shot.
6. Repeat this process to the sideline and back one more time and hopefully you will notice that within taking these eight shots, you are getting closer and closer to your target.
eventresults
3rd Annual Seahorse Tournament
October 31 - November 3, 2024
Ponte Vedra Croquet Club
Ponte Vedra, Florida
Championship Singles
01. Mike Hoggatt
02. Robert Hamilton
03. John Curington
03. Mike Hatcher
05. James Creasey
05. James Welch
05. Kendall Hendrick
05. Jim Podraza
09. Todd Russell
10. Helen Covington
11. Caryl Firth
11. Robert Turner
13. Nancy Crouch
13. Alex Galasso
13. Kathie Gamble
16. Laura Hendrick
First Flight Singles
01. MaryCarol Stearns
02. Paulette Blackmer
03. Sybil Turner
03. Simon Dentchev
05. Linda Bjorklund
05. Jeff H. Smith
05. Tom Hennelly
05. Mary Galasso
09. Phil Emond
10. Dana Beisheim
11. Adrienne Lucke
11. MaryAnne Hamilton
13. Berkeley Burbank
13. Sue Emond
13. Bobby Greene
13. Michael Kolowich
Second Flight Singles
01. Sarah Persons
02. Susie Day
03. David Laird
03. Shelley Laird
05. Gregory Presley
05. Curtis Loftin
05. Littleton Hardy
05. Glo Ghegan
09. Alise Scanlon
10. Kathleen Brown
11. Judy Murray
13. Ann Littleton
13. Ginny Burbank
13. Lorie Tarver
Pinehurst 6W Championship
October 8-20, 2024
Pinehurst Country Club
Pinehurst, North Carolina
Championship Singles
01. Mike Taylor
02. Ed Roberts
03. Jim Spoonhour
03. Bob Cherry
05. Steve Errickson
06. Elaine Moody
07. Teresa Errickson
08. John Schoo
First Flight Singles
01. Mel Eckhart
02. Dick Rendleman
03. Tony Watts
03. Mary-Stuart Regensburg
05. Maggie Langley
06. Louise Mercuro
Berkshire Bs and Cs
September 28-29, 2024
Lenox Croquet Club
Lenox, Massachusetts
Final Order
01. Melissa Nelson
02. Debbie Martin
03. Michael Tiskus
04. Judith McDermott
05. J.R. Rowell
06. Ken Helm
07. Tawnya Tiskus
USCA Western AC Regional September 26-29, 2024
King City Civic Center
Tigard, Oregon
Championship Flight
01. Patrick Sweeney
02. Peter Bach
03. Chris Percival-Smith
04. Ron Eccles
05. Steve Scalpone
06. Tony Simmonds
07. Curtis Toops
08. Michael Kernaghan
Cricket Club Invitational 6W/GC
September 21-22
Merion Cricket Club
Haverford, Pennsylvania
American 6W
Championship Singles
01. Dennis Leddy
02. Justin Berbig
03. Quinn Reinhardt
03. Scott Kennedy
05. Courtney Green
05. John Oehrle
07. Tom Hughes
07. Craig Smith
07. Kathleen Green
First Flight Singles
01. Scott Brown
02. John Welch
03. Linda Merk
03. Michael Kolowich
05. Jean Lynch
05. Marc Blumberg
Golf Croquet
Championship Singles
01. David McQuaid
02. Bob Stevens
03. Gary Volpe
03. George Claffey
05. Darrell DeMoss
05. Whitney Thain
First Flight Singles
01. Ajay Dravid
02. Ann Leddy
03. Gary Phifer
03. Robert Camp
05. Heather Welch
05. Kathy Brown
05. Tom Watkins
05. Marcella Ridenour
09. Diana Calligan
10. Valerie Bowman
10. Joe Bright
12. Jenn Justice
USCA Selection Eights
September 17-21, 2024
Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club
Hartfield, Virginia
First Eight
01. Brian Cumming
01. Brian Hovis
01. Doug Grimsley
04. David Druiett
04. Mike Todorovich
06. Rodney Lassiter
07. Stuart Lawrence (DNF)
08. Macey White (Withdrew)
Blue Crab
September 12-15, 2024
Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club
Hartfield, Virginia
Championship Flight
01. Brian Hovis
02. Brian Zindel
03. Adam Lassiter
03. Rich Laging
05. John Lassiter
05. Gil Rocha
05. Rodney Lassiter
05. Josh Lassiter
09. Nancy Crouch
10. Steve Thurston
First Flight
01. Cecil Creasey
02. Denys Shorthouse
03. Peter Gordon
03. Randy Lassiter
05. Wyck Knox
05. Mike Debitetto
05. Rob Franks
05. Gloria Gordon
09. Bobbi Shorthouse
Second Flight
01. James Peasley
02. Clyde Anderson
03. Hillary Lassiter
04. Matt Caesar
05. Sue Laging
06. Kent Hall
Doubles
01. Brian Hovis/Kent Hall
02. Steve Thurston/Mike Debitetto
03. Rich Laging/Clyde Anderson
04. Arthur Olsen/Matt Friday
05. Nancy Crouch/Sue Laging
06. Peter Gordon/Gloria Gordon
07. Denys Shorthouse/ Bobbi Shorthouse
08. Rob Franks/James Peasley
Osborn Cup
September 12-15, 2024
New York Croquet Club
New York, New York
Championship Singles
01. Chris Patmore
02. David McCoy
03. Doug Moore
03. Bob Van Tassell
First Flight Singles
01. Ron Eccles
02. Ralph Charles
03. Mark Ski
03. Bob Gannon
05. Pat Spratt
7 The Skills to Play Like a Champion
Our Basic GC Clinic
The Ways to Play Better Croquet
INSTRUCTOR: JAMES CREASEY
Our Advanced GC Clinic
Creasey is the Founder/CEO of Jiminy Wicket; Champion: National GC8s 2022; Mid-West Regional GC 2022; Recipient: USCA President’s Award 2023
The 7 Skills to Play Like a ChampionTM clinic will improve your game and enable you to track your progress. Learn 5 Strategies to devastate your opponents, and 5 Tactics to win your games. Play with clearer strategic insights and hit the ball with deeper self-confidence. Go home with the handbook and the drills to develop & hone your skills.
The 21 Ways to Play Better CroquetTM is our advanced clinic and will further improve your strategy, skills and tactics. You will learn what you need to know about the 7 most common faults and how to avoid them.
Our 3-hour clinics are ideal for clubs without an on-site pro. Enjoy evenings of tabletop & glow-in-the-dark croquet! We offer 2 clinics per day for up to 5 consecutive days with 8 persons maximum per clinic. Only $125 per person per clinic - includes course materials and handbooks. All proceeds support our mission.
©2024 Jiminy Wicket LLC
Second Flight Singles
01. Linda Merk
02. Cynthia Chess
03. Susan Sergeant
03. Alexandra Van Horne
Championship Doubles
1. Chris Patmore/Chuck Loving
2. Paul Neubecker/Ron Eccles
3. Doug Moore/David McCoy
4. Bob Van Tassell/Ralph Charles First Flight Doubles
01. Bob Gannon/Trula Myers
02. Mark Ski/Alexandra Van Horne
03. Pat Spratt/Susan Sergeant
04. Linda Merk/Cynthia Chess
Heritage Golf Croquet Tournament
September 8, 2024
Sandwich Croquet Club East Sandwich, Massachusetts
Finishing Order
01. Bob Habgood
02. Ed Gardella
03. Michael Sayler
04. Richard Kent
For more information: info@JiminyWicket.org
05. Edie Hutchinson
06. John Clark
07. Phyllis Welby
08. Ware Cady
09. Jean Lynch
10. Trish Johnson
11. Heather Welch
11. Jane Clark
The Big Lobster
September 4-8, 2024
Woodlawn Croquet Program Ellsworth, Maine
6W Singles
Championship Flight
01. Bob Van Tassell
02. Bob Pulitzer
03. Neil Houghton
04. Bob Worrell
05. Sandra Knuth
06. Hans Peterson
07. Bill Trower
First Flight
01. Lucas Van Alen
02. John Steninger
03. Ron Eccles
04. Kathryn Robertson
05. Jan Fisher
06. Steve Berry
07. Fred Beck
08. Oakley Johnson Second Flight
01. Todd Marshall
02. Rick Hayes
03. Janet Pearson
04. Judy McKeon
05. Katie Bull
06. Cynthia Chess
07. James Lane
08. Barbara Entzminger Third Flight
01. Marc Blumberg
02. James Peasley
03. Whitney Small
04. Susan Koepp
05. Gwyn Smith
06. Mary Blumberg
07. Sue Sergeant
9W Doubles
Championship Flight
Bob Worrell/Carl Mabee
Neil Houghton/Lucas Van Alen
Hans Peterson/Ron Eccles
Dave Nelson/Jim Lane
Bob Van Tassell/Perry Mattson
Bill Trower/Jan Fisher
Fred Beck/Randall McAndrews
Sandra Knuth/Tina Hinckley
John Steninger/Morna Steninger
First Flight
Steve Berry/Todd Marshall
Kat Robertson/Katie Bull
Ford Fay/Charlie Law
Janet Pearson/Barbara Entzminger
Sue Koepp/Judy McKeon
Rick Hayes/Bess Gallanis
Gwyn Smith/Cynthia Chess
Marc Blumberg/Mary Blumberg
Mark Williams/Sue Williams
Sue Sergeant/Nanette Ruppert
Croquet
Tabletop Croquet
Summer GC Challenge
July 14 - September 1, 2024
Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club
Hartfield, Virginia
Blue Block
01. Steve Thurston
02. Doug Murphy
03. Cynthia Fowler
04. Russ Brudnicki
05. Wayne Maloney
06. Doug Fowler
07. AG Gravatt
Red Block
01. Nancy Crouch
02. Lisa Maloney
03. John Priest
04. Jeff Taylor
05. Bill James
06. John Woods
07. Julie Woods
Black Block
01. Penn Pendleton
02. Greg Houck
03. Sarah Persons
04. Clyde Anderson
05. Kimberly Leedy
06. Joe Ward
07. Buck Brewer
08. Jeff Newsome
Yellow Block
01. Rick Pratt
02. Leslie Scanlan
03. Michael Scanlan
04. Maureen Faraci
05. Lynn Pendleton
Green Block
01. Cliff Scudder
02. Jody Scudder
03. Lynn Gillikin
04. Deborah Brooks
05. Lynn Satterwhite
Tulsa Fall Classic 6W/GC
August 30 - September 3, 2024
Tulsa Croquet Club Tulsa, Oklahoma American 6W
Championship Singles
01. Ron Millican
02. Joe Steiner
03. Kevin McQuigg
03. Greg Clouse
05. Deborah Millican
First Flight Singles
01. Bob Baker
02. Joe Schulte
Championship Doubles
01. Kevin McQuigg/Art Parsells
02. Ron Millican/Greg Clouse
03. Deborah Millican/Joe Steiner Golf Croquet Singles
01. Luka Nettleton
02. Tom Eggleston
03. Vanesa Fernandez
03. Dylan Goodwin
05. Ron Hay
05. Asher Scantlin
05. Lane Wyatt
05. Anna Hanson
09. Ford Austin
09. Steve Fisher
09. Mike Sharp
09. Maria Chitwood
09. Joyce Eggleston
09. Seth Allen
09. Karen Hernandez
09. Nehemiah Mcfrederick
17. Dan Campbell
17. Caden Smith
17. Austin Ratcliff
17. Elijah Bonds
21. Cade McGlathery
21. Wendall Thompson
23. Giles Penik
23. Alix Worley
23. Orai Lehman
23. Jim Simmons
23. Dylan Vinall
23. Evan Rogers Plate
01. Evan Rogers
02. Dan Campbell
03. Caden Smith DNF
04. Austin Ratcliff DNF
05. Alix Worley DNF
06. Orai Lehman
07. Elijah Bonds
08. Cade McClathery
09. Jim Simmons
10. Dylan Vinall
11. Wendall Thompson DNF
12. Giles Penik DNF
USCA Mid-Atlantic GC Regional Championship
August 22-25, 2024
Buffalo Croquet Club
Buffalo, New York
Championship Singles
01. Doug Moore
02. Jim Houser
03. Bob Gannon
03. Robert Smothers
05. Shep Slater
06. Linda Merk
First Flight Singles
01. Ryan Boniface
02. Tom Eggleston
03. Gregory Presley
03. Noel Leigh
05. Susan Langston
05. Jane Grandusky
Second Flight Singles
01. Joseph Murray
02. Joyce Eggleston
03. Bill Vrooman
03. Paul Strada
05. Rebecca Humphrey
Championship Doubles
01. Shep Slater/Robert Smothers
02. Bob Gannon/Paul Strada
03. Jim Houser/Linda Merk
03. Tom Eggleston/Joyce Eggleston
First Flight Doubles
01. Ryan Boniface/Noel Leigh
02. Gregory Presley/Bill Vrooman
03. Joseph Murray/Rebecca Humphrey
03. Susan Langston/Jane Grandusky
The Prosser Cup
August 16-18, 2024
Ocean House Mallet Club
Watch Hill, Rhode Island
Championship Singles
01. Shane Hettler
02. Sam Collins
03. Calvert Chaney
03. Hugh Pettingell
05. Cody Kittle
05. Chris Olsen
05. Linda Merk
05. Alex Galasso
09. Mary Galasso
10. George Claffey
11. Mark Ski
12. Michael Kolowich
13. Jeanne Branthover
14. Pat Spratt
15. Art Ellis
16. Scott Brown
First Flight Singles
01. Emily Martin
02. Kathy Brown
03. Berkeley Burbank
03. Nick Capobianco
05. Amy Hempt
05. Katie Bull
05. Gus (August) Fromuth
05. Patricia Kells
09. Stephen Hayes
10. Liddy Chaney
11. David Cameron
12. Janet Anthos
13. Freddy Davis
14. Cecily Greenaway
15. Virginia Burbank
16. Thomas Cox
Cranberry Classic
August 11, 2024
Sandwich Croquet Club East Sandwich, Massachusetts
Final Order
01. John Clark
02. Courtney Green
03. Ed Gardella
03. Mike Sayler
05. Kathleen Green
05. George Claffey
05. Karen Manning
05. Wistar Wood
09. Peter Grey
09. Denys Shorthouse
09. Larry Schmutz
09. Jean Lynch
13. Jay DiGeronimo
13. Bobbi Shorthouse
13. Karen Kay
13. Clint Howard
Rochester Invitational
August 8-11, 2024
Rochester Croquet Club Rochester, New York
Championship Singles
01. Brian Hovis
02. Macey White
03. Rich Laging
04. Nancy Crouch
First Flight Singles
01. Ron Millican
02. Fred Beck
03. Deborah Millican
04. Peter Sherer
Second Flight Singles
01. Jim Peasley
02. Bill Vrooman
03. Sue Sherer
04. Mike Ireland
05. Linda Pike
High/Low Doubles
01. Rich Curtis/Jim Peasley
02. Macey White/Mike Ireland
03. Brian Hovis/Bill Vrooman
04. Nancy Crouch/Linda Pike
05. Rich Laging/Norm Pike
06. Ron Millican/Peter Sherer
07. Deborah Millican/Fred Beck
Vacationland GC Tournament
August 8-11, 2024
Woodlawn Croquet Program Ellsworth, Maine
Championship Singles
01. Kent Lovvorn
02. Bob Van Tassell
03. Karl-Heinz Kempfer
03. John Shanholt
05. Bob Pulitzer
05. Bill Simmons
05. Korey Teoman
05. Alex Galasso
09. Bob Worrell
10. Michael Kolowich
11. Mary Galasso
12. Linda Merk
13. Susan Wall
First Flight
01. Gregory Presley
02. Mary Hennelly
03. Randall McAndrews
03. Barbara Wills
05. Tom Hennelly
05. Glen McAndrews
05. Gail Kern
05. Sarah Persons
09. Georgia McCravey
10. Phil Robinson
11. Betty Teoman
12. Nanette Ruppert
eventresults
Buffalo Invitational
August 1-4, 20224
Buffalo Croquet Club
Buffalo, New York
Championship Singles
01. Paul Neubecker
02. Chris Patmore
03. Brian Zindel
04. Doug Moore
05. Norris Settlemyre
06. Patrick Little
07. Rich Curtis
08. Rich Laging
09. Donna Dixon
10. Bob Gannon
First Flight Singles
01. Ron Millican
02. John Joseph
03. Ralph Curtis
04. Courtney Green
05. Jane Beharriell
06. Kathleen Green
07. Deborah Millican
08. Russ Brown
Second Flight Singles
01. Jennifer Jospeh
02. Gary Anderson
03. Lee Anderson
04. Ryan Boniface
05. Bill Sullivan
06. Bill Vrooman
07. James Peasley
08. Paul Strada
Championship Doubles
01. Bob Gannon/Rich Curtis
02. Patrick Little/Brian Zindel
03. Donna Dixon/Rich Laging
04. Chris Patmore/Ron Millican
05. Norris Settlemyre/Courtney Green
06. Doug Moore/Russ Brown
First Flight Doubles
01. John Joseph/Bill Sullivan
02. Jane Beharriell/Paul Strada
03. Deborah Millican/James Peasley
04. Lee Anderson/Gary Anderson
05. Kathleen Green/Jennifer Joseph
06. Ralph Curtis/Bill Vrooman
USCA North Carolina GC Club Teams
July 25-28, 2024
Various Linville Clubs
Linville, North Carolina
Championship Flight
01. Chris Barley/Gail Barley
02. Adam Lassiter/Josh Lassiter
03. Rodney Lassiter/John Lassiter
03. Gene Raymond/John Taylor
05, Jeff Soo/Eileen Soo
06. Crayton Morrow/Curtis Loftin
07. Diane Walker/Gene Lockard
07. David Maloof/Brad Blair
09. Billie Ray/Donald Eastman
10. Scott Spoerl/Juan Milciunas
11. Ronald Taylor/Mike Carroll
11. Anne Killilea/Janalyn Spoerl
First Flight
01. Mark Jordan/Tony Watts
02. Dick Rendleman/Steve Hawes
03. Kelly Schreiner/William Schreiner
03. Rick Loftin/Sandy Stasiek
05. Nancy Hart/Roberta Taylor
06. Mike Watson/Dick Johnston
07. John Gottshall/Kim Gottshall
07. Kevin Killilea/Lourdes Milciunas
09. William Mattice/Lori Mattice
10. Gregg Wechsler/John Dobson Jr.
11. Angela Pittman/John Albright
Second Flight
01. Patti Malpass/Mile Malpass
02. Linda Fuchs/Susan Potts
03. Debbi Patten/Keith Patten
03. Betty Robinson/Jeanmarie Dellosso
05. James Pierce/John Walker
06. Joann Becker/David Moser
07. Ron Vinson/Chan Chandler
07. Ray Ogden/Marty Ormsby
09. Angela Willie/Stant Willie
10. Nancy Rendleman/Lory Lockwood
11. Leigh Green/Walker Lockett
11. Joe Spidaletto/Doreen Spidaletto
13. Becky Elderkin/Scott McLanahan
13. Marianne Blair/John Wilkinson
13. Tom Mullen/Janet Mullen
Total
uscaevents
December
12/3/24 - 12/7/24
US Open AC
Mission Hills Country Club
Rancho Mirage, CA
Doug Grimsley | 703-591-0813 dgrimsley37@aol.com
12/3/24 - 12/4/24
USCA GC School
National Croquet Center
West Palm Beach, FL
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com
12/6/24 - 12/8/24
USCA GC Club Teams
National Croquet Center
West Palm Beach, FL
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com
12/11/24 - 12/12/24
Snowbirds & Flamingos GC
National Croquet Center
West Palm Beach, FL
Julia Johnston | 561-852-1413 medstone100@me.com
12/13/24 - 12/15/24
Beach Club GC Invitational
The Beach Club | Palm Beach, FL
Thomas Tribby | 561-308-9447 thomastribby@gmail.com
12/13/24 - 12/15/24
Holiday Invitational 6W
Sarasota County Croquet Club | Venice, FL
Nancy Hart | 803-530-2035 nh13sc@gmail.com
January
1/6/25 - 1/6/25
US Open GC Pro-Am
National Croquet Center
West Palm Beach, FL
Billy J Simmons | 908-625-9189 nefloridacroquetclubllc@gmail.com
1/7/25 - 1/11/25
US Open GC
National Croquet Center
West Palm Beach, FL
Billy J Simmons | 908-625-9189 nefloridacroquetclubllc@gmail.com
1/13/25 - 1/18/25
Desert Classic AC
Mission Hills Country Club
Rancho Mirage, CA
Nicholas Gray | 760-770-2052 nickgray723@comcast.net
1/15/25 - 1/16/25
Sarasota County CC
Sarasota County Croquet Club | Venice FL
Nancy Hart | 803-530-2035 nh13sc@gmail.com
1/16/25 - 1/19/25
Women’s GC Open
National Croquet Center
West Palm Beach, FL
Priscilla M Flowers | 828-421-3543 pmflowers375@gmail.com
1/21/25 - 1/23/25
USCA American 6W School
National Croquet Center
West Palm Beach, FL
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com
1/23/25 - 1/26/25
Jones Invitational 6W
Sarasota County Croquet Club | Venice, FL
Nancy Hart | 803-530-2035 nh13sc@gmail.com
1/24/25 - 1/26/25
NCClub American 6W Singles
National Croquet Center West Palm Beach, FL
1/29/25 - 2/2/25
Beach Club Invitational 6W
The Beach Club | Palm Beach, FL
Thomas Tribby | 561-308-9447 thomastribby@gmail.com
February
2/4/25 - 2/5/25
USCA GC School
National Croquet Center
West Palm Beach, FL
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com
2/13/25 - 2/16/25
USCA Florida Regional GC Championship
National Croquet Center
West Palm Beach, FL
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com
2/24/25 - 3/1/25
Mission Hills Invitational
Mission Hills Country Club
Rancho Mirage, CA
Nicholas Gray | 760-770-2052 nickgray723@comcast.net
2/26/25 - 3/2/25
Steuber Classic 6W & GC
National Croquet Center West Palm Beach, FL
March
3/4/25 - 3/6/25
USCA American 6W School
National Croquet Center
West Palm Beach, FL
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com
3/4/25 - 3/5/25
USCA GC School
National Croquet Center West Palm Beach, FL
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com
3/6/25 - 3/9/25
Blaine Davis Invitational 6W
Gasparilla Mallet Club | Boca Grande, FL
Bob Worrell | 402-677-2683 rgworrell@hotmail.com
3/7/25 - 3/9/25
USCA Croquet Week GC Tournament
National Croquet Center
West Palm Beach, FL
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com
3/13/25 - 3/16/25
USCA Club Teams 6W
National Croquet Center
West Palm Beach, FL
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com
3/20/25 - 3/23/25
WGCA Women’s International
Ponte Vedra Croquet Club
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Marc H Stearns | 562-762-5400 mstearns2@bellsouth.net
3/27/25 - 3/30/25
Sarasota Open AC
Sarasota County Croquet Club | Venice, FL
Nancy Hart | 803-530-2035 nh13sc@gmail.com
April
4/4/25 - 4/6/25
USCA FL Central
Belleair Country Club | Belleair, FL
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com
4/4/25 - 4/6/25
NCClub GC Singles
National Croquet Center
West Palm Beach, FL
4/14/25 - 4/18/25
WCF Under 21 Golf Croquet Championship
Sarasota County Croquet Club | Venice, FL
Jeff Soo | 919-419-3165 jeff@ipsedixit.net
4/15/25 - 4/16/25
USCA GC School
National Croquet Center
West Palm Beach, FL
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com
4/24/25 - 4/27/25
Country Club of Jackson Invitational 6W
Country Club of Jackson | Jackson, MS
Mark Fields | 601-918-2704 mfields5@gmail.com
May
5/1/25 - 5/4/25
USCA SE 6W Regional Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club Hartfield, VA
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com
5/8/25 - 5/11/25
NC Open AC
Pinehurst Country Club | Pinehurst, NC
Mike Taylor | 910-986-3343 mrtaylor1022@gmail.com
5/29/25 - 6/1/25
Albemarle Croquet Club GC Open
Albemarle Croquet Club | Belvidere, NC
Adam Lassiter | 252-326-1231 adamllassiter@gmail.com
July
7/28/25 - 7/31/25
US Team - Carter Cup
Glenamuck Road North, Carrickmines, Dublin
Damon C Bidencope | 704-488-7915 president@uscroquet.com
August
8/7/25 - 8/10/25
Solomon Trophy
Budleigh Salterton Croquet Club
Budleigh Salterton, Devon Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com
8/8/25 - 8/10/25
Rochester Invitational 6W
Rochester Croquet Club | Rochester NY
Denise M Ireland | 585-287-4531 hutchisondenise@gmail.com
September
9/11/25 - 9/14/25
Southeast GC Regional
Bald Head Island Croquet Club
Bald Head Island, NC
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com
October
10/7/25 - 10/8/25
USCA GC School
National Croquet Center
West Palm Beach, FL
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com
10/14/25 - 10/15/25
USCA Association Laws School
National Croquet Center
West Palm Beach, FL
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com
10/28/25 - 10/30/25
USCA American 6W School
National Croquet Center
West Palm Beach, FL
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com
November
11/5/25 - 11/9/25
USCA Seniors Masters 6W
National Croquet Center
West Palm Beach, FL
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com
December
12/2/25 - 13/3/25
USCA GC School
National Croquet Center
West Palm Beach, FL
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com
12/5/25 - 12/7/25
USCA GC Club Teams
National Croquet Center
West Palm Beach, FL
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com
www.croquetamerica.com
USCA SCHOOLS
Our schools are taught by top USCA-certified instructors who are qualified and experienced players selected by our staff because of their croquet expertise and ability to communicate to those who wish to learn to play the game correctly. Students will have the opportunity to play croquet in a structured environment. Classes are small (8:1 or less student-to-teacher ratio) and are tailored to the specific playing levels of the participants.
AMERICAN 6W (3 days)
January 21-23, 2025
March 4-6, 2025
October 28-30, 2025
GOLF CROQUET (2 days)
December 3-4, 2024
February 4-5, 2025
March 4-5, 2025
April 15-16, 2025
October 7-8, 2025
Dec 2-3, 2025
ASSOCIATION (2 days) October 14-15, 2025
5 hours/day of on-court instruction
Use of equipment
Official Rulebook (New A6W or GC members
USCA Shot-making Manual (1st time A6W)) Daily Continental Breakfast and Lunches Certificate of Completion & Photograph Wine and Cheese Graduation Party.
United States Croquet Association
