2020 Croquet News Volume 2

2020 Volume 2

CroquetNews The Official Magazine

of the United States Croquet Association

CROQUET IN THE TIME OF COVID-19

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CroquetNews 2020 Volume 2

Features 10 | 2019 USCA Annual Awards 16 | 2020 AC World Championship 24 | 2020 USCA Club Directory 32 | Club Profile: Belleair Croquet Club 34 | Member Profile: Bert Myer 37 | Event Reports

Departments 03 | Courtside with Sara Low 04 | The Clubhouse 06 | Who Am I? 07 | The Inbox 29 | Club Management 30 | Let's Talk Tactics 31 | GC America 39 | New Membership 40 | Grand Prix Standings 42 | Events Calendar

On The Cover

Backyard croquet is a great option for those under stay-at-home restrictions.

Publisher

Dylan Goodwin

Managing Editor Julie Jantzer-Ward

Art Director

Brandy Ferguson

courtside

Despite the Global Challenge, Croquet Provides Positive News We may be inundated with global updates of the coronavirus, but we do have good news that should not be ignored. The USCA recognized croquet leaders of 2019, as you will discover within the pages of this issue. Because the Club Teams Tournament Dinner was canceled, we could not present the awards and framed certificates to the honorees in March.

Instead, we are pleased that Croquet News is announcing the awards information to our members everywhere.

We take this opportunity to applaud each of the 2019 Annual Award winners and encourage our readers to do the same by sending notes to these distinctive leaders. This may be a silent cheer, but can still be as warm and heartfelt as the boisterous applause that is custom at the tournament dinner.

Croquet News is not forgetting COVID-19 and has made efforts to acknowledge the virus while adding calm to our unsettled lives. Special thanks are due to the people who work on the magazine and continue to publish and provide us with this quarterly journal. In addition to creating this beautiful four-color magazine, they are contending with rapid changes that overrule the originally planned schedule for this year’s issues.

As did many of us in the USCA, I took advantage of the livestreaming and watched, from my home, games of the 2020 Association Rules World Championship, which took place in February in Melbourne, Australia. Team USA members were exciting to see and filled me with pride, but the finals between Matthew Essick (USA) and the ultimate winner, Reg Bamford (South Africa), were historical and riveting. The tournament brought together many worlds: the players and the countries they represented; the Hall-of-Famer who won the championship and the young challenger who came so very close to the final prize; and the traditional world of croquet and the modern streaming by computer allowing spectators from all over the globe to view the challenges live.

Inquiries

Croquet is grand and so are all of the people involved in the sport.

Please submit all inquiries and stories to uscacroquetnews@yahoo.com.

Be well and stay safe.

Text should be submitted as a Microsoft Word file and photos need to be FULL resolution (300 dpi). 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 expressed permission of the publisher.

Views expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the USCA.

Sara Low

USCA President | president@uscroquet.com

Š 2020 United States Croquet Association

croquetamerica.com | 3

TheClubhouse USCA COMMUNICATION AND EVENT STATUS

At press time, the USCA had cancelled or postponed its own events that were scheduled through June 30, 2020.

The USCA continues to review the regulations and health environment and will continue you to update on a monthly basis. Operating with this ongoing schedule is intended to give participants a full month’s notice of impending changes to the calendar.

The USCA office is open virtually and doing business by telephone and email. Everyone touched by the USCA, specifically the croquet committees and employees, continue to work for the sport. The USCA plans to continue with an increased level of communication from Croquet News magazine, the monthly newsletter, a new weekly note and additional one-time dispatches from the USCA.

COVID-19: USCA MESSAGE TO CLUBS We are all operating in a new environment, one that was not planned for or seen just a few weeks ago. Thanks to COVID-19, our immediate decisions are made only with guesses based on rapidly changing information. Despite this moving sand, I can tell you that the best decisions made are those that consider the health and safety of those involved.

We are hearing from many clubs that they have appreciated the early USCA resolutions and used them to help in their own choices. A certainty to pass on: be firm in your pronouncements. Don’t try to please everyone; instead do what is right for the club and its membership. Be a leader in your area and support your decisions.

Croquet clubs are in vastly different situations throughout the USCA. States, counties and local communities each have varying regulations. Some clubs have ended their seasons, some have stayed open and others are looking to start their seasons.

The USCA cannot suggest universal ideas that will cover every club. Instead we are offering ideas to be considered by you and tried if the fit is right.

The USCA has cancelled or postponed its events, which were scheduled through June 30, 2020. We continue to review the regulations and health environment and will have communicated our decision for the June events by April 30.

We are operating with this schedule in order to give clubs and participants a full month’s notice of impending changes to the calendar. We are not making decisions on USCA events that are later in the schedule.

A USCA event is one that is controlled by the USCA organization itself, while a USCA-sanctioned tournament is an event that is run by a member club. The USCA owns USCA events. This decision and future decisions, therefore, only

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include events that are USCA events. The decisions do not include member club events, such as sanctioned tournaments.

By sanctioning a tournament, the USCA is not determining what health precautions should be in place or whether it is safe for the tournament to be held.

To repeat, the USCA does not dictate what clubs decide to do, whether to host events or stay open, but we are urging you to follow CDC, state and local guidelines to protect the safety and health of everyone involved.

This monthly schedule of decision-making works well for the USCA and its events but may not be the best procedure for your club. Clubs should adhere to the regulations stipulated by their states, counties or cities. Some croquet clubs are situated within country clubs or on private land whose rules need to be addressed as well.

This message suggests how to play croquet or have a croquet season during the time of COVID-19. The USCA is pleased to offer advice on how to maintain the croquet energy right now.

AWAY FROM THE COURTS Reach out to members In many places, croquet players are at home, some feeling alone or vulnerable.

Call to say hello. Use volunteers from your club to make personal calls. Both the recipients of the calls and the volunteers will welcome the exchange.

Clubs can make use of their websites or Facebook pages. A good way to open a season would be to ask your members to post their favorite croquet photos or stories. In addition to promoting the sport, players will see that their clubs are active, even away from the lawns.

Croquet lessons can be virtual Clubs can offer their weekly clinics online with the use of video communication.

Lessons can be given on every aspect of the sport from rules of the games, setting a court, break play, angles and shots, deadness theory and more.

Tailor lessons to the size and skill level of the group and develop a calendar full of clinics.

See the film. Read the book.

Cite the USCA or YouTube’s numerous offerings as sources. Whether one finds croquet in a full-length movie or a short video, many moments of the sport are worth watching from home. Suggest educational and real croquet game videos to your members so they can learn from some of the best players and instructors. The sport is featured in diverse films such as “Nosferatu” (1922), “North by Northwest” (1959), “Savages” (1972), “The Theory of Everything” (2014).

Each game of croquet also appears in many books. Instructional books are available from improving shot-making skills with Bob Kroeger to learning more about the sport from Jack and John Osborn. Some novels include the game such as H.G. Wells’ “The Croquet Player” and “Alice in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll.

You can also engage in croquet without being on the courts. The USCA will be sending a weekly newsletter to our members to keep in touch and offer croquet ideas.

ON THE COURTS Practice social distancing

USCA Management Committee ________________________ President Sara Low president@uscroquet.com First Vice President Damon Bidencope firstvp@uscroquet.com Second Vice President Don Oakley secondvp@uscroquet.com Treasurer David Isaacs treasurer@uscroquet.com Secretary Carla Rueck secretary@uscroquet.com United States Croquet Association (USCA) 700 Florida Mango Road West Palm Beach, FL 33406 Tel. (561) 478-0760 Fax (561) 686-5507

For lawns that are open to play, limit the number of people on each court and position chairs at least six feet apart for resting players. To avoid any congregating, take away the chairs completely.

Email: usca@msn.com Website: www.croquetamerica.com ________________________

Minimize surface exposure by removing tables and propping open doors.

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS

Wash your hands! This new battle cry works for many surfaces. A club can have hand sanitizers and cleaning wipes available to its players.

Clubs should inform their members of the precautions that have been made, even if some of the actions always happen. Let members know that a club often cleans its surfaces and that sanitizer is available at every court.

Suggest new protocol before a game, such as bowing instead of shaking hands. Use humor, but remind players that the club is practicing safe techniques to maintain health.

The USCA is sending out these suggestions to our member clubs with the recommendation that everyone speak to each other. Clubs should alert their members about club needs and offerings and ask members to make recommendations with their interests and submit possibilities.

We heard your questions and offer our response. If you or your club has additional questions, please contact us, the USCA, your Regional Vice President or your District President. In addition, croquet clubs can contact each other asking for or giving advice.

Clubs may have questions that have been answered by another club. Please share your thoughts and experiences with other organizations who care about this wonderful sport and its players.

On behalf of the USCA Management Committee, Sara Low, USCA President

Visit www.croquetamerica.com for more news.

Florida Gene Raymond (919) 612-3366 floridarvp@uscroquet.com Mid-Atlantic Timothy Rapuano (201) 887-0787 midatlanticrvp@uscroquet.com Midwest Russell S. Dilley (317) 903-6852 midwestrvp@uscroquet.com Northeast Patricia Spratt (860) 227-7297 northeastrvp@uscroquet.com Southeast Macey White (804) 832-2824 southeastrvp@uscroquet.com Western Rory Kelley (602) 686-3941 westernrvp@uscroquet.com ________________________ USCA STAFF Membership Coordinator Ursula Peck membership@uscroquet.com Tournament & Schools Johnny Mitchell tournament@uscroquet.com www.CroquetAmerica.com croquetamerica.com | 5

theclubhouse

WHO AM I? I was given my croquet nickname by legendary player Jerry Stark.

I confused the author when I first met him by wearing a jacket with the name “Dave” on it, but my first name is not Dave.

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I have been a member of many of the finest croquet clubs in this country, including Sonoma-Cutrer, Mission Hills and the National Croquet Center (NCC).

I have worked hard on my croquet game, spending countless hours practicing and teaching myself the game.

2020 NATIONAL CROQUET DAY The USCA has announced Saturday, June 6, as National Croquet Day for 2020. The

My hard work paid off. In Association Croquet (AC), I have defeated several world-class players from various countries and I once won my group of eight at the USCA’s Selection Eights. In American Rules (AR), my handicap is -2. My overall talents are demonstrated by the fact that I made the top 25 six times in the 2010 through 2016 USCA Grand Prix final standings.

plan will be like 2019 with

But my greatest claim to fame is defeating Ben Rothman 26-3 in the finals of the 2010 Mission Hills Invitational, an American Rules tournament. That match was watched by many courtside spectators (including the author) and was later entitled “The Perfect Game” because Ben and I played flawlessly. In fact, Ben’s first break was incredible, but my two breaks were perfect!

media with prizes awarded

Who am I?

2020 AGM BY EMAIL Based on the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting effects, the USCA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) was delivered as a report via email to all members. An in-person or virtual meeting was not held. According to the organization’s bylaws, the USCA follows Robert’s Rules of Order when the organizations rules or bylaws don’t dictate procedure. Robert’s Rules allowed the USCA to hold the meeting as an adjourned meeting of the originally announced Annual General Meeting.

The voting for regional vice presidents was finished in advance of the meeting with the three RVPs running unopposed in their respective regions: Florida, Midwest and Western. Thanks to the members of these regions, Gene Raymond, Russell Dilley and Rory Kelley will each serve for a two-year term as RVPs on the Management Committee.

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USCA members encouraged to share photos “representing the joy of croquet” on social for the best efforts. Follow the USCA on Facebook to get ready for this year’s event.

PASSAGES Urchie B. Ellis Confederate Hills Croquet Club

Donald Moss Deerfield Croquet Club

Rhonda S. Portley Highlands Falls Croquet Association

theinbox

The

I

Zen of Croquet

am new to croquet and have only been playing for a year and a half. But, I am not new to meditation, various techniques of which I have explored for more than 40 years.

Many contemplative spiritual schools have recommended, as part of their practices, some form of meditation. More and more psychologists and human behaviorists are teaching it to their patients to relieve stress, anxiety and depression as well as for pain management. It would be safe to say that whether it concerns Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, personal growth advocates or healthcare practitioners, the primary focus of meditation is to be present. Meditation is a time-honored method for taking notice of distracting thoughts in order to sideline the chatter and brings us back to the present moment. It is also a vehicle for tuning into our own bodily sensations rather than all the external stimuli fighting for our attention.

I find this to be exciting because, as I mentioned earlier, these are all the same requirements for mindfulness meditation. Yet, for me, the natural absorption that croquet offers has the advantage of being a lot more fun.

Croquet as meditation also factors in when relating to other players.

When I find my mind full of judgement, this is an opportunity to notice the thoughts and the feelings those thoughts create in my body. The other day, my partner and I were doubles. What I observed was, from my perspective, improper play by our opponents. I became upset and vented my anger and frustration to friends watching the game. My partner had to reel me in to refocus on playing and not complaining. Being upset was not helping my game, my state of mind or the joy in playing the game. I realized later that my thoughts were causing my suffering more than my opponents’ behavior. I had lost the true purpose of playing croquet – the sheer pleasure of it.

It has become increasingly harder in this age of technology to not be swept away by all the distractions and business of life. It has always been a challenge to curb our non-stop thinking. Thinking is a switch Croquet, used as a meditative practice, can be an opportunity to we cannot turn off, as much as we might want to. observe your mind as it digresses into judgement and discomfort and to use those observations to let go of pain-causing thoughts.

I have studied meditation for many years, but I have never been This is not to say that I should not tell the opponent what I saw, a good student. I was unsuccessful at sitting still for even short but, rather, to let go of the results. By observing my thoughts, periods of time. My body starts to ache and my mind’s incessant instead of blindly reacting to them, I have given myself a choice – to chatter prevents me from feeling peace. I am someone who be justifiably right and lose my joy of playing or to state what I have feels most comfortable moving and moving is precisely what I observed and let go of the outcome. Then I can get back to my job appreciate about croquet. I have unexpectedly found a way of of playing as well and as fairly as I can. meditating in motion.

All of this is to say that croquet offers us the opportunity to What I have gleaned from the game is that I need to be very in-theobserve our ego. Our ego is the part of ourselves that talks to us moment when I am lining up my ball for a shot. If I am not fully incessantly to forever prove how much more right, better, smarter, focused on that striking point on my ball, I will not accomplish the etc., we are than the other person. It is the part of us that needs to results I am aiming for. If I am not conscious of my body’s position inflate who we are in order to feel worthy. The problem is that it is in aligning my ball with the hoop or the opponent’s ball, I will also a false sense of worthiness because it does not truly care about the miss my target. And, as is true in meditation, it is important to be other person, only about our own status to ourselves. It wants to aware of my breathing so that I can be calm and effortless in my be right. It wants to win. stroke so as not to force the swing or twist my wrist.

The observer of the ego is our true self. That part of us that does not It is not an easy task to focus on the striking point of the ball with need to be right or to win to feel innate worth. The more we can full concentration. My mind never stops chattering and mindfulness observe the thinking ego and not identify with it, the greater our requires me to notice that chatter so I can return my full attention to true sense of worth and self becomes. that crucial spot on my ball.

For me, croquet has proven to be a vehicle for learning this incredible Equally challenging is the task of avoiding what feels like an innate truth, a truth that leads to real freedom and joy. The sport is an response of lifting my head to watch the movement of my ball. I excellent teacher of being in the present and being aware of our must stay focused on my ball and not lift my head until I have fully thoughts and body. Not only can it teach us to play better, but it also completed my swing. can also teach us to be a better, happier, more grounded human being.

All these requirements for properly hitting the ball, when done — Shoshanna Shelley, retired clinical psychologist with a special with full attention, bring rewarding results. There is no question interest in self-transcendence (fell in love with golf croquet at that croquet requires the skill of good strategizing, yet, without full the age of 68) attention in the present moment, I cannot actualize my strategy. croquetamerica.com | 7

theinbox

Through the

Looking Glass

Guy Brown at the National Croquet Center. The photo was taken through a “lens ball” by Bob Chilton (www.bobchilton.com).

TIME HOLDER The Sarasota County Croquet Club (SCCC) has a clever way to house timers. The white plastic item shown in the photo is a device used to connect downspout to a plastic drainpipe. Photo provided

by Rich Watson.

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EMAIL BLASTS As a club benefit, the USCA will send out one email blast per club per calendar year to help promote your USCA sanctioned tournament. Please send the file as a Microsoft WORD document or a .jpeg (photo) file — we cannot send any attachments or PDF files. Any additional email blasts will be $55.00 each.

“WHO AM I?” ANSWER I am . . . Bob Van Tassell, known to many as “Sandy Bob.” Yes, the great Jerry Stark branded Bob as “Sandy Bob,” referring to him as a “sandbagger” because, as a newer player, Bob was reluctant to play in the Open Flight of the US Open, and he ended up dominating the lower flight, to the consternation of his opponents.

When the author first met Bob at a toast and tally party during a croquet tournament, Bob wore a letterman style jacket with the name “Dave” embroidered on it. The author thereafter referred to Bob as “Dave” until politely corrected by somebody else that “his name is Bob, not Dave.”

Bob was also known for a time as a croquet vagabond, roaming the country in search of fine courts to practice on, great players to learn from and competitive tournaments in which to sharpen his skills. Thus, he has been a member of many of the finer clubs in the country. But it appears that he has settled in South Florida, at least for now, and has been a member of the NCC for the past several years.

Bob is an excellent player. He has defeated the following worldclass players in AC: Jerry Stark (US); Tony Le Moignan (UK); Leo McBride (Canada); Paul Billings (Canada); Ben Rothman (US); Rich Lamm (US); and Danny Huneycutt (US). In 2013, Bob easily won the Third Eight of the USCA’s Selection Eights, an AC tournament. Bob’s handicap of -2 shows he also is an excellent American Rules player. And in the 2013 USCA Grand Prix final standings, which combines results from tournaments of all variations of croquet, Bob was ranked third, with 19,488 points.

Given the above, Bob’s victory over Ben Rothman in The Perfect Game was not a shocking upset…it exemplified Bob’s ability to hit incredible shots, run textbook breaks and beat any opponent.

The following is Ben’s description of "The Perfect Game," as he wrote it in his croquet blog at that time, http://croquetpro. blogspot.com/2010/03/sandy-bob-van-tassell-perfects-mission.html: After a short and boring Chernobyl, where Bob kept the Yellow ball out of the game, Bob eventually came in and joined in corner one.

Rothman, undefeated [in the tournament] at this point, took a cut rush to the attack from corner four. After a few controlled boundary shots, the young pro [Ben] sent [Bob’s] Red away toward hoop four

while pass-rolling to position at hoop two. The hoop was made, and the leave was set when Bob composed himself and hit a 55-foot roquet of a ball that had only three feet to roll before going out of bounds.

The ball rolled and came to a rest with feet to spare.

Van Tassell ran a crisp break with four balls around to the peg and set a wonderful leave for his partner. Facing the “Groom of Doom,” Ben opted to corner rather than shoot an 80-foot version of Bob’s hit in.

The steady competitor [Bob] took the second break to the end and met outrageous applause from the crowd. After a celebratory hug, the finalists compared notes and shook hands.

ORDER THE GEAR The NCC Pro Shop is now offering the Team USA croquet gear to supporters. It is embroidered with the USCA CROQUET logo and 100% of all USCA profits on this gear will go to benefit the Lee Olsen Fund. The options include shirts, ball caps, sun hats and rain gear. This is a wonderful way to show your support for our international teams and players. To order, contact Vickie Johnson (561-478-2300) at the NCC Pro Shop. croquetamerica.com | 9

Even though Croquet Week had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the sport and the USCA still carry on and we are pleased to announced 2019 USCA Annual Award winners.

Certificate of Appreciation

Bobbi Shorthouse

Bobbi Shorthouse continues to accomplish great things for the Special Olympics, croquet and the USCA.

Danny Huneycutt

Danny Huneycutt continues his achievements in croquet and for the USCA via multiple clubs around the country and in the development of the players known as Danny’s Dames.

Missy Chilton

Missy Chilton continues her achievements in croquet and for the USCA, especially through the design of the Team USA uniforms.

Anne Frost Robinson

Anne Frost Robinson continues her achievements in croquet and for the USCA, especially through her successful rebirth of National Croquet Day. Clockwise from top left: Missy Chilton, Bobbi Shorthouse, Danny Huneycutt and Anne Frost Robinson (on right)

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Certificate of Appreciation

West River Wickets

The USCA made its decision in part because the West River Wickets club has ensured that croquet is a lively and exciting choice in Maryland.

In 2019, this was proven by the addition of 16 new members.

Westhampton Mallet Club

Another deserved accolade in the Westhampton Mallet Club’s 60-year existence!

Carla Rueck

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Club of the Year

Ponte Vedra Croquet Club

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Ginger Cove Croquet Club won the 2019 USCA Annual Award for New Club of the Year. It is very impressive that the club joined the USCA at the end of September 2019 and already boasts 17 new members.

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Above: Carla Rueck

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Ginger Cove Croquet Club

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The USCA chose Ponte Vedra Croquet Club as Club of the Year in part because it is a dynamic club that hosts introductory clinics in addition to memorable tournaments and exciting games of croquet. The innovation and loyalty at the club as well as its members and leadership are responsible for its growth and excitement. This four-year-old club is responsible for growth and excitement in Northern Florida and beyond.

New Club of the Year

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Carla Rueck won a Certificate of Appreciation in honor of the many contributions she has made to the USCA and the sport of croquet.

The list of her feats is truly endless, but revealed in her playing, her leadership in many clubs, her croquet instruction, her fair refereeing and her role as the USCA Secretary with the wisdom, experience and wit she imparts

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The USCA made its decision in part because of the important position the club holds in the history of American croquet, but also because of the club’s vitality and success today. The spirit of croquet is evident throughout the Westhampton Mallet Club from the introductory clinics to the very popular tournaments, both intra-club and invitational. The club’s success can be measured by its growth in membership in addition to the club members volunteering so much of their time and providing a great energy in their play and their support.

ICKE TS

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2019 USCA ANNUAL AWARDS

Club President of the Year

Elaine Moody

The USCA made its decision in part because of the energy and commitment Elaine Moody brings to the Pinehurst Croquet Club. One of several events at the club, the Solomon Trophy Tournament involved teams from two countries; organization of the multi-day event and its players and volunteers; coordination between the Pinehurst Country Club, North Carolina District President, USCA, World Croquet Federation; social direction including meals, parties and lodging; and marketing through and outside of the Pinehurst Country Club. Elaine’s success has been remarkable and her energy boundless.

Financial Support

Hal Denton

The USCA made its decision, in part, because Hal Denton’s generous gifts, including uniforms for players and computer applications for the office, help keep the USCA organized and proud at many levels.

International Support

Michael Albert

The USCA made its decision, in part, because of Michael Albert’s dedication to and success with the 2019 Highlands/Cashiers Pro-Am at the Chattooga Club. This event stirs excitement about croquet and initiates donations for the Lee Olsen Fund.

Michael Strauss Award for Journalism

Mike Mandell of the Mount Desert Islander From top left: Elaine Moody, Michael Albert, Mike Mandell and Hal Denton

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The Management Committee of the USCA, among others, cited Mike Mandell’s article in the Mount Desert Islander on August 14, 2019, titled “Former Claremont Classic Standout Becomes World Champ.” The committee also wants to recognize the years of articles on croquet published in the Mount Desert Islander.

Most Improved Player

Beverley Cardo

The USCA chose Beverley Cardo, in part, because she did so well in the 2019 season. It did not go unnoticed that many of her games were quite competitive with very impressive victories.

Regional District President

Mike Taylor

Mike Taylor’s many achievements in croquet and for the USCA in North Carolina and beyond gained him this award. The beyond includes his leadership in the Solomon Cup: bringing together into North Carolina media, local and national dignitaries, the two international teams and the rest of the USCA.

Rookie of the Year

Merle Berkshire

The USCA chose Merle Berkshire for Rookie of the Year because he did so well in his rookie season while at the same time helping others enjoy the sport he so clearly loves. It did not go unnoticed that many of his games were quite competitive with good victories.

Regional Vice President

Gene Raymond

The USCA made its decision, in part, because Gene Raymond was so successful as the Florida Regional Vice President. In addition to his creativity and suggestions for the USCA, he communicated well with constituents, clubs and district presidents in his region. Gene was also timely and in order with his responsibilities.

Grand Prix Winner

From top to bottom: Beverley Cardo, Mike Taylor, Merle Berkshire, Gene Raymond and Randy Cardo

Randy Cardo

The USCA chose Randy Cardo because he was at the top of the 2019 Grand Prix Chart. This spot requires playing well in many croquet tournaments throughout the year. It is fitting that Randy receive this award in the inaugural year with its new title as he has won this honor for a third year straight.

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2019 USCA ANNUAL AWARDS

Grand Prix Female Winner

Lynda Sudderberg

The USCA chose Lynda Sudderberg because she was the female player who stood highest on the 2019 Grand Prix Chart. This spot requires her playing well in many croquet tournaments throughout the year. Amid stiff competition, Lynda rose to the top.

GC Grand Prix Winner

Sherif Abdelwahab

The USCA chose Sherif Abdelwahab because he was the player who stood highest on the Golf Croquet Grand Prix Chart. This spot requires his playing well in many croquet tournaments throughout the year. This is the inaugural year for the Golf Croquet Grand Prix and Sherif is a fitting first recipient.

GC Grand Prix Female Winner

Cheryl Bromley

From Top: Sherif Abdelwahab, Cheryl Bromley and Lynda Sudderberg

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The USCA chose Cheryl Bromley because she was the female player who stood highest on the Golf Croquet Grand Prix Chart. This spot requires her playing well in many croquet tournaments throughout the year. Amid stiff competition, she rose to the top.

It is fitting that Cheryl won this honor in its inaugural year. Not only did her play merit the award, but also her commitment and drive helped the Golf Croquet Grand Prix come into existence. The USCA thanks Cheryl for this.

Player of the Year

Ben Rothman

An inaugural year for this award, which has a new definition and now includes not only the Grand Prix winner, but also every croquet player who is outstanding in the sport, notably through exceptional play at any level. Without a doubt, Ben Rothman is outstanding at the top of croquet. This award belongs to Ben for his playing ability and position as well as because he is the 2019 Golf Croquet World Champion and the first World Champion for the United States.

USCA President’s Award

Sherif Abdelwahab

Sherif Abdelwahab deserves this honor for many reasons: not only did he win in three national tournaments last year, but he also supports the sport and its players at every level. Sherif is an outstanding player and a true ambassador of croquet.

Teddy Prentis Award

Fred Jones

This award recognizes excellence and passion in croquet education and has been established to honor Teddy and his gift as a teacher.

Fred Jones was chosen by unanimous decision to receive this award because of his talent and inspiration as an instructor. The committee named Fred at its meeting in 2018 and ratified the decision a year later in the fall of 2019. After Fred’s death, the committee met again and approved awarding the honor to him posthumously. This decision stood without question at every stage.

—Written by Sara Low, USCA President

Top: Ben Rothman Bottom: Fred Jones

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By Dylan Goodwin

Finalists Matthew Essick and Reg Bamford display a signed raffle t-shirt.

Photo by Jim Nicholls.

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wenty-one-year-old Matthew Essick from Lexington, N.C., made it through a series of rising young AC gunslingers at the 2020 WCF Association Croquet World Championship held February 15-23, 2020, in Melbourne, Australia, to achieve a berth in the final and claim a silver medal. In the best-of-five title match, held at the Victorian Croquet Centre, Essick battled South Africa’s Reg Bamford, who was the holder of six previous world titles, four in association croquet and two in golf croquet. Bamford, who is also a USCA

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member, won +14TP, -12, +17TP, +26TP to claim the 2020 AC World Championship title and match Robert Fulford with five AC world singles titles.

The event was professionally live-streamed via My Sport Live and games one and two proved to be interactive and entertaining.

The final is still available for replay at https://livestream.com/ mysportlive/events/8995783 with the actual match starting at about 15 minutes into the video.

Earlier in the tournament, Essick had qualified from his block by winning seven of nine games. Once in the knockout, he kept control through four matches, never allowing an opponent to get within one game of winning the match. In the round of 16, he beat defending champion Paddy Chapman (NZ) in four games.

He then beat Felix Webby (NZ), owner of three WCF medals, also in four games. In the semifinals, he played Robert Fletcher (AUS), former world champion and frequent #1 in the world rankings.

Fletcher was 6-3 in the A Block, but heated up and was on a 10game win streak as he entered the semifinal. He extended that to 11 games, but Essick came back to win three straight for a -17TP, +26TP, +17, +26 victory to advance.

View from the clubhouse at Cairnlea. Photo provided by the Victorian Croquet Association.

Essick is the third American to reach the AC world singles final. very doubtful. Tons of good players with a lot of experience were on Current GC world champion Ben Rothman played Bamford in the 2009 final, and David Maloof played Stephen Mulliner (ENG) in an my half, including fellow American and friend Ben Rothman. epic five-game match in 2016.

WAS THERE ANYTHING THAT SURPRISED YOU FROM THE EVENT? The amount of young players at the top level. Many guys I’ve known about but never had the chance to see play were there … players like Ed Wilson, Felix Webby, James Galpin and Logan McCorkingdale, just to name a few.

IT IS STARTING TO SEEM LIKE AC IS BECOMING SIMILAR TO GC IN THAT YOU NEED TO BE HITTING WELL AT THE RIGHT TIME TO MAKE A RUN. HOW MUCH SEPARATION WOULD YOU SAY THERE IS BETWEEN THE PLAYERS IN THE TOP 50 IN THE WORLD? I think that the top 50 players can all defeat one another on any given day. What separates the top 10 from the rest is consistency on hitting lift shots.

The My Sport Live commentator booth. Photo provided by the Victorian Croquet Association.

WE’VE SORT OF WATCHED YOU GROW UP IN THE CROQUET NEWS ... AND YOU WERE A SKILLED PLAYER BEFORE THE AGE OF 10. STILL, YOU DID HAVE TO MAKE THE LEAP TO THE ELITE LEVEL. WHAT WAS THE KEY TO MAKING IT TO THAT WORLD CLASS LEVEL? Committing to a practice routine before tournaments. I used to show up to tournaments with no clue how the event was going to go, due to lack of preparation. Once I started having a daily routine to keep my swing grooved, I became a lot more consistent.

Recently, Essick took the time to field a few questions about his silver medal performance via email.

HOW MANY WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS HAVE YOU PLAYED IN AT THIS POINT? This most recent was my second world championship event. The first was 2016 in West Palm Beach, Fla. EVEN WITH YOUR PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE, DID YOU KNOW GOING IN THAT A RUN TO THE FINALS WAS A POSSIBILITY? Absolutely. I’ve played in four or five test matches for the US team and played many top players in the last five years. I knew how good everyone was going to be and that I could have a chance if I played up to my potential.

WHAT WAS YOUR BEST OVERALL MEMORY FROM THE AC WORLDS EVENT? Beating Robert Fletcher in the semifinals. To play really well on that stage against such a phenomenal player will stick with me forever.

DID YOU HAVE TO BATTLE ANY ROUGH PATCHES OR DOUBTS DURING THE EVENT? Not necessarily a rough patch, but doubts for sure. Once the draw was released and I saw who the potential matchups could be, I was

Photo provided by Sherif Abdelwahab.

croquetamerica.com | 17

WHEN DID YOU BECOME AWARE OF THE IDEA THAT WORLD RESPECT WOULD COME FROM GOING AFTER AN AC TITLE? I haven’t even thought about it. I think croquet is a sport of extreme camaraderie and that other players recognize good play and that is where the respect is earned.

DO YOU PLAY MUCH US RULES CROQUET, AND WOULD YOU GO FOR A NATIONAL TITLE? I do play some American Rules here and there, just not many tournaments. I could see myself going for a national title at some point, but it’s not a title I’m necessarily seeking currently.

WOULD YOU STILL PLAY CROQUET IF YOU WEREN’T AT AN ELITE LEVEL? 100 percent. It’s a game that allows you to compete, think and socialize regardless of skill.

NOT ALL PLAYERS CAN ASPIRE TO WIN A WORLD TITLE. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE THOSE PLAYERS ABOUT THE SPORT? Anything is possible. Develop a repeatable swing with good tempo, and you’d be surprised how far it can take you.

THINKING ABOUT LONG TERM, ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A CROQUET CLUB PRO? OR IF A TRUE PRO TOUR DEVELOPED WOULD YOU WANT TO PURSUE THAT AS A CAREER? I actually currently work for the Orlando Country Club and the Interlachen Country Club in Orlando, Fla., as its croquet professional. I love what I do and plan on continuing to teach in the future. As far as a potential tour, I’d be very interested to see if something of that variety could work in croquet. It would be cool to see nonetheless.

OVERALL US PLAYER PERFORMANCE Seven players represented the US in the event and several offered their perspective on Essick’s performance, the event overall and, in some cases, additional comments.

BEN ROTHMAN (9-0, BLOCK H) The reigning GC world champion stormed through Block H with a 9-0 record.

Rothman’s quadrant in the knockout was full of young guns and after dispatching James Galpin (ENG) in three games in round one -4, +16, +17, he matched up against Felix Webby (NZ) and, after taking game one, fell in four games +26TP, -1, -4, -17. A win there would have put Rothman up against Essick in the last eight.

How did you feel about your event performance?

I didn’t finish well, I got a little spooked by hoops that could be missed from within a foot (very firm on dry days). I should have worked harder to finish triples in the knockout.

How was the event overall?

I thought it was good. Some great play and thrillingly interactive late matches under the lights.

What did you think of Essick’s run to the finals?

Rothman lines up a rover peel. Photo provided by the Victorian Croquet Association.

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He hit so well and was able to adjust to some tricky court speeds and his hoop shooting made the firm hoops look trivial (and got him out of some trouble). He was never satisfied and stayed focused; a pleasure to watch.

You stood out as one of the top commentators in the history of croquet livestream. Are you thinking of a career as a sports commentator?

Thanks, I’m pretty sure in the world of sports commentating I am well below average. For croquet livestreams, I’m happy to help.

These streams are so long (8-10 hours?!) that they need a lot of turnover to keep the hosts from burning out.

STEPHEN MORGAN (4-5, BLOCK E) Morgan battled in the star-studded E Block that featured Paddy Chapman (NZ), Stephen Mulliner (ENG) and Felix Webby (NZ). He managed a 4-5 record to finish sixth in a block that required six victories to get to the main knockout. He did claim a 26-1 win over Chapman who was 7-2 in the block. Morgan went 3-0 in his plate block and then rode that to the last four of the event with a 2-0 win over Kerri-Ann Organ (AUS) and 2-1 over Harps Tahurangi (NZ) before falling to eventual plate winner Alain Giraud (ENG) in the semifinal -12, +16, -24.

SHERIF ABDELWAHAB (2-7, BLOCK A) Abdelwahab struggled with a 2-7 record in Block A that featured well-known AC stars, such as Robert Fletcher, Peter Landrebe, Stephen Forster and Brian Cumming. He bounced back in the plate with a 3-1 block record and advanced to plate knockout to face off against fellow American Stuart Lawrence. Abdelewahab prevailed there +15, -14, +17 before falling to Alain Giraud (ENG) -3, -14 in round two. Giraud went on to win the plate event.

How did you feel about your event performance?

Morgan, Essick and Rothman in front of the Victorian Croquet Centre. Photo by Sherif Abdelwahab.

I was very disappointed in my play ... I know I’m a better player than that. Oh well, there is always the next one.

What did you think of Essick’s run to the finals?

I was very impressed by Essick’s level of play, especially against Robert Fletcher. He made all of the US players very proud and it was a great win for USA croquet.

STUART LAWRENCE (5-4, BLOCK C) Lawrence had a good performance in Block C, going 5-4 and missing out on the main knockout by just one game. He carried that momentum into the plate block and went 4-0 with two triples. He faced fellow American Sherif Abdelwahab in the plate knockout and fell -15, +14, -17.

SIMON JENKINS (3-6 BLOCK F) Jenkins went 3-6 in Block F, but also recovered in the plate block to go 3-1. In round one of the plate knockout he drew Aiken Hakes (NZ) and fell in two games. Hakes went on to the plate final.

How did you feel about your event performance?

Going to the World Championships is always going to provide a massive challenge. I felt my preparation had been as good as I could possibly have made it. Despite that, everything hinges on the draw. The draw is predominantly based on world ranking points and is meant to apportion the talent out equally amongst eight groups of 10, each playing a round robin.

I had my chances in block play with, oddly enough, my best chances of making it to the playoffs being against the top two players, both of whom I had on the ropes. But as we all know, croquet bites you back at the highest level if you make that one critical mistake.

The US team generally performed well with five of the team making it through to the plate knockout. I unfortunately met the top seed in the first round, and it didn’t go well.

How was the event overall?

The event was relatively spread out with the main venue being at Cairnlea in northern Melbourne, Australia. The four satellite lawns were anywhere from half an hour to two hours away. As should be expected, the conditions varied quite considerably between each croquetamerica.com | 19

venue. One of the challenges that many players found was the type of ball. The globally recognized competition croquet ball is the Dawson Ball. Recently the Dawson company was sold to Paul Manwaring, who lives in “Humpty Doo” in Darwin, Australia. These new balls were used at Cairnlea and were correspondingly nicknamed “Humpty Doo” Balls. Due to a new plastic being used, it was widely thought that the characteristics of the balls reacted differently from the Dawson balls that we have become used to using. (It was thought that the back ball didn’t travel as far as expected.)

What did you think of Essick’s run to the finals?

Due to the geographical constraints of the tournament, my view of Essick’s games on his run to the finals was limited. However, from the matches I did get to see, his demeanor throughout was of supreme confidence. There were moments where the demonstration of his incredible talent had whoever was watching gasp in awe. His match against Felix Webby could have gone either way. But because Felix had just beaten Ben Rothman, Essick had extra incentive to hold the flag up as the last standing US player in the tournament.

Beating the world-ranked number one in the semifinals did nothing to change his attitude to his next opponent. With Essick meeting a formidable opponent in the finals, Reg Bamford had to use everything in his armory to stop the Essick charge.

These World AC championships have left many who watched the last three rounds of the knockout asking themselves the question, “When (not if ) will Matthew Essick from Davidson County, N.C., be World Champion?”

JIM BAST (3-5, BLOCK B) Bast’s record shows as 3-5 in Block B, but he actually had four victories on the court if you include his 26-9 victory over Aiken Hakes (NZ). He also finished with three straight wins in the block and carried that out to five straight going into the plate block, where he finished 3-2, which wasn’t quite enough to get into the plate knockout.

How did you feel about your event performance?

Due to family circumstances, I only have the privilege of competing once, or at most twice, a year for the short term. Thus, I have absolutely no expectations for results other than to try my best at all times and never give up. This is actually quite liberating and makes any competition enjoyable for me regardless of results. I won as many games as I lost at the Worlds. Under the circumstances, I was pleased.

How was the event overall?

No complaints. I always have a fantastic time seeing old friends from around the globe after four decades of international competition. I really enjoy meeting new friends as well.

What did you think of Essick’s run to the finals?

Lots of fun to watch. Even more fun kibbitzing on the sideline.

Having made a (Sonoma-Cutrer) Worlds final myself, I was completely in-tune with what he must have been feeling. He did a great job.

The article introduction was based on the summary written by Jeff Soo on the www.croquetamerica.com website.

WORLDS PRIZE PRESENTATION: (L to R) Samir Patel (winner of the Bowl), Reg Bamford (winner), Matthew Essick (runner up), James Death (winner of the Salver), Alain Giraud (winner of the Plate), Stephen Mulliner (winner of the Shield). Photo provided by the Victorian Croquet Association.

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BAMFORD STANDS ABOVE ALL

REPRESENTING CANADA

USCA member Reg Bamford from South Africa now has collected seven WCF World Singles titles with five in AC and two in GC. Robert Fulford (ENG) is closest with five AC WCF titles. Overall, he has appeared in nine WCF World finals.

Fulford is also closest in that category with seven WCF title match appearances.

USCA member Brian Cumming was the sole representative for Canada and he battled to a 5-4 record in Block A, which was one game short of a berth in the main knockout. He then rolled through his plate block with a 5-0 record and made it to the semifinals in the plate knockout, falling there to Aiken Hakes (NZ) -13, -18TP.

WCF AC WORLD CHAMPIONS YEAR

WINNER

RUNNER UP

VENUE

1989

Joe Hogan

Mark Avery

Hurlingham, London, England

1990

Robert Fulford

Mark Saurin

Hurlingham, London, England

1991

John Walters

David Openshaw

Hurlingham, London, England

1992

Robert Fulford

John Walters

Newport, Rhode Island, USA

1994

Robert Fulford

Chris Clarke

Carden Park, England

1995

Chris Clarke

Robert Fulford

Fontenay le Comte, France

1997

Robert Fulford

Stephen Mulliner

Bunbury, WA, Australia

2001

Reg Bamford

Robert Fulford

Hurlingham, London, England

2002

Robert Fulford

Toby Garrison

Wellington, New Zealand

2005

Reg Bamford

Robert Fulford

Cheltenham, England

2008

Chris Clarke

Stephen Mulliner

Christchurch, New Zealand

2009

Reg Bamford

Ben Rothman

West Palm Beach, Florida, USA

2012

Reg Bamford

Robert Fletcher

Adelaide, Australia

2013

Robert Fletcher

Paddy Chapman

London, England

2016

Stephen Mulliner

David Maloof

West Palm Beach, Florida, USA

2018

Paddy Chapman

Reg Bamford

Wellington, New Zealand

2020

Reg Bamford

Matthew Essick

Melbourne, Australia

croquetamerica.com | 21

To Those Who The Croquet Foundation of America

2019 DONOR WALL OF HONOR ARCHIE PECK SOCIETY

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE

$25,000+ Harold Denton Howard Sosin

$20,000 TO $24,999 Robert & Jennifer Williams

PATRON CIRCLE $10,000 to $14,999

SILVER $500 TO $999

Conner Helms* David Kepner David & Millie McCoy Vernon Pierce*

Joy Guernsey-Diesel Huston Huffman Bill & Carla Rueck Sonoma Croquet Club

PLATINUM $5,000 TO $9,999

BRONZE $100 TO $499

Anonymous Stuart Baker Digby Bridges* Randy Cardo John Curington Michael & Cynthia Gibbons Vickie Johnston Dr. Sandra Knuth & Dr. Robert Walsh

Anonymous (3) Sonia Alexander John & Carol Bannister The Beach Club Nigel & Sarah Billingham Dick Brackett Len Broverman Fay Burger John & Rene Canning Richard Carlson Bob & Missy Chilton Gay Ann Cinque City of Delray Lois Clay Coastal Croquet Clubs Patrick Colt Ginny Coyle Croquet Club at PGA Douglas Curry Michael Devine Carol DiFazio Danielle Englander Gerry Eubank & Lin Irey Caryl Firth Joseph & Michelle Fiscella Patrick Foy Connie Gallo Alan Goldstein

GOLD $1,000 TO $4,999 Rich Curtis* David & Martie Ekstrom Harvey Geiger Steve Grassbaugh & Lynda Sudderberg Geoffrey Mattison & Betty Crisler Freear Pollard Conrad & Jodie Rugart Bill Sadowski in memory of Diane Sandy James Fine Food & Productions* Joyce Spencer Ruth Summers Peter Timmins

Tom & Sam Graham Greenwich Croquet Club Kevin Hansley Billy Harper Jill Harrold Barbara Heitmann Shaun Henderson Pam Heyer Nanci Hunt Stewart & Josie Jackson Jekyll Island Croquet Club Judy Just Renee Kelsch Edwin & Sharon Kenrick Lenox Croquet Club Dr. Ray Liberti Simon Lloyd Rosemarie Maccario Geraldine McCauley Sheila McCauley Steve Mednick & Julia Johnston Dr. Brian Mitchell Steven Mossbrook Ronald & Sally Muzii Sherman Neff & Gail Munn New York Croquet Club Thomas O’Laughlin Geri O’Neill Diane Pelletier Jane Pflug John & Paula Phaneuf Herbert Roemmele Jodie Rugart Barry & Lois Sales Michael Sarback Mary Shields Roberta Shorthouse

Donald Smith Scott Spradling Arlene Stevens Marguerite Stinson Rhys Thomas Thomas Tribby David Trimmer Eileen Trollope Bob Van Tassell Maxine (Mikki) Vicoli Maureen Villiotte Mary Lou Wagner Pamela Walker Steve & Laura Warner Donald Warren & Lenore Orlowska-Warren Westhampton Mallet Club Anyse Winston FRIEND UP TO $99 James & Cynthia Bast Alan & Judith Benjamin Billy Jean Berne Arthur Einstein Robert Gerry Rory Kelley Dick Scherf Maria Sweetser Richard & Diane Watson

*Includes professional services

Thank You on Behalf of Croquet Players Everywhere!

Please accept our apologies and call to our attention any errors or omissions.

22 | croquetamerica.com

Support the Game 2019 VOLUNTEER WALL OF HONOR The Board of Directors of the Croquet Foundation of America is deeply grateful to the following individuals who, during 2019, so generously donated their time and expertise to help the Foundation achieve its mission of promoting and developing the sport of croquet.

Thank you for all that you do!

Sherif Abdelwahab Charlie Alexander Sonia Alexandra Bob Alman Ron Atkins Stuart Baker Carol & John Bannister James Bartle Karen Beck Anthea and John Blamire Dick Brackett Randy Cardo Janet Catalano Camille Catania Vera Chapman Bob & Missy Chilton Gay Cinque Lois Clay Susan Cole David Collie Pat Colt Ginny Coyle Trudy Crowetz Marianne Davidson Harold Denton Russell Dilley Victoria Donaldson Bobby Duryea David & Martie Ekstrom

Gerry Eubank Sandra Feeney Bob Finn Priscilla Flowers Clint Fowlkes Patrick Foy Ron Furman Wayne & Connie Gallo Shari Gallucci Harvey Geiger Mike Gibbons Rita Ginsky Jim & Linda Grady Tom Graham Steve Grassbaugh Jill Harrold Helen Hass Conner Helms Shaun Henderson Joanne Heron Pam Heyer Nanci Hunt Lin Irey Julia Johnston Vickie Johnston Peter Just Gerald Kagan Kara Kailer Sharon Kenrick

Alan Lazaruecu Lee Little Sara Low Larry Lynch Meg Macy Tim McCormick David & Millie McCoy Larry McDermott Jutta McInnis Steve Mednick Brian Mitchell Johnny Mitchell Jeff Morrison Vicky Naranjo Barbara Neiman Charlene Nobel Geri O’Neill Lenore Orlowsky John Osborn Donna Ostrowsky Joan Parker Suzanne Pearlman Ursula Peck Barbara Perlman Sheila Peterson Vernon Pierce Missy Ramey Scott Reiser Marie Rittman

Mary Robb Kat Robertson June Rochedieu Carla Rueck Bill Sadowski Dick Scherf Mary Shields Rose Slaymaker Howard Sosin David Spivey Arlene Strauss Lynda Sudderberg Yen Sullivan Ruth Summers Marie Sweetser Jim Taylor Thomas Tribby Suzanne Turner Bob Van Tassell Sue Varey Mikki Vicoli John Warlick Donald Warren Derek Wassink Don Whalen Kathleen White Anyse Winston

We worked hard to ensure that this list is complete and secure, but mistakes happen. If you notice any errors or omissions, please accept our apologies and bring this to our attention.

W. David McCoy, Chairman Croquet Foundation of America

SPONSORED CONTENT - The Croquet Foundation of America, a separate 501(c)(3), not-for-profit corporation, is a contributing sponsor of the USCA and Croquet News.

croquetamerica.com | 23

2020 USCA CLUB DIRECTORY Croquet News is pleased to present the third annual USCA Club Directory with the goal of showcasing the clubs across the association that are key to growing the sport.

Enhanced (bold) listings designate clubs that have participated in at least one of the two USCA Club Teams events and/or supported the Croquet News magazine by advertising since the last Club Directory.

Enjoy this guide to croquet clubs across the US and beyond and hopefully it will provide ideas for new destinations on your next croquet trip.

CLUB | COURTS | COURT SIZE WEBSITE | PHONE ALABAMA LOXLEY Steelwood Croquet Association | 1 | (251) 964-5308 MT. BROOK Mountain Brook Croquet Club | 1 | FULL (205) 967-3301

ARIZONA PHOENIX Arizona Croquet Club | 1 | FULL www.azcroquet.org | (480) 943-5493 SCOTTSDALE Mountain Mallets | 2 | 40x50 www.desertmountaingolfcroquet.com | (480) 656-4643

CALIFORNIA OAKLAND Oakland Croquet Club | 1 | FULL www.croquetworld.com/occ.asp PASADENA Pasadena Croquet Club | 2 | FULL www.pasadenacroquetclub.org RANCHO MIRAGE Mission Hills Croquet Club | 10 | FULL www.missionhills.com | (307) 851-6455 ROHNERT PARK Sonoma Croquet Club | 2 | FULL (707) 585-7819 SAN FRANCISCO San Francisco Croquet Club | 2 | FULL www.croquetworld.com/sfcc.asp ST. HELENA Meadowood Mallet Club | 4 (800) 458-8080 THOUSAND OAKS Sherwood Club | 0 (805) 496-3036

COLORADO DENVER Denver Croquet Club | 1 | FULL, Lighted www.denvercroquetclub.org | (303) 520-9023

www.croquetamerica.com/usca/directory/clubs/

CONNECTICUT GREENWICH Greenwich Croquet Club | 5 | FULL, 75% (914) 582-9488 HAMDEN Special Olympics Connecticut | 0 www.soct.org | (203) 230-1201 HARTFORD Elizabeth Park Croquet Club | 2 | 75% (860) 608-1222

DELAWARE ROCKLAND Delaware Croquet Club | 4 | FULL (302) 656-3551 WILMINGTON Wilmington Country Club | 3 (610) 388-6577

FLORIDA ATLANTIC BEACH Fleet Landing Croquet Club | 1 | 60x90 BELLEAIR Belleair Country Club Croquet | 1 | FULL www.belleaircc.com | (727) 461-7171 BOCA GRANDE Gasparilla Inn Mallet Club | 3 (941) 964-2201 BOCA RATON Boca Raton Croquet Club | 1 | FULL (617) 281-8644 Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club | 2 | FULL (561) 395-2100 BOKEELIA Useppa Island Croquet Club | 2 | FULL, 30x60 (9W) useppa.com | (239) 283-1061 BONITA SPRINGS Bonita Bay Club | 2 | 85x55 (239) 495-0200 CELEBRATION Celebration Croquet Association | 1 | HALF (407) 970-3103 DELAND Stetson University | 0 stetson.edu | (386) 822-7182

Denver Country Club | 0 | FULL www.denvercc.net | (303) 862-3471

CLUBS that have advertised or participated in a club teams event

24 | croquetamerica.com

In addition, the USCA offers this directory online with even more details, plus the ability to filter by city, state or country.

Visit the online version at:

DELRAY BEACH St. Andrews Club | 1 | FULL (561) 243-0557 FT LAUDERDALE Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward Cnty | 0 (954) 537-1010 HILLSBORO BEACH

HILLSBORO CLUB | 1 | FULL WWW.HILLSBOROCLUB.ORG (954) 941-2220 HOBE SOUND Jupiter Island Club | 1 (772) 546-7848 JACKSONVILLE

FLORIDA YACHT CLUB | 2 | 183X115 WWW.THEFLORIDAYACHTCLUB.ORG (904) 387-1653 Timuquana Country Club | 0 www.timuquana.net | (904) 388-2664 KEY LARGO Ocean Reef Club | 2 | 75% (305) 367-6583 LAKE WALES Edward W. Bok Academy | 1 bokacademy.org | (863) 638-1010 Mountain Lake Croquet Club | 0 (863) 676-3494 LAKE WORTH Special Olympics PB Cty Croquet | 0 www.sopbc.com | (561) 966-7019 MIAMI BEACH Indian Creek Country Club | 1 | FULL (305) 866-5751 NAPLES Audubon Croquet Association | 2 | 1 FULL, 1-75% www.audubonccofnaples.com | (239) 566-9800 Club Pelican Bay | 1 | 75% www.theclubpelicanbay.com | (239) 597-1183 Naples Croquet Club of Florida | 2 | FULL (239) 207-2735 ORLANDO Country Club of Orlando | 0 www.countrycluboforlando.com | (407) 849-0990 Winter Park Croquet Club | 1 www.winterparkcroquetclub.org | (407) 788-0565

CLUB | COURTS | COURT SIZE WEBSITE | PHONE

PONTE VEDRA BEACH

PLANTATION OF PONTE VEDRA | 0 WWW.THEPLANTATIONPVB.COM (904) 543-7537

OSPREY Oaks Club | 1 | 90% (941) 966-5712

Ponte Vedra Croquet Club | 7 | FULL, 75% www.pontevedracroquetclub.com | (904) 273-0806

PALM BEACH Beach Club | 3 | FULL www.tbcpb.com/members/croquet.php (561) 842-4874

STUART

MARINER SANDS COUNTRY CLUB 4 | 84 X 54 FT (772) 600-5605

Everglades Club, Inc. | 1 | 90x65 (561) 655-7810 Palm Beach Croquet Club | 2 | 75% (561) 346-1404

Sailfish Point | 1 | 75x55 www.sailfishpoint.com | (772) 225-1000

PALM BEACH GARDENS Croquet Club at PGA National | 5 | FULL (734) 558-9971

THE VILLAGES Villages Croquet Club | 2 | 62x105 (561) 670-6756

Devonshire at PGA National | 2 (561) 227-2446

UNIVERSITY PARK University Park Country Club | 1 | 80 X 100 www.universitypark-fl.com | (941) 355-3888

PALM CITY Sandhill Cove Croquet Club | 1 (772) 288-2726

VENICE Sarasota County Croquet Club | 6 | FULL www.sarasotacountycroquet.com | (941) 900-4081

PALM COAST Grand Haven Croquet Club | 3 | 40x80 www.ghcroquetclub.com | (386) 585-0072 Hammock Dunes Croquet | 2 | FULL hammockdunesclub.com/hammock-dunes-club (386) 446-4655

VERO BEACH John's Island Croquet Club | 2 | FULL www.johnsislandclub.org | (772) 231-1220

Riomar Country Club | 1 | FULL www.riomarcountryclub.com | (772) 231-6426 Vero Beach Country Club | 2 www.vbcountryclub.com | (772) 567-3320 Windsor Club | 1 | NOT FULL www.windsorflorida.com | (772) 388-0757 VIERA Indian River Colony Club | 1 | 80x50 www.colonyclub.com | (321) 255-6051 VILLAGE OF GOLF Country Club of Florida | 1 (561) 732-9771 WELLINGTON Palm Beach Polo Golf & Country | 4 | FULL (561) 798-7405 WEST PALM BEACH

NATIONAL CROQUET CLUB | 12 | FULL NATIONALCROQUETCLUB.WILDAPRICOT.ORG

(561) 478-2300 Palm Beach Atlantic University | 0 www.pbasailfish.com | (561) 803-2328 WINTER PARK Interlachen Country Club | 2 www.interlachenccfl.com | (407) 657-0850

Moorings Club | 0 www.themooringsclub.com | (772) 469-3603

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2020 USCA CLUB DIRECTORY CLUB | COURTS | COURT SIZE WEBSITE | PHONE

ISLESFORD Islesford | 0 (207) 244-7377

LENOX Lenox Croquet Club | 4 | 1 FULL, 3-75% www.lenoxcroquet.com | (413) 443-4957

GEORGIA

MATINICUS ISLAND Matinicus Elementary School | 0 (207) 366-3695

MARION Marion Mallet Club Inc. | 2 | HALF www.bobcroquet.com/Marion/marion.htm | (508) 6784787

ATLANTA Peachtree Hills Place Croquet Club | 1 | 84x105 (404) 467-4900 CARROLLTON

CARROLL COUNTY CROQUET PLAYERS 0 | (770) 832-6272

MONHEGAN Monhegan Island School | 0 (207) 594-5895 NORTH HAVEN North Haven Community School | 0 (207) 867-4707

JASPER Big Canoe Croquet Club | 0 | 60x40 (404) 680-1576

ROCKPORT Riley School | 0 (207) 596-6405

JEKYLL ISLAND Jekyll Island Croquet Club | 0 (912) 635-9150

SORRENTO Sorrento V.I.A. Croquet Club | 1 | 60x90

SKY VALLEY Sky Valley Club, Inc. | 1 | FULL (706) 746-5302

ILLINOIS CHICAGO Chicago Croquet Club | 2 | FULL www.chicagocroquetclub.org | (773) 631-2422 MANHATTAN Prairie Lights Croquet Club | 1 | FULL www.prairielights-croquet.org | (815) 478-4172

INDIANA FISHERS Hawthorns Golf and Country Club | 1 | 64x100 www.hawthornscountryclub.com | (317) 854-9100 LOGANSPORT Heartland Croquet Club | 1 | FULL (574) 722-3449

SWAN'S ISLAND Swan's Island School | 0 (207) 526-4300 VINALHAVEN Vinalhaven School | 0 (207) 863-4664

MARYLAND ANNAPOLIS St. Johns College | 0 (347) 204-2545 Ginger Cove Croquet Club | 2 | FULL, 75% (410) 266-7248 BALTIMORE Pine Valley | 1 | FULL www.pinevalley.club | (410) 668-9888 FREDERICK Mid Atlantic Croquet Club | 8 | 100x50 (9W) (301) 831-8099

NANTUCKET Westmoor Club | 1 | 1x75% www.thewestmoorclub.com | (508) 228-9494 WESTON Weston Racquet Club | 0 (781) 890-4285

MICHIGAN COMSTOCK PARK Heatherwood Hills Croquet Club | 2 | FULL, HALF (616) 784-4438 HARBOR SPRINGS Wequetonsing Croquet Club | 2 | 70x90, 50x90 (734) 665-6456

MINNESOTA BRAINERD Madden Brother's, Inc. | 0 (218) 829-2811 EDINA City of Lakes Croquet Club | 2 | FULL (952) 974-1286

MISSISSIPPI DIAMONDHEAD Diamondhead Country Club & POA | 2 | 50x100 (228) 255-1900 FLORA Highlands Mallet Club | 1 | FULL (601) 949-3103

KANSAS

GALESVILLE West River Wickets | 3 | 2 FULL, 1-75% www.westriverwickets.com | (410) 867-0434

LEAWOOD Kansas City Croquet Club www.kccroquet.com | (913) 636-7231

MOUNT AIRY Dollyhyde Mallets at Milkhouse | 1 | FULL www.milkhousebrewery.com | (240) 401-1517

LOUISIANA

ROYAL OAK United States Naval Academy | 0 (410) 745-5470

LONG BEACH Long Beach Yacht Club | 2 | 50x100 www.longbeachyachtclub.com | (228) 224-3086

SPARKS Sparks Elementary School | 5 | HALF sparkses.bcps.org | (410) 887-7900

MISSOURI

BATON ROUGE Red Stick Croquet Club | 0 (225) 926-0428 SHREVEPORT Cajun Croquet Club | 0 (318) 865-4848

MAINE ELLSWORTH Woodlawn Croquet Program | 1 | FULL (207) 667-8671 FRENCHBORO Frenchboro School | 0 (207) 334-2944 ISLE AU HAUT Isle Au Haut School House | 0 (207) 335-2521 ISLESBORO Islesboro School | 0 (207) 734-2251

Pocahontas Mallet Club | 2 (601) 672-7423

MASSACHUSETTS

PARKVILLE Kactus Creek Croquet Club | 1 | FULL www.kactuscreek.com | (816) 891-6762

BEDFORD Carleton-Willard Village (617) 275-8700

WARRENSBURG University Central Missouri | 4 | 50x80 ucmo.edu/future.cfm | (660) 909-4747

BREWSTER Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club | 1 www.oceanedge.com | (774) 323-6220

NEW HAMPSHIRE

CAMBRIDGE Harvard College | 2 | 110mx75m www.college.harvard.edu | (617) 495-1000 EAST SANDWICH Sandwich Croquet Club | 4 | 80x100, 40x50. 40x50 www.sandwichcroquet.com | (508) 444-6983 EDGARTOWN Edgartown Croquet Club | 1 | FULL (607) 738-9419

CLUBS that have advertised or participated in a club teams event

26 | croquetamerica.com

JACKSON Country Club of Jackson | 1 | FULL www.ccjackson.com | (601) 956-1411

RYE Strawbery Banke Croquet Club | 1 | 64x85 (603) 433-5382

NEW JERSEY KENVIL Roxbury Croquet Club (862) 432-1964 MANTOLOKING Mantoloking Yacht Club (732) 892-6281

CLUB | COURTS | COURT SIZE WEBSITE | PHONE

SOUTHAMPTON Meadow Club of Southampton | 2 | FULL (631) 283-0425

MONROE TOWNSHIP Rossmoor Croquet Club | 1 | FULL (609) 409-7837

TUXEDO PARK Pine Court | 1 | 90x60 (914) 351-2547

RUMSON Rumson Country Club | 1 | FULL www.rumsoncc.org | (732) 842-2518

WESTHAMPTON BEACH Westhampton Mallet Club | 3 | 2 FULL, 1 - 75% (917) 514-9663

SOMERSET Rutgers Preparatory School | 2 | FULL (732) 545-5600

NORTH CAROLINA

SPRING LAKE Green Gables Croquet Club | 3 | FULL www.ggccnj.com | (201) 394-5435 WEST LONG BRANCH Monmouth University | 3 (732) 263-5187

ASHEVILLE Deerfield Croquet Club | 1 | 71x93 www.deerfieldcroquetclub.org | (828) 254-9667 BALD HEAD ISLAND Bald Head Island Croquet Club | 3 | FULL www.bhiclub.net | (973) 714-8484

NEW YORK

BLACK MOUNTAIN Black Mountain Croquet Club | 2 | 1 FULL, 1 HALF (828) 669-2281

BLOOMING GROVE Blooming Grove Croquet Club | 1 (845) 651-1197

BLOWING ROCK Blowing Rock Country Club | 1 | FULL www.blowingrockcountryclub.com | (828) 295-3171

BRIDGEHAMPTON Bridgehampton Club | 1 | FULL (631) 537-7399

CASHIERS Cedar Creek Club | 1 | FULL www.cedarcreekracquetclub.com | (828) 743-9380

BROOKLYN Brooklyn Croquet and Hunt * Club | 0 www.brooklyncroquet.org | (917) 312-2173

Chattooga Club | 2 | FULL www.chattoogaclub.com | (828) 743-3640

BUFFALO Buffalo Croquet Club | 4 | FULL (716) 697-4111 CAMILLUS West Hill Golf & Croquet Club | 2 | 55x110 www.westhillgolfcourse.com/croquet.html (315) 672-3540 CUTCHOGUE North Fork Country Club | 0 northforkcc.com | (631) 734-7139 LOCUST VALLEY Creek Club | 1 (516) 676-1405 Piping Rock Club | 2 | FULL (516) 470-9681 NAPLES Naples Croquet Club (978) 263-6152 NEW PALTZ State University of NY at New Paltz | 0 (516) 708-3623

Country Club of Sapphire Valley | 1 | 85x110 www.ccsapphirevalley.org | (828) 743-2462 Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club | 1 mountaintopgolfclub.com | (828) 743-4707 Trillium Links and Lake Club | 1 | 75% trilliumnc.com | (828) 743-6161 CHAPEL HILL Carolina Meadows Croquet Club | 0 (919) 942-2411 DURHAM Stoneridge Croquet Club | 1 | 100x80 (919) 419-3165 HIGHLANDS Cullasaja Club | 1 | FULL www.cullasajaclub.org | (828) 526-3531 Highlands Falls Croquet Association | 2 www.clubhfcc.com | (828) 526-4118 Highlands Strikers Croquet Club | 1 (828) 526-0501 Wildcat Cliffs Country Club, Inc. | 1 | 90x140ft. www.wildcatcliffscountryclub.com | (828) 526-5850

NEW YORK New York Croquet Club | 2 | 75% www.newyorkcroquetclub.com | (646) 642-6601

LAKE TOXAWAY Lake Toxaway Mallet Club | 2 | 75% laketoxawaycc.com | (603) 568-5587

ROCHESTER Rochester Croquet Club | 3 ROCCroquet.org | (585) 474-3753

LINVILLE Eseeola Croquet Club | 1 | FULL (828) 733-4311

SARATOGA SPRINGS AIM for Saratoga Croquet Club | 16 (518) 587-3208

Grandfather Golf & Country Club | 2 | FULL (828) 898-4531

PINEHURST Pinehurst Croquet Club | 3 | FULL www.pinehurst.com/activities/lawn-sports (910) 986-3164 PITTSBORO Fearrington Swim & Croquet Club | 1 | FULL (817) 565-8145 SAPPHIRE Burlingame Country Club www.burlingameccwnc.com/web/pages/north (828) 966-9200 WINSTON-SALEM Arbor Acres Croquet | 3 (336) 724-7921

NORTH DAKOTA FARGO Fargo South High School | 1 | 40 ydx80 yd (701) 446-2000

OHIO NEW ALBANY New Albany Country Club | 0 www.nacc.com | (614) 488-0890

OKLAHOMA BARTLESVILLE Oklahoma Wesleyan University | 0 (918) 335-6200 BROKEN ARROW Tulsa Croquet Club | 1 | 105x52 HALF TulsaCroquetClub.org | (918) 258-5656 NICHOLS HILLS Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club | 2 | FULL www.okcgcc.com | (405) 590-7264

Whether buying or selling, trust the largest transaction of your life to a proven professional.

Linda Grady, PA 561-512-0852

lindagradyrealtor@gmail.com

Linville Ridge Croquet Club | 2 | FULL (828) 898-5151

croquetamerica.com | 27

2020 USCA CLUB DIRECTORY CLUB | COURTS | COURT SIZE WEBSITE | PHONE OREGON ASHLAND Classic Croquet Club | 1 | 100x60 (541) 488-3031

Daniel Island Golf Club, LLC | 1 | 150 X 120 (843) 971-3555

VIRGINIA

Yeamans Hall Club | 2 | 50x85 www.yeamanshallclub.com

HARTFIELD Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club | 8 | FULL (804) 776-9861

PORTLAND Portland Croquet Club | 0 (503) 310-3222

DATAW ISLAND Croquet Club of Dataw Island | 2 | FULL www.dataw.com | (843) 694-1148

HIGHLAND SPRINGS Confederate Hills Croquet Club | 1 | 83x68 ft.

(804) 516-5386

PENNSYLVANIA

HILTON HEAD Wexford Croquet Club | 0 (207) 226-0606

TIMBERVILLE North Mountain Croquet & Tennis | 2 | FULL (540) 470-2468

LANDRUM Southern Rovers Mallet Club | 1 | FULL (864) 877-9511

WASHINGTON

GREENSBURG Westmoreland Croquet Club | 2 | FULL www.westmorelandcroquetclub.org | (724) 836-1000 HAVERFORD Merion Cricket Club | 3 | 2 FULL, 1 - 1/4 www.merioncricket.com | (610) 642-5800 UNIVERSITY PARK Penn State University | 0 sites.psu.edu/clubsports/clubs/croquet/ (814) 865-9202

OKATIE Spring Island Croquet Club | 1 | FULL www.springisland.com | (843) 987-2003 TEGA CAY Tega Cay Croquet Club | 2 | HALF www.tegacaycroquet.com | (803) 431-9560

RHODE ISLAND

TENNESSEE

NEWPORT International Tennis Hall of Fame | 1 | 75% www.tennisfame.com | (401) 846-0642

MEMPHIS University Club of Memphis | 1 | 84x101 www.ucmem.com | (901) 722-3700

Newport Croquet Club | 0 (401) 841-8776

NASHVILLE Cottonwood Bocce & Croquet Club | 1 | FULL (615) 943-5671

WATCH HILL Ocean House Mallet Club | 2 | 75% www.oceanhouseri.com | (860) 227-7297

SOUTH CAROLINA AIKEN Green Boundary Croquet Club | 1 | FULL www.greenboundaryclub.com | (803) 649-2549 BLUFFTON Sun City Croquet Club | 3 | FULL (203) 530-5830 CHARLESTON Bishop Gadsden | 1 www.bishopgadsden.org | (904) 553-1519

TEXAS DALLAS Dallas Croquet Association | 2 | 75% dallascroquet.com | (214) 213-5116 HOUSTON Bayou Club of Houston | 2 | 70x90 (713) 686-4000 Houston Croquet Association | 2 | FULL www.houstoncroquet.com | (832) 465-4880 River Oaks Country Club | 2 | 60x40 www.riveroakscc.net | (713) 529-4321

VERMONT DORSET Dorset Field Club | 1 | 58x74 www.dorsetfieldclub.com | (802) 867-4002 MANCHESTER Ekwanok Country Club | 2 | FULL (802) 362-2220 MARLBORO Marlboro College | 0 www.marlboro.edu/ | (802) 579-8238 WOODSTOCK Croquet Club of Vermont | 2 | 1 HALF, 1-75% members.valley.net/~croquetvermont/ (603) 643-3070

SEATTLE Woodland Park Lawn Bowling Club | 2 (206) 694-9065

WISCONSIN MILWAUKEE

MILWAUKEE COUNTRY CLUB | 2 (414) 362-5200 WHITEFISH BAY Milwaukee Croquet Club | 2 | 2-75% (414) 964-7047

INTERNATIONAL BERMUDA SOMERSET BRIDGE Croquet Club of Bermuda (441) 238-7308

CANADA ONTARIO Northern Lights Croquet Club | 1 | FULL (905) 643-4545 RIQAUD, QUEBEC Mount Royal Country Club, Inc. | 2 | FULL (450) 451-9989 ST. CATHARINES, ONTARIO Royal St. Catharines Croquet Club | 2 | FULL (905) 685-6939 WESTMOUNT, QUEBEC Westmount Croquet Club | 2 | FULL (514) 989-5532

MEXICO SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE Hope Harmon Croquet Club | 1 croquetsanmiguel.wordpress.com | (561) 837-3352

VIRGIN ISLANDS CHRISTIANSTED Bombay Mallet & Wicket Croquet | 1 | FULL (340) 692-7717 Tennis Club of St. Croix | 2 (340) 692-7717

CLUBS that have advertised or participated in a club teams event

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clubmanagement

Swiss System: For Today's On-The-Go Player

By Macey White One-day tournaments have become popular at the Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club. Players with day jobs as well as college students have found these tournaments attractive as they may only have weekends to pursue hobbies like croquet. One-day tournaments allow the opportunity to participate in high-quality competition while still saving one weekend day for other priorities.

These one-day tournaments usually start at 10 a.m., which is late enough so players can drive in that morning instead of spending the night the evening before. Players arrive expecting to play four quality games against players of similar ability. Classic tournament formats such as round-robin followed by ladder play take more than one day and single- or double-elimination formats used in “oneday” events send many players home with too few games played.

Chesapeake Bay is running all its “one-day” events using a Swisssystem format. The Swiss system, or Swiss format, sometimes called “winners-play-winners,” always pairs players with similar win-loss records. The Swiss system is also a non-eliminating style tournament where everyone plays the same number of games (typically four games in one day).

Some benefits of using the Swiss system: 1. It does a good job of identifying the best player in a tournament in a short period of time. In fact, for the best players in the tournament, their experiences are much like a single-elimination ladder except that if they lose, they probably won’t win the tournament, but they will keep playing.

2. It keeps everyone playing from beginning to end and without elimination. All players play the same number of games.

3. It quickly pairs players of similar ability.

In a nutshell, the Swiss format is a great way to satisfy many players’ needs in a short tournament.

The Swiss system is more challenging to administer than a round-robin or ladder format. The Swiss requires someone to make pairings after each round. For this reason, the tournament director at CBCC usually doesn’t play in the one-day Swiss system tournaments, but instead focuses on making sure the pairings are correct and everything moves smoothly.

To start the first round, a classic high-low pairing is best. The lowest-rated player in a flight will play the highest-rated player.

The second-lowest plays the second-highest. To work best, there should be an even number of players in a flight. With a four-game tournament, flights should be limited to 16 players.

At the conclusion of each round, the tournament director tallies the wins, losses and net points for each player. Here, the use of Excel can help a lot. It also helps if the players start their games on time and promptly report their scores to the director.

For the second round, all the winners are paired with winners. If there is an odd number of winners, the highest net-points player with one loss plays with the winners. The winner with the highest net points plays the one with the lowest (or the person with one loss if there is an odd number). If there is a tie in victories and net points, the original ranking will be used to break the tie for pairing purposes. A similar pairing is done with the players with no victories.

For each successive round, the players are paired against other players with the same number of wins. If the wins and net points pairs a player with someone they have played before, the tournament director will make a change and pair them with someone else. At the end of the day, the finishing order is by wins and net points. Ties remain as ties.

The Swiss-format system was first employed at a chess tournament in Zurich in 1895. Swiss systems are commonly used in chess, Go, Bridge, Scrabble and many other games. Swiss is a great croquet tournament format. Give it a try! croquetamerica.com | 29

let’stalktactics

Alternative Option for a Bad Position

By Bob Kroeger and John C. Osborn

In this issue, let’s take a look at how one might take advantage of a situation that occasionally occurs in regular play. While recognition of this opportunity may not offer grand rewards, it might well produce an extra wicket here and there, often the differential in a game’s final score. Below you will find two examples, and in each case, Blue is in play and, just to make things interesting, the only deadness has the Black ball alive only on Red. In Diagram 1, Blue, for wicket #5, has just roqueted and is ballin-hand on Black. Perhaps Blue, seeing that Red and Yellow were separated, attempted to steal a wicket by rushing Black to wicket #5, but did so poorly. Obviously, a take-off to the wicket is both difficult and offers some danger. Simply winding up in position at the end of the turn would allow Red to join Yellow. Yellow would then be able to use that Blue ball. Then again, having read this article, Blue may have simply tapped Black on purpose, with a clever thought in mind.

In Diagram 2, Blue has opted for a safer and more defensive option.

In this case, Blue has played a split shot, sending Black near Yellow while getting closer to wicket #5. This might seem odd, since making the wicket is improbable and Black is dead on Yellow. However, take a closer look to see what has been achieved. In Diagram 3, with Blue content to take good position, what can Red now do now? Sure, it could take a long shot at Blue, but should that shot be missed, it would wind up near Black. In fact, Red cannot join Yellow at all, given Black’s location. In the greater scheme of things, Blue has protected itself. Red might actually pass. Black will relocate and yes, while Yellow will still have a long shot at Blue, odds are Blue has gotten off with both a wicket and no deadness.

In Diagram 4, let’s take another look at this tactic. In this case, Blue is for wicket #6, Yellow sits in position in front of wicket #3 and, once again, Blue, either on purpose or due to a poor rush, is ball-in-hand on Black. And again, as opposed to simply attempting position (in one shot) at wicket #6, Blue chooses to protect itself.

In Diagram 5, Blue plays a roll shot, sending Black anywhere near Yellow while heading toward its wicket. Sure, it would be great if Blue actually did get great position, but that is no longer vital. In Diagram 6, Blue simply takes position, the main goal from the beginning. And, like in the previous example, Red and Yellow are left with the same problems, thus allowing Blue a wonderful opportunity to play next unscathed.

While this tactic is not bullet proof, it does offer a great alternative approach to a situation that does occur more often than you might think. This is especially true for intermediate or novice players, levels in which players often find their opponent’s balls separated.

Finally, just to add some more spice to this tactic: in both examples, we had Black alive only on Red. Imagine the benefits if Black had no deadness at all! But that is for another time …

30 | croquetamerica.com

Visit https://bobcroquet.com/strategy_info to learn about Bob Kroeger's 6-Wicket American Rules Croquet Strategy Video Series. .

8.

OFFSIDE BALLS 8.1 HALFWAY LINES gcamerica The line between a hoop just scored and the hoop in order is called the halfw 8.1.1 The halfway lines for each hoop are shown in Diagram 3 and are defin BG the line through the centres of 5 and 6 AF the line halfway between BG and the line through the centr CH the line halfway between BG and the line through the centr

By Cheryl Bromley DE the line through the peg perpendicular to the East and Wes

Directing the Offside Ball

Question: When should an offside ball be moved to the penalty area?

First, it’s important to define an offside ball. That is, all of the ball must be clearly beyond the halfway line to be offside and its final position not a result of hitting an opponent or being hit by an opponent ball. Keep in mind, a ball is not offside until after a hoop has been scored. (Rules 8.2.1 and 8.3.3).

If it is determined that a ball is beyond halfway to the next hoop in order, the non-offending team must make its decision before taking its next shot. (Rule 8.4.2 - see discussion below).

Once an offside ball has been directed to a penalty area, it becomes an outside agency (Rule 8.4.4). In a nutshell, it is out of play. For example, if the offside ball isn’t lifted or removed immediately and is lying in the path of the next shot to be played, the striker runs the risk of hitting the outside agency (stationary ball) with its moving ball (now Rule 9.2.3 applies), and this can become a problem for the striker as the shot cannot be replayed and … Rule 9.2.3.b. also applies.

Simple answer: Move the offside ball as soon as it is directed.

Discussion: The rulebook wording for Rule 8.4.2 is slightly vague as it uses the word “entitled,” but that really means the non-offending team has options. The non-offending team may decide to leave the offside ball where it ended up, e.g. in its current position far across the court. Or, if directing the offside ball to a penalty area, it can choose which penalty area it will be sent to (usually the one farthest from the next hoop).

Rule 8.4.3 states the offending team is “entitled” to that their balls have gone beyond halfway and will ask where they should be ask for direction before it hits the next shot.

8.1.2 TheHowever, halfway lines apply follows: directed (Rule as 8.4.3).

This helps avoid confusion and removes the feeling that the most important thing to remember is Rule 8.4.2 someone may be “trying to get away with something” ifHalfway no one notices.

Hoop in order line supersedes 8.4.3. That means, if an offside ball has not I recommend to students to move the offside ball right away, AF especially been directed to a penalty area, and the 7 non-offending or 17 if it is in the line of play, or, at the very least, acknowledge where your team plays its next shot, the position of the offside ball 9 toorgive 15 opponent has directed the offside ball (if it is not in the way) BG and move it as has been condoned where it lies and the3, right soon as is convenient. direction has been lost.

5 or 11 CH Common Practice: Most, if not all high-level players, in 7th hoop in the spirit of good sportsmanship and fair play, will Allis others immediately acknowledge, as soon a hoop made,

Stay sharp, game make a mental note anytime you see a ball go beyond a 7-point DEhalfway to the next hoop and remember how it got there so it can be dealt with as soon DE as the hoop is made.

croquetamerica.com | 31

clubprofile

Michael Kline stalks his ball with partner Brand Shank in the background.

Belleair Croquet Club Year founded: Belleair Country Club Croquet started in 2002.

Location: Belleair, Fla., on the Belleair Country Club (BCC) property.

Number of members: We currently have 116 members.

Overview of club schedule: We conduct beginner/intermediate/ advanced lessons year-round for both golf croquet and 6-wicket American rules. Also, members can arrange for group play by registering the court at specific times. Because we have only one court at this time, players must utilize the registration process to be first in line.

Number of courts: Unfortunately, we only have one court with one more coming in the future. However, the additional court has been delayed because of COVID-19. The club was going to redesign the west golf course, which included relocating the present croquet court plus adding an additional one. Right now, the whole project is on hold for at least a year.

Open tournaments: We have not had any open tournaments because we only have the one court. The goal is to hold an open tournament once we have the second court.Â

Type of grass: We use paspalum grass (platinum) because of the warm/humid climate coupled with the salt air. This grass holds up better under those conditions, however, it is temperamental and requires quite a bit of maintenance.

Do you use social media? No.

32 | croquetamerica.com

Website: The croquet club does not have its own website, but information can be found on the BCC website: www.belleaircc.com.

What makes this club special? For one thing, BCC is the oldest golf club in Florida, founded in 1897. We have a wonderful group

Belleair CC players Jim Watrous, Brand Shank, Frank LaValla, Dee Svoboda, Chick Svoboda and Michael Kline take time out to pose for a photo on a breezy March day.

Belleair Country Club COO Edward Shaughnessy and Michael Kline.

of players of which the majority live within walking distance to the court. Because we are part of the BCC, we have all the additional amenities afforded by the club. One additional feature is the picturesque view overlooking Clearwater Bay and the barrier island to the west.

A small group enjoys an afternoon of doubles GC.

Approach to growing membership: Right now we have all we can handle plus some, although we do have somewhat of a captive audience in that there are several condominiums as well as residences in what is known as the RPD (residential planned development).

has 35 unique rooms, but no restaurant; however, the BCC will accommodate guests for most meals. Clearwater Beach is just four miles to the west, which is a resort area with several 4-5 star hotels.

Of course, many motels are in the area within 10 miles.

Are USCA members welcome? Of course, and we charge a modest fee of $10.00. All guests must be accompanied by a club member.

Other than the club, what do you have to go see in Tampa/ St. Petersburg? The Tampa Bay Area has a lot to offer not only in sports (we have professional football, baseball and hockey), but also in many cultural events held in three different venues (Ruth Eckerd Hall, Mahaffey Theater and the Straz Theater). All these locations offer many types of theater options including Broadway shows, individual acts of all sorts, etc. We also have the famous Florida Orchestra with maestro Michael Francis. A couple of Marine Aquariums are in the Bay Area, including the Clearwater Marine Aquarium where the movie “Dolphin Tale” was filmed. Of course, we also have our beaches, which are reputed as some of the best in the world (seriously).

Best restaurants to visit in the area: We have many fine restaurants in the Clearwater/Belleair area coupled with exceptional food served at the BCC. Just to mention a few popular ones: E & E’s Steak Out Grill, Alfano’s Restaurant, Amiches Restaurant and Hellman’s on the beach.

Best places to stay: Fortunately, we have a wonderful, newly restored boutique inn on the premises called the Belleair Inn. It

croquetamerica.com | 33

memberprofile

Bert Myer Age: 76 Home base: Stratham, N.H. Home club: Strawbery Banke Croquet Club, Rye, N.H. In bygone days, Hampstead (N.H.) Croquet Association, 1982-2008 Grip: Irish

Croquet Highlights/Tourney Wins? Three-time New England regional doubles champion, 1987-1989 (with the late Dave Hull) 1987 Bermuda Invitational doubles (with the late Don Degnan) Various high finishes in wide range of USCA title events and invitationals throughout the US. From day one, I’ve always played in the championship division of tournaments (and learned a lot from early conversions to spectator in the double-elimination format tournaments of the time). I have hovered around the top tier of players, but never really been a major factor. I can be dangerous, though. I finally got my handicap to 0 in 2018.

Mallet (manufacturer, head size/weight, shaft length): PFC Competition 11” head, 3 lb, 34” standard round shaft with cushion grip

Off the courts (my pen—and camera—have always been mightier than my mallet):

Years playing croquet: I have been a USCA member since 1982. I started playing backyard 9-wicket croquet in 1960. I still play in a 9-wicket Labor Day Weekend tournament in Marblehead, Mass., which has been running continuously since 1950. (I have missed only one because of military deployment in 1968.)

•

USCA N.H. District President, 1984-1989

•

USCA VP, New England Region, 1989-1993

•

Creator/Editor/Principal Photographer, USCA Croquet Annual, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995

Favorite croquet venue: National Croquet Center, West Palm Beach, Fla.

•

Editor, USCA Croquet Bulletin, 1996-1998

•

USCA committees (various times): Rules & Referees, Handicapping, Planning, Grievance, Nominating, Tournament, International Selection

•

Coach, Harvard University Croquet Team, 1991-1992.

Collegiate Champions 1992.

•

Inducted into US Croquet Hall of Fame, 2016

Favorite tournament: 1980s and 90s: New England Regionals and USCA Nationals (Newport, R.I.).

Other favorites have included: Bermuda Invitational on three courts in days of John and Nelga Young (Lantana), Dick Pearman (Calithea), and Hilda McMartin (Elephant Walk) 1986 USCA Nationals at Sonoma-Cutrer, Windsor, Calif.

Edgartown and Chappaquiddick Croquet Clubs (Martha’s Vineyard, Mass.) annual summer tournaments (late 1990s/early 2000s)

Do you play other sports? I am retired from ice hockey, golf, downhill skiing and sailing.

Palm Beach Invitational (at The Breakers) and Beach Club Invitationals (1980s, 1990s; returned to the Beach Club in 2019)

Favorite sports teams: University of New Hampshire “Wildcats” (division I men’s ice hockey). Season ticket holder.

How did you get into the game? In the fall of 1982, I read in the Boston Globe about the upcoming Harvard-Yale croquet match scheduled the day before “The Game” (football) at Harvard in Cambridge, Mass. Several of our then New Hampshire 9-wicket club members decided to check it out. There, we met Jack Osborn, USCA founder, saw the 6-wicket game and equipment for the first time and witnessed coverage of matches by all three Boston TV channels, which ran on their evening news broadcasts. From that moment on we started playing 6-wicket rules, ordered John Jaques wickets, balls and mallets, and life has not been the same since. In the late 1980s I even built a full-size bent grass court at my New Hampshire home.

Pop culture favorites: Avid non-fiction reader. Recent favorites: “The Body” (Bill Bryson); “The Perfectionists” (Simon Winchester); “Sapiens” (Yuval Harari); “How to Change Your Mind” (Michael Pollan). Love movies, too. Favorites: “American Beauty” and “Miracle” (story of Herb Brooks and 1960 men’s Olympic hockey team victory over the Russians. Best movie ever!) I also watch most croquet videos of matches posted on YouTube.

What is the best thing the USCA has done for croquet? Legitimized the sport as a serious, challenging, multi-faceted, lifelong game, played with professional caliber-equipment on 9000-square foot, golf-green quality surfaces. It has brought together a diverse group of interesting people from all over the world.

Photo ©2017 Bill Truslow

34 | croquetamerica.com

croquetamerica.com | 35

memberprofile What is the USCA’s greatest weakness? Not enough continuous promotion in national (and local) media, both to expose the game to greater audiences (potential members) and to reinforce its place as a significant and worthwhile endeavor for current players. (One glaring example was the lack of reporting about Rothman’s British Open win, except in our own publications.)

Our national championships (and world championship events on US soil) deserve better and more extensive PR. However, I realize this is more a function of lack of personnel and resources than it is neglect or lack of effort.

Serving too many masters (6-wicket, 9-wicket, golf, AC). While it’s important to be a central resource for information about all croquet, the strong suits of each game type don’t get enough emphasis. The reasons are the same as above.

What would you like to see happen in the sport over the next 10 years? Gain more exposure via television—event coverage and USCA-produced “infomercials.” I’ve always believed that properly narrated (play-by-play and color commentary) top-level croquet can be fascinating, addictive entertainment—the way it is for we aficionados. It will never rival top professional sports, but it is worthy of a stronger, more visible presence for both its intellectual (strategy and tactics) and physical (shot-making) attributes.

In my opinion, the USCA should have at least 10,000 members after all these years, given its pervasive roots (backyard croquet) in American history and culture.

What have you learned from croquet? Patience. And an appreciation for planning ahead.

Quick croquet tip: Never give up. The game is never over until it’s over. Well, most of the time.

Closing remark: Croquet is a sport run through the volunteerism of many. While serving on the boards of Croquet Canada and the USCA, I’ve seen many enthusiastic players give freely of their time.

It is important that we take the opportunity to give back to a sport that gives us so much.

36 | croquetamerica.com

eventreports

32 players competed in the Johnnies Challenge Tournament this past weekend in Hartfield, Va.

The Johnnies Challenge February 29 - March 1, 2020 Hartfield, Virginia profile Annapolis Cup against the US Naval Academy. The trip to Hartfield was part of the team’s preparation for the 38th playing The St. John’s croquet team came to Hartfield, Va., at the end of February to play of this match, which would have happened a challenge match with the Chesapeake Bay on April 18, 2020, but was canceled because of COVID-19 concerns. The Johnnies have Croquet Club (CBCC). In all, 30 players competed in the two-day Johnnies Challenge a 30-7 record against the Midshipmen and are looking to extend their winning streak to tournament. The first day was American six straight when they play the match again 6-Wicket and the second day was golf croquet (GC). Both days had two flights and in 2021. were played in Swiss format where winners In the challenge match with Chesapeake play winners and losers play losers and all Bay, both teams played well and finished players played the same number of games. in an almost dead-even tie. The teams The St. John’s Johnnies, are arguably the best played the more complicated and strategic American 6-Wicket version of croquet college croquet team in the country, having on Saturday with the best players of each won several collegiate championships and squad playing in Championship Flight and are famous for playing the annual highBy Macey White

the less experienced members playing in First Flight. At the end of the day, rising star Tom Balding (Johnnies) won Championship Flight and Rick Darnell (Chesapeake Bay) came in second. First Flight was dominated

by Chesapeake Bay with Steve Thurston, Doug Murphy and Jill Murphy getting the top three spots. Overall, Chesapeake Bay won 66 percent of its American 6-wicket games with St. John’s winning 44 percent.

On Sunday, the more relaxed and less complicated golf croquet version was played. Again, St. John’s star Tom Balding came out the winner of Championship Flight with CBCC player John Priest in second. In First Flight, CBCC player Leo Viens was the winner with Johnnies’ Sam croquetamerica.com | 37

Cooper and Nicholas Thorp tying for second. Overall the Johnnies won 52 percent of their GC games and the Chesapeake Bay players won 48 percent.

According to tournament director Macey White, “The Johnnies promise to come back again next year for a rematch and we hope they will come on a warmer weekend.” The weather was typical for late February with highs in the mid-40’s on Saturday with snow flurries in the morning.

American 6-Wicket Championship Flight

American 6-Wicket First Flight

Golf Croquet Championship Flight

01. Tom Balding 02. Rick Darnell 03. Adam Lassiter 04. Sean Miller 05. Jared Bassmann 06. Rodney Lassiter 07. John Priest 08. Michael Heath 09. Ryan Eberlein 10. Charles Carpenter 11. Sam Cooper 12. Isaac Hoke 13. Chris Musick 14. Nicholas Thorp

01. Steve Thurston 02. Doug Murphy 03. Jill Murphy 04. James Bieneman 05. Connor Shin 06. Mia Kobylski 07. Qingqing Lei 08. Noah Hale 09. Angelika Alberstad

01. Tom Balding 02. John Priest 03. Jared Bassmann 03. Rick Darnell 05. Steve Thurston 06. Justin Berbig 06. Doug Murphy 08. Michael Heath 09. Isaac Hoke 10. Sean Miller 11. Ryan Eberlein 12. Chris Musick 13. Lyle Browning 14. Charles Carpenter

Tournament winners John Priest, Tom Balding, Sam Cooper, Nicholas Thorp, Leo Viens and director Macey White

Golf Croquet First Flight 01. Leo Viens 02. Sam Cooper 02. Nicholas Thorp 04. Mia Kobylski 05. James Bieneman 06. Connor Shin 07. Mike Moore

08. Angelika Alberstad 09. Qingqing Lei 10. Jill Murphy 11. Russ Brudnicki 12. Debbie Falco 13. Noah Hale 14. Pam Viens

NATIONAL CROQUET CENTER PRO SHOP

Wickets Deadness Boards Dawson Balls Sunshiny Balls Pegs Flags Clips & MALLETS Galore

Visit our Pro Shop Website for All Your Equipment Needs www.nationalcroquetcenterproshop.com

| croquetamerica.com 38| croquetamerica.com 2

newmembers NEW CLUBS Dollyhyde Mallets at Milkhouse Brew – Mount Airy, Maryland Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club – Brewster, Massachusetts Arbor Acres Croquet – Winston-Salem, North Carolina

NEW MEMBERS ALABAMA

Loxley–Steelwood Croquet Association

Marguerite Heyworth

CALIFORNIA

Rancho Mirage–Mission Hills Croquet Club

Barbara Agre Rodger Agre Kris Bergstrom Kurt Kaltschmidt Tory Moray Daniel Schuh Michael Silver

CONNECTICUT

Berlin–At Large Member

George E. Claffey III Simsbury–At Large Member

Sarah Persons

SHOP Judy Bernier Tina Bjarekull Bo Bjarekull Walter Sam Ponte Vedra Beach– The Plantation of Ponte Vedra

Candace Bridgewater Erle S Bridgewater Vero Beach–The Windsor Club

Jared Dela Cruz Lisa Dmitri

MARYLAND

Galesville–West River Wickets

Jim Malone Gil Rocha William Sells, Jr.

MASSACHUSETTS

Brewster–Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club

Michael Medeiros Lenox–At Large Member

Lorraine McNulty Alan Strassler

NEW YORK

New York–At Large Member

Tom Hadlock

FLORIDA

Tuxedo Park–At Large Member

Boca Grande–Gasparilla Inn Mallet Club

Houston A. Stebbins

Lindsey Allen Donald Besecker Jr. Randy Eddy John Foster Robert Planer

NORTH CAROLINA

Boca Raton–Boca Raton Croquet Club

Lynne Moyer Hillsboro Beach–The Hillsboro Club

George S. Mason

Asheville–Deerfield Croquet Club

Bob Hollis Linda Hollis Cashiers–The Chattooga Club

Bob Carroll Elizabeth D. Heard Highlands–Highlands Falls Croquet Association

Key Largo–Ocean Reef Club

Anne Portley

Anne Hinkebein Laney Hinkebein

Suzy Vaile

Naples–Audubon Croquet Association

Peter Markarian Palm Beach–The Beach Club

Cynthia L. Scholz Jeffrey R. Scholz Palm Beach Gardens–At Large Member

Judy Woods Pat Woods

USCA

Palm Coast–Hammock Dunes Croquet Association

Winston-Salem–Arbor Acres Croquet

SOUTH CAROLINA

Charleston–Bishop Gadsden

Elizabeth Stewart William Stewart

VIRGINIA

Hartfield–Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club

Suzie Beer Lyle Browning

Whatever the occasion think USCA for those special gifts Books

Croquet the Sport - By Jack Osborn (Hard Cover) ...................................$24.95 Croquet the Sport - By Jack Osborn (Paperback).....................................$15.95 Croquet - By J.W. Solomon..........................................................................$25.00 It’s a Wicket Kitchen Cookbook....................................................................$12.00 Monograph Series On Club Building Vol.1, 2 or 3 @$9.95 or all three for $25.00................................................$25.00 USCA Croquet Shot-Making Manual..........................................................$15.95 USCA Rulebook (revised 2013 edition)....................................................... $ 7.00 International Rules -The Laws of Association Croquet.............................$12.00 Golf Croquet Rulebook................................................................................... $7.00 A Guide to Croquet Court Planning, Building & Maintenance..................$39.95

CD’s

Bob & Ted’s Strategy CD & Bound Books (Beg/Interm/Adv).......................................................$124.95 Bob & Ted’s Strategy CD & Unbound Books (Beg/Interm/Adv)..............................................................$72.95 Bob & Ted’s Strategy CD (Advanced).........................................................$29.95 Bob & Ted’s Strategy CD (Beg/Interm).......................................................$29.95 Bob & Ted’s Strategy CD (Beg/Interm/Advanced).....................................$39.95 Bob & Ted’s “Know the Rules” CD Understanding the USCA Rules .................................................................$24.95

DVD’s

2004 USCA National Singles Final DVD....................................................$10.00 Bob & Ted’s “Mastering Croquet Shots” DVD............................................$29.95 Bob & Ted’s “Excellent Croquet” DVD.........................................................$49.95 Bob & Ted’s “Most Wanted Croquet Strategy” 2 Disc DVD......................$64.95 Bob & Ted’s “Break Play - What You Need to Know” DVD......................$29.95 Bob & Ted’s “Staying Alive” DVD - Winning Croquet Tactics....................$39.95 Bob & Ted’s “You Make the Call” DVD........................................................$29.95 Bob & Ted’s “Excellent” & “Most Wanted” DVD set...................................$99.95 Bob & Ted’s “Staying Alive” and “You Make the Call” DVD set................$64.90 Bob & Ted’s “Excellent”, “Most Wanted”,“Staying Alive” 3 DVD set.......$140.95 Bob & Ted’s Four DVD set..........................................................................$170.00 Bob & Ted’s Five DVD set..........................................................................$185.00 Kamal vs Rothman - GC Pasadena Playoff...............................................$19.95 USCA Historical Video DVD.........................................................................$15.95

CDs & DVDs are not returnable.

Defective disks may be replaced within 2 weeks of purchase.

Clothing

USCA Logo Hats - Brim: S/M L/XL Baseball: One Size...........................$20.00 USCA Jacket with Logo on front..................................................................$80.00 USCA Shirts (USCA Logo or Croquet Week)............................................$40.00 USCA Logo Long-Sleeve Shirts..................................................................$50.00 USCA logo Ladies Sweater..........................................................................$70.00

Misc.

Large Mallet Cover with USCA Logo.................Up to 12” mallet head – $52.95 Small Mallet Cover with USCA Logo....................Up to 9” mallet head – $49.95 Note Cards or Croquet Party Invitations (10/pk).......................................... $5.00 Croquet Paper Placemats (24/pk)...............................................................$10.00 USCA Patch Small.......................................................................................... $5.00 USCA Ballmarkers (dozen)............................................................................ $1.00 USCA Cufflinks (USCA shield).....................................................................$29.95

Prices subject to change

Contact the USCA at 561-478-0760; fax: 561-686-5507; email usca@msn.com or mail to

USCA, 700 Florida Mango Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406

croquetamerica.com | 39

grandprixstandings 2020 US OVERALL GRAND PRIX TOP 30 # Player Handicap Singles Doubles 01 Macey W. White -2.5 7800 4420 02 David Ekstrom -1.5 6900 4800 03 Randy Cardo -3 8100 3200 04 Beverley Cardo -0.5 4900 5580 05 Richard Sullivan -2 6200 1340 06 Webster Bull -1.5 3600 2950 07 Bob Chilton -1.5 4300 2000 08 Calvert Chaney 1 1050 4600 09 Matthew Griffith -2 3900 1700 10 Thomas C. Balding -0.5 3700 1800 11 Tim Bitting -1.5 1900 3400 12 William B. Trower 1 4300 920 13 Bill Hartmann 0.5 2000 2840 14 Mark Fields 0 2000 2820 15 David Isaacs -1.5 3400 1100 16 David McCoy -0.5 1600 2480 17 Michael Todorovich -1 2300 1700 18 Arthur Olsen -1 3000 650 19 Derek Wassink -3 3600 0 20 Mary Rodeberg 0.5 2005 1520 21 Peter Bach -0.5 3000 150 22 Richard G. Curtis -1.5 2800 200 23 Ron Huxtable -0.5 2300 600 24 Preston Stuart -0.5 2200 600 25 Chris Patmore -2.5 2000 700 26 Doug Grimsley -3 1900 700 27 Colin Irwin -1.5 1900 680 28 Gene Raymond 0 0 2550 29 Linda Huxtable -0.5 1500 1000 30 Scott Spradling -1 1700 800

Total 12220 11700 11300 10480 7540 6550 6300 5650 5600 5500 5300 5220 4840 4820 4500 4080 4000 3650 3600 3525 3150 3000 2900 2800 2700 2600 2580 2550 2500 2500

2020 US MEN'S GRAND PRIX TOP 10 # Player Handicap Singles Doubles 01 Macey W. White -2.5 7800 4420 02 David Ekstrom -1.5 6900 4800 03 Randy Cardo -3 8100 3200 04 Richard Sullivan -2 6200 1340 05 Webster Bull -1.5 3600 2950 06 Bob Chilton -1.5 4300 2000 07 Calvert Chaney 1 1050 4600 08 Matthew Griffith -2 3900 1700 09 Thomas C. Balding -0.5 3700 1800 10 Tim Bitting -1.5 1900 3400

Total 12220 11700 11300 7540 6550 6300 5650 5600 5500 5300

2020 US WOMEN'S GRAND PRIX TOP 10 # Player Handicap Singles Doubles 01 Beverley Cardo -0.5 4900 5580 02 Mary Rodeberg 0.5 2005 1520 03 Linda Huxtable -0.5 1500 1000 04 Jodie Rugart -1 2000 200 05 Loretta Cooper 2 200 1820 06 Linda Trifone 6 65 1468 07 Linda R. Dos Santos 1.5 1445 0 08 Vickie Johnston 3 800 440 09 Victoria Albrecht 3 700 498 10 Avril Rangoni-Machiavelli 1 0 1020 Updated April 27, 2020

40 | croquetamerica.com

Points 10480 3525 2500 2200 2020 1533 1445 1240 1198 1020

2020 US GP CHAMPIONSHIP B TOP 15 (3-5H) # Player Handicap Singles Doubles 01 Ronald L. Eccles 4 1021 624 02 Stephen P. Grassbaugh 3 900 710 03 Merle Berkshire 3 875 426 04 Vickie Johnston 3 800 440 05 Victoria Albrecht 3 700 498 06 Mark Ski 4.5 800 174 07 Edward Erlich 3.5 520 450 08 Martie Ekstrom 5 468 412 09 Brian D. Hovis 3 850 0 10 Nicholas Gray 4.5 120 720 11 Josie Jackson 3 125 700 12 Theodore J. Thelin 3 492 150 13 Sally McGrath 5 492 146 14 Nancy Crouch 4.5 544 0 15 Pam Johnston 5 480 50

2020 US GP FIRST FLIGHT TOP 15 (6-9H) # Player Handicap Singles Doubles 01 Linda Trifone 6 65 1468 02 Missy Chilton 7 175 756 03 Penny Ferraro 6 48 750 04 Bo Prillaman 7 425 168 05 Judy Dahlstrom 8 72 450 06 Carl A. Archiniaco 6 254 234 07 Jane C. Helms 7 157 246 08 Mary Cassidy 9 154 225 09 Randy W. Reid 6 279 96 10 Jared Bassmann 6 350 0 11 Karen Heckman 7 188 160 12 Myron A. McCumber 6 348 0 13 Suzanne Spradling 7 48 300 14 Rita McNamara 6 260 18 15 Chad Goodwin 7 255 0 2020 US GP SECOND FLIGHT TOP 15 (10-13H) # Player Handicap Singles Doubles 01 Tracey Roche 13 0 450 02 Terry Cassidy 10 47 132 03 Eileen Fell 10 0 168 04 Carol E. Johnson 12 20 78 05 Liddy Chaney 12 22 60 06 Diane Fitzsimons 13 9 72 07 Rusty Rose 10 28 52 08 Katie Bull 10 66 9 09 Sam Orleans Hansley 10 62 3 10 Larry A. Lynch 11 64 0 11 John McGrath 12 24 33 12 Pat Richmond 11 9 48 13 Nancy Wonson 12 0 52 14 Andrew J. Parsons 11 28 12 15 Gerald Kagan 10 28 0

2020 US GP THIRD FLIGHT (14-20H) # Player Handicap Singles Doubles 01 Karen M. Weihs 14 0 28 02 Skip Russo 20 15 0 03 Jessica Beccia 14 3 3 Updated April 27, 2020

Total 1645 1610 1301 1240 1198 974 970 880 850 840 825 642 638 544 530 Total 1533 931 798 593 522 488 403 379 375 350 348 348 348 278 255 Total 450 179 168 98 82 81 80 75 65 64 57 57 52 40 28 Total 28 15 6

2020 GOLF CROQUET OVERALL GRAND PRIX TOP 30 # Player Singles Doubles 01 Macey W. White 1023 432 02 Rich Dell 911 193 03 Matthew Griffith 356 698 04 Priscilla M. Flowers 610 394 05 J. Billie Ray 443 552 06 Webster Bull 750 202 07 Lynda P. Sudderberg 215 648 08 Stephen Jackson 147 698 09 Amr Hamdy 518 321 10 Ellie Griffith 622 210 11 Cheryl Bromley 356 432 12 Clint Dawkins 395 365 13 James C Potts 649 109 14 Billy E Harper 292 438 15 Thomas C. Balding 720 0 16 Robert V. Clark 395 321 17 Colin Irwin 663 0 18 Jim Teel 518 144 19 Dennis Howard 282 365 20 Debbie Davidoff 511 131 21 Jim Coling 511 100 22 Caryl Firth 437 155 23 Ray A. Liberti 282 291 24 Donald R. Eastman 0 552 25 Gil Flowers 356 193 26 Gene Raymond 395 144 27 John Warlick 356 143 28 James Creasey 364 123 29 Tamer Hatata 215 270 30 John L. Priest 480 0

Total 1455 1104 1054 1004 995 952 863 845 839 832 788 760 758 730 720 716 663 662 647 642 611 592 573 552 549 539 499 487 485 480

2020 GOLF CROQUET MEN'S GRAND PRIX TOP 10 # Player Singles Doubles 01 Macey W. White 1023 432 02 Rich Dell 911 193 03 Matthew Griffith 356 698 04 J. Billie Ray 443 552 05 Webster Bull 750 202 06 Stephen Jackson 147 698 07 Amr Hamdy 518 321 08 Clint Dawkins 395 365 09 James C Potts 649 109 10 Billy E Harper 292 438

Total 1455 1104 1054 995 952 845 839 760 758 730

2020 GOLF CROQUET WOMEN'S GRAND PRIX TOP 10 # Player Singles Doubles 01 Priscilla M. Flowers 610 394 02 Lynda P. Sudderberg 215 648 03 Ellie Griffith 622 210 04 Cheryl Bromley 356 432 05 Debbie Davidoff 511 131 06 Caryl Firth 437 155 07 Gail Warlick 259 210 08 Linda Schiesel 145 291 09 Karen M. Weihs 185 245 10 Cami Russack 265 66 Updated April 27, 2020

Points 1004 863 832 788 642 592 469 436 430 331

2020 AC OVERALL GRAND PRIX TOP 20 # Player Singles 01 Brian Cumming 1004 02 Sherif Abdelwahab 643 03 Daniel W. Pailas 495 04 Peter Bach 495 05 Karl-Heinz Kempfer 404 06 Blake Fields 329 07 Simon Jenkins 329 08 Donna Dixon 265 09 Rich Lamm 212 10 Nicholas Gray 209 11 Mary Rodeberg 209 12 Shane Hettler 161 13 Steve Mossbrook 161 14 Justin Fields 148 15 Ronald L. Eccles 148 16 Michael Orgill 148 17 Tracey Roche 148 18 Bill Fraser 70 19 Patrick Sweeney 64 20 Patrick Dugan 53

2020 AC MEN'S GRAND PRIX TOP 15 # Player Singles 01 Brian Cumming 1004 02 Sherif Abdelwahab 643 03 Daniel W. Pailas 495 04 Peter Bach 495 05 Karl-Heinz Kempfer 404 06 Blake Fields 329 07 Simon Jenkins 329 08 Rich Lamm 212 09 Nicholas Gray 209 10 Shane Hettler 161 11 Steve Mossbrook 161 12 Justin Fields 148 13 Ronald L. Eccles 148 14 Michael Orgill 148 15 Bill Fraser 70 2020 AC WOMEN'S GRAND PRIX # Player Singles 01 Donna Dixon 265 02 Mary Rodeberg 209 03 Tracey Roche 148 04 Judy Dahlstrom 37 05 Barbara Wills 21 Updated April 27, 2020

Doubles 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Total 1004 643 495 495 404 329 329 265 212 209 209 161 161 148 148 148 148 70 64 53

Doubles 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Total 1004 643 495 495 404 329 329 212 209 161 161 148 148 148 70

Doubles 0 0 0 0 0

Total 265 209 148 37 21

croquetamerica.com | 41

USCA 2020-21 Sanctioned Events DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, the tournment calendar is rapidly changing. For the most up-to-date event listings, please check www.croquetamerica.com/calendar/tournaments/ Entry forms to USCA events will now be emailed to members and can also be found on the USCA website at: www.croquetamerica.com/members/forms/ or call the USCA office (561) 478-0760 for a copy.

May 5/16/20 - 5/17/20

Chesapeake Bay May | AC & 9W

Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club | Hartfield, VA Macey White | 804-694-9771 | maceywhite@gmail.com

July 7/9/20 - 7/10/20

Woodlawn Invitational Tournament | US

Woodlawn Croquet Club | Ellsworth, ME Perry Mattson | 207-664-4822 | newburyneckshore@gmail.com

5/30/20 - 5/31/20

7/9/20 - 7/12/20

Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club | Hartfield, VA Macey White | 804-694-9771 | maceywhite@gmail.com

National Guard Training Center | Sea Girt, NJ Patricia Richmond | 609-458-6076 | mprichmond159@gmail.com Club Invitational

Chesapeake Bay May | 6W & GC

June

Green Gables Invitational | US

7/10/20 - 7/12/20

6/4/20 - 6/7/20

NC Open | AC

Pinehurst Country Club | Pinehurst, NC Mike Taylor | 910-986-3343 | mrtaylor1022@msn.com

6/6/20

USCA National Croquet Day 6/19/20 - 6/21/20

New York State Golf Croquet Championship | GC

New York Croquet Club | New York, NY Peter Timmons | 646-642-6601 | nycroquetclub@yahoo.com

Westhampton Mallet Club Singles Championship Westhampton Mallet Club | Westhampton, NY Carla Rueck | 516-480-9930 | cprueck@aol.com Singles Only

7/13/20 - 7/17/20

North American Amateur | AC

Sonoma Cutrer Winery | Windsor, CA Mike Orgill | 707-547-7146 | morgill@sonic.net Dynamic Grade less tha 1700

7/14/20 - 7/18/20

Meadow Club Invitational | US

6/24/20 - 6/28/20

The Meadow Club | Southampton, NY Vickie Johnston | 415-203-2794 | vejohnston@gmail.com

Westhampton Mallet Club | Westhampton, NY Randy Cardo | 631-902-5678 | randy.cardo@gmail.com

August

Westhampton Mallet Club Invitational | US

8/1/20 - 8/2/20

The Tiger Wicket | US

New York Croquet Club | New York, NY Tim Rapuano | 551-207-0313 | nyccmini@gmail.com

Have you ever walked on the croquet court and wondered what to do?! It’s not uncommon! Over the years, as a Croquet Tournament Director and Instructor, I have watched many games which have informed me what to teach when working with aspiring players.

PLEASE CHECK IT OUT AT:

HTTPS://BOBCROQUET.COM/STRATEGY_INFO.HTM

8/7/20 - 8/9/20

Westhampton Mallet Club Doubles Championship Westhampton Mallet Club | Westhampton, NY Carla Rueck | 516-480-9930 | cprueck@aol.com Doubles Only

8/14/20 - 8/16/20

Rochester Croquet Club Invitational | US

Rochester Croquet Club | Rochester, NY Sue Ellen Sherer | 585-474-3753 | sue.e.sherer@gmail.com

8/21/20 - 8/23/20

USCA Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship AC | AC Green Gables Croquet Club | Sea Girt, NJ Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com

8/27/20 - 8/30/20

HERE YOU CAN DOWNLOAD FOR FREE (YOU BET - FREE!) TWO OF THE 12 VIDEOS IN THE SERIES IN ADDITION TO THE FREE PDF USER GUIDE WHICH SHOWS THE SETUP FOR EACH VIDEO.

2020 Pacific Cup | AC

Sonoma Cutrer Winery | Windsor, CA Patrick Sweeney | 503-310-3222 | sweeney@503law.com

September 9/10/20 - 9/10/20

NC State Singles Championship | US

Pinehurst Country Club | Pinehurst, NC Mike Taylor | 910-986-3343 | mrtaylor1022@msn.com

9/10/20 - 9/13/20

Woodlawn Mini Lobster Tournament | US

Woodlawn Croquet Club | Ellsworth, ME Perry Mattson | 207-664-4822 | newburyneckshore@gmail.com

42 | croquetamerica.com

9/17/20 - 9/20/20

The Osborn Cup | US

New York Croquet Club | New York, NY Peter Timmons | 646-642-6601 | nycroquetclub@yahoo.com

December 12/4/20 - 12/5/20

NCC Club Doubles | US

9/17/20 - 9/20/20

Natoional Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL Tim McCormick | 207-329-5343 | tmccorm1@gmail.com

Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club | Nichols Hill, OK Suzanne Spradling | 405-590-7264 | sshawaprad@cox.net

2021

The Scissor Tail Oklahoma Championship | US 9/19/20 - 9/20/20

Croquet Invitational | US & GC

Merion Cricket Club | Haverford, PA Whitney Thain | 610-642-5800 | wthain@merioncricket.com

9/23/20 - 9/27/20

30th Pinehurst Croquet Club Invitational | US

January 1/8/21 - 1/10/21

National Croquet Club Singles Championship | US National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL Tim McCormick | 207-329-5343 | tmccorm1@gmail.com

Pinehurst Country Club | Pinehurst, NC Elaine Moody | 910-986-3343 | haliburton_2@msn.com

February

October

2/2/21 - 2/6/21

10/1/20 - 10/4/20

Croquet Club at PGA National | Palm Beach Gardens, FL Ann Licursi | 516-353-3311 | annelicursi@gmail.com

NC State Golf Croquet Championship | GC

Peyton Ballenger Invitational | US

Bald Head Island Country Club | Bald Head Island, NC Mike Taylor | 910-986-3343 | mrtaylor1022@gmail.com

2/17/21 - 2/21/21

10/1/20 - 10/4/20

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL Marie Sweetser | 561-478-2300 | generalmanager@croquetnational.com

USCA Southeast Regional AC Tournament | AC

Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club | Hartfield, VA Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com

10/3/20 - 10/4/20

New Jersey State Championship | US

Rumson Country Club | Rumson, NJ Tom Cooper | 212-696-2512 | tom@coopergroupnj.com

Steuber Classic | US & GC

June 6/10/21 - 6/13/21

Southeast 6W Regional Championship | US

Pinehurst Country Club | Pinehurst, NC Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com

10/7/20 - 10/9/20

PCC Club Singles Championship | US

Pinehurst Country Club | Pinehurst, NC Elaine Moody | 910-986-3343 | haliburton_2@msn.com

10/11/20 - 10/17/20

USCA National American Rules Championship | US National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com

10/22/20 - 10/25/20

2020 Women's GC Open | GC

Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club | Hartfield, VA Macey White, Cheryl Bromley | 804-694-9771 | maceywhite@gmail.com

10/29/20- 11/1/20

USCA Selection Eights | AC

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com

November 11/3/20 - 11/7/20

USCA Golf Croquet National Championship | GC Mission Hills Country Club | Rancho Mirage, CA

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Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com

11/6/20 - 11/8/20

Country Club of Jackson 6W Invitational | US Country Club of Jackson | Jackson, MS Mark Fields | 601-918-2704 | mfields5@gmail.com

11/11/20 - 11/15/20

USCA Seniors Masters Championships | US

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com

Contact Vickie Johnston at the National Croquet Center 561-478-2300 ext 5 nccproshop@gmail.com Visit PFC HOOP MAKER MALLETS on the web croquetamerica.com | 43

Oakley Woods Croquet The new ultimate in precision and performance... mallets, balls, wickets, accessories, videos

Gryphon 2-piece travel shaft mallet • easily fits in a suitcase • assembles effortlessly in seconds • no tools needed • alignment pin keeps everything in perfect position

Predator

bent shaft mallet • ergonomic design • reduces hyper-extension of wrist joints • allows for relaxed grip • single or double bend for different grip styles • bigger back swing for greater control

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