2019 Croquet News Volume 2

CroquetNews

The Official Magazine of the United States Croquet Association | 2019 Volume 2

Made in Australia

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your croquet game will reach a new level of pleasure.

All these features are possible only using UNIQUE ALLOYS, UNIQUE STRIKING FACES and our patented INTERNAL DESIGN, made on a quarter of a million-dollar machine to within 1,000th of an inch tolerance, to give you the possibility of far greater control over your game

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Both mallets are available weighing 2lbs. 6ozs or 2lbs. 14.9ozs. (with a 36” handle) For folk with Arthritis or problematic hands, arms, shoulders or backs we strongly recommend you consider the lighter mallet. The really are wonderful solution for these problems.

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The National Croquet Centre has stock so please contact Vickie Johnston: TEL 561 478 2300

CroquetNews

courtside

2019 Volume 2

Features 14 | 2019 AC Nationals 20 | Club Teams / Croquet Week 26 | 2018 Annual Awards 32 | 2019 USCA Club Directory 38 | Club: Green Gables Croquet Club 40 | Member Profile: Jeff Soo 48 | Event Reports

Departments 03 | Courtside with Sara Low 04 | The Clubhouse 11 | New Membership 12 | 2019 Grand Prix Update 42 | Let’s Talk Tactics 44 | GC America 46 | 9W Roundup 54 | Events Calendar On The Cover: Stephen P. Grassbaugh in play at the 2019 Club Teams Championship in West Palm Beach, Fla. Photo by Johnny Mitchell.

Publisher: Dylan Goodwin | uscacroquetnews@yahoo.com Editor: Julie Jantzer-Ward Contributors: Michael Albert, Paul Bennett, Cheryl Bromley, Anne Frost Robinson, Nancy Hart, Terry Hunt, Mohammad Kamal, Bob Kroeger, Sara Low, David McCoy, Johnny Mitchell, John C. Osborn, Ursula Peck, Richard Ricciardi, Ben Rothman, Eric Sawyer, Jeff Soo, Rich Watson, Don Whalen, Macey White

Inquiries

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

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.

Revival of National Croquet Day This edition of Croquet News is celebrating the players of Club Teams, the winners of the USCA Annual Awards, success in the Association Croquet Nationals and more involving participation in the USCA. Congratulations to all.

On June 8, players, friends and people passing by a court will be introduced to one or more of the games of croquet. This is National Croquet Day 2019, a revival of a popular day when we get to show off our sport and hope to interest new participants.

Thanks to Anne Frost Robinson’s efforts, National Croquet Day returns with a fresh appearance.

Each club and every USCA member will treat the event differently, allowing for a BaskinRobbins world of choices for new players. The details of the day will be announced in online letters and through social media to all USCA members. This event provides clubs the opportunity to introduce croquet and its many elements to others—to someone with an inkling of the game, to someone who has expressed interest in the sport, to someone who practices quietly and needs a little encouragement to play in a tournament.

National Croquet Day 2019 is the first of many such days in the years to come. Your ideas and participation will help us move forward. Get involved and play at any level. Make plans for your club. Suggest activities for the entire USCA. Invite the world.

At some point, most people have picked up or seen a mallet.

Thanks to you, we can introduce them to the way we play!

Sara Low

USCA President | president@uscroquet.com

© 2019 United States Croquet Association croquetamerica.com | 3

TheClubhouse

GET SOCIAL: NATIONAL CROQUET DAY 2019

A Day To Promote The Sport

The USCA has designated Saturday, June 8, 2019, as National Croquet Day! What does that mean? For this year, it means a public awareness campaign through Facebook. All USCA members and clubs with a Facebook account can participate and possibly win prizes. It’s easy…just follow three simple steps to participate: 1) Join the public USCA Facebook Group.

Be sure to join the one called USCA. Currently a man wearing a large white hat is on the cover photo.

Post it to your friends or to the public, if you’re comfortable with that.

3) After it posts on your Facebook timeline, share it to the USCA Group. This is a key part that will enter you into our contest to win some great prizes for participating in National Croquet Day! It shouldn’t take more than five minutes to help the USCA promote the sport. Ask your kids (or grandkids) to help, if needed, just like I did—LOL! More information will be posted on the USCA Facebook Group and via email to the USCA membership.

2) On June 8, 2019, post a photo or video and a short writeup about your croquet story –Anne Frost Robinson, on YOUR personal Facebook timeline. Add 2019 NCD Coordinator #nationalcroquetday at the end of your post.

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NEW USCA STAFF: JOHNNY MITCHELL The USCA has announced that former president Johnny Mitchell has assumed the role of Tournament/ School Coordinator. The USCA staff lineup now includes Ursula Peck (membership@uscroquet.com), Johnny Mitchell (tournament@ uscroquet.com) and Janice Arroyo (admin@uscroquet.com). Members should note that the staff no longer uses the “aol.com” email addresses – please update your address book.

NEW USCA FEE STRUCTURE

After 10 years, the USCA is revising its dues structure and membership fees. Changes will take place gradually over a five-year period, having begun April 1, 2019. Changes to the Membership Fees were made after a great deal of thought and discussion. We consulted Municipal Clubs, Private Clubs and financial experts. The longer-term calendar allows us to bring together all participants using modest changes instead of a one-time bump.

As of April 1, all clubs will pay a membership fee of $125. That is $50 less per year for Private Clubs, which matches the same low cost of membership paid by Municipal Clubs.

The Municipal Club category no longer exists and current such clubs will be grandfathered in through the revision process. Individual and couple fees will change through 2022 so that eventually USCA dues in each of the two categories will equalize. See the chart below for schedule and fee details.

The two free memberships now given to most clubs will be eliminated. By removing those fees, individual membership fee increases will be much less. In the past, the free memberships plan was created as a marketing tool for clubs and has now become a mathematical challenge. Note: The only clubs that will continue to receive free memberships are those with five members or fewer. Members will pay the same fees to belong to the USCA, but their clubs will still have two free memberships to help with marketing.

USCA membership will still include all the benefits, such as a Membership Card, office staff for your assistance, communication through the USCA website, monthly newsletters and quarterly magazines. In the past 12 months, the USCA has made available in print and electronically the new world rules for Golf Croquet, has developed uniforms for players representing the USA in tournaments abroad and has continued to update croquet handicaps, the Grand Prix roster and croquet event calendars. We are still here for you!

MUNICIPAL CLUBS Renewing Thru 3/31/2019 4/1-12/31/2019 2020 2021 2022

Renewing Thru 3/31/2019 4/1-12/31/2019 2020 2021 2022

Club Membership $125 $125 $125 $125 $125

PRIVATE CLUBS

Club Membership $175 $125 $125 $125 $125

Individual $35 $45 $55 $65 $70

Individual $60 $65 $70 $70 $70 Individual $65 $70 $75 $75 $75

________________________ President Sara Low president@uscroquet.com

First Vice President Damon Bidencope damonbidencope@bidencope.com Second Vice President Don Oakley Croquetdon@gmail.com Treasurer David Isaacs daisaacs@gmail.com Secretary Carla Rueck cprueck@aol.com United States Croquet Association (USCA) 700 Florida Mango Road West Palm Beach, FL 33406 Tel. (561) 478-0760 Fax (561) 686-5507 Email: usca@msn.com Website: www.croquetamerica.com ________________________ REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS

Couple $55 $75 $95 $105 $125

Couple $90 $100 $110 $120 $125

AT-LARGE MEMBERS OR MEMBERS WHO PAY SEPARATELY

Renewing Thru 3/31/2019 4/1-12/31/2019 2020 2021 2022

USCA Management Committee

Couple $100 $110 $120 $130 $135

Florida Gene Raymond (919) 612-3366 generaymond1@gmail.com Mid-Atlantic Timothy Rapuano (201) 887-0787 in9inches@gmail.com Midwest Russell S. Dilley (317) 903-6852 rs.dilley@comcast.net Northeast Patricia Spratt (860) 227-7297 psprattct@aol.com Southeast Macey White (804) 832-2824 maceywhite@gmail.com Western Rory Kelley (602) 686-3941 rory.kelley.43@aol.com ________________________ USCA STAFF Membership Coordinator Ursula Peck membership@uscroquet.com Tournament & Schools Johnny Mitchell tournament@uscroquet.com Bookkeeper Janice Arroyo admin@uscroquet.com www.CroquetAmerica.com croquetamerica.com | 5

theclubhouse

LEE OLSEN FUND PROJECT:

TEAM USA UNIFORMS

To address the lack of consistency in apparel, the Lee Olsen Fund committee decided in 2018 to design and produce uniforms to be worn by every player representing the USCA in international competitions. With Missy Chilton and Vickie Johnston leading the effort, the committee worked to design and source the shirts, hats and rain gear that will be provided to all contestants selected to play for the US in international competitions at no cost.

LEE OLSEN FUND The Lee Olsen Fund is

According to Michael Albert, a renewed interest in revitalizing the Lee Olsen Fund started four years ago with the staging of the first Western Carolina Mountains ProAm at Lake Toxaway, N.C., to raise money for the US Golf Croquet Team that traveled to England in 2016.

directed by a committee

This continued with another effort in 2018 with another ProAm event at the Chattooga Club in Cashiers, N.C. Because of the success of that event, John Rivers and the Chattooga Club were eager to stage another edition in 2019. This will be a three-day event to be held again in August with a one-day ProAm followed by teaching clinics for a half day and ending with a one-and-a-half day sanctioned tournament between the eight Pros. These Pros will be drawn from among the top 10 players in the USA.

Hal Denton and Rich Lamm

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.

Notably, the fund, which exists to support international play for US players, received a critical boost when Hal Denton provided a donation of $5,000. That along with the money raised at the ProAm events has allowed the Lee Olsen Fund to cover travel expenses for GC World Team Championships, Solomon Cup, McRobertson Shield, Under 21 GC World Championships and to provide uniforms for more than 15 competitors so far this year.

The current Lee Olsen Fund budget only allows for reimbursement of a portion of the expenses incurred during an international competition. The Lee Olsen committee would like to cover a higher percentage of the expenses for our athletes, but is constrained by the limitations of the fund. The committee members ask that all USCA members consider donating to the Lee Olsen Fund this year and every year. Please make donations for this purpose payable to the Lee Olsen Fund and sent care of the USCA.

“The fund is doing a lot, but the need is much greater,” says Albert. “Help us to send our very best players to represent the USA. Financial ability should not determine whether a USCA athlete can play overseas.”

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that includes Michael Albert, under the aegis of USCA President Sara Low. Lee Olsen Fund Mission: 1) Support for international team members 2) Support for youth players 3) Support for players selected for International competitions

CFA ANNOUNCES BOARD CHANGES

The Croquet Foundation of America (CFA) recently announced the following changes to its Board of Directors: David McCoy was elected to the new position of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer; Hal Denton was elected President and Chief Operating Officer; Mike Gibbons was elected Executive Vice President.

Tom Tribby will continue as Corporate Secretary and Vickie Johnston continues as Treasurer. Other Functional Vice Presidents are Howard Sosin: VP-Coordination; and Ruth Summers: VPStrategic Planning. Conner Helms is Board Designee to the Executive Committee. Other Directors are Ron Atkins, Randy Cardo, Stuart Baker and Sara Low – ex officio (USCA President) and Joy Diesel (Advisory Board Member).

McCoy will continue his involvement in management of the Foundation, but with a primary focus on fundraising, planning and policy matters.

Hal Denton was formerly the CFA’s Vice President-Facilities and Grounds, where he made major contributions and guided the installation of night lighting, security cameras, major court and sprinkler system improvements, landscaping, new mowing and maintenance equipment, machine-shed cleanup and repair and many other enhancements to the National Croquet Center.

David McCoy and Mike Gibbons are both members of the US Croquet Hall of Fame and their bios can be found on the USCA website www.croquetamerica.com.

The Croquet Foundation of America, Inc. (“CFA”) is a 501(c)(3) Not-for-Profit organization with a mission to promote and develop the sport of croquet. It owns and operates the National Croquet Center (NCC) in West Palm Beach, Fla. – the largest and finest dedicated croquet facility in the world. The CFA also manages the annual United States Croquet Hall of Fame Induction and Gala, the Croquet Museum and the NCC Pro Shop.

The NCC houses the Croquet Pro Shop, the Croquet Museum, the United States Croquet Association headquarters and schools, the National Croquet Club, the Special Olympics Croquet Club of Palm Beach County and Sandy James Fine Food and Productions (caterer).

The NCC hosts the local Croquet Senior Games and acts as an official shelter and feeding station during state emergencies. To help promote and introduce new people to the sport, the CFA rents the NCC for private, corporate and not-for-profit events or parties for 400 people or more (usually golf croquet games with instruction). See www.croquetnational.com and www.cfacroquet.org or call (501) 478-2300 ext. 2 for more information.

PASSAGES Louise Collins

Richard Layng

Robert A. Comeau, Jr.

Yolanda Matthews

Paul DuVivier

Diane M. Sadowski

Everglades Club

Lenox Croquet Club At large Member

Grand Haven Croquet Club At large Member

Croquet Club at PGA National

Warren G. Hamer

George Sherman

David Hull

Fordy Van Winkle

Nick John Kindred

James Wyer

Meadow Club of Southampton Greenwich Croquet Club The Beach Club

Who am I? I was born in Washington D.C. but grew up in another country before returning here as an adult.

1991 is when I first joined the USCA. I’m still a proud member.

I hit the croquet ball really, really hard.

Golf Croquet (GC) is my game. In fact, I’ve won three US national GC singles titles, was consistently ranked in the world top 20 for a 10-year period and have been selected to many US teams competing in world championship GC events.

I co-star with a US Croquet Hall-of-Famer in a DVD you can purchase from the USCA for a mere $20.

I am a licensed professional in several states. Send me a slide some time.

Art is new my passion. My work was on display for several months in 2018 at a local college and I have my own website featuring and explaining my art. You won’t need a microscope to see it.

Can you guess, Who am I?

Dorset Field Club

Sorrento V.I.A. Croquet Club Rumson Country Club croquetamerica.com | 7

theinbox The Most Important Person in the Photo?

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4

5

6 7 2

1

The photo above was taken during a normal practice day at a local croquet club. See if you can pick the most important person.

If you picked:

6. This is the USCA president. She is a visiting dignitary at the club, manages the national croquet association and does a great job of administering and promoting the sport, but in this picture is not the most important person.

1. This is the wealthiest player. He donates a lot of money to the club 7. This person just arrived and is curious about what is going on. each year. He personally funded the remodeling of the magnificent He is not “properly” dressed for croquet. He has just picked up a clubhouse, but in this picture is not the most important person. mallet for the first time in his life. He is not a club member and doesn’t know anyone at the club. He is not particularly wealthy or 2. This is the club’s #1 volunteer. He plays in every club politically or socially connected. This is the most important person tournament, helps with all the club functions, makes repairs, sets in this photo. He is the future of croquet – a new player waiting to hoops and cleans the clubhouse twice a week, but in this picture is be introduced – to the game. All other players in this photo should not the most important person. make sure this most important person receives full attention.

3. This fine upstanding lady knows the governor and the mayor Welcome this man. Learn his name and a little about him. Invite and everyone else of any political, economic or social importance him onto the court to look at the grass. Ease his mind about not and is the most “connected” person in the area, but in this picture, wearing all white. Get him to hit a ball. Get him to score a hoop. she is not the most important person.

Get him to play a short game. Introduce him to others at the courts.

4. This is the club president. He keeps the club on the best path Get his contact information and invite him to come back. If you and makes sure that things in the club are running well, but in this are the one to do these things, you may just be the second most picture is not the most important person. important person in the picture.

5. This is the best player in the club. He has a -2.0 handicap in –Macey White US play, is a member of the US international team and is also the the photo: 1) Jim Coling 2) Roger Vorraber 3) Lee Anderson club pro. He helps a lot of players, but in this picture is not the most In 4) Gary Anderson 5) Russ Cuccia 6) Chris Smith 7) Kevin Collins.

Photo by Nancy Hart. important person.

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New Look for Deadness

Historic Peg Finds a Good Home

Last year following his passing, Larry Stettner’s court in Manset, Maine, (Southwest Harbor) was dismantled. Don Parker of the Woodlawn Club retrieved the original court peg and gave it to Don Whalen. Among many other players that played at Woodlawn, this peg was hit (and missed) by a particular youngster who learned croquet from Uncle Larry. He recently was elected to the Croquet Hall of Fame and now proudly wears his red jacket. This world champion-level croquet player is Ben Rothman. Rothman was at the National Croquet Club in West Palm Beach, Fla., with other croquet champions for the Croquet Innovations Tournament. Whalen took that opportunity to gift the peg to Rothman as a memento of his childhood years learning the game.

This new deadness board concept, submitted by Lee Kennedy, gives a better visual on the relationship between deadness and rotation. In fact, Kennedy wrote a comprehensive article on improved communication and concepts for deadness that can be viewed at www.croquet.ning.com/News/new-life-for-deadness.

Coastal Croquet Clubs Spring GC Wine and Wickets: Green Boundary Style

The Coastal Croquet Clubs held a Spring Golf Croquet Tournament April 2-4, 2019, at Dataw Island and Bluffton, S.C. The Coastal Croquet Clubs consist of Bishop Gadsden Croquet Club, Croquet Club of Dataw Island, Spring Island Croquet Club and Sun City Croquet Club. The Tega Cay Croquet Club was a guest club for this year’s event, which featured an overall club competition between the Coastal Clubs and the Tega Cay Club and an individual two-person team competition. Thirty-four Coastal Club players and 22 Tega Cay players participated, which made this three-day tournament one of the largest croquet events ever held in the state of South Carolina.

The Green Boundary Club in Aiken, S.C., held a Wine and Wickets party on April 5, 2019. The goal was to introduce new players to Golf Croquet. About 24 people attended; seven of those had only played the backyard version when they were kids. A 10-minute lesson on proper grip and stroke was given at the start.

Because the club has one full-size court and one half-size court, it was able to start four games with four players in each. Experienced players were included in each group to guide the newbies on the basic rules. The games were limited to the short version fourpoint games (first to four). The planners concluded afterward that 20-minute timed games might be better next time. Everyone had a good time. In fact, the event was scheduled to last 90 minutes, but everyone wanted to keep playing so it lasted two hours. Most of the players said they would be playing on a regular basis. A full bar was available courtside, and hors d'oeuvres were served. Many thanks go out to Scott Brown for organizing everything.

–Terry Hunt

–Rich Watson

LEFT: Team Champions John Boatwright and Alan Offen.

RIGHT: Club Championship winner — Coastal Croquet Clubs.

Pictured (L to R) Bruce Anderson, Jim Podraza and Doug Wright

croquetamerica.com | 9

“WHO AM I?” ANSWER

I am . . . Mohammad Kamal.

Though some friends call me by my nickname “Kimo.” My family is from Egypt and my father was a diplomat. My father was stationed in Washington D.C. when I was born. As a young child, my family moved back to Cairo, Egypt, which is where I grew up. The photo on the first page was taken of me when I was a boy. Don’t you just love the leisure suit I’m wearing?

I learned GC in Egypt. At that time, Egypt had the deepest pool of great GC players in the world. Competition was fierce, which is why as a teenager I rapidly developed into an excellent player. As is the custom in Egypt, I hit most of my shots exceptionally hard. (Editor’s note: If a wood backboard is nearby, his shots end with a loud “thwack!” If a cyclone fence is nearby, it sounds more like a hard, line-drive baseball has hit it.)

championships as well as being selected on the US team that competed in the first-ever GC world team championship in 2012.

US Croquet Hall-of-Famer Ben Rothman and I co-star in a DVD of our exhibition GC match that took place in Pasadena, Calif., in 2010. You can still purchase that DVD for $20. The narration of the event contains much discussion about tactics; Ben and I also gave an impromptu jump shot demonstration after the match, which is also on the DVD.

After finishing medical school in Egypt, I moved to southern California to finish my medical By profession, I am a board-certified training. In 1991, I joined the USCA and am still pathologist. My practice is in Pasadena, Calif., a member. and located across the street from my home club, the Pasadena Croquet Club. I am also I have won three US national GC singles titles. licensed to practice medicine in several From 2000 through 2010, I was consistently other states. ranked in the World Croquet Federation’s list of top 20 GC players. I also have been Though croquet is still an integral part of my selected to represent the US in six GC world life, my new passion is art. I have used various

slides of cell structures from human, animal and plant subjects and turned them into art, which I believe is a mesmerizing tribute to the beauty and complexity of life. My work was on display for several months in 2018 at Chapman University in Orange County, Calif. You can see more of my art at www.artiscopic.com. In fact, the picture here is one of my favorite art pieces, which I call “Pants Red and Blue.”

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newmembership NEW CLUB

Venice – Sarasota County Croquet Club

NEW MEMBERS

Alex Doyle Roger Edwards Nancy McGuire Susan Williams Carolyn Wolf

Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward Cnty – Ft Lauderdale, Florida

CALIFORNIA

Los Angeles – At Large Member

Loyal Perry Rancho Mirage – Mission Hills Croquet Club

Dick Suddaby Eve Suddaby

CONNECTICUT

Greenwich – At Large Member

Marc Johnson Greenwich – Greenwich Croquet Club

Carol Johnson Lyme – At Large Member

James Childs

James Stollenwerck West Palm Beach – National Croquet Club

Nichols Hills – Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club

Mikki Vicoli

Mike Dunn Hillary Farrell Peter Farrell William Gumerson Mary Ellen Gumerson Bill Hugos Susan Jordan John Williams Kathy Williams

Vero Beach – John's Island Croquet Club

Karen Fox Vero Beach – Riomar Country Club

GEORGIA

Carrollton – Carroll County Croquet Players

Frank K. Lovvorn Jekyll Island – Jekyll Island Croquet Club

Boca Grande – Gasparilla Inn Mallet Club

Bridgette Buie Chuck Willette Brian Zindell

Pam Miles

LOUISIANA

Karriem Edwards Hillsboro Beach – Hillsboro Club, The

Charles Cole Mary Cole Elena Van Der Voort

William Baggett

Gary Davies Christine Davies

NEW YORK

Palm Beach Gardens – At Large Member

Adrienne Westmore Donald Westmore Westhampton Beach – Westhampton Mallet Club

John McGrath

NORTH CAROLINA

Karen Rogers William Rogers

Kathy Killmon

Patricia Maddi The Villages – The Villages Croquet Club

Keith Howells Joanna Howells Bonnie Weeks Edward Weeks

Eric Carlson

Germantown – At Large Member

Palm Coast – Grand Haven Croquet Club

Palm Coast – Hammock Dunes Croquet Association

Purcellville – At Large Member

Diamondhead – Diamondhead Country Club & POA

Orlando – Winter Park Croquet Club

Jo Papaleo

VIRGINIA

Annapolis – St. Johns College

MISSISSIPPI

Palm Beach Gardens – Croquet Club at PGA National

Anne Moss Cece Stricklin Char Stricklin Carolyn Titus Ann Trees Peter Trees Jane Waring

MARYLAND

Mary Beth Boruff

Patricia Donlan

Charleston – Bishop Gadsden

Judy Harris Brandon Hendrickson John Whitt

Rhys Davis

Maureen Andren

SOUTH CAROLINA

Baton Rouge – Red Stick Croquet Club

Juno Beach – At Large Member Naples – Club Pelican Bay, The

Bartlesville – Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Paige Bostwick Jacob Campbell Natalie Church Matthew Feistner Ashleyen Fisher Matthew Greenwood Kena Haley Ryan Rimer Liam Watts Ian Whitley

FLORIDA

Ft Lauderdale – Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward Cnty

OKLAHOMA

Belvidere – At Large Member Highlands – Wildcat Cliffs Country Club, Inc.

Erika Impagliatelli Linville – Grandfather Golf & Country Club

Susan Herrick Elton Herrick, II Pinehurst – Pinehurst Croquet Club

Laura Stamm Markus Stamm

croquetamerica.com | 11

2019grandprix

NARROW LEAD FOR DEFENDING GP CHAMP

The overall USCA Grand Prix race is already shaping up to be another good one as three players are clustered at the top of the list. Two-time defending champ Randy Cardo has the early edge, but Chris Patmore is just 200 points back in the second and not far off with 16,455 points is Stephen Morgan in third place. Macey White and Sherif Abdelwahab round out the top five and are certainly in the mix.

Lynda Sudderberg has the sixth spot in the overall, which gives her a commanding early lead in the Women's race with 11,695 points. Last year's champion, Jodie Rugart has some ground to make up as she sits in second place with 6,468 points.

With the Sun Belt states nearing the end of play, it will be interesting to how the races shape up as play shifts to the North.

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2019 GRAND PRIX OVERALL TOP 60 # Player Handicap 01 Randy Cardo -3 02 Chris Patmore -2 03 Stephen Morgan -2.5 04 Sherif Abdelwahab -3 05 Macey W. White -2 06 Lynda P. Sudderberg -1.5 07 Richard Sullivan -1.5 08 Brian Cumming -3.5 09 Bob Chilton -1 10 Stuart Lawrence -2.5 11 David McCoy 0 12 Matthew Essick -1 13 David Ekstrom -1.5 14 Jeff Soo -3.5 15 Kevin Hansley 0 16 Jodie Rugart -0.5 17 Zack Watson -0.5 18 Webster Bull -1 19 Doug Grimsley -3 20 Matthew Griffith -2 21 William C. Rinaman 0.5 22 Richard Sheely -2 23 Michael Albert 4.5 24 Gene Raymond 0 25 Thomas Cooper -1.5 26 Beverley Cardo 3 27 Peter Bach 0 28 David Maloof -2.5 29 David Bent -1.5 30 Rob Byrd 0.5 31 Sandra Knuth 2 32 Alan Cottle -2 33 Jeff Morrison 3.5 34 Derek Wassink -3 35 Paul T. Bennett -2.5 36 John Young III -2 37 Hans Peterson -1 38 Arthur Olsen -0.5 39 Bob Worrell -1.5 40 Patricia Spratt 4.5 41 Chris Barley -1 42 Richard G. Curtis -1.5 43 Mark Fields 0.5 44 Vickie Johnston 3.5 45 John C. Osborn -2.5 46 Thomas C. Balding 3 47 Preston Stuart -1 48 William B. Trower 2 49 Dawn Jupin 1 50 Jim Butts -0.5 51 Lee C. Jorde 4 52 Colin Irwin -2 53 Michael Todorovich -1.5 54 Frank Hentic -1 55 Richard Boger 3.5 56 Mary Rodeberg 0.5 57 Stephen P. Grassbaugh 3 58 Danny Huneycutt -4 59 Dale G. Poszgai 1 60 Simon Jenkins -0.5 Updated April 22, 2019

Singles 11200 13900 8850 9320 8630 6000 7850 6316 6950 5700 2450 5400 6150 4450 4200 3170 5100 3200 2700 4022 2400 4000 4976 1680 3640 2268 3512 2062 0 1800 818 3128 1065 3600 3224 1200 1400 2324 2672 412 2100 1400 2200 1805 2200 975 1400 2070 300 2040 2250 2424 2200 200 1172 720 1343 2061 650 1760

Doubles 6085 3185 7605 5480 5320 5695 2760 3300 1938 2400 5481 2100 1056 2430 2538 3298 1200 2800 3300 1840 3200 1300 300 3160 1000 2305 700 2100 4080 2200 2988 600 2551 0 300 2200 1900 961 600 2806 1000 1600 800 1010 600 1785 1300 620 2340 400 180 0 201 2200 1210 1620 970 240 1580 300

Total Points 17285 17085 16455 14800 13950 11695 10610 9616 8888 8100 7931 7500 7206 6880 6738 6468 6300 6000 6000 5862 5600 5300 5276 4840 4640 4573 4212 4162 4080 4000 3806 3728 3616 3600 3524 3400 3300 3285 3272 3218 3100 3000 3000 2815 2800 2760 2700 2690 2640 2440 2430 2424 2401 2400 2382 2340 2313 2301 2230 2060

2019 GRAND PRIX TOP 30 MEN # Player Handicap 01 Randy Cardo -3 02 Chris Patmore -2 03 Stephen Morgan -2.5 04 Sherif Abdelwahab -3 05 Macey W. White -2 06 Richard Sullivan -1.5 07 Brian Cumming -3.5 08 Bob Chilton -1 09 Stuart Lawrence -2.5 10 David McCoy 0 11 Matthew Essick -1 12 David Ekstrom -1.5 13 Jeff Soo -3.5 14 Kevin Hansley 0 15 Zack Watson -0.5 16 Webster Bull -1 17 Doug Grimsley -3 18 Matthew Griffith -2 19 William C. Rinaman 0.5 20 Richard Sheely -2 21 Michael Albert 4.5 22 Gene Raymond 0 23 Thomas Cooper -1.5 24 Peter Bach 0 25 David Maloof -2.5 26 David Bent -1.5 27 Rob Byrd 0.5 28 Alan Cottle -2 29 Jeff Morrison 3.5 30 Derek Wassink -3

Singles 11200 13900 8850 9320 8630 7850 6316 6950 5700 2450 5400 6150 4450 4200 5100 3200 2700 4022 2400 4000 4976 1680 3640 3512 2062 0 1800 3128 1065 3600

Doubles 6085 3185 7605 5480 5320 2760 3300 1938 2400 5481 2100 1056 2430 2538 1200 2800 3300 1840 3200 1300 300 3160 1000 700 2100 4080 2200 600 2551 0

Total Points 17285 17085 16455 14800 13950 10610 9616 8888 8100 7931 7500 7206 6880 6738 6300 6000 6000 5862 5600 5300 5276 4840 4640 4212 4162 4080 4000 3728 3616 3600

2019 GRAND PRIX TOP 30 WOMEN # Player Handicap 01 Lynda P. Sudderberg -1.5 02 Jodie Rugart -0.5 03 Beverley Cardo 3 04 Sandra Knuth 2 05 Patricia Spratt 4.5 06 Vickie Johnston 3.5 07 Dawn Jupin 1 08 Mary Rodeberg 0.5 09 Loretta Cooper 2 10 Roni Brazell 5 11 Jackie Jones -2 12 Linda Huxtable -0.5 13 Arlene Stevens 7 14 Donna Dixon 0 15 Jeanne Branthover 4 16 Carla P. Rueck 7 17 Martie Ekstrom 6 18 Avril Rangoni-Machiavelli 1 19 Yen Sullivan 5 20 Jane C. Helms 7 21 Karen Heckman 7 22 Linda R. Dos Santos 2.5 23 Geraldine McCauley 4.5 24 Victoria Albrecht 4 25 Missy Chilton 7 26 Eileen Kupstas Soo 2 27 Brett Stovall 4.5 28 Suzanne Spradling 6 29 Nancy Crouch 5 30 Ellen Hall 5

Singles 6000 3170 2268 818 412 1805 300 720 1190 1010 1363 1100 273 442 737 198 471 108 425 0 207 490 372 300 364 115 375 125 337 325

Doubles 5695 3298 2305 2988 2806 1010 2340 1620 760 364 0 200 1012 700 374 902 440 600 256 638 286 0 90 161 93 330 0 240 0 0

Total Points 11695 6468 4573 3806 3218 2815 2640 2340 1950 1374 1363 1300 1285 1142 1111 1100 911 708 681 638 493 490 462 461 457 445 375 365 337 325

GP CHAMPIONSHIP B TOP 15 (3-5H) # Player Handicap Points 01 Michael Albert 4.5 5276 02 Beverley Cardo 3 4573 03 Jeff Morrison 3.5 3616 04 Patricia Spratt 4.5 3218 05 Vickie Johnston 3.5 2815 06 Thomas C. Balding 3 2760 07 Lee C. Jorde 4 2430 08 Richard Boger 3.5 2382 09 Stephen P. Grassbaugh 3 2313 10 Roni Brazell 5 1374 11 Jeanne Branthover 4 1111 12 Theodore J. Thelin 4 779 13 Yen Sullivan 5 681 14 Richard W. Carlson 4.5 655 15 Charles Alexander 3 640

GP FIRST FLIGHT TOP 15 (6-9H) # Player Handicap Points 01 Patrick Dugan 8 1385 02 Arlene Stevens 7 1285 03 David Kepner 9 1173 04 Carla P. Rueck 7 1100 05 Hal Denton 7 980 06 Martie Ekstrom 6 911 07 Karl-Heinz Kempfer 8 640 08 Jane C. Helms 7 638 09 Ahab Dincer 8 636 10 Karen Heckman 7 493 11 Stephen Jackson 7 488 12 Missy Chilton 7 457 13 James McLaughlin 9 396 14 Roger Vorraber 9 384 15 Douglas Ledgett 6 379 GP SECOND FLIGHT TOP 15 (10-13H) # Player Handicap Points 01 Ellie Griffith 10 208 02 Leanne L. Rodick 10 204 03 Connie Coling 10 169 04 Bill Fraser 10 144 05 Jeanette Bair Tribby 10 144 06 Tracey Roche 13 105 07 Mike McNamara 12 72 08 Gillian Merritt 10 69 09 Terry Cassidy 11 64 10 Mary Cassidy 12 64 11 Ron Doering 10 57 12 Jane Osgood 11 52 13 Mel Eckhart 12 48 14 Harry W. Brown 11 43 15 Cynthia Chess 10 42

GP THIRD FLIGHT TOP 10 (14-20H) # Player Handicap Points 01 Peter Carlin 20 457 02 George O'Neill III 20 375 03 Cheryl Bromley 20 316 04 Jim Teel 20 312 05 Todd Russell 20 204 06 Blake Fields 20 172 07 Robert V. Clark 20 136 08 Amr Hamdy 20 107 09 Vernon Pierce 18 76 10 Clint Dawkins 20 69

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2019 USCA National Association Rules Championships March 24-30, 2019 | Venice, Florida

Young AC

Talent Rising Morgan Wins Singles, Doubles with Abdelwahab

By Jeff Soo The USCA National Association Rules Championships were held at the Sarasota County Croquet Club (SCCC) in Venice, Fla., March 24-30, 2019. With five full-size courts and tremendous volunteer support, SCCC is an excellent base for a smaller national event.

Stephen Morgan and Sherif Abdelwahab won Championship Doubles, beating Brian Cumming and Doug Grimsley +17, +26. Morgan then won the singles, beating Zack Watson +17tp, -25tp, +25tp.

Having won both events in 2017, Morgan became the second player, joining Ben Rothman, with two singles-doubles sweeps at this tournament.

Day One was devoted to doubles. Championship Doubles was played as a straight best-of-three knockout. The draw was prepared British Open style, seeding the top four pairs into separate quarters, drawing the remaining six pairs randomly and arranging the byes so the 10 pairs could begin play at once. All four of the seeded pairs advanced to the semifinals.

First Flight Doubles, with six pairs, played a complete block with no playoff. Two pairs started 2-0: Dawn Jupin/Lynda Sudderberg and Gene Raymond/Arthur Olsen.

Singles block play was the order of business for most of the next three days. Championship Flight had three blocks of eight with the top four plus any ties advancing from each block to the best-ofthree knockout. First Flight had one block of eight with the top four advancing to a single-game knockout.

Despite the usual run of upsets, the championship blocks mainly finished with the top-four seeds in each block qualifying to the knockout. The pattern continued into the knockout with one notable exception: Zack Watson. At 32 years old, Watson has played one or two AC tournaments per year for the past several years and was playing in his first national championship. His outstanding singleball skills and improving management of breaks and peeling were good enough for a 6-1 block record, followed by upset 2-0 victories over David Maloof, Doug Grimsley and Jeff Soo, which earned him a spot in the final.

On the other side of the draw, Morgan earned a bye to the quarterfinals, where he survived a tough match against Stuart Lawrence. His semifinal against Matthew Essick was one of the highlights of the week: the pair split the opening games, then Essick opted for the “New Zealand TPO” (i.e., a break to 1-back, then a TPO and peg-out of both rover balls) in game three. Morgan tied the game with a two-ball break from 4- to 2-back, then won by finishing from 3-back.

In First Flight Singles, Sudderberg’s excellent hit-ins and hoop-running gave her top seeding in the knockout with a 7-0 block record. Another solid victory against Jodie Rugart put her in the final.

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Stephen Morgan setting up for the rover peel in game one of the Championship Singles final. Photo by Jeff Soo.

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The other semifinal featured Virginia player Lee Jorde and SCCC local Roni Brazell, both with steady 5-2 block records. Jorde won 9-8. The final was another one-point game, both players having chances at the end. Jorde survived Sudderberg’s late attack to win 10-9.

First Flight Doubles played their final three rounds on Thursday and Friday. Sudderberg and her partner Jupin went undefeated through the block to take the title. They narrowly avoided a net-points tiebreak by beating Rugart and Sandra Knuth 15-14 in the Friday morning round.

Both Championship Doubles semifinals went to a third game.

Maloof and Soo had chances to take the match in game two against Cumming and Grimsley, Soo making good progress in the one-ontwo ending after a Grimsley TPO. But Cumming tied the game with time winding down, allowing Grimsley to win by pegging out. With game two having gone to time, game three had a twohour time limit and Cumming and Grimsley won 15-12. Essick and Lawrence took the first game against Morgan and his partner Abdelwahab, but the latter pair equalized 26-20 and then closed out the match with the same score in game three.

Championship Finals With Morgan in both finals, the doubles final was started as soon as all players were available on Friday afternoon. Morgan and Abdelwahab took the back-and-forth first game 26-9, then wrapped up the match and title 26-0 in the second match. This is their second national doubles title as a team, having won the 2017 GC national doubles – they are the only pair to have won both titles.

It is Abdelwahab’s 10th national doubles title and the second AC national doubles title for each player.

Watson started the Championship Singles final with a super-shot ball nearly peg high, to which Morgan responded with a ball just outside corner IV. Watson shot at this ball and missed, leaving a double target that Morgan hit on turn four. He made a routine break to 4-back, but after failing to wire Watson’s balls across the peg for a spread leave, he opted to join wide on the east boundary.

Watson made a double target by playing his lift shot from just outside corner III, missing into corner IV. Morgan took the fiveyard shot at Watson’s ball in the corner but missed, and Watson parlayed this into a nine-hoop break, ending with a spread. Morgan took the more defensive lift shot from corner III, hitting and took game one, +17tp.

ABOVE: Lynda Sudderberg, First Flight runner-up.

Photo by Jeff Soo. BELOW: Morgan shows off the hardware.

Photo by Nancy Hart.

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Morgan started the second game with a standard ball to the east boundary, albeit a little farther north than most players prefer, possibly anticipating a corner II response, which is just what Watson chose. Morgan then shot down the east boundary at his partner ball, missing into corner IV. Watson shot at partner and missed, and Morgan hit the 12-yard shot back up the line. He took off to Watson’s balls in corner II, but his rush to hoop 1 came up short, as did his take-off to position, so he retreated to the east boundary.

Watson played the ball near hoop 1 into corner IV. Morgan went to that ball and rolled to excellent position at H1. After scoring the hoop, he rolled Watson’s ball to H3 while approaching the ball near corner II, nearly going out of bounds. His reverse take-off to H2 came up just short, and he returned to his partner ball near corner IV.

Watson took on the 35-yard double target from the boundary north of 2 to Morgan’s balls in corner IV, hitting. He went round to 4-back with a tidy spread leave. Morgan again took the more defensive lift shot down the east boundary, missing into corner IV. Watson’s delayed triple peel was made easier after an excellent rush from 2-back to peeling position at penult, and he equalized the match with his +25tp victory.

Game Three In the deciding game, Watson chose the standard east-boundary opening, and Morgan replied to corner II. The first roquet came on turn 5, Watson scoring H1 and then approaching the corner II ball with a roll shot, his ball stopping just short of the boundary in an uncanny echo of Morgan’s shot in game two. His takeoff to position was a little short. He tried a hard, flat shot at the hoop, which failed and ended with the ball just encroaching on the jaws of the hoop.

Morgan took the 22-yard shot from near corner II to his partner ball at H3, hitting center ball. He took off to Watson’s ball near corner IV, rolling out to H1 but coming up short and retreating to partner. Watson cornered, Morgan cut partner to the north boundary and then rolled to the ball in 2. He came up a bit short and had a threeyard shot at a very small target, which he played perfectly, rushing Watson’s ball nearly to corner I. After a good roll-up to the hoop, he had a routine break to 4-back, finishing with a spread.

Watson declined the lift, taking on the 20-someyard double target at Morgan’s balls. This missed, giving Morgan an immediate four-ball break to win the match. He opted for a short pivot position at H2 to aid in getting partner to peeling position but sent it too far; now the turn would be a delayed triple-peel attempt. He survived some imprecise play around H6 to get the first peel and was well back on track in time for a penult peel before 4-back. The finish looked in doubt when he could only get partner to within four yards of rover before scoring penult, but the match was effectively over once he rushed partner to trivial peeling position, less than a foot out from the hoop. Morgan now has six national titles, four in AC and two in GC.

Zack Watson plays his second shot of the Championship Singles final.

Photo by Jeff Soo.

The event was managed with an all-volunteer crew. This included a large and dedicated cadre from the host club, setting up the courts to championship specification each day and keeping the players and guests fed and watered throughout the week. Club President Hans Peterson was the Tournament Manager; Jeff and Eileen Soo were the co-Tournament Directors.

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Born to be wild: Lee Jorde, First Flight Singles winner, during the final. Photo by Jeff Soo.

2019 USCA National Association Rules Championships Final Order Championship Singles

Championship Singles Plate

First Flight Singles

01. Stephen Morgan 02. Zack Watson 03. Matthew Essick 03. Jeff Soo 05. Doug Grimsley 05. Stuart Lawrence 05. Brian Cumming 05. Sherif Abdelwahab 09. Daniel Pailas 09. David Maloof 09. Paul Bennett 09. Peter Bach 09. Michael Albert (WD) 14. Chris Barley 14. Simon Jenkins 14. Hans Peterson 17. Macey White 17. Tom Cooper 19. Leo McBride 19. Russ Dilley 19. Dawn Jupin 19. Jay Hughes 19. Sandra Knuth 24. Gene Raymond

01. Daniel Pailas 02. Stuart Lawrence 03. Peter Bach 03. Macey White 05. Simon Jenkins 05. Tom Cooper 05. Hans Peterson 05. Chris Barley 09. Gene Raymond 09. Sandra Knuth 11. Jay Hughes 12. Dawn Jupin 12. Russ Dilley 12. Paul Bennett

01. Lee Jorde 02. Lynda Sudderberg 03. Roni Brazell 04. Jodie Rugart 05. Dale Poszgai 06. Loretta Cooper 07. Mary Rodeberg 08. Ted Thelin

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Championship Doubles 01. Stephen Morgan/Sherif Abdelwahab 02. Doug Grimsley/Brian Cumming 03. David Maloof/Jeff Soo 03. Matthew Essick/Stuart Lawrence 05. Zack Watson/Travis Watson 06. Michael Albert/Hans Peterson 06. Tom Cooper/Jay Hughes 06. Paul Bennett/Leo McBride 06. Macey White/Peter Bach 06. Simon Jenkins/Chris Barley

First Flight Singles Plate 01. Loretta Cooper 02. Ted Thelin 03. Mary Rodeberg First Flight Doubles 01. Dawn Jupin/Lynda Sudderberg 02. Sandra Knuth/Jodie Rugart 03. Mary Rodeberg/Loretta Cooper 04. Gene Raymond/Arthur Olsen 05. Lee Jorde/Ted Thelin 06. Dale Poszgai/Roni Brazell

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2019 USCA Club Team Championships March 8-10, 2019 | West Palm Beach, Florida

Teams Fight to the End to

Claim Lyon’s Trophy

By John C. Osborn Sometimes you just get a vibe from players: you know they are there to win and nothing will stop them! I had a vibe a day before the Club Team Championships even began. It came in the form of Bernie “The Attorney” Pattie. Pattie’s a great St. Croix guy … he enjoys the small things in life and is quick with obscure lyrics from more obscure bands that somehow explain our existence on earth (“Oysters are good, and your dog has brown hair; a cold wind’s now blowing but why should I care?”).

While I generally just nod a lot when I am with Pattie, on this pre-tournament day, he had a question regarding his schedule for the tournament. I explained his schedule was casual as he was playing only doubles in what has become a singles and doubles event and that he would have plenty of free time to do whatever strange things were on his list. Then he hugged me – something a tournament director is not accustomed to. “May your glass always be reflective,” he said.

Given the vibe you are giving me, you will probably not win a game this week, I said – to myself.

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OPPOSITE PAGE LEFT: Peter Timmons CENTER: Alice in Wonderland RIGHT: Beverley Cardo THIS PAGE TOP (L TO R): Jodie Rugart, Missy Chilton, Bernard Pattie, 40th Anniversary MIDDLE: Lyon's Trophy Champions–The Beach Club BOTTOM (L TO R): Jeanne Brantover, Dick Boger Photos by Johnny Mitchell

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One day later, at the start of the tournament, Randy Cardo had a different approach: “The Beach Club is going to kick everyone on the rear side this week!” Followed by Beverley Cardo’s even more haunting words: “Golly gee, yes!” And that’s the way of this tournament. The Club Teams Championship truly is a competition between clubs or was meant to be that way when originally introduced several decades ago. The participation has ranged throughout the years from 50-140, but the long-term goal has always had overall club performance the mantle under which the individual successes were placed. And having a great time always outweighed that! With the introduction of singles two years ago, personal agendas may have taken a larger role, but the theme remains the same. As Bernie ‘The Attorney” would quote: “There’s a duck on the roof; why not wash the windows?”

And so, no matter what your intensity level going into the Club Teams, the charts this year revealed three flights in both singles and doubles. While this was a small downtick from the previous years, it still offered an opportunity for anything to happen. Should you be unfamiliar with the Club Teams, it is the highlight of almost two weeks of events: schools, a golf croquet tournament, an auction, an Annual Meeting, more schools, parties and probably a dunking contest I was not aware of, but would have loved to have scheduled if asked. As a quick side note, David Maloof was victorious in the Golf Croquet division and looked stylish in doing so. David McCoy, who usually wins the event, was having an off day. And so, with some dreams already either shattered of fulfilled, the main event eventually started with good weather and future hopes still in place.

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This year three clubs were in serious competition for the Lyon’s Trophy, the award bestowed to the club with the best cumulative record throughout the six wicket competition. And the numbers did count, for while smaller awards are offered to clubs fielding smaller groups, the Lyon’s Trophy is what Pattie would call: “Big cheese on a small pizza!” This year, the New York Croquet Club, The Beach Club and the National Croquet Club all delivered six to seven doubles teams with virtually all those participants competing within singles as well. And yes, this would come down to the wire.

No matter what flight you chose to watch, matches within doubles were close throughout. In the Second Flight Finals, Carla Rueck/ Karen Heckman (NYCC) scored somewhat of an upset with a strong 13-9 finals victory over the determined team of Thomas and Jeanette Tribby (The Beach Club). Hal Denton/Tom Stoner (West River Wickets) tied for third place with Missy Chilton/Bobbie Duryea (The Beach Club). First Flight honors were claimed by the #2 Seed, Jeff Morrison/Richard Boger (NCC), with their 15-11 victory over the #1 Seeds, Steve Warner/Vickie Johnston (The Beach Club). Steve Grassbaugh/David Collie (NCC) shared third-place honors with Peter Timmins/Jeannie Branthover (NYCC). Still, while the Second and First Flights offered a primetime amount of drama from match to match, it was the Championship Flight that probably inspired the most intrigue.

First, after the doubles’ competition qualification and seeding rounds, everyone made the playoffs. This probably suited the Championship Flight best, since the handicap spreads within the doubles’ duos ran the gambit. And straight up through the Finals,

a sure thing was impossible to predict. Enter: the re-emergence of David McCoy. No, he didn’t make every wicket or roquet, but teamed with NCC Professional, David Bent, they captured the Finals (15-9) over Stephen Morgan and Patricia Spratt (NYCC).

Applause goes out to Spratt for hanging tough, Chris Patmore/ Tom Balding (NYCC and the #1 seeds) shared third place with Randy and Beverley Cardo (The Beach Club). “We kicked our own hinnies,” said Randy. “Golly gee, yes,” echoed Beverley.

OPPOSITE PAGE Singles Champion Chris Patmore between John C. Osborn and Sara Low THIS PAGE Carla Rueck, Conner Helms and David Collie (L to R) Photos by Johnny Mitchell

Now, if you are concerned that you missed a section, which explains how all these games eventually determine to whom the Lyon’s Trophy is awarded, you haven’t. Numbers are involved, and then more numbers. To make it simple, with the doubles action having been completed and lunch having been served, only the three singles Final matches were left on the schedule. Most importantly (drum roll), the New York Croquet Club and The Beach Club were in a dead tie!

The Championship Flight pitted both clubs against one another, Chris Patmore representing the NYCC and Randy Cardo holding The Beach Club flag. And while, on the books, the game showed the promise of being a close one, Patmore showed more consistency in registering a 19-5 victory. “I’m not going to be quoted anymore,” said Cardo. Stephen Morgan (NYCC) and Bob Chilton (The Beach Club) tied for third. First Flight Finals was one that almost never took place. It was Vickie Johnston’s (The Beach Club) fourth game in a row, without a lot of rest or nourishment, and that was proving to be a bit much. “I need a carrot,” she said. “Or a sprout… something!” To make matters worse, her opponent, Tom Balding croquetamerica.com | 23

TOP ROW: First Flight Singles Champion Vickie Johnston Championship Doubles Winners David Bent and David McCoy MIDDLE ROW: Second Flight Champion Missy Chilton First Flight Doubles Champions Jeff Morrison and Dick Boger BOTTOM ROW: Les Kelly Award Winner Paige Brown Second Flight Doubles Champions Carla Rueck and Karen Heckman Photos by Johnny Mitchell

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(NYCC), had shown no shame in simply destroying any opponent who dared to show up. The final score was 17-16, the victorious Johnston last seen crawling off into a neighborhood vegetable garden.

Of course, here is where the story should get interesting. With the Lyon’s Trophy numbers still tied, the remaining Second Flight Singles Final offered a well-balanced and interesting matchup, Missy Chilton vs. John Grabow. And if history could be rewritten, both players would be representing the two tied clubs. Sadly, they were not. Chilton captured the title with an exciting 12-11 last turn, but because both players were representing the same club, The Beach Club won the overall prize, a result which could have changed in a thousand ways throughout the five-day event. Both Cardos jumped high at the announcement.

The Club Team Championships has always been billed as the high point of the social croquet experience in any calendar year. Even after the last ball was struck, most players were unaware of the overall outcome, and I think it is fitting of the great camaraderie shown throughout.

“Let me quote from some obscure guitar player I once met,” started Pattie. But I really didn’t have the time…trophies were to be awarded. This included the Les Kelley Award, which went to Paige Brown, enthusiastic throughout all her matches, despite her 20-handicap. Les would have liked the choice, as did Pattie (despite not winning a game himself ). “Off to catch a flying soup can. See you next year,” he proclaimed. And yes, I hope he will. I look forward to all of it already.

GOLF CROQUET FINAL ORDER

SECOND FLIGHT SINGLES

01. David Maloof 02. George O’Neill III 03. Justin Berbig 03. Jim Teel 05. Richard Boger 05. Hal Denton 07. David McCoy 08. Mike Gibbons

01. Missy Chilton 02. John Grabow 03. Karen Heckman 03. Carl Archiniaco 05. David Kepner 05. Sheila McCauley 05. Freear Pollard 05. Joseph Warren 09. Jeanette Bair Tribby 10. Paige Brown

FIRST FLIGHT

CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT DOUBLES

CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT

01. Clint Dawkins 02. Vernon Pierce 03. Bill Simmons 03. Billy Harper 05. Alan Thomson 05. Priscilla Flowers 07. Thomas Graham 08. James Stollenwerck 09. Shoshanna Shelley 10. Robyn Osborn

CLUB TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT SINGLES 01. Chris Patmore 02. Randy Cardo 03. Stephen Morgan 03. Bob Chilton 05. David Ekstrom 05. Dick Sullivan 05. Jodie Rugart 05. David McCoy 09. Norris Settlemyre 10. Kevin Hansley 10. Conrad Rugart 12. Conner Helms

FIRST FLIGHT SINGLES 01. Vickie Johnston 02. Tom Balding 03. Stephen Grassbaugh 03. Beverley Cardo 05. Dick Boger 05. Jeanne Branthover 05. Geraldine McCauley 05. Patricia Spratt 09. Jeff Morrison 09. Peter Timmins 09. Thomas Tribby 09. Yen Sullivan

01. David Bent/David McCoy 02. Stephen Morgan/Patricia Spratt 03. Chris Patmore/Tom Balding 03. Randy Cardo/Beverley Cardo 05. Norris Settlemyre/David Isaacs 05. Bob Chilton/Jodie Rugart 05. Kevin Hansley/Conrad Rugart 05. Conner Helms/Jane Helms 09. David Ekstrom/Lynda Sudderberg 09. Dick Sullivan/Yen Sullivan

FIRST FLIGHT DOUBLES 01. Jeff Morrison/Dick Boger 02. Steve Warner/Vickie Johnston 03. Stephen Grassbaugh/David Collie 03. Peter Timmins/Jeanne Branthover 05. Betty Whitlow/Geraldine McCauley 05. Lucille Maresca/Bernard Pattie

SECOND FLIGHT DOUBLES 01. Karen Heckman/Carla Rueck 02. Thomas Tribby/Jeanette Bair Tribby 03. Hal Denton/Tom Stoner 03. Missy Chilton/Bobbie Duryea 05. John Grabow/David Kepner 05. Sheila McCauley/Freear Pollard 05. Carl Archiniaco/Joseph Warren 05. Mary Robb/Paige Brown

LES KELLEY AWARD Paige Brown

LYONS TROPHY Large Club: 01. The Beach Club 02. The New York Croquet Club 03. The National Croquet Club Medium: 01. Oklahoma City Golf & Croquet Club Small Club: 01. West River Wickets 02. Westhampton Mallet Club 03. Bombay Mallet & Wicket

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2018 USCA Annual Awards

By Sara Low Capping the annual Croquet Week festivities in West Palm Beach, Fla., the USCA announced the following recipients of the 2018 Annual Awards on Friday, March 15, 2019 at the Club Teams Participants’ Dinner.

Club of the Year

Florida Yacht Club

For the spirit and energy of its members and friends through and after Hurricane Irma as well as for its leadership role in Florida croquet.

Municipal Club of the Year

Sarasota County Croquet Club

For the vibrant croquet life: in 2018 the club hosted the Inaugural GC Eights, held two American rules invitationals and its first Association and Golf Croquet Invitationals. Additionally, the club provides teaching clinics four days a week and continues to grow its membership.

New Club of the Year

Sky Valley Club

A new club with two full-size courts fully funded by members; 100 people in attendance opening night and 110 at lessons taught by top croquet players the next day. Need I say more?

Club President of the Year

John Rivers

Because of the accomplishments he brought about at the Chattooga Club, including the very successful Pro-Am Challenge, and increased interest in croquet, especially golf croquet.

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Jr. Rookie of the Year

Thomas Balding

Tom Balding, who is still an undergraduate at Saint John’s College, had only played a handful of tournaments, but he came in first place in nearly everything. He won first place playing against his own teammates in National Collegiates at Merion in April 2018, went undefeated in Second Flight singles at Piping Rock Club, went undefeated in First Flight at the Mid-Atlantic Association Rules tournament in June 2018, won the Tri-State Golf Croquet Challenge in July 2018 and went undefeated in the fourth group at Selection Eights in October, pegging out 13 of 14 matches.

Rookie of the Year

Shane Hettler

Shot onto the croquet scene out of nowhere, Hettler came in second in the Collegiate American Rules Six Wicket Doubles Individual Teams Tournament and then won the Championship Flight Singles at Merion Cricket Club. He also beat Danny Huneycutt in a block play game at the Nationals.

Most Improved Jr. Player of the Year

Blake Fields

Among other things, at 11 years of age, Fields won the Golf Croquet Nationals Doubles Title with Sherif Abdelwahab.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Sarasota County Croquet Club receives Municipal Club Award from USCA President Sara Low ABOVE: Ski Valley Club receives New Club Award BELOW: Tom Balding wins Jr. Rookie of the Year Photos by Johnny Mitchell

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Most Improved Sr. Player of the Year

Chris Barley

His handicap was 3.5 a year ago and now he is a -1. That’s nine levels better in 12 months! Additionally, he has won two tournaments in championship level this year. He defeated Danny Huneycutt on the way to his NC Singles First Place victory.

Congratulations on games well played.

President's Award

Don Oakley

For his many years of giving to the sport of croquet and the USCA. Oakley quietly adds his advice or opinion based on experience and wisdom.

Regional Vice President

Russ Dilley

Russ has been extremely active in coordinating a vast geographic base of clubs. Additionally, he has been very involved in the start of a new club in Valparaiso, Ind. He truly deserves this award!

District President

Michael Albert

In recognition and grateful appreciation for his contribution to the USCA and the Sport of croquet. Albert sets an example for district presidents everywhere. He is familiar with every club in his district from the people to the grass. Players and administrators from all over the USCA look to him for advice.

International Support

Mike (Nate) Weimerskirch

Thank you for the donation of yourself and everything else you give, especially to the world of international croquet.

Don Oakley Photo by Ursula Peck

Financial Support

Alexander and Linda Lane

In recognition and grateful appreciation for their contribution to the USCA.

Outstanding Support of Croquet

Macey White

In recognition and grateful appreciation for his contribution to the USCA and the sport of croquet as a player and an administrator.

Outstanding Support of Croquet

Cheryl Bromley

As a world player, instructor and chair of the GC committee, she oversaw the US rollout of the new GC rules. Thank you for your continuous support, especially to the game of golf croquet.

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Michael Strauss Award for Journalism

Bert Myer

The engine behind the 22-page tribute to the USCA’s 40th anniversary in Croquet News magazine. Without his guidance, vision and hours of actual work over several months, the piece would have never made it to publication.

Certificate of Appreciation

Jeff Soo

Soo took on the role of USCA Webmaster, now overseeing website content and communication in addition to other positions (Chair of Tournament, GC Selection, Grievance; Committee Member of GC, Education.) He does whatever is needed for the USCA immediately and in a positive manner.

Certificate of Appreciation

Hal Denton

Denton steps up whenever asked: giving himself, product and money to USCA projects. He gives so much energy and thinking to croquet and to the USCA. In 2018, he became a member of the new Lee Olsen Fund Committee. The USCA, are so grateful for his support, advice, ideas and presence.

ABOVE: Mike (Nate) Weimerskirch with Sara Low BELOW: Hal Denton with Sara Low Photos by Johnny Mitchell

croquetamerica.com | 29

Jr. Player of the Year

Quinn Reinhardt

Reinhardt moved from an 8 to a 6 in just three months!

Excellent playing … we have enjoyed watching.

Certificate of Achievement

Jodie Rugart

Top female player in the 2018 Grand Prix.

Player of the Year

Randy Cardo

For the second year in a row, the highest-scoring Grand Prix player.

2018 Teddy Prentis Award (Excellence in Instruction)

John Osborn

By unanimous decision, Osborn is this year’s recipient of the Ted Prentis Award for his many years of dedicated service to education and instruction. He is this sport’s rock star.

ABOVE: Jr. Player of the Year Quin Reinhardt BELOW: John C. Osborn receives the Teddy Prentis Award Photos by Johnny Mitchell

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USCA CROQUET SCHOOLS Learn to play the USCA Way!

NEW DATES ANNOUNCED! AMERICAN RULES

October 16-18, 2019 November 13-15, 2019 January 29-31, 2020 March 10-12, 2020 April 1-3, 2020 March 14-16, 2020 (Tournament Play School)

GOLF CROQUET

ASSOCIATION LAWS

November 14-15, 2019 October 17-18,2019 December 5, 2019 January 30-31, 2020 (Tournament Play School) January 7-8, 2020 March 11-12, 2020

Instruction by USCA Certified Instructors

PRIVATE GROUP PROGRAM Groups of 6 or more players (of the same level) may arrange for a date (dependent on court and instructor availability) that is convenient for group’s participants

Classes are held at the National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach, FL Contact the USCA office for more information (561) 478-0760 or email tournament@uscroquet.com

2019 USCA CLUB DIRECTORY Croquet News is pleased to present the second annual USCA Club Directory with the goal of showcasing the clubs across the association that are key to growing the sport.

This year's edition has added the concept of enhanced (bold) listings to designate the 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.

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

CLUB | COURTS | WEBSITE | PHONE ALABAMA

CONNECTICUT

LOXLEY Steelwood Croquet Association | 1 | 251-964-5308

GREENWICH Greenwich Croquet Club | 5 | full, 3/4 914-582-9488

MT. BROOK Mountain Brook Croquet Club | 1 | Full size 205-967-3301

HAMDEN Special Olympics Connecticut www.soct.org | 203-230-1201

FT LAUDERDALE Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward Cnty 954-537-1010

ARIZONA

HARTFORD Elizabeth Park Croquet Club | 2 | 3/4 860-608-1222

HILLSBORO BEACH

PHOENIX Arizona Croquet Club | 1 | Full www.azcroquet.org | 480-943-5493

DELAWARE

SCOTTSDALE Mountain Mallets | 2 | 40x50 www.desertmountaingolfcroquet.com | 480-656-4643

ROCKLAND Delaware Croquet Club | 4 | Full 302-656-3551

CALIFORNIA

WILMINGTON Wilmington Country Club | 3 | 610-388-6577

OAKLAND Oakland Croquet Club | 1 | regulation www.croquetworld.com/occ.asp

FLORIDA

DELRAY BEACH

ST. ANDREWS CLUB | 1 | FULL 561-243-0557

THE HILLSBORO CLUB | 1 | FULL WWW.HILLSBOROCLUB.ORG 954-941-2220 HOBE SOUND Jupiter Island Club | 1 | 772-546-7848 JACKSONVILLE Timuquana Country Club www.timuquana.net | 904-388-2664

PASADENA Pasadena Croquet Club | 2 | Regulation www.pasadenacroquetclub.org | 626-579-9165

ATLANTIC BEACH Fleet Landing Croquet Club | 1 | 60 x 90 904-372-4712

RANCHO MIRAGE Mission Hills Croquet Club | 7 | Full www.missionhills.com | 307-851-6455

BELLEAIR Belleair Country Club Croquet | 1 | 105 x 84 feet www.belleaircc.com | 727-461-7171

ROHNERT PARK Sonoma Croquet Club | 2 | full size courts 707-585-7819

BOCA GRANDE Gasparilla Inn Mallet Club | 3 | 941-964-2201

SAN FRANCISCO San Francisco Croquet Club | 2 | Full www.croquetworld.com/sfcc.asp

BOCA RATON Boca Raton Croquet Club | 1 | Full 617-281-8644

LAKE WALES Mountain Lake Croquet Club 863-676-3494

ST. HELENA Meadowood Mallet Club | 4 | 800-458-8080

Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club | 2 | Full 561-395-2100

Edward W. Bok Academy | 1 | bokacademy.org | 863-638-1010

THOUSAND OAKS Sherwood Club 805-496-3036

BOKEELIA Useppa Island Croquet Club | 2 | Full 6 Wkt. 30x60 9 useppa.com | 239-283-1061

FLORIDA YACHT CLUB, THE | 2 | 183 X 115 WWW.THEFLORIDAYACHTCLUB.ORG 904-387-1653 KEY LARGO Ocean Reef Club | 2 | 3/4 courts 305-367-6583

LAKE WORTH Special Olympics PBCty Croquet www.sopbc.com | 561-966-7019 MIAMI BEACH Indian Creek Country Club | 1 | Full 305-866-5751

COLORADO

BONITA SPRINGS Bonita Bay Club | 2 | 85’ x 55’ 239-495-0200

DENVER Denver Croquet Club | 1 | Full, Lighted www.denvercroquetclub.org | 303-520-9023

CELEBRATION Celebration Croquet Association | 1 | 1/2 407-970-3103

NAPLES Naples Croquet Club of Florida | 2 | 105 x 84 feet 239-207-2735

Denver Country Club | Full www.denvercc.net | 303-862-3471

DELAND Stetson University stetson.edu | 386-822-7182

Club Pelican Bay, The | 1 | 3/4 www.theclubpelicanbay.com | 239-597-1183

CLUBS that have advertised or participated in a club teams event

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Audubon Croquet Association | 2 | 1 Full - 3/4 www.audubonccofnaples.com | 239-566-9800

Where Will You Play Croquet This Winter?

How about a Stay & Play holiday at Mariner Sands in Stuart FL? • Play golf croquet, 6-wicket or 9-wicket on four beautiful Tiffeagle™ courts.

• Stay in gracious Mariner Sands accommodations for 3 days and 2 nights.

• Enjoy three lunches and two dinners in our clubhouse or poolside.

• A player ambassador will help arrange games and be your host.

• You also may play 1 round of golf on each of our championship courses, and play tennis and pickleball or use our Fitness Center and pool.

• Tour the community and available residences with NV Realty.

This package is just $499 per couple before taxes, and offered January 15 through April 30 subject to availability. To book or for information call 877-283-0203.

Come play at Mariner Sands Where the welcome’s as warm as the weather

877-283-0203 / MarinerSands.com

2019 USCA CLUB DIRECTORY CLUB | COURTS | WEBSITE | PHONE FLORIDA (CONTINUED)

VIERA Indian River Colony Club | 1 | 80x50 www.colonyclub.com | 321-255-6051

ORLANDO Winter Park Croquet Club | 1 | www.winterparkcroquetclub.org | 407-788-0565

VILLAGE OF GOLF Country Club of Florida, The | 1 | 561-732-9771

Country Club of Orlando www.countrycluboforlando.com | 407-849-0990

WEIRSDALE Grand Oaks, The 352-750-5500

OSPREY Oaks Club, The | 1 | 90% full size 941-966-2161 PALM BEACH Everglades Club, Inc., The | 1 | 90 x 65 561-655-7810 Beach Club, The | 3 | Full www.tbcpb.com/members/croquet.php | 561-842-4874 PALM BEACH GARDENS Croquet Club at PGA National | 5 | FULL 631-834-7176 Devonshire at PGA National | 2 | 561-227-2446 PALM CITY Sandhill Cove Croquet Club | 1 | 772-288-2726 PALM COAST Grand Haven Croquet Club | 3 | 40’ x 80’ www.ghcroquetclub.com | 386-246-0089 Hammock Dunes Croquet | 2 | Regulation www.hammockdunesclub.com/hammock-dunes-club 386-446-4655 PONTE VEDRA BEACH Plantation of Ponte Vedra, The www.theplantationpvb.com | 904-543-7537 Ponte Vedra Croquet Club | 7 | full and 3/4 www.pontevedracroquetclub.com | 904-273-0806 STUART

MARINER SANDS COUNTRY CLUB | 4 | 84 X 54 FT 914-772-8378 Sailfish Point | 1 | 75 x 55 www.sailfishpoint.com | 772-225-1000 THE VILLAGES Villages Croquet Club, The | 2 | 62’ x 105’ 561-670-6756 UNIVERSITY PARK University Park Country Club | 1 | 80 X 100 www.universitypark-fl.com | 941-355-3888 VENICE Sarasota County Croquet Club | 6 | 105 x 84 feet www.sarasotacountycroquet.com | 941-900-4081 VERO BEACH Riomar Country Club | 1 | Reg www.riomarcountryclub.com | 772-231-6426 John’s Island Croquet Club | 2 | full size www.johnsislandclub.org | 772-231-1700 Windsor Club, The | 1 | non-regulation www.windsorflorida.com | 772-388-8472 Moorings Club, The www.themooringsclub.com | 772-469-3603 Vero Beach Country Club | 2 | www.vbcountryclub.com | 772-567-3320

WELLINGTON International Polo Club Palm | 1 | www.internationalpoloclub.com/croquet.htm 561-795-7228

PALM BEACH POLO GOLF & COUNTRY | 4 | FULL WEST PALM BEACH

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

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

GEORGIA CARROLLTON Carroll County Croquet Players 770-832-6272 JASPER Big Canoe Croquet Club | 60’ x 40’ 404-680-1576 JEKYLL ISLAND Jekyll Island Croquet Club 912-635-9150 SKY VALLEY Sky Valley Club, Inc. | 1 | 105x84 706-746-5302

IDAHO MCCALL McCall Croquet Club | 4 | 40’x52’

ILLINOIS CHICAGO Chicago Croquet Club | 2 | Full www.chicagocroquetclub.org | 773-631-2422 MANHATTAN Prairie Lights Croquet Club | 1 | 105x84 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 | 105 x 84 feet 574-722-3449

CLUBS that have advertised or participated in a club teams event

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KANSAS LEAWOOD Kansas City Croquet Club kccroquet.com | 913-636-7231

LOUISIANA BATON ROUGE Red Stick Croquet Club 225-926-0428 SHREVEPORT Cajun Croquet Club 318-865-4848

MAINE ELLSWORTH Woodlawn Croquet Program | 1 | 105 x 84 feet 207-667-8671 FRENCHBORO Frenchboro School 207-334-2944 ISLE AU HAUT Isle Au Haut School House 207-335-2521 ISLESBORO Islesboro School 207-734-2251 ISLESFORD Islesford 207-244-7377 MATINICUS ISLAND Matinicus Elementary School 207-366-3695 MONHEGAN Monhegan Island School 207-594-5895 NORTH HAVEN North Haven Community School 207-867-4707 ROCKPORT Riley School, The 207-596-6405 SORRENTO Sorrento V.I.A. Croquet Club | 1 | 60’ x 90’ 301-926-9778 SWAN’S ISLAND Swan’s Island School 207-526-4300 VINALHAVEN Vinalhaven School 207-863-4664

MARYLAND ANNAPOLIS St. Johns College 347-204-2545 GALESVILLE West River Wickets | 3 | 2 x Full & 1 x 3/4 www.westriverwickets.com | 410-867-0434 ROYAL OAK United States Naval Academy 410-745-5470 SPARKS Sparks Elementary School | 5 | 1/2 sparkses.bcps.org | 410-887-7900

CLUB | COURTS | WEBSITE | PHONE

MICHIGAN

MISSOURI

MASSACHUSETTS

CHELSEA Waterloo Croquet Club | 2 | 72x90 www.waterloocroquetclub.com | 734-475-9730

PARKVILLE

ACTON Naples Croquet Club 978-263-6152

COMSTOCK PARK Heatherwood Hills Croquet Club | 2 | full, and 1/2 616-784-4438

BEDFORD Carleton-Willard Village 617-275-8700

MINNESOTA

CAMBRIDGE Harvard College | 2 | 110m x 75m www.college.harvard.edu | 617-495-1000

BRAINERD Madden Brother’s, Inc. | 218-829-2811

EAST SANDWICH Sandwich Croquet Club | 4 | 80x100;40x50;40x50 www.sandwichcroquet.com | 508-648-6244 EDGARTOWN Edgartown Croquet Club | 1 | Full 508-627-8729 LENOX Lenox Croquet Club | 4 | 1 Full, 3 3/4 www.lenoxcroquet.com | 413-443-4957 MARION Marion Mallet Club Inc. | 2 | half size www.bobcroquet.com/Marion/marion.htm 508-678-4787 NANTUCKET Westmoor Club, The | 1 | 1 x 3/4 www.thewestmoorclub.com | 508-228-9494 WESTON Weston Racquet Club 781-890-4285

EDINA City of Lakes Croquet Club | 2 | Full 105 x 84 feet 952-974-1286

MISSISSIPPI DIAMONDHEAD Diamondhead Country Club & POA | 2 | 50x100 228-255-1900 FLORA Highlands Mallet Club | 1 | Full 105x84 feet 601-949-3103 JACKSON Pocahontas Mallet Club | 2 601-672-7423 Country Club of Jackson, The | 1 | 1 | www.ccjackson.com | 601-956-1411 LONG BEACH Long Beach Yacht Club | 2 | 50x100 www.longbeachyachtclub.com | 228-547-5686

KACTUS CREEK CROQUET CLUB | 1 | FULL WWW.KACTUSCREEK.COM 816-891-6762 ST. LOUIS Bellerive Croquet Club 314-434-4400 WARRENSBURG University Central Missouri | 4 | 50x80 www.ucmo.edu/future.cfm | 660-909-4747

NEW HAMPSHIRE RYE Strawbery Banke Croquet Club | 1 | 64 x 85 603-433-5382

NEW JERSEY KENVIL Roxbury Croquet Club 862-432-1964 MANTOLOKING Mantoloking Yacht Club 732-892-6281 MONROE TOWNSHIP Rossmoor Croquet Club | 1 | 105 x 84 feet 609-409-7837 RUMSON Rumson Country Club | 1 | full www.rumsoncc.org | 732-842-2518

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

2 | croquetamerica.com

croquetamerica.com | 35

2019 USCA CLUB DIRECTORY CLUB | COURTS | WEBSITE | PHONE

NORTH CAROLINA

NORTH DAKOTA

NEW JERSEY (CONTINUED)

ASHEVILLE Deerfield Croquet Club | 1 | 71x93 www.deerfieldcroquetclub.org | 828-254-9667

FARGO Fargo South High School | 1 | 40 yd x 80 yd 701-446-2000

BALD HEAD ISLAND Bald Head Island Croquet Club | 3 | full www.bhiclub.net | 973-714-8484

OHIO

SOMERSET Rutgers Preparatory School | 2 | 105 x 84 feet 732-545-5600 SPRING LAKE Green Gables Croquet Club | 3 | Full www.GreenGablesCroquetClub.com | 201-394-5435 WEST LONG BRANCH Monmouth University | 3 732-263-5187

NEW YORK BLOOMING GROVE Blooming Grove Croquet Club | 1 | 845-651-1197 BRIDGEHAMPTON Bridgehampton Club | 1 | Full 631-537-7399 BROOKLYN Brooklyn Croquet and Hunt* Club www.brooklyncroquet.org/ | 917-312-2173 BUFFALO Buffalo Croquet Club | 4 | full 716-697-4111 CAMILLUS West Hill Golf & Croquet Club | 2 | 55 x 110 www.westhillgolfcourse.com/croquet.html 315-406-4053 CUTCHOGUE North Fork Country Club www.northforkcc.com | 631-734-7139 LOCUST VALLEY Creek Club, The | 1 | 516-676-1405

BLACK MOUNTAIN Black Mountain Croquet Club | 2 | 1 full, 1 half 828-669-2281 BLOWING ROCK Blowing Rock Country Club | 1 | Reg www.blowingrockcountryclub.com | 828-295-3171 CASHIERS Country Club of Sapphire | 1 | 85x110 www.ccsapphirevalley.org | 828-743-2462 Cedar Creek Club | 1 | 105 x 84 feet www.cedarcreekracquetclub.com | 828-743-9380

OREGON

CHAPEL HILL Carolina Meadows Croquet Club 919-942-2411

ASHLAND Classic Croquet Club | 1 | 100 x 60 541-488-3031

DURHAM Stoneridge Croquet Club | 1 | 100x80 919-419-3165

PORTLAND Portland Croquet Club 503-310-3222

HIGHLANDS Highlands Strikers Croquet Club | 1 | 828-526-0501

PENNSYLVANIA

Highlands Falls Croquet | 2 | www.clubhfcc.com | 828-526-4118 Cullasaja Club | 1 | Full www.cullasajaclub.org

LAKE TOXAWAY Lake Toxaway Mallet Club | 2 | 3/4 www.laketoxawaycc.com | 603-568-5587

NEW YORK New York Croquet Club | 2 | 3/4 courts www.newyorkcroquetclub.com | 646-642-6601

LINVILLE Grandfather Golf & Country Club | 2 | 105 x 84 feet, 40 x 50 828-898-4531 Linville Ridge Croquet Club | 2 | Full 828-898-5151 Eseeola Croquet Club | 1 | Full 828-733-4311

SOUTHAMPTON Meadow Club of Southampton | 2 | Full 631-283-0425

PINEHURST Pinehurst Croquet Club | 3 | Full www.pinehurst.com/activities/lawn-sports/ 910-986-3164

SPRINGFIELD CENTER Cary Mede Croquet Club 251-751-0035

PITTSBORO Fearrington Swim & Croquet Club | 1 | Regular 817-565-8145

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

SAPPHIRE Burlingame Country Club www.burlingameccwnc.com/web/pages/northstar | 828-966-9200

CLUBS that have advertised or participated in a club teams event

36 | croquetamerica.com

BROKEN ARROW Tulsa Croquet Club | 1 | 105 x 52 1/2 TulsaCroquetClub.org | 918-258-5656

Chattooga Club, The | 2 | Full www.chattoogaclub.com | 828-743-3640

NEW PALTZ State University of NY at New Paltz 516-708-3623

WESTHAMPTON BEACH Westhampton Mallet Club | 3 | 2 full, 1 - 3/4 917-514-9663

BARTLESVILLE Oklahoma Wesleyan University 918-335-6200

NICHOLS HILLS Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club | 2 | Full www.okcgcc.com/ | 405-848-5611

Wildcat Cliffs Country Club, Inc. | 1 | 90x140ft. www.wildcatcliffscountryclub.com | 828-526-5850

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

OKLAHOMA

Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club | 1 | www.mountaintopgolfclub.com | 828-743-4707

Piping Rock Club | 2 | Full 516-470-9681

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

NEW ALBANY New Albany Country Club www.nacc.com/ | 614-488-0890

GREENSBURG Westmoreland Croquet Club | 2 | Regulation 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 www.sites.psu.edu/clubsports/clubs/croquet/ 814-865-9202

RHODE ISLAND NEWPORT International Tennis Hall of Fame | 1 | 3/4 www.tennisfame.com | 401-846-0642 Newport Croquet Club 401-841-8776 WATCH HILL Ocean House Mallet Club | 2 | 3/4 www.oceanhouseri.com | 860-227-7297 WEEKAPAUG Weekapaug Tennis & Croquet Club | 1 | 100’x120’

CLUB | COURTS | WEBSITE | PHONE

VIRGINIA

SOUTH CAROLINA

HARTFIELD Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club | 8 | full 804-776-9861

AIKEN Green Boundary Croquet Club | 1 | Regulation www.greenboundaryclub.com | 803-649-2549 BLUFFTON Sun City Croquet Club | 3 | Full size 203-530-5830 CHARLESTON Daniel Island Golf Club, LLC | 1 | 150 X 120 843-971-3555 Bishop Gadsden | 1 | www.bishopgadsden.org | 904-553-1519 DATAW ISLAND Croquet Club of Dataw Island | 2 | Full www.dataw.com | 843-694-1148 HILTON HEAD Wexford Croquet Club 207-226-0606 LANDRUM Southern Rovers Mallet Club | 1 | Full 864-877-9511 OKATIE Spring Island Croquet Club | 1 | Full www.springisland.com | 843-987-2003 TEGA CAY Tega Cay Croquet Club | 2 | 1/2 www.tegacaycroquet.com | 803-431-9560

TENNESSEE MEMPHIS University Club of Memphis | 1 | 84’x101’ www.ucmem.com | 901-722-3700 NASHVILLE Cottonwood Bocce & Croquet Club | 1 | Regulation 615-943-5671

TEXAS HEATH Dallas Croquet Association | 2 | 3/4 www.dallascroquet.com | 214-415-1511 HOUSTON Bayou Club of Houston | 2 | 70x90 713-686-4000 Houston Croquet Association | 2 | 105 x 84 feet www.houstoncroquet.com | 832-465-4880

VERMONT DORSET Dorset Field Club | 1 | 50x62 www.dorsetfieldclub.com | 802-867-4002 MARLBORO Marlboro College www.marlboro.edu | 802-579-8238 WOODSTOCK Croquet Club of Vermont | 2 | 1/2 and 3/4 www.members.valley.net/~croquetvermont/ 603-643-3070

HIGHLAND SPRINGS Confederate Hills Croquet Club | 1 | 83 x 68 ft.

804-272-5923 REDART Middle Peninsula Croquet Club | 4 | Regular Country Club - $250 | 703-887-7236 TIMBERVILLE North Mountain Croquet & Tennis | 2 | 105x84 540-470-2468

WASHINGTON BREMERTON Puget Sound Croquet Club www.pugetsoundcroquet.com | 360-373-1795

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

Linda Grady, PA 561-512-0852

lindagradyrealtor@gmail.com

SEATTLE Woodland Park Lawn Bowling Club | 2 | std bowling green | 206-694-9065

WISCONSIN ARBOR VITAE Swift Creek Croquet Club | 1 | 3/4 www.swiftcreekcroquet.com | 262-378-0215 MILWAUKEE Milwaukee Country Club | 2 | 414-362-5200 WHITEFISH BAY

MILWAUKEE CROQUET CLUB |2| 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

MEXICO SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE Hope Harmon Croquet Club, The | 1 | www.croquetsanmiguel.wordpress.com 561-837-3352

US VIRGIN ISLANDS CHRISTIANSTED Tennis Club of St. Croix | 2 340-692-7717 Bombay Mallet & Wicket Croquet | 1 | Full size 340-692-7717

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 TORONTO, ONTARIO North Toronto Lawn Croquet Club | 2 | Full www.northtorontocroquet.ca | 416-754-6678 WESTMOUNT, QUEBEC Westmount Croquet Club | 2 | Full 514-989-5532

croquetamerica.com | 37

clubprofile

Green Gables Croquet Club Year founded: 1957 Location: Sea Girt, N.J. Number of members: 68 Number of courts: Three full-size courts Type of grass: We originally seeded with Penn Cross bent grass 12 years ago. We are transitioning to the Rutgers 007 bent variety.

Overview of club schedule: From April through November, the courts are open dawn to dusk, seven days a week. We have group lessons, scheduled golf croquet and Sunday afternoon hi-low, followed by refreshments.

Open tournaments (and projected month played): For 35 years, the club has hosted its July Invitational tournament, which attracts high-level, competitive players from around the world. It is an old-fashion style tournament, featuring local board keepers and festive social events.

We are also proud to be the original home of the New Jersey State Championship, and in 2019, we will host the Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship.

Additionally, we host a variety of inter-club and intra-club tournaments throughout the season.

Green Gables has a unique tradition of holding an intra-club winter tournament at the Beach Club in Palm Beach, Fla., the Carol Neves Tournament.

Website: www.greengablescroquetclub.com; ggccnj@aol.com Do you use social media? No What makes this club special: Green Gables has a unique origin story that is reflected in our current club. We began on the lawn of the private ocean-front home of Mary Sue (Suzie) Linden in Spring Lake, N.J., in 1957. After her passing, the club members continued to play in a local school yard until they were able to obtain a user agreement from the State of New Jersey at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, N.J. We have continued the tradition of Thursday evening dinners, meeting 10 times during the season at the Spring Lake Bath and Tennis club. Our membership ranges from social players to beginners to the #1 ranked woman player in the country, Jodie Rugart.

For those unfamiliar with Sea Girt’s location, Green Gables is located in the heart of the Jersey Shore, and we still play on an ocean-front property.

Approach to growing membership: Our club is open to all who have a sincere interest in the sport of croquet.

Are USCA members welcome? USCA members are always welcome. No guest fees! Come and play!! Tom Cooper, 609-306-7669 What to do in the area: Sea Girt and the surrounding towns are resort communities and are home to wonderful restaurants, hotels, motels and guest houses, and, of course, the wonderful Atlantic Ocean.

38 | croquetamerica.com

Photo by Richard Ricciardi

croquetamerica.com | 39

memberprofile

Jeff Soo Age: 54 Home base: Durham, N.C. Home club: Stoneridge (Chapel Hill, N.C.) and Highlands Falls (Highlands, N.C.) Grip: Solomon Mallet: I played with an Ed Roberts mallet for 20 years. In 2017, I switched to a Dave Trimmer mallet, mainly for the “airline shaft” feature. It has an 11-inch/1025g head, total length 39 inches.

Years playing croquet: 24 years Favorite croquet venue: Too many to list. They tend to be croquet-only clubs, volunteer driven, informal.

Favorite tournament: British Open (AC), a tournament with more than 150 years of history, an excellent format and world-class competition.

How did you get into the game?

I discovered it at the Bald Head Island Club in North Carolina in 1994, immediately contacted the USCA and soon after joined Stoneridge.

Croquet highlights/tourney wins: One of the great things about sticking with this game for so long is that losses become easier to forget, while winning remains evergreen.

The victories I remember best involve coming from behind, usually with the aid of some luck, and have all been in doubles or team events, where it’s a shared experience. Nothing tops the 2009 Solomon Trophy, where the only match I won that week turned out to be the decisive 11th point in USA’s first-ever win at this event.

It’s not an honor I deserved, but I’ve learned that no matter how well you play, you need some luck to win a big event—you have to accept good luck and run with it (just as you have to take bad luck in stride and move on from it).

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Do you play other sports?

No, but I might take up golf when I get too old for croquet.

Favorite sports teams?

US Croquet Team Pop culture favorites: The older I get, the less interest I have in pop culture.

What is the best thing the USCA has done for croquet?

Created a national network and community that without US croquet would never have grown beyond a small handful of clubs.

What is the USCA’s greatest weakness?

The USCA faces plenty of challenges, but for a small, volunteerdriven organization, we are pretty strong as an institution. Maybe our greatest institutional weakness is putting too much on the President’s plate: public face of the association, president of the management committee and de facto executive director, all on a volunteer basis. Luckily, we’ve had many terrific presidents over the years. Arguably another weakness is trying to sustain three different versions of the game.

What would you like to see happen in the sport over the next 10 years?

More young players. New Zealand has taken the lead here.

What have you learned from croquet?

It ain’t over till it’s over.

The future of the sport: The future of the sport depends on our efforts to bring new blood into the game.

Quick croquet tip: Timing is everything. Think tempo.

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let’stalktactics

BALL-TO-BALL

PRACTICE

By Bob Kroeger and John C. Osborn

When it comes to practice, individual players often employ different routines to improve and hone their skills. And yet, no matter what drills have become a part of your regime, practice can sometimes become boring, improvement slow to notice and the time you spend somewhat mundane. When this happens, changing your usual drills or exercises may not only expand your skill set, but also make the time you spend alone on the lawns more intriguing. Altering your routine is always a reasonable idea, especially once flaws within our arsenals are noticed.

No matter what your skill level, practicing three-ball breaks is always encouraged! Three-ball breaks, inevitably, will incorporate all of the shots needed to be successful upon the courts. They are challenging and will also give you a good indication of what specific shots may need more attention. When shots don’t work within our practice session, taking those shots over and over again is a good approach.

Still, in real-time tournament play, replays are, well, frowned upon.

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In the diagrams, you will find a practice drill that varies from the standard three-ball break. The exercise serves several purposes. In some cases, when we lose track of a good pioneer ball or are in a position in which we cannot send one, we will then need to change to a “ball-to-ball” format. Likewise, sometimes in a match we find that we do not need to make a large number of wickets, but we need to be certain to at least score a couple in order to catch up, tie or take the lead. This drill focuses predominantly on rushes, splits around the wickets and controlling the wickets themselves. On paper this drill does not look so difficult, but on the lawns, it can be, so don’t get too frustrated! It is a challenge, and that might not only improve your shot-making but also make your practice sessions both more fun and profitable!

While how we start this drill is not of much importance, in Diagram 1 we have simply set up so that Blue has a rush on Black to wicket two. The Red ball sits in the middle of the court.

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Assuming Blue rushes successfully, the split and the wicket shot now become important, for the key to this drill is to acquire, after the wicket, a good rush toward Red. In Diagram 2, we see that Blue has done this successfully, and Diagram 3 shows the result of a successful rush toward Red. Here is the important part: no matter where the Black ball was rushed to, it must stay there.

This will always be the case for the ball we rush after each wicket.

Diagram 4 shows Blue has now taken off from Black and has achieved a nice position to rush Red to wicket three. This rush is very important, for unless we rush to a position from which we can split at the wicket, we may lose the chance to then rush back to whatever ball now sits mid-court, thus forcing us into a long and low percentage take-off to that ball, let alone making the future more difficult.

In Diagram 5, we see that Blue has been successful and is now ball-in-hand in a wonderful location. With a good split and a controlled wicket having been made, Diagram 6 shows that position. Diagram 7 shows the result of this rush. As was the case before, Blue must now leave Red where it wound up and take off to try to get a good rush on Black toward wicket four. After a good takeoff, Diagram 8 shows the result of that rush and the routine continues ‌ for as long as possible.

To review: This exercise (a wonderful one for intermediate players in particular) puts great focus not only on solid rushes, but also good control around the wicket. You will find that you are practicing splits you might not normally play in a competitive match and rushes or cut rushes we might not normally attempt. While the drill itself is difficult, it is a great way to get out of your comfort zone or expand what your comfort zone might be. If certain shots do not work well, try them again. Or feel free to move a ball a bit here and there just to keep going around the lawn. You may find that, within a tournament, you will have gained a better understanding of how to deal with an awkward situation.

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gcamerica

Golf Croquet Rules Series: Parts IV and V

By Cheryl Bromley

PART IV: Wrong Ball Charts In an effort to format and simplify some of the basic wrong ball information for the updated golf croquet rules, included on the opposite page are two charts. Chart 1 indicates when play should be forestalled, and Chart 2 shows the remedy if play was stopped after the indicated shot

Scenario #2: Location: H3. In an attempt to go halfway, Yellow rolls beyond the halfway line to H4. Blue plays to halfway. Red sets up in front of H3. Black shoots and scores H3. Yellow, who is offside, shoots immediately before Blue/Black has given direction and scores H4. Before the non-offending team plays its next shot (in this case Blue), it may direct the offside Yellow ball to a penalty area to replay its shot since it played before being given direction. The point is cancelled at hoop #4. (Rule 8.4.5)

PART V: Offside Ball and Direction to a Penalty Area

Scenario #3: Location: H8. Blue shoots and scores H8. The partner, Black, is more than halfway to H9 and is now offside. Before the nonoffending team plays its next shot (in this case Red), it needs to decide was taken. whether to leave Black where it lies or direct it to a penalty area. If Red plays without giving direction to Black, it condones the offside ball, Here’s a familiar situation: A ball has traveled beyond the halfway line to the next hoop in order without touching an opponent ball. The and Black may remain where it is. current hoop is scored and now that initial ball is an “offside” ball.

Recommendation: As soon as a hoop is scored, make the decision Quick Tip: If you are the non-offending team, you have the option to leave the offside ball where it lies or direct it to a penalty area, but you must do so before the non-offending team takes its next shot.

Below are a few BASIC scenarios to illustrate this: Scenario #1: Location: H5. Blue shoots and misses a clearing shot, which causes the Blue ball to roll beyond the halfway line to H6.

Red scores H5. Black plays to position in front of H6. Before Yellow shoots, Team Red/Yellow must decide whether to leave Blue where it is or direct it to a penalty area. This is the last moment the team may do so – before the non-offending team plays its next shot. (Rule 8.4.2)

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about an offside ball if you are the non-offending team.

Reminder: As the opponent (non-offender), you do not have to send an offside ball to a penalty area; you have the option to have it remain where it lies. This is particularly strategic if the offside ball is way out of position.

Common Practice: Many top players I’ve encountered will acknowledge that their ball is offside as soon as the hoop is scored and will ask their opponent where they would like them to be placed. They are entitled to do this per rule 8.4.3, and I also view this an example of good sportsmanship.

Note: this is a basic overview of the rule. Other finer points are discussed in the rulebook.

Chart 1 In all cases, when a wrong ball is about to be played by the striker or a player other than the striker is about to play a ball when it is not their turn, you are required to stop play.

FORESTALL, FORESTALL, FORESTALL ANY TIME YOU SEE ONE OF THESE SITUATIONS. Striker is preparing to play partner ball

Striker's partner is preparing to play its own ball

Striker is preparing to play opponent ball

Striker's partner is preparing to play opponent ball

Striker's partner is preparing to play striker's ball Example: Blue is the striker, opponent Red is preparing to play its red ball

Chart 2 In the examples below, play was forestalled AFTER the stroke was taken.

The first option is Replace & Replay, i.e., the opponent may have the balls brought back and have the proper ball played.

Note, There are only two instances when a Ball Swap may be used.

Remedy Striker played partner ball

10.3.1 Replace & Replay OR 10.4.2 Ball Swap

Striker's partner played its own designated ball

10.3.1 Replace & Replay OR 10.4.2 Ball Swap

Striker played opponent ball

10.3.2 Replace & Replay

Striker's partner played opponent ball

10.3.2 Replace & Replay

Striker's partner played striker's ball

10.3.3 Replace & Replay

OTHER SITUATIONS Previous Stroke played with opponent ball Definitition: The "previous" stroke is the stroke before the "last" stroke.

Example: Rita (owner of red) shoots the blue ball followed by Bob (owner of black) playing his ball. Play is stopped. No points may be scored.

Same Side Plays Successive Strokes Example: Blue is the striker, however, opponent (Red) hits its red designated ball. Since yellow was the previous shot prior to what should have been blue's turn and, red hit its red ball right after yellow, the same side has played successive strokes. No points may be scored.

10.5.4 Penalty Area Continuation 10.6.3 "Double Whammy" The non-offending side chooses whether the balls are left where they ended up or are replaced to the positions they occupied before the invalid stroke. The nonoffending side may start with either ball of their side.

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9wroundup

How Many Versions of Croquet Do You Know?

By Paul Bennett

I was asked recently at a dinner party how many different games of croquet I know since I remarked I knew of at least a half dozen versions.

The person asking the question immediately rattled off the three most common versions played on the manicured lawns at various country clubs around America: American Six Wicket Croquet, Association Six Wicket Croquet (AC) and Golf Croquet (GC). While these are now very popular games played in tournaments around the country, these are only the major versions of these games.

For example, within Association Croquet, numerous versions are played regularly by a vast number of players around the world.

Besides the commonly played advanced rule game, handicap play without bisques and the Super Advanced version of the game are both played. As well playing to 26 points, shortened versions of the game exist, such as 14- and 18-point games. In the 18-point game, after the player has scored its first wicket, the partner ball is immediately advanced to 3-back and the player can now try a quadruple peel-out to win the game in one turn. In the 14-point game, players are granted lift shots after scoring H3 and H4.

Making a lift after H3 makes for a difficult triple peel-out during the second break.

In GC, players may play to score the best of 13 points or may choose shorter or longer games, best of seven points or best of 19 points. As with association handicap play, golf croquet has the option of handicap bisque play, whereas when one player has a handicap difference of six against the stronger player, the weaker player is given six extra turns. In association play, when a player is granted a full bisque, the player may score additional hoops in the extra turn, but in Golf Croquet, no point may be scored for the striker’s side in an extra turn, just like a half bisque in AC.

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In American Six Wicket Croquet, provisions exist for playing with handicap bisques, but these tournaments are rarely scheduled and thus most players do not even know how beneficial they can be at leveling the playing field between players and offering enhanced fun for both playing sides.

Once a handicap is established, normally by a club pro or club handicapper, adjustments are earned after winning or losing games.

The winner of a handicap game collects 10 points, while the loser subtracts 10 points from his/her index.

Besides these versions, I also have played one-ball games, which are great for improving pegged-out game strategies.

As for nine wicket, I have played in my back yard, in a large park area (with a larger court size) and on a clay court surface, which is a very fast, smooth and excellent court surface.

My grandfather made custom mallets with rubber on one end and a hard, phenolic surface on the other end. These mallets were used by roque players as well from Kentucky to Maine. The version of the game was as far removed from the backyard game as is the six wicket game that is played on a grass lawn cut down as close as 3/16 inches and as quick as a putting green.

Nine wicket players each adopt local rules that suit their style of play and match what they have learned over the years. During national croquet tournaments, the choice of the rules is up to the tournament director, and the USCA offers them a variety of options from which to choose. Sometimes one flight may play by a different set of rules than another flight – just to encourage some additional flair to the tournament.

If you know of a version that you like to play, but do not think it is covered by the USCA options, please bring the matter up to one of the nine wicket committee members and we will try to introduce your ideas into the mix.

USCA Committee Members The Nine Wicket committee is formed from the following USCA members: • Paul Bennett (Chairman) • George Cochran • Ford Fay • Stephen Fluder • Bob Kroeger • Don Oakley The Mission of this USCA committee is to oversee the development and guidance of the game of nine wicket croquet as it pertains to its members and clubs of the USCA. We respect the historical perspective of the game, the simplicity of its rules and the fact that it is more assessible to folks with a standard lawn. It can be a game of serious endeavor requiring precise shotmaking skills and advanced tactics.

Whereas the USCA six wicket game has separate committees to oversee the various areas of its administration, i.e. rules, equipment standards, referee development and administration, teaching and coaching, tournament administration and team selections, the USCA nine wicket committee takes on the responsibility of deciding what is appropriate and correct for this game.

We strive to promote the game that has been played for more than 100 years as it continues to advance to use better equipment and more precisely defined rules. We wish to connect players that have known the backyard game to players that enjoy all the games the USCA supports: Egyptian Golf Croquet, Association Six Wicket and American Six Wicket. We believe the USCA is an association of its individual members and clubs and we hope we can connect all of us together in a friendly game of croquet.

As we develop, we hope to provide educational assistance, historical perspective, rule clarifications, tournament help, event planning, equipment suppliers and member services. For more information on nine wicket croquet, visit www.9wicketcroquet.com.

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eventreports 2nd Annual Croquet Innovations Tournament March 26-31 , 2019 West Palm Beach, Florida

By Ben Rothman The Croquet Foundation of America hosted the Croquet Innovations Tournament (CIT) March 26-31 at the National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach, Fla. Tournament founder Howard Sosin invited top players from the US and UK to test his new versions of six wicket croquet. Many US players were otherwise occupied at the AC Nationals, but the field for the CIT was the strongest of any US tournament with two The second group of players was evenly 2019 USCA Golf Croquet Eights April 11-14, 2019 matched throughout with many games being world champions and most players ranked West Palm Beach, Florida in the top 15 in the world in Association decided on the 13th hoop. William “Bo” Croquet rankings. Players were treated

By Cheryl Bromley Prillaman was able to hold on to win the to wonderful meals and hosted by several second group by the narrowest of margins The third annual USCA Golf generous families in the West Palm Beach edging out Gil Flowers by one net game in Croquet Eights had it all area. Sosin fine-tuned three new varieties the overall results. Interestingly, Prillaman’s this year. The warm Florida of croquet for players to experience: Peel only loss in the tournament was to Flowers, weather and fast courts at the Croquet, Two-Shot Golf Croquet and but it was Flowers’ loss in two games to NCC provided the setting Collect the Clips (email Howard@Sosin.net Donna Dixon that gave Prillaman the for players who traveled from for the full set of rules or search opening he needed. across the country to compete. Players were www.youtube.com for “Rdilley” to find Russ divided into three groups and featured a The third group of contenders played Dilley’s videos from this tournament). wide range of players from seasoned worlda double-round-robin format where The first and most refined game, Peel class veterans and talented youth, to firstcontestants played their opponents in two Croquet, is based on Association Croquet, time tournament players. separate single-game matches. For several but has more interaction between players of the players, it was an introduction to The GC Eights is comprised of four days of thanks to some interesting changes. The start the sanctioned tournament scene, and they head-to-head match play with no knockout. of each turn is much more offensive with at rose to the occasion securing wins to flame Winners are determined by overall matches their passions for the sport. Priscilla Flowers least a lift to anywhere along the north or won and net games in their respective groups. south boundaries (extensions of the normal proved to be the cream of the crop going A and B baulk lines) and occasionally a undefeated in all eight of her games to take The first group of eight had a few lift to contact or position. To continue the home top honors. unexpected twists and turns, and it wasn’t turn, the striker has a peel requirement. The certain until the final hoop was scored as to For complete results, visit: https:// striker may only score two hoops before who would emerge on top and where the croquetscores.com/2019/gc/usca-gc8s. needing to peel one of the other balls. To others would land in the overall standings. make this a little easier, the striker may First Eight Along the way, 12-year-old phenom Blake choose to send a ball backward through the 01. Macey White Fields of Mission Hills, Calif., displayed his last hoop it scored; this is a negative peel 02. Mohammad Kamal fearless sharp-shooting to take down five or a “leep” (“peel” spelled backward). If the 03. Blake Fields 04. Matt Griffith of the seven players in his group including striker completes a peel or a leep, he/she impressive victories over the top two players, 05. Leo McBride may score two hoops and the next player 06. Cheryl Bromley Mohammad Kamal and Macey White. It is only entitled to a baulk-line lift. If the 07. Justin Fields wasn’t until both Leo McBride (7-6, 6-7, striker fails to complete a peel/leep, but does 08. Stephen Jackson 7-6) and Matt Griffith (7-5, 7-6) each score at least one hoop, the next player gets Second Group secured close wins over Fields that the final a lift to contact. If the striker fails to make 01. William Prillaman playoff for first and second places were a hoop or a peel/leep, the next player starts Gil Flowers determined to be the match between Kamal 02. with a lift to position anywhere on the court.

03. Donna Dixon and White.

Most turns have a great many offensive 04. Vernon Pierce 05. Richard Dell options, and very rarely do they require a The final match was highlighted by 06. Jeff Morrison long hit-in. The game lends itself to easy spectacular long-distance clearing shots, handicapping by allowing the weaker players Third Group impressive hoop shots, precise placement to score more hoops for each completed 01. Priscilla Flowers and clever tactics. White continued to do peel. Competitors played a complete round 02.

Lloyd Simon what he had done all tournament, i.e., to 03. Henry Kraft robin and knockout ladder of Peel Croquet quietly and steadily dismantle his opponent 04. Shoshanna Shelley to determine a winner.

Kamal and capture the title with a 7-5, 3-7, 05. Corky Dell 7-2 victory.

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CIT PLAYERS: Danny Johnston, Stephen Mulliner, Jamie Burch, Pete Trimmer, Paddy Chapman, David Bent, Ben Rothman and Howard Sosin in front of Alice in Wonderland statue donated to the NCC by Sosin

Two-Shot Golf Croquet is a game for more long-distance shooting. While like regular Golf Croquet, if the striker ball hits another ball on its first shot, the striker gets a second shot. This allows a ball to score the hoop even if it starts far away or on the wrong side. Defensively, it is possible to clear away both opponent balls (and end up in position) with a couple of center-ball stop shots. Accurate shooting is still most important, but the tactical positions are very different for Two Shot. Some of the plays and shots to win hoops are different than Golf Croquet; for instance, if a ball is in good position, a gentle roquet may result in the striker taking the hoop shot from nearly that position. This benefits a different set of accurate shots including gentle roquets and setting rushes for partner (reminiscent of American Rules). Some experimentation occurred by adding a restriction on the first ball not being allowed to go more than halfway to the hoop, but this generally resulted in some dominating runs of 5-7 hoops in

a row for skilled players. Players also tried eliminating the offside rule all together, but no one was keen to have play stalled by a striker deciding not to shoot a hoop because balls were already in position at other hoops.

After some practice, players played a Draw and Process (two knockout ladders) to determine a the first-ever Two-Shot Golf Croquet Champion.

The most different new game is Collect the Clips. With balls placed in a seven-yard square around the peg, four random hoops are drawn from a bag of blocks numbered 1-12. The turn is played with AC rules and faults as a guide. The striker chooses which ball to lift to position anywhere on the court and peel through at least two of the four hoops and presumably score the other two to succeed (and score two points). If the striker has remaining shots after collecting all four clips, he/she may complete more peels of any ball through any hoop or peg out any ball (including striker) for one

bonus point each. Matches were played with a set number of turns for each player and new hoops were pulled at random at the end of each turn. Practice games resulted in some mixed reviews. While each turn was an interesting test of skill, any failed turn usually resulted in a very easy start for the opponent. Some matches were one-sided and had there been more time, interest arose in giving each player the same starting situation and competing by judging who could score more points from each starting condition rather than alternating turns like most croquet games. In this way, the game may have become more of a drill or a skills competition that players can do on their own or remotely rather than an in-person test. As a game, Collect the Clips is a workin-progress.

The CIT featured a complete round robin block of Peel Croquet for all eight players.

Over the course of the week, last year’s champion Stephen Mulliner showed his croquetamerica.com | 49

eventreports expertise by going undefeated in block play.

Games were played to 150 minutes and Mulliner pegged out in all but one game.

Ben Rothman took Mulliner to time but lost 21-20 in his only block loss on his way to the second seed. A three-way tie for third resulted from new players Paddy Chapman, Jamie Burch and Pete Trimmer, all finishing 2-3. Danny Johnston was unable to convert lessons learned from last year’s CIT into block wins this year and while David Bent and Danny Huneycutt started play, they each had off-court issues that forced them to drop out early. With such an interactive game, no best-of-three games were necessary, and a single elimination knockout ladder showed that being World Champion in AC is a good predictor in Peel croquet. Chapman focused in and was able to meet the peel requirement most turns while leaving his opponents scrambling to hit in and get any offense going from the rectangular leave. While Danny Johnston came close (26-18), Chapman trounced Rothman in the semifinals (26-6) and Burch in the final (26-12) to become World Champion of Peel Croquet in 2019.

With less time dedicated during the tournament, the Two-Shot GC event started with a knockout ladder. Most of the first-round games were dominated by long streaks of scoring by one player thanks to the halfway rule that often gave control of the next hoop to the player who just scored.

Once the rules of Two-Shot Golf Croquet were finalized, the games were a bit more back-and-forth. While Mulliner was the only former GC World Champion in the field, he failed to make the final in either the Draw or the Process ladder. Rothman managed to make both finals but failed to capitalize in either one. Burch earned his finals spot with incredibly smooth hoop shooting from distance that is valuable in any game of croquet. Trimmer lost to Rothman in one ladder thanks to a lucky in-off shot that earned Rothman two points. Trimmer defeated Rothman in the finals of the other ladder and went on to defeat Burch in the final 7-4 with a beautiful 25-foot hoop shot.

The fact that Trimmer doesn’t play much GC and has little experience with the high-level tactics proved just how different Two-Shot is from normal Golf Croquet.

Most players enjoyed the two tournament games as great tests of skill. Two-Shot Golf Croquet is at worst a great pre-tournament practice game that helps fine-tune different

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skills and is a good accompaniment to GC as an interactive warmup. At best, TwoShot could become its own tournament game that does not require mastery of croquet strokes much like Ricochet in Australia or GC. Two-Shot is significantly different from GC tactically and will be interesting to play in the future.

Historically, Association Croquet has been adding lift hoops and altering the rules to add interaction and variety to the game in the form of advanced and now super-advanced rules. Peel Croquet could possibly replace the need for super-duper-uber advanced rules by making the game interactive and limiting the ability of a player to run normal (non-peeling) breaks. On its own merits, Peel Croquet is an interesting game (and my favorite of the bunch) as no two turns are identical. As one player put it “If we had started with Peel Croquet and someone tried to show us (advanced) AC, with just the few standard peeling turns like triples that were not even required to win or continue a turn, it would seem rather simple and boring.”

A great many thanks to Howard Sosin and the CFA for hosting the tournament. Thank you, Russ Dilley, for recording the games (available on YouTube) as well as thank you to Yen and Dick Sullivan, Conrad and Jodie Rugart, Wendy and Hal Denton, Carmen and Howard Sosin for hosting players all week.

YouTube link: www.youtube.com/playlist?list= PLsKaCggIltFIx-JbpIoMHMMd5OTmsFIj3 Shared Folder with Rules and Notes (Including player bios in Basic Info): drive.google.com/drive/rs/1a9kXfdErem_ 25G9JjP56n6SXd9vV5iK4 Peel Croquet: 01. Paddy Chapman 02. Jamie Burch 03. Stephen Mulliner 03. Ben Rothman 05. Danny Johnston 05. Pete Trimmer Two Shot Shot GC 01. Pete Trimmer 02. Jamie Burch 03. Stephen Mulliner 03. Ben Rothman 05. David Bent 05. Paddy Chapman 05. Danny Johnston

2019 USCA Western Regional AC February 12–16 , 2019 Rancho Mirage, California

Championship Flight Singles 01. Michael Albert 02. Wayne Davies 03. Paul Bennett 04. Brian Cumming 05. Peter Bach 06. Jim Butts 07. Patrick Sweeney 08. Jim Hanks First Flight Singles 01. Steve Mossbrook 02. Nick Gray 03. Karl-Heinz Kempfer 04. Tracey Roche 05. Bill Fraser 06. Mary Rodeberg 07. Patrick Dugan

into a three-way playoff to get into the knockout. She did well by disposing of the two other contenders and, by winning those two games, clinched a spot in the top 32 knockout. In the first round of the knockout, she faced the current Over 50s World Champion, Egypt’s Hanan Rashad, and put up a good fight losing 7-5, 7-5.

Knuth next played in the bowl where she had a first-round walkover when an Egyptian player withdrew. She lost in the second round of the bowl, which placed her into Bowl ZZ. (More on those results below.)

Final Order: Position 23 of 56. Her past playing experiences came together at the right time as she got stronger and stronger with each match she played.

Pictured above left to right: Donna Dixon, Sherif Abdelwahab, Sandy Knuth, and Cheryl Bromley

WCF Women’s Golf Croquet World Championship February 2–9, 2019 Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

By Cheryl Bromley Fifty-six women from eight countries around the world traveled to Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, for the Sixth Women’s World Golf Croquet Championships held in early February. Hawkes Bay is in the North Island and is strikingly beautiful – just a 50-minute flight (or five-hour drive) southeast of Auckland. The US was represented by Donna Dixon, Sandra Knuth and Cheryl Bromley.

The day before the start of the tournament, players were permitted to practice at both club venues, Heretaunga and Marewa.

The clubs are located just 25 minutes from one another on a scenic road with apple orchards, fig stands, plant nurseries, corn fields, sheep farms, cattle and shoreline along the way. The ladies received a warm welcome and daily New Zealand hospitality from tournament officials and club members at both sites.

Later that afternoon, the Opening Ceremony began with players, grouped by country, filing out onto the lawn. Everyone was treated to an official Maori welcome

complete with a Haka ceremonial dance and speeches by dignitaries. Mayors of both Hastings and Napier, as well as a member of Parliament, the president of Croquet New Zealand and the president of the World Croquet Federation were all on hand.

For the next three days, block play was in full swing with eight blocks of seven players each playing two, two-of-threegame matches per day. The top four in each block would qualify to move on to the main knockout. Each court had a volunteer scorekeeper and a certified referee.

Individual U.S. Player Results: Donna Dixon – Dixon, a top AC player, and a more recent golf croquet player, won three matches in the initial block stage putting her into a three-way playoff to try to qualify for the knockout. Unfortunately, things didn’t go her way and she moved into the plate. She won four games in the block stages of the plate but was just shy of being able to qualify for the plate knockout. Final order: position 50 of 56. Regardless, it was a great effort for her first Women’s Worlds!

Sandra Knuth – Knuth had two match victories in her block, which also put her

Cheryl Bromley – Bromley had three match wins in the block stage, one anticipated but close loss and two unfortunate losses.

Her big victory, however, came in block play came against Egypt’s Maha El Derdiri.

They had a four-hour grueling match in the pouring rain (Bromley was so glad to have her team jacket for that!) and Bromley managed to pull out the match in three close games. At that point she was sitting in second position in the block and just needed to finish off two other opponents when things went south for a little bit due to a change of venue. It should be noted that players were allowed only a 10-minute warmup and no other practice time other than the day before the tournament began, so when Bromley played her one and only match at this venue on day three of the tournament, it was incredibly difficult for her to sort out the unpredictable, bumpy, dry playing surface. Her opponent, on the other hand, had played there previously, so Bromley was at a deficit and she couldn’t do much to dig out of that one.

Fortunately, for the remainder of the tournament Bromley was back at the main venue with much better playing conditions.

Somehow, through a series of events in her favor, her three victories in the block were enough to snag a position in the top 32 knockout. In the first round of knockout, she faced the top Australian, Alison Sharpe, and had a great match with her losing 7-4, 7-5. At this point, Bromley was relieved to have her game back in good shape. She moved into the bowl and avenged her previous loss to Australia’s Janine McHardy.

However, in the next round of the bowl, Bromley faced Maha again and this time lost a close 7-5, 7-6 battle.

croquetamerica.com | 51

eventreports It was off to Bowl ZZ where Bromley and Knuth faced off in the next round. They had a good match with Bromley managing to win in three games. She then took out another Aussie, Karen Magee, and won the Bowl ZZ. Final Order: 21 of 56. All in all, she was pleased with her overall play and came away with some great lessons, ideas and inspiration.

The top-seed in the tournament, New Zealand’s Jenny Clarke, seemed to breeze through the block play and played well into the semifinals. It was there she faced an extremely tough opponent, Soha Mastafa of Egypt, and her run to the final was extinguished.

Mastafa went on to play her teammate, Manal Khoudeir, in the championship match where spectators surrounded the perimeter of the court. Egypt, by the way, managed to qualify all 13 of its players into the main 32-player knockout. Earlier in the tournament the Egyptian players’ hard-hitting style required adjusting for the tight, unforgiving Quadway hoops.

Soha Mastafa played incredibly consistent throughout the event to take home the 2019 title.

Cheryl Bromley

Sandra Knuth

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52 | croquetamerica.com

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CROQUET NEWS DIGITAL EDITIONS (Members Only) www.croquetamerica.com/members/magazines/

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

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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

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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 | 53

USCA 2019-2020 Sanctioned Events

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. For the most up-to-date calendar, please check www.croquetamerica.com/calendar/tournaments/

May Event

Venue

City-State

Contact

Phone

2-5 USCA Southeast Regional GC Tournament 8-12 North American Amateur 16-19 NC Open Association Rules 16-19 Piping Rock Invitational 24-26 Berkshire Invitational 25-27 Indian Territory Open 30-6/2 Rockfish Open

Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards Pinehurst Croquet Club Piping Rock Club Lenox Croquet Club Tulsa Croquet Club Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club

Hartfield, VA Windsor, CA Pinehurst, NC Locust Valley, NY Lenox, MA Tulsa, OK Hartfield, VA

Johnny Mitchell Mike Orgill Mike Taylor Jane Simonds Stuart Lawrence Bob Baker Macey White

561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com 707-547-7146 morgill@sonic.net 910-986-3343 mrtaylor1022@gmail.com 516-384-6203 jfspainter@mac.com 646-483-3300 stuartlawrence@earthlink.net 918-688-7777 baker111@tulsacoxmail.com 804-694-9771 maceywhite@gmail.com

June Event

Venue

City-State

Contact

Phone

5-9 6-9 7-9 8 13-16 13-16 13-16 14-16

19-23 21-23 28-29

Mountain Laurel Invitational The Chattooga Club Cashiers, NC Bermuda Invitational Croquet Club of Bermuda Somerset Bridge, Bermuda USCA Southeast 9 Wicket Regional Woodgrove Park Round Hill, VA USCA Croquet Day USCA Southeast Regional (Am. Rules) Pinehurst Croquet Club Pinehurst, NC Woodlawn Invitational Woodlawn Croquet Ellsworth, ME The New York Open The New York Croquet Club New York, NY USCA Western Regional American Woodlawn Park Seattle, WA Rules "B" Flight Singles Westhampton Beach, NY Westhampton Mallet Club Invitational Westhampton Mallet Club 2019 States Shield Central Quad LaFortune Park Tulsa, OK Greenwich Invitational Greenwich Croquet Club Greenwich, CT

Email

Dawn Jupin 724-713-7953 John Young 441-704-6942 Johnny Mitchell 561-478-0760 Anne Robinson Johnny Mitchell 561-478-0760 Perry Mattson 207-664-4822 Tim Rapuano 551-207-0313 Johnny Mitchell 561-478-0760

dawnj@chattoogaclub.com theyoungs@northrock.bm tournament@uscroquet.com anne.robinson724@gmail.com tournament@uscroquet.com newburyneckshore@gmail.com in9inches@gmail.com tournament@uscroquet.com

Randy Cardo 631-902-5678 Matt Smith William Miller 203-530-6788

randy.cardo@gmail.com croquet1@hotmail.com billmiller8@snet.net

July Event

Venue

5-7 10-14 11-14 16-20 18-21 26-28 27-28

Prairie Lights Croquet Club Joliet, IL National Guard Training Center Sea Girt, NJ Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards Windsor, CA The Meadow Club Southhampton, NY Centennial Lakes Park Edina, MN Lawn at Woodland Park Seattle, WA Central Park Lawns Sports Center New York, NY

Cheryl Bromley bromleycroquet@gmail.com Tom Cooper 732-223-3482 tom@coopergroupnj.com Johnny Mitchell 561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com Vickie Johnston 415-203-2794 vejohnston@gmail.com Johnny Mitchell 561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com Johnny Mitchell 561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com Timothy Rapuano 551-207-0313 in9inches@gmail.com

Venue

2019 States Shield Midwest Quad Green Gables Croquet Club July Invitational USCA Western Regional Golf Croquet The Meadow Club Invitational Midwest Regional Association Laws USCA Western Regional (Am Rules) The Tiger Wicket (NYCC Club Champ.)

Aug Event

City-State

Email

Contact

Phone

City-State

Contact

8-11 Buffalo Croquet Club 6-Wicket Invitational Buffalo Croquet Club 16-18 6th Rochester Croquet Club Invitational Rochester CC @ G&T SportsPark 16-19 2019 Croquet Network States Shield/ TBD 22-25 2019 Highlands/Cashiers Pro-Am Chattooga Club 30-9/1 Northeast Regional Association Laws Lenox Club 30-9/2 Midwest Regional American Rules Tulsa Croquet Club 31-9/2 Croquet By The Bay Middle Peninsula Croquet Club

Buffalo, NY Rochester, NY TBD Cashiers, NC Lenox, MA Tulsa, OK Redart, VA

Ryan Thompson 716-697-4111 thompson77@gmail.com Sue Ellen Sherer 585-474-3753 sue.e.sherer@gmail.com Dylan Goodwin 913-636-7231 croquetnetwork@gmail.com Michael Albert mycopres@aol.com Johnny Mitchell 561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com Johnny Mitchell 561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com Jim Coling 703-887-7236 43seadog@gmail.com

Sept Event

Venue

City-State

Contact

Phone

4-8 Woodlawn Big Lobster Tournament 6-9 NC State Singles Championship 11-13 SE Regional Assoc Laws Championship 13-15 2019 Croquet Invitational 15-17 USCA National 9 Wicket Tournament 19-22 2019 Blue Crab 19-22 The Osborn Cup 25-29 29th Pinehurst Croquet Club Invitational 27-29 USCA Mid-Atlantic AC Regional 30 Presidents’ Matches

Woodlawn Croquet Pinehurst Croquet Club Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club The Merion Cricket Club Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club New York Croquet Club Pinehurst Croquet Club Green Gables Croquet Club Pinehurst Croquet Club

Ellsworth, ME Pinehurst, NC Hartfield, VA Haverford, PA Hartfield VA Hartfield, VA New York, NY Pinehurst, NC Sea Girt, NJ Pinehurst, NC

Perry Mattson Mike Taylor Johnny Mitchell Whitney Thain Johnny Mitchell Macey White Peter Timmins Elaine Moody Johnny Mitchell Johnny Mitchell

207-664-4822 910-986-3343 561-478-0760 610-642-5800 561-478-0760 804-694-9771 646-642-6601 910-986-3164 561-478-0760 561-478-0760

Oct Event

Venue

City-State

Contact

Phone

1-4 10-14 16-18 18-20 24-27 24-27

Pinehurst Croquet Club National Croquet Center Pinehurst Croquet Club Country Club of Jackson Memorial Park National Croquet Center

Pinehurst, NC West Palm Beach, FL Pinehurst, NC Jackson, MS Houston, TX West Palm Beach, FL

Johnny Mitchell Johnny Mitchell Elaine Moody Mark Fields John Brown Johnny Mitchell

561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com 561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com 910-986-3164 halliburton_2@msn.com 601-918-2704 mfields5@gmail.com 713-876-1508 johnobrown76@gmail.com 561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com

Solomon Trophy USCA National GC Championship Pinehurst CC Singles Championship Country Club of Jackson 6 Wicket Inv. Houston Invitational USCA Selection Eights

Phone

Email

Email

Email newburyneckshore@gmail.com mrtaylor1022@gmail.com tournament@uscroquet.com wthain@merioncricket.com tournament@uscroquet.com maceywhite@gmail.com NYCroquetClub@yahoo.com halliburton_2@msn.com tournament@uscroquet.com tournament@uscroquet.com

Email

Nov Event

Venue

City-State

Contact

Phone

3-9 14-17 20-24 29-12/1

Mission Hills Country Club Sarasota CCC at Pinebrook Park National Croquet Center National Croquet Center

Rancho Mirage, CA Venice, FL West Palm Beach, FL West Palm Beach, FL

Johnny Mitchell Hans Peterson Johnny Mitchell Tim McCormick

561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com 978-929-9000 hpete8000@hotmail.com 561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com 207-266-2055 tmccorm1@gmail.com

Dec Event

Venue

City-State

Contact

Phone

3-7 6-8 13-15

Mission Hills Country Club Rancho Mirage, CA National Croquet Center West Palm Beach Sarasota CCC at Pinebrook Park Venice, FL

Rory Kelley Johnny Mitchell Nancy Hart

602-686-3941 rory.kelley@aol.com 561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com 803-530-2035 nh13sc@gmail.com

Jan Event

Venue

City-State

Contact

Phone

9-12 16-18 22-26 30-2/2

Sarasota CCC at Pinebrook Park National Croquet Center The Beach Club Sarasota CCC at Pinebrook Park

Venice, FL West Palm Beach, FL Palm Beach, FL Venice, FL

Johnny Mitchell Tim McCormick Thomas Tribby Nancy Hart

561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com 207-329-5343 tmccorm1@gmail.com 561-308-9447 thomastribby@gmail.com 803-530-2035 nh13sc@gmail.com

Feb Event

Venue

City-State

Contact

Phone

4-8 19-23 27-3/1

Croquet Club at PGA National Palm Beach Gardens National Croquet Center West Palm Beach, FL Sarasota CCC at Pinebrook Park Venice, FL

Ann Licursi Mike Gibbons Gary Anderson

516-353-3311 917-873-0311 352-568-5099

March Event

Venue

Contact

Phone

13-15 18-22 23-29

National Croquet Center West Palm Beach, FL Johnny Mitchell National Croquet Center West Palm Beach, FL Johnny Mitchell Sarasota CCC at Pinebrook Park Venice, FL Gary Anderson

561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com 561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com 352-568-5099 gmaretired@gmail.com

April Event

Venue

Contact

Phone

2-5 16-19

Sarasota CCC at Pinebrook Park Venice, FL Sarasota CCC at Pinebrook Park Venice, FL

Hans Peterson Johnny Mitchell

978-929-9000 hpete8000@hotmail.com 561-478-0760 tournament@uscroquet.com

USCA National American Rules Champ.

SCCC Golf Croquet Invitational USCA Seniors Masters Championships National Croquet Club US Open USCA Club Team GC Championships SCCC Winter Invitational Florida Regional GC Championship National Croquet Club Singles Championship Beach Club Invitational SCCC Jones Invitational Peyton Ballenger Invitational The Steuber Classic 2020 SCCC 2020 Doubles Championship USCA Croquet Week GC Tournament USCA Club Team Championships SCCC Singles Championship SCCC Association Invitational USCA Golf Croquet Eights

City-State

City-State

Email

Email

Email

Email annelicursi@gmail.com MGibbons9577@gmail.com gmaretired@gmail.com

Email

Email

P ro A m Tou r na m e n t at t h e c h at toog a c l u b

Fundraiser for the USCA Lee Olsen fund PROCEEDS FUND TRAVEL EXPENSES FOR USCA TEAM MEMBERS PLAYING IN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS

Thursday, August 22, 2019 Opening Gala and Live Auction at 6:00 pm Friday, August 23, 2019 ProAm at The Chattooga Club at 9:00 am Saturday, August 24, 2019 Clinics with the Pros from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Sanctioned Golf Croquet Tournament (for Pros only) at 1:00 pm Sunday, August 25, 2019 Tournament play (for Pros only) continues at 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. The 2018 ProAm Participants and Pros

CO M E P L AY I N T H E P R OA M I N N O R T H C A R O L I N A A N D WATC H T H E P R O S CO M P E T E .

YOUR SUPPORT WILL ALLOW THE USCA TO FIELD OUR BEST PLAYERS FOR FUTURE COMPETITIONS. CALL 941-376-1200 OR EMAIL MYCOPRES@AOL.COM.

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