9W Roundup

Hidden Nine Wicket Croquet

By Paul Bennett

Have you ever heard of “hidden backyard croquet?” No? Perhaps it is a new term I have come up with to describe where I believe some players still reside in American croquet. I have found through the grapevine, often during idle cocktail chats, when someone asks, “What do you do to have fun?” and I answer, “Play croquet.” They then relay a story about a friend they know or a place they have been where they have seen croquet played. As the conversation progresses, I generally determine whether they mean “competition croquet” or “backyard fun croquet.” And, of course, I prod into the details when they seem to know what they are talking about.

Whether croquet is played in the backyard, park setting or one of the finer country clubs (defined as having a croquet lawn), serious croquet enthusiasts love to play the game on a regular basis in a competitive manner. They want to learn the rules of play and develop their skills at playing the game well.

The USCA is an association of clubs and members with this interest in mind. When traveling, it is a great deal of fun learning about where and how others play croquet. The issue I have found as a member of the Nine Wicket and Long-Grass committee is trying to “locate these hidden gems.” I would like to learn more about the clubs and players that want to play croquet on a regular basis, who have a court or a place to play at, and who are not yet registered with the USCA. We would love to find you and make you part of our network. I would like to see the long-grass group of players grow in numbers. When the numbers grow large enough in a particular area, then the parks and recreation managers take notice and are more easily persuaded to “provide improvements to your facility.” There are several ways to make croquet fun and exciting, but you are the most important member we have. You keep the game alive and well – no matter where you play. Have a Wonderful New Year and a lovely all-round break to the peg!

Champions Tor Carlson and Karen Albert

Champions Tor Carlson and Karen Albert

2021 Useppa Beach Croquet Tournament

A great example of “hidden croquet” occurs every December 30th since 1978, residents and members of the Useppa Island Club have gathered to play Nine Wicket croquet in a day-long, compassdraw tournament. Most years, this has drawn upward of 64 players, but this year’s event was limited to 32 players because of COVID-19 concerns. The only two times we have not played this tournament were in 2004 when the island was recovering from a direct hit from Hurricane Charlie that rendered more than two-thirds of the island unlivable and 2020 when the pandemic shut operations down around the world.

The service department spends several days leading up to the 30th raking and leveling the beach before laying out the courts the day before the tournament. This year, we played on eight courts, which allowed us to play all 16 teams at the same time. Everyone played four games and prize “Mallets” were awarded to the winners in each quadrant.

This year’s final match for the championship was contested between Michael Carmichael and partner Mark Goodman competing against Tor Carlson and partner Karen Connery-Albert. The last time Connery-Albert played this tournament was 13 years ago when her partner was once again Carlson, who was at that time halfway through the ninth grade.

This year’s matchup seems to have had all the stars aligned as Carlson and ConneryAlbert played a beautiful game and pegged out both balls a couple of wickets ahead of Carmichael and Goodman.

Beach croquet … how cool is that! When I visited Useppa, I heard about that event. Hidden croquet, not in the backyard, but on the beach where they set up eight courts. I haven’t asked, but they usually finish the final match on the island’s American six wicket grass court.

Carmichael and Connery-Albert are teaching instructors and are helping to promote the development of our young up-and-coming international talent of players. Thanks for sharing your love of croquet.