CroquetNews
The Official Magazine of the United States Croquet Association
2023 VOLUME 2 | SUMMER ISSUE
Nestled in the heart of one of Atlanta’s most esteemed Buckhead neighborhoods, Peachtree Hills Place is a luxury 55+ community that caters to discerning adults who love croquet and other fine amenities.
At the heart of our community, you’ll find two immaculately manicured, regulation-sized natural turfgrass lawns that serve as the central hub for The Peachtree Hills Place Croquet Club.
If you envision an active lifestyle, fine dining in an elegant clubhouse, unparalleled service, and the opportunity to don your whites every day of the week, schedule your personal visit today.
Love Croquet? You’re in the Right Place. For more information please visit PEACHTREEHILLSPLACE.COM or call 404.467.4900 229 Peachtree Hills Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 Proud to be a Development Partner and Sponsor of the USCA Golf Croquet Nationals
Established in 2019, The Peachtree Hills Place Croquet Club is proud to be an official member of the prestigious United States Croquet Association.
Spring Season Loaded with Croquet
Recently I had the pleasure of attending some events that underlined the enjoyment, fun and wide appeal of croquet as a game for all ages.
Firstly, the 39th Annapolis Cup, which is an annual challenge between the United States Navy Academy and St. John’s College, both located in the idyllic City of Annapolis. Distinguished representatives included Nora Demleitner, President of St. John’s College, Annapolis; Vice Admiral Sean Buck, Superintendent of the US Naval Academy; and Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley. This event has developed over the years into a tradition with a significant following and strong local interest. An indication of the appeal is that attendance has been limited to approximately 5,000 spectators. The mix of croquet, spring weather and a fun festive garden party vibe can be viewed at https://vimeo.com/820994957.
Secondly, the inaugural USCA Georgia Cup, which was hosted by Peachtree Hills Place in Buckhead, Atlanta. The event was a gathering of Georgia club teams from Lenbrook, Carrol County, Jekyll Island and Peachtree Hills Place Croquet Club. A mix of experienced and relatively new players attended and the participants ranged in age from late 20s to 80s. In the final club match, Carroll County Croquet Players bested the Jekyll Island Croquet Club (three games to one), however, the real winner was the growing croquet community in Georgia. The assembled club team members enjoyed meeting new players and camaraderie typical of croquet across the U.S. While these events were happening, they provided bookends for the 2023 USCA Association Croquet National Championship played at the National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach, Fla. These events contrasted playing surfaces from manicured greensward to long grass, elite-level experience to relatively new skill levels and participation from all genders and ages. Such is the broad range of croquet as a game for all.
The USCA has been making concerted efforts to provide resources at a local club level to meet the wide range and contrast in play across the country. The Education Committee has initiated a USCA Club Designated Coach Program for American Six Wicket play and recent changes have been made to the Golf Croquet Instructor Certification Process.
The USCA recently launched CroquetNow, a game tracking, handicap and ranking system available to every member through their USCA memberships. It provides a fun way to track improvement, record games and view past results, handicaps and rankings within your club, district, region and nationally, in both singles and doubles, in all the main types of croquet (AC, GC, A6W, 9W). If you have not explored this system I encourage you to do so.
Thank you for your support of the USCA through your membership. Let’s keep the ball rolling!
Damon Bidencope
Proud USCA Member / USCA President President@croquetamerica.com / www.croquetamerica.com
USCA Management Committee
President Damon Bidencope president@uscroquet.com
First Vice President Michael Albert firstvp@uscroquet.com
Second Vice President
Carla Rueck secondvp@uscroquet.com
Treasurer
Douglas Moore treasurer@uscroquet.com
Secretary Beverley Cardo secretary@uscroquet.com
REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS
Florida Bill Simmons floridarvp@uscroquet.com
Mid-Atlantic Sally McGrath midatlanticrvp@uscroquet.com
Midwest Russell S. Dilley midwestrvp@uscroquet.com
Northeast Preston Stuart northeastrvp@uscroquet.com
Southeast Linda Trifone southeastrvp@uscroquet.com
Western Patrick Sweeney westernrvp@uscroquet.com
USCA STAFF Office Manager Ursula Peck membership@uscroquet.com
Tournament & Schools
Johnny Mitchell tournament@uscroquet.com New Membership Coordinator Stephanie Lutge croquetoffice@uscroquet.com
United States Croquet Association (USCA) 700 Florida Mango Road West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel. (561) 478-0760 Fax (561) 686-5507
www.CroquetAmerica.com
www.croquetamerica.com | 3
court side
USCA Merchandise Is Now On the Website.
The USCA Storefront is open for business.
Need a mallet cover? Perhaps a hat or jacket, or surely one of the many shirt styles? The USCA website now has an operating storefront where you can find these items and many more like them.
The store also carries the Bob & Ted series of educational DVDs, as well as books and other materials to help you learn the game.
Wear your USCA merchandise proudly!
For details call Ursula, 561-478-0760
United States Croquet Association
700 Florida Mango Road
West Palm Beach, Florida 33406
to scan
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screen to go to the website. You must log in as a member.
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© 2023 United States Croquet Association
www.croquetamerica.com | 5 CroquetNews Features 14 | 2022 USCA Annual Awards 20 | 2023 AC National Championships 24 | American 6W Club Teams Championship 30 | Croquet Week GC Tournament 32 | 2023 Florida GC Regional 36 | Member Profile: John Warlick 2023 Volume 2 On The Cover Summer is the perfect time for some long-grass backyard croquet. Keep the balls rolling! Publisher Dylan Goodwin | croquetnetwork@gmail.com Managing Editor Julie Jantzer-Ward | uscacroquetnews@yahoo.com Departments 03 | Courtside with Damon Bidencope 06 | The Clubhouse 12 | Inbox 38 | Let’s Talk Tactics 40 | GC America 41 | Event Results 48 | Grand Prix Updates 50 | New Members 52 | Events Calendar
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will be adjusted appropriately. The 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.
theclubhouse
Four Schools Battle at 2023 Collegiate National Championships
The 2023 USCA Collegiate National Championships, held over the April 22-23 weekend at the Merion Cricket Club in Haverford, Penn., featured two days of temperatures in the upper 70s and partly cloudy skies. The rain held off on Saturday until play was over for the 38 players participating in the championship representing four different colleges.
The golf croquet tournament remained the most popular segment, featuring 15 doubles teams, but this year also saw the return of an American Six Wicket rules tournament with four doubles teams. Saturday was a full round-robin for the American Six Wicket players, who would all make it to Sunday. The GC players had six, hour-long games with 10 players able to advance to the next day. At what must have been a strange hour for many of the college students, there were two play-in games for the GC tournament at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday. The seventh seed faced the 10 seed and the eighth seed faced the nine seed. After that, it was a strict single-elimination quarterfinal. Oklahoma Wesleyan University continued its recent dominance in golf croquet game, sending three of its teams to the semifinals with one team from the United States Naval Academy completing the final four.
Future naval officers Johnny Colbert and Carson Knight put up a brave front, keeping up with Alix Worley and Vanesa Fernandez from OKWU all the way to a 4-4 tie at the eighth hoop, but it was then that they saw their chances slip slowly
away. Worley/Fernandez sent their ships a-sailing with the next three hoops to set up an all-OKWU final after lunch.
In this final, it's worth noting that both Worley and opponent Stanley Fisher wore USA jackets, having recently represented the U.S. in the WCF Under-21 World Golf Championships in New Zealand. Another tight game saw Fisher and partner Leina Casimir take home the hardware and OKWU the team trophy.
In the American Six Wicket event, there were three teams from St. John’s College and one from the Naval Academy, setting up a rematch of the Annapolis Cup from the previous week, won by the Johnnies 3 games to 2. The Academy got its revenge as Gio Macaluso and Quentin Zimmer beat Caden Marshall and Joe Bennet 15-13 in the finals, featuring a last-turn 30-yard hit-in on the line from Zimmer.
At the trophy ceremony, both Tom Balding and Michael Albert spoke to the students about what croquet can look like after college and how the USCA can help them continue to play.
Thanks as always to the Merion Cricket Club and its excellent Athletic Director, Whitney Thain, for continuing to host such a special event for our colleges!
—Justin Berbig and Micah Beck, Tournament Directors
6 | www.croquetamerica.com
Photo by Tricia Agabiti.
Rebecca Peterson, 978.844.3204 rebeccapeterson@michaelsaunders.com Hans Peterson , REALTOR® 978.929.9000 hanspeterson@michaelsaunders.com PO Box 208 | 420 E Railroad Ave | Boca Grande, FL 33921 HansPeterson.MichaelSaunders.com Proudly supporting community croquet across Southwest Florida BocaGrandeCroquet.com Join us for an island tradition @ Boca Grande Community Center Visit our website or contact us for information on when and where to play! Hosted in partnership with the Friends of Boca Grande and Lee County Parks & Recreation Venice | Boca Grande | Sarasota Nowhere but here.
Three US Players Participate in the WCF U21 Championship
The 2023 WCF Under 21 Golf Croquet World Championship took place February 8-12, 2023, in New Zealand, with Blake Fields, Stanley Fischer and Alix Worley all representing the U.S. in the event. USCA Vice President Michael Albert made the trip to New Zealand and participated in the following Q&A on the experience.
What was your role in traveling to the event and how did you get involved?
My wife Karen and I both traveled to Mt. Maunganui, New Zealand, this past February to accompany Blake Fields (16) who had earned the number three ranking spot in the tournament. We have known Fields and played with him since he was 10. As the First Vice President of the USCA, I was also representing the U.S. organization during the event.
Can you tell us a bit about how the players were selected and/or recruited?
Players are selected first by their WCF ranking. A certain number of players earn a place on the team this way. The balance of the tournament roster is completed through selections of promising players from member countries. Each of these countries has one or two picks based on several criteria. The USCA has two.
Two years ago the USCA, in conjunction with Jeff Soo, decided to initiate a High Performance and Talent Development program to find and develop players showing promising levels of skill and a desire to improve. I reached out to members of the croquet
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community and raised enough through voluntary contributions to fund this new coaching platform. We staged six training events ranging from two to four days last year across the country. Players selected to participate had their expenses and housing covered by the new fund and the coaches donated their time.
One of the early participants was the collegiate team from Oklahoma Wesleyan University. Several of their players exhibited a strong desire to improve and compete at a higher level. After working with them a couple of times, two of their players, Alix Worley and Stanley Fisher, were selected to fill our two member spots.
We are continuing with our mission of developing programs at the collegiate level. The USCA has dedicated specific funds in 2023 to further the growth of the sport at participating colleges and universities. Part of the funds are allocated for equipment and the rest are for coaching.
Did the USCA cover any expenses for the three players?
The USCA was able to cover the entry fees and some of the expenses for the trip. The airfare for all three of the players was paid from the USCA’s Lee Olsen Fund as well as most of the accommodation rental. The LOF exists to offset travel expenses and uniforms for the players representing the USCA in international team events. It also provides uniforms for players traveling abroad to play internationally and when there are funds available it is used to provide funding for international youth events.
How was the event overall and can you comment on the performance of the three players?
Overall the event was run very professionally by members of Croquet New Zealand with a lot of experience organizing and producing world events. There were 32 players from six countries, New Zealand, Australia, England, Spain, USA and Egypt.
Fields went into the tournament ranked number three. This can be a bit misleading as the New Zealand players use a local handicapping system for most of their tournaments and only play a couple of WCF-ranking events a year. This system allows them to have very low handicaps that don’t match up with their WCF d-grades. I found their play to be much better than their WCF rankings would have you believe. The way the draw worked out, Fields ended up matched against the #2 ranked player (Egypt) in the quarterfinal round.
He lost that match and went into the Shield to play off for fourth and fifth place.
Fisher and Worley are relatively new players and did not have a lot of tournament experience. They went into the event in New Zealand in the two bottom spaces. They did, however, play exceptionally well and won several games. They were able to take a number of their competitors to a tiebreaker before losing. Every
2023 9W NATIONALS
The 2023 USCA 9W National Championship will be held August 23-26, 2023, in Denver, Colo. USCA 9W rules will be in effect. For further information please contact: Ron Eccles at 720-937-2056 or coloradocroquet@gmail.com.
WCF UPDATES
NEW RCO: The Hong Kong Croquet Association (HKCA) has been officially recognized by the WCF as a Recognized Croquet Organization (RCO). Tom Ingram, the WCF's contact in Hong Kong, has been working closely with the HKCA and local authorities to formalize and approve the association. The HKCA currently has two clubs, the Hong Kong Cricket Club and the Hong Kong Club, with a total of 42 playing members. Learn more about the HKCA at www.hkcroquet.com.
MEXICO UPGRADE REQUEST: Mexico has requested an upgrade to an Associate level WCF membership. The upgrade is subject to a WCF Council Vote, but the case for an upgrade looks strong. Croquet Mexico has expanded to two clubs. They have recently built a fantastic new clubhouse at their base in Valle de Guadalupe, which is in the heart of Mexico Wine Country on the Baja California. Learn more about Croquet Mexico at www.croquet.mx.
SPAIN MOVES UP: The Spanish Croquet Federation continues to grow and after surpassing the 2,000 member tier has now upgraded to the maximum eight-vote WCF membership. Learn more about the Spanish Croquet Federation at www.fecroquet.es.
WCF EVENTS ON DECK: The 2023 AC World Championship will be held July 15-23, 2023, in London, England. The 2023 GC Women’s World Championship will take place in Sussex, England, August 7-14, 2023. The Golf Croquet Over 50s World Championship will take place in Bunbury, Western Australia, between October 14-21. This will be the last Over 50s event following a recent decision to change the minimum age to 60 for future events.
www.croquetamerica.com | 9
day I saw their confidence and skills improve and they made friends from around the globe who I expect will be part of their lives for many years going forward.
Thanks to one of the best live streams to date, fans across the world were well aware of the incoming “cyclone.” Can you tell us about how that impacted the event for you and the U.S. players and I suppose overall as well? Did it cause any travel issues?
Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle was threatening on Friday so, after consulting with numerous people present, the officials decided to move the semifinals forward from Saturday morning to Friday afternoon. The matches were moving along quite well at that point and we managed to get through the extra round and still finish basically on time Friday. Saturday morning, as the outer bands of the storm were moving onshore, the winds were gusting to 25 and 30 mph with temperatures in the low 60s and intermittent rain. The Shield and the finals began in these conditions. Fields played against Levi Franks in the shield and Franks prevailed placing fourth in the tournament. The best-of-five Finals match continued as the weather deteriorated
further. Rain squalls came through with increasing regularity and intensity. The conditions were some of the most challenging I have witnessed but the two contenders gamely played on in spite of it being the first time the Egyptian player had experienced playing in rain or cold like this. Each of the games was competitive and exciting with stunning cross-court shots in spite of the conditions. Aston Wade (England) finally won the match in the fourth game.
Quite a few of the players already eliminated from the tournament elected to head to the airport in the hope of getting out before the storm hit. This affected the final awards banquet attendance with nearly half of the field leaving early. We elected to stay and head out to Auckland on Sunday morning even though our flight to Dallas had already been canceled. We had been rebooked for a flight Monday afternoon which we thought was optimistic but off we went to a hotel at the airport in Auckland. Surprisingly, the Monday flight was indeed there and waiting to take off and we left only 24 hours later than planned. Many of the other teams were delayed for several more days before finally getting away to their respective homes.
Can you give us your final takeaway from the event?
Karen and I were absolutely delighted and honored to be able to attend this event. The young players we met from around the world impressed me more than I might have imagined with their on-court skills and their off-court poise. I know I did not have the same level of self-confidence these players demonstrated each and every day. I am proud to be associated with a sport that produces people of this caliber and look forward to following their careers in the future.
WCF U21 PLAYOFF RESULTS
Round 1
Te Kiri King (NZL) over Nathan Bullen (NZL): 7-2, 7-4
Aly Elzainy (EGY) over Joshua Winter (NZL): 7-2, 7-5
Aston Wade (ENG) over Myles Duggan (NZL): 7-4, 7-2
Levi Franks (NZL) over Callum McKinnon (NZL): 7-5, 7-3
Fawzy Helmy (EGY) over Jana Mohamed Saaid (EGY): 7-2, 7-2
Blake Fields (USA) over Michael Lauer (NZL): 7-1, 7-3
Paul Kaiser (NZL) over Robbie Spooner (NZL): 7-2, 7-5
Joel Steele (NZL) over Timothy Wright (AUS): 7-3, 6-7, 7-2
Quarterfinals
Te Kiri King (NZL) over Aly Elzainy (EGY): 7-4, 7-3
Aston Wade (ENG) over Levi Franks (NZL): 7-6, 7-4
Fawzy Helmy (EGY) over Blake Fields (USA): 7-5, 7-2
Joel Steele (NZL) over Paul Kaiser (NZL): 7-3, 7-4
Semifinals
Aston Wade (ENG) over Te Kiri King (NZL): 6-7, 7-6, 7-6
Fawzy Helmy (EGY) over Joel Steele (NZL): 7-3, 6-7, 7-4
Final
Aston Wade (ENG) over Fawzy Helmy (EGY): 7-4, 7-4, 5-7, 7-6
10 | www.croquetamerica.com theclubhouse
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TheInbox
STAN PATMOR: 1936-2023
Stan Patmor, 86, pub owner, restauranteur, croquet aficionado and good friend, passed away on February 13, 2023. Stan grew up in Phoenix but graduated high school in Portland, Ore. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where his considerable intellectual gifts placed him in an intelligence unit that often manned a ship in the South Pacific, intercepting electronic communications from America’s adversaries during the dark days of the Cold War. Post-Navy, Stan returned to Phoenix and began his lifelong love of plants and landscape design.
In 1962, at the height of the popularity of coffee houses with folk music, Stan and a business partner/folk singer opened his coffee house, The Mews. The Mews was successful, but Stan wanted his own place with a beer and wine license, so he opened The Blue Goat across the patio from The Mews. As the folk singing era and coffee houses waned, The Blue Goat prospered. The Mews was absorbed into The Blue Goat, which became legendary in the Valley of the Sun. One of his favorite nearby restaurants became increasingly popular and his wait times for a table and food got longer. In Stan’s mind, the only proper thing to do was open his own restaurant. In fact, he designed and opened two in Scottsdale: the Bombay Bicycle Club and the Salt Cellar (a seafood establishment built completely underground). Both became rather iconic, and the Salt Cellar still operates. He eventually sold both establishments and returned to landscape architecture and design and, of course, croquet. Stan’s backyard croquet court was where the Arizona Croquet Club was founded in 1975. He became more involved in croquet and traveled to new clubs in the west, teaching and helping organize tournaments. All the high-quality croquet equipment was made overseas, which was expensive and costly to ship. Stan started “Arizona Croquet Mallets,” selling less expensive locally manufactured quality mallets and equipment. In 1986, Stan was instrumental in starting the
PASSAGES
George Blake Green Gables Croquet Club
Ron Davidson National Croquet Club
Sheldon Farber .......... Hammock Dunes Croquet Association
Kevin Grant ............................................. The Moorings Club
Ann Keefe Gasparilla Inn Mallet Club
Stan Patmor Arizona Croquet Club & US Hall of Fame
first International Croquet Singles Championship hosted by Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards in Windsor, Calif. In 1987, Stan helped found the American Croquet Association to promote the play of the Association Laws croquet. In 1987, Stan also organized the first American Croquet Association U.S. Open Championship held at Sonoma-Cutrer annually until 1990. In 1991, that annual tourney moved to the Mission Hills Croquet Club in Rancho Mirage, Calif., where it is still held. For his decades of dedication to the sport of croquet, Stan was inducted into the United States Croquet Association Hall of Fame in 1995 along with W. Ellery McClatchy, Archie Burchfield and Captain Forrest Tucker. That was one interesting night.
It is difficult to overstate the significance of Stan’s contributions to croquet. And it would take far too much space to list them all here. In those early, heady days of the Arizona Croquet Club, Stan mentored, encouraged and bantered with each one of the Arizona players who dominated the USA croquet scene for several years. Nothing made him happier than a novice who progressed and passed Stan in playing ability. He was a generous man. The semiannual pro-am tournaments hosted at his court were epic (and episodic). He also had one of the most diverse, interesting home libraries I have seen. Only Charlie Smith’s has awed me more. His rule was simple: take any book you want; return it when you want; don’t take another until you do. He could, and often did, orate for hours on nearly any topic you could choose. I found him endlessly interesting, kind yet cranky at times and, most of all, fun. He made a huge difference in my life. I will miss him.
(Much of this material was derived from Stan’s obituary, penned by Jim Hermann.)
—Jim Bast
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WOMEN'S GCWC US REPRESENTATIVES
The Croquet Association (of England) will host the 2023 Golf Croquet Women's World Championship for the Clarke Trophy at the Sussex County Croquet Club, August 7-14, 2023. Good Luck to U.S. players Cheryl Bromley and Helen Covington and alternates Debbie Davidoff and Bev Cardo.
www.croquetamerica.com | 13 www.WhiteTieCroquet.com (415) 203-2794 IN THE SUN, RAIN, HEAT OR CHILL WHITE TIE HAS YOU COVERED!
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2022 USCA ANNUAL AWARDS
2022 GRAND PRIX WINNER
Randy Cardo
Sixth Consecutive Year
2022 JACKIE JONES AWARD
Jodie Rugart
American Six Wicket Grand Prix Winner-Female
2022 GC GRAND PRIX WINNER
Matt Griffith
2022 GC GRAND PRIX-FEMALE WINNER
Cheryl Bromley
2022 ASSOCIATION RULES GRAND PRIX WINNER
Matthew Essick
2022 ASSOCIATION RULES GRAND PRIX-FEMALE WINNER
Loretta Cooper
2022 PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Matthew Essick
Second consecutive year
2022 FEMALE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Helen Covington
Top Ranked Female
2022 CLUB OF THE YEAR
Green Gables Croquet Club
Spring Lake, New Jersey
2022 CLUB PRESIDENT OF THE YEAR
John Goldener & the SCCC Team
100% USCA Club Membership, expansion of existing court area and addition of a seventh court
2022 COLLEGIATE CLUB OF THE YEAR
Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Winners of the 2022 USCA Collegiate Tournament
2022 COLLEGIATE COACH OF THE YEAR
Steve Fisher
Active role in promoting and coaching croquet
/ / / /
Jodie Rugart
Loretta Cooper
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Cheryl Bromley
2022 CROQUET FAMILY OF THE YEAR
Lassiter Family & Kathy Killmon
Joined USCA in 2021 and in 2022 built 4 courts.
2022 JUNIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Blake Fields
Third Seed U21 GC World Championships
2022 SENIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Mark Claff
Sarasota County Croquet Club
2022 JUNIOR ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Lorelei Robertson
2022 ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Vanesa Fernandez
2022 MOST IMPROVED JR. PLAYER
Alix Worley
2022 MOST IMPROVED PLAYER
Shane Hettler
2022 REGIONAL DISTRICT PRESIDENT
Jennifer Joseph
In recognition and grateful appreciation for your involvement in the USCA and the sport of croquet.
Tom Cooper for the Green Gables Croquet Club John Goldener
Jennifer Joseph
Matt Griffith
Mark Claff
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Helen Covington
2022 USCA ANNUAL AWARDS
2022 REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT
Russell Dilley
Contributions in the Midwest Region and the contribution of the YouTube channel
2022 NEW CLUB OF THE YEAR
Lakewood Club
Fairhope, Ala.
2022 LIFETIME RECOGNITION AWARD
Wendell Thompson
Long standing college coaching and contributions to croquet
2022 MICHAEL STRAUSS AWARD
Sara Low
Editor – “the Croquet Break”
2022 INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT
Michael Albert
Financial donation to the Lee Olsen Fund and the High Performance and Talent Development Program
2022 OUTSTANDING SUPPORT OF CROQUET
Russell Dilley
Contribution of croquet content, development of the rdilley USCA
YouTube Channel and production of the USCA You Tube Channel
2022 OUTSTANDING SUPPORT OF CROQUET
Stuart Price
Support for videography in Tulsa and Central Oklahoma
2022 SPECTATOR OF THE YEAR
Martie Ekstrom
2022 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Loretta Cooper
/ / / /
Martie Ekstrom
Loretta Cooper
16 | www.croquetamerica.com
Betty Crisler
2022 TEDDY PRENTIS AWARD
Betty Crisler
Recognizing excellence and passion in croquet education
2022 USCA PRESIDENT’S AWARD
David Isaacs
Outstanding professional, financial and executive leadership provided for the benefit of all current and future members of the USCA
Honorable Mention
CLUB PRESIDENT OF THE YEAR
Richard Ricciardi
CLUB OF THE YEAR
Belleair Country Club Croquet
Chesapeake Bay Croquet
Green Gables Croquet Club (GGCC)
Peachtree Hills Place
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David Isaacs
2022 USCA ANNUAL AWARDS
CertificateS of Achievement
Karen Connery Albert
Support for croquet development and contributions to the High Performance and Talent Development Program
Rich Curtis
Outstanding volunteer contributions and counsel
Lynda Sudderberg
Thomas Balding
Coordination of collegiate croquet programs
Micah Beck
Outstanding support at the USCA National Collegiate Championships
Justin Berbig
Outstanding support at the USCA National Collegiate Championships
Tom and Bonnie Bown
Contributions to the High Performance and Talent Development Program
Cheryl Bromley
Outstanding efforts in the promotion and development of GC
Rich & Corky Dell
Contributions to the High Performance and Talent Development Program
Outstanding volunteer contributions to further the sport of croquet.
Linda Fuchs and Highlands Falls CC Team
For outstanding tournament support at the 2022 GC Nationals
Kathie Gamble
Outstanding tournament manager/ coordinator, 2022 USCA GC Nationals — Cashiers/Highlands
Lois and Howard Holdsclaw
Annual donations to the USCA
2022 Peyton Ballenger Award (American Six Wicket National Champion)
Priscilla Flowers
/ / / /
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Brian Hovis
Videography for the USCA YouTube Channel
Adrienne and Jochen Lucke
Financial support to the 2022 USCA GC Nationals, the Lee Olsen Fund and the High Performance and Talent Development Program
Paul Neubecker
Videography for the USCA YouTube Channel
Freear Pollard
Annual donations to USCA
Stuart Price
Outstanding support and enthusiasm for the game of croquet
SandyJames Staff
Outstanding service during USCA Tournaments and Schools
Jeff Soo
Excellence as tournament director — 2022 USCA GC Nationals
Margo Stinson
Annual donations to Lee Olsen
Yen Sullivan
Tournament photography
Whitney Thain
Outstanding support at the USCA National Collegiate Championships
Mike Weimerskirch
Annual donations to Lee Olsen Fund
Scott Reiser
Event coordination for USCA Tournaments and Schools at the National Croquet Center
Barbara and Tom O’Laughlin
Annual donations to USCA
Patti and Dave Phillips
Outstanding support of croquet in Celebration, Florida
Carla Rueck
Outstanding volunteer effort and service to the sport of croquet
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AC’s Best Battle in Florida
By Loretta and Tom Cooper
The Association Croquet Nationals was a docu-drama like no other. The field of 30 players included several national champions, previous and future national team members and three current members of the MacRobertson Shield team. The setting was the National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, for eight long days that started on Saturday, April 15.
This tournament brings out extraordinary personalities. Jim Bast, a member of the national team who competed against John Jacques back in 1857, played with his partner Johnny Osborn, MIA for the last year or two, who played brilliantly and looks as good as ever. There was Ron “One is Enough” Eccles who always shoots Hoop 1 from 18 feet so he can earn at least one point. There was Steve “Taco Truck” Morgan, Leo “I’m a nice person” McBride and the list goes on and on.
And the vernacular … ask the status of a game and you get, “He’s for peg and box”? Or the curious inquiry of “Wasn’t that an accidental grievous?” When it was mentioned that a player scored a 26tp, we heard someone say there’s plenty of toilet paper in the bathroom. To an outsider, it’s hard to tell what’s going on. Even croquet players who are familiar with American rules and golf croquet are not quite sure what these players are up to. But up to it they were, asking to play games until dark, before the 8:30 a.m. start and right up until their planes left without them.
The results … in Championship Flight, 11 doubles teams participated and singles had three blocks of seven players each. First Flight had four doubles teams and one block of seven singles players.
2023 USCA AC National Championship West Palm Beach, Florida | April 16-22, 2023
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Singles finalists Zack Watson and Matthew Essick
Chris Smith
www.croquetamerica.com | 21
Lynda Sudderberg and Arlene Parker
Sunday and Monday were doubles play exclusively. In the Championship Flight, the knockout draw was two of three matches. The team of Matthew Essick and Kyle Maloof were able to upset the reigning champs, Sherif Abdelwahab and Stephen Morgan. It was Essick/Maloof’s first national doubles championship together.
In First Flight, after many block games and a double elimination ladder, the team of Sandy Knuth and Lynda Sudderberg managed to outlast Loretta Cooper and Steve Mednik for the title.
The singles got underway Tuesday afternoon and continued until Saturday. The three blocks of seven contained the most stacked group of players you ever want to meet in a national championship. It was like getting through the easy part of “American Ninja Warrior” and then facing the vertical ladder.
When the block play was completed, the 15 surviving players entered into a two-of-three knockout ladder. So, it was noon on Thursday, after strict seeding by consulting director Stuart Lawrence and input of many players, when the contest really got started. Tubing appeared (many thanks to Ruth Summers). The lawn was cut and rolled, the hoops tightened to contact and play was ready to start.
In the championship flight, Brian Cumming took fourth, Tom Balding claimed third place and the final had Zack Watson against reigning champion Matthew Essick. When the smoke cleared, Essick had won two games to one (26tp-1, 10-26, 26-3).
In First Flight, Randy Reid was third and the final was contested by Lynda Sudderberg and Arlene Parker. It should be noted that Parker agreed to a single-match final when she had the option of playing a second game if she were to lose. And she did come in runner-up to Sudderberg in a great match. Congratulations ladies.
With the weather cooperating from beginning to end, the NCC staff providing lovely food and beverage service and the players cooperating nicely, the event was completed. Many thanks to the USCA staff of Johnny Mitchell and Ursula Peck, head referee and consulting director Stuart Lawrence with a nod to Jeff Soo for help in the formatting. Additionally, we would like to thank Brian Hovis for his fine video work on many of the matches during the tournament.
Matthew Essick has won the AC singles title in three of the last four years
Stuart Lawrence (center) won the Plate
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Championship Doubles finalists Stephen Morgan, Sherif Abdelwahab, Matthew Essick and Kyle Maloof
FINAL ORDER
SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIP
01. Matthew Essick
02. Zack Watson
03. Thomas Balding
04. Brian Cumming
05. Shane Hettler
Morgan
Barley
DOUBLES CHAMPIONSHIP
01. Matthew Essick/Kyle Maloof
02. Stephen Morgan/Sherif Abdelwahab
03. Stuart Lawrence/Shane Hettler
03. Brian Cumming/Doug Grimsley
05. Steve Scalpone/Ron Eccles
05. Thomas Balding/Danny Huneycutt
05. Leo McBride/Gene Raymond
05. Chris Barley/Macey White
09. Matt Smith/Matt Griffith
09. Jim Bast/John Osborn
FIRST FLIGHT
01. Lynda Sudderberg
02. Arlene Parker
03. Randy Reid
04. Sandra Knuth
05. Michael Todorovitch
06. Jeff Morrison
07. Christine Smith
FIRST FLIGHT DOUBLES
01. Lynda Sudderberg/Sandra Knuth
02. Loretta Cooper/Steve Mednick
03. Jeff Morrison/Randy Reid
03. Arlene Parker/Chris Smith
Here you can.
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09. Matt
09. Doug
Stuart
05. Stephen
05. Chris
05. Kyle Maloof 09. Leo McBride 09. Danny Huneycutt 09. Sherif Abdelwahab 09. Steve Scalpone
Smith
Grimsley 09.
Lawrence 16. Gene Raymond 16. Macey White
16. Thomas Cooper 16. Jim Bast
16. Ron Eccles
16. Matt Griffith
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No Problem for Houston
2023 USCA Club Teams 6W West Palm Beach, Florida | March 16-19, 2023
The Houston
Association claimed the 2023 Division 1 USCA Club Teams title 24 | www.croquetamerica.com
Croquet
By Johnny Mitchell and Carla Rueck
Croquet Week is always a busy time for the USCA, but “Week” might be a misnomer when it is all said and done. With a lineup of croquet schools, a Golf Croquet Tournament, the USCA Annual Meeting, Awards Dinner and culminating with the USCA’s Club Teams Tournament, it is almost two weeks of events. The annual Club Teams event has always been considered one of the more fun events on the USCA calendar and, with a lineup of 100 players, this year was no exception.
www.croquetamerica.com | 25
Championship, First Flight and Second Flight were each played as cross blocks of six to allow the maximum number of games within each flight. The Third Flight was composed of two blocks of seven. This allowed for each flight to have six games in block play and everyone made it to the playoff ladder.
Block play began on Thursday as did the fun. In the spirit of our departed Commish Les Kelly, Karen Heckman organized fun and games Thursday evening with the traditional activity of “shoot the wicket and hit the bottle of rum” that Kelly oversaw in his many years of bringing a little of the St. Croix and the Bombay Club experience to Florida. The evening was topped off with a pizza party with the pizza generously donated by David Isaacs, Karen Heckman and an anonymous donor. Speaking of donations, we would also like to acknowledge the very generous donation from Freear Pollard, which helped lower the cost of the tournament for all. The Friday night reception was donated and hosted by Randy and Bev Cardo along with Carla Rueck. All of this was instrumental in making this event successful. St. Patrick’s Day has also been a popular element to Club Teams and this year was no exception with players donning their best St. Paddy’s green, which is always a fun diversion from the normal “croquet whites.”
Championship Flight block play was competitive except for the teams of Danny Huneycutt/Jodie Rugart and John Brown/Bob Pulitzer who went undefeated with Brown/Pulitzer coming out on top due to net points. Surprisingly, Bob Van Tassell/Dick Sullivan, who were the lowest-handicapped duo and last year’s winners, finished third overall in block play. None of this really mattered except for seeding purposes in the playoff ladder where Van Tassell/Sullivan began their run to the finals eliminating both Huneycutt/Rugart and Brown/Pulitzer. On the other side of the ladder, the team of David Isaacs/Templeton Peck rolled through the ladder in a similar fashion to make it to the final game. When it was all said and done, Van Tassell/Sullivan repeated their victory to claim the title for the second year in a row.
In First Flight, the competition was just as fierce with Jeff Morrison/Yen Sullivan going undefeated in block play and the teams of Vickie Johnston/Jeanne Branthover and Larry Lynch/ Karen Heckman finishing with only one loss in the block. The Morrison/Sullivan team continued their winning ways through the ladder and remained undefeated to get to the final game. On the other side of the ladder, Lynch/Heckman fought their way to the final game meeting Johnston/Branthover in the semifinals where one team was bound to lose its second game of the tournament. Lynch/Heckman were successful in their run to the finals and didn’t stop there. They proceeded to give Morrison/Sullivan their only loss of the tournament, and it was a costly one. In a close 18-16 victory Lynch/Heckman took the First Flight crown.
Second Flight saw a continuation of the competitive spirit of Club Teams with hard-fought games in block play as well as the playoff ladder. In block play, the teams of Mary Cassidy/Alan Lazarescu, Richard Corey/Melissa Nelson and Eileen Cornacchia/ Allison Worthington each had only one loss with Lin Irey/Priscilla Flowers close on their tail with two losses. As with the other flights, block play was just a prelude to the playoffs for seeding purposes. Everyone performed as expected except for Joe Leary/
First Flight winners Yen Sullivan and Jeff Morrison
Championship Flight winners
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Dick Sullivan and Bob Van Tassell
Second Flight winners Boyd Parker and Joe Leary
Third Flight winners Kit and Carl Detering
Conner and Jane Helms
John Young and Doug Moore
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Mary Craddock and Donna Hamel
Boyd Parker from Houston who entered the playoffs with a 3-3 record but managed to turn it up a notch to not only make it to the finals but also come out victorious over Cassidy/Lazarescu who, up to that point, had only lost one game.
Because Third Flight had 14 teams, it was divided into two blocks of seven. In the first block, Carl and Kit Detering from Houston made it through undefeated with another Houston team, Walter and Mary Cain, close on their heels with only one loss (to the Deterings). In the other block, Tom and Yolande Hadlock from Westhampton led the field with only one loss in block play. When you talk about a close field, this third flight really fits that bill. In all the ladder games, only four games were decided by a margin of five or more points. All the rest were by three or fewer points. By the time everyone made it to the semifinals, three of the four teams were from Houston. In the end, the Deterings proved they came to play as they took the championship victory against the Hadlocks 15-12. They were the only team in the tournament to go undefeated.
After the dust had settled and the flight winners had been decided, it was time to determine who would win the Lyons Trophy for the top club. Clubs are divided into divisions so smaller clubs don’t have to compete against larger clubs for the overall championship and no advantage exists by entering a gaggle of teams in the event. Points are then awarded to teams who finish in the top five of their respective flights. Division 1 is for the larger clubs and this year only two fit the bill. It came down to Houston and Westhampton with Houston winning out for the second straight year. It also really helps to have teams that finish high in each flight as points are awarded to the top five places. Division 2 had Bombay, the Beach Club, Lenox and the National Croquet Club with the National Croquet Club besting the pack. Division 3 was composed of Belleair Country Club (last year’s winner), the Everglades Club, Scissortail Club and West River Wickets who ended up on top.
In retrospect, this year’s event was an overwhelming success. Play was competitive, social events were fun and the camaraderie was amazing. Club Teams will continue to be one of the more enjoyable USCA events to participate in. If you have never played in Club Teams, it is one that you should put on your calendar.
FINAL ORDER
Division 1 – Houston Croquet Association
Division 2 – National Croquet Club
Division 3 – West River Wickets
CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT
01. Bob Van Tassell/Dick Sullivan – National Croquet Club
02. Davis Isaacs/Templeton Peck – Bombay Mallet & Wicket Club
03. John Brown/Bob Pulitzer – Houston Croquet Association
03. Arthur Olsen/Kevin Hansley – Westhampton Mallet Club
05. John Young/Doug Moore - Bombay Mallet & Wicket Club
05. Danny Huneycutt/Jodie Rugart – The Beach Club
05. Conner Helms/Jane Helms – Scissortail Croquet Club
05. Mary Rodeberg/Ron Eccles – Lenox Croquet Club
09. Tom Cooper/Randall Roe – Everglades Croquet Club
09. Calvert Chaney/Hal Denton – West River Wickets
09. David Ekstrom/David McCoy – National Croquet Club
DNF Randy Cardo/Beverley Cardo – Westhampton Croquet Club
FIRST FLIGHT
01. Larry Lynch/Karen Heckman - Bombay Mallet & Wicket Club
02. Jeff Morrison/Yen Sullivan - National Croquet Club
03. George Peterkin/John Craddock - Houston Croquet Association
03. Vickie Johnston/Jeanne Branthover - The Beach Club
05. Lee Hamel/Mark Stamey - Houston Croquet Association
05. Jim Watrous/Frank LaValla - Belleair Country Club
05. Bill Sadowski/Lovejoy Duryea - Westhampton Croquet Club
05. Tom Tribby/Missy Chilton - The Beach Club
09. Liddy Chaney/Rodney Calver - West River Wickets
09. Richard Lummis/Jackie Wallace - Houston Croquet Association
09. John Grabow/David Kepner - Westhampton Croquet Club
09. George Claffey/Rita McNamara - Lenox Croquet Club
SECOND FLIGHT
01. Joe Leary/Boyd Parker - Houston Croquet Association
02. Mary Cassidy/Alan Lazarescu - Westhampton Croquet Club
03. Eileen Cornacchia/Allison Worthington - The Beach Club
03. Lin Irey/Priscilla Flowers - National Croquet Club
05. Don Chapoton/Mary Jo Chapoton - Houston Croquet Association
05. Richard Corey/Melissa Nelson - Westhampton Croquet Club
05. Georgia Carter/Mary Craddock - Houston Croquet Association
05. Jennifer Loving/Jeff Scholz - The Beach Club
09. Jeanette Hodgkins/Donald Kent - Belleair Country Club
09. Linda Grady/Rosemarie Maccario - National Croquet Club
09. Anne Licursi/Freear Pollard - Westhampton Croquet Club
09. Sonia Alexandra/Jane Pflug - National Croquet Club
THIRD FLIGHT
01. Carl Detering/Kit Detering - Houston Croquet Association
02. Tom Hadlock/Yolande Hadlock - Westhampton Croquet Club
03. Walker Cain/Mary Cain - Houston Croquet Association
03. Bass Wallace/Carmela Lummis - Houston Croquet Association
05. Patricia Peterkin/Donna Hamel - Houston Croquet Association
05. Linda Gutherie/Peter Gutherie – West River Wickets
05. Lynn LeBlanc/Flavia Logie – Bombay Mallet & Wicket Club
05. John Bannister/Carol Bannister – National Croquet Club
09. David Beccia/Jessica Beccia - Westhampton Croquet Club
09. Kathleen Lomas/Lynn Lomas - Westhampton Croquet Club
09. Ken Heim/Hilary Michaels – Lenox Croquet Club
09. Barbara Ann Busch/Nancy Hunt – Belleair Country Club
09. Jeanette Tribby/Sally Ohrstrom – The Beach Club
09. Maude Carter/Mathilde Hoefer – Houston Croquet Association
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National Croquet Day is June 3rd.
Let’s Get the Party Started!
National Croquet Day is the perfect time to introduce your club to potential new members through a well-planned Croquet party or event.
A photo IS worth 1,000 words, and awards will be given out for the best theme ideas, number of attendees, creativity, etc. We will be publishing the photos in the Croquet News and on social media.
In addition, this year we are introducing CroquetNow, an app for your phone or computer that will allow you to have regular games affect your handicap if desired. More information is available on the USCA website, www.croquetamerica.com
The Club that logs the most games on the CroquetNow app from June 3rd to June 11th will claim a top prize. You and your fellow club members will want to get ready, get set and play because the prize will be well worth it.
We are excited about the impact National Croquet Day will continue to have on our community, while we keep these 5 focuses in mind:
1.Foster relationships by building community.
2.Support participation through organizational excellence.
3.Commit to growth through diversity and inclusion.
4.Develop and enjoy the sport through education.
5.Promote croquet as a lifelong activity and healthy lifestyle.
•For more information, please go to the USCA website: www.croquetamerica.com
•Or email, marketing@uscroquet.com
•Croquet Day merchandise is available at: uscaproshop.ourproshop.com
FEATURING
England’s Dodge Takes Croquet Week GC Title
By Cheryl Bromley
It was an amazing three days of golf croquet as 49 players descended upon the National Croquet Center for the annual USCA Croquet Week Tournament. Players came from around the US, Toronto, Canada and Bath, England. Coach Steve Fisher and four of his female players from the Oklahoma Wesleyan University Croquet team also made the trip to participate.
Players were divided into three flights for block play with the top four finishers from each block advancing into the knockout in their respective divisions. The remaining players moved into the plate and once the knockouts began, players were given one more “life” in the bowl and consolation playoffs.
The championship semifinals produced two of the most thrilling matches in the tournament. With strong finishes coming out of the blocks for the four players, the first match featured Tamer Hatata and Harry Dodge. Both gentlemen displayed world-class shot-making with Dodge taking the first of three games in a tiebreaker, 7-6. Hatata fired back taking the second game 7-5, and it was a close finish with Dodge capturing the third game 7-5 to punch his ticket into the final.
Meanwhile, in the other semifinal, the husband-wife duo of Randy and Beverley Cardo battled a close best-of-three game match displaying stellar shooting. Randy managed to edge past Bev with a 7-5, 6-7, 7-5 victory to take on England’s Harry Dodge in the final.
The final kept the crowd entranced as they watched from the veranda witnessing amazing hoop shooting and clearing at long distances. Dodge rose to the occasion and finished with top honors with a 7-2, 7-3 victory over Cardo.
In First Flight, both Earle Mauldin and Bill Simmons had strong showings in block play. En route to the finals, Mauldin dispatched Richard Corey 10-5 and Simmons got past Ivo Dentchev in a close 10-9 game. Mauldin kept up his steady play in the final and took home the win against Simmons 10-8 to capture his second tournament title in four months.
In Second Flight, Jim Sansalone had to get past his wife Nancy in a 7-6 semifinal game while Tim Williams faced off against Jodie Payne in the other semi. Williams snagged a 7-2 victory to meet Sansalone in the Second Flight Final. The final went the distance to the “hook,” and it was Williams who scored the 13th hoop to claim the 7-6 victory. This was only the second sanctioned GC tournament for Sansalone and the first for Williams.
2023 USCA
Croquet Week Golf Croquet Tournament West Palm Beach, Florida | March 10-12, 2023
30 | www.croquetamerica.com
Geraldine McCauley and nine-year-old phenom Simon Dentchev captured the essence of our sport as they faced off in the opening match
FINAL ORDER
CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT SINGLES
01. Harry Dodge
02. Randy Cardo
03. Tamer Hatata
03. Beverley Cardo
05. Debbie Davidoff (Bowl Winner)
06. David Mccoy
07. Tate Russack
07. Cami Russack
09. David Ekstrom (Plate Winner)
10. Laura Hendrick
11. Kendall Hendrick
11. Bruce Hindin
13. Alex Galasso (Consolation Winner)
14. James Creasey
15. Jeff Morrison
15. Brian Brittain
FIRST FLIGHT SINGLES
01. Earle Mauldin
02. Bill Simmons
03. Ivo Dentchev
03. Richard Corey
05. Caryl Firth (Bowl Winner)
06. Cori Campbell
07. Tom Lindley
07. Alix Worley
09. Mary Galasso (Plate Winner)
10. Pam Groh
11. Geri O’Neill
11. Trudy Crowetz
13. Elizabeth Randall (Consolation Winner)
14. Mike Tevlin
15. Suzanne Turner
15. Vanesa Fernandez
SECOND FLIGHT SINGLES
01. Timothy Williams
02. Jim Sansalone
03. Jay Carey
03. Jodie Payne
05. John Strasser (Bowl Winner)
06. Rick Hayes
07. Nancy Sansalone
07. Leina Casimir
09. Geraldine McCauley (Plate Winner)
10. Steve Fisher
11. Franck Meunier
11. Simon Dentchev
13. Sarah Persons (Consolation Winner)
14. Bess Gallanis
15. Thomas Wilson
15. Jim Forbes
15. Cedric Vogel
Championship Winner Harry Dodge and finalist Randy Cardo
First Flight Winner Earle Mauldin and finalist Bill Simmons
www.croquetamerica.com | 31
Second Flight and finalist Jim Sansalone with winner Timothy Williams
Florida GC Regional Grows to 64 Players
By Johnny Mitchell
Golf Croquet has been making a huge impact on croquet over the past couple of years, and this year’s Florida Golf Croquet Regional was no exception. With a field of 64 players, the 2023 event was the largest Florida GC Regional thus far. With such a large field, one can only expect a few problems. With one withdrawal two days before the start, the tournament director scrambled to find a replacement. Then three more withdrawals occurred the day
before. With scheduling problems on the horizon, help was on the way. Major kudos go to Nancy Sansalone for helping fill those spots.
However, the issues didn’t stop there. On the first morning, a couple of championship players lobbied for untimed games. After discussions and appeals were made to management, the schedule was revised to allow untimed games for the championship flight. Additionally, the semifinals and the finals in the championship were changed to best-of-three. Once that was sorted out, it was time for the games to begin.
The tournament began with doubles, which were designed to be completed in one day. Doubles were divided into two flights and several closely contested games were in both. Each flight was a knockout ladder with the losing teams in the first round of play dropping into a consolation ladder, guaranteeing each team at least two games before being eliminated. Teams were seeded according to their combined grades. In First Flight, after battling their way through the ladder, it was the third seed Kendall and Laura Hendrick and the fourth seed Bruce Hindin and Neill Trimble that met in the finals with Hindin/Trimble coming out on top with a close 7-6 victory. Trimble happened to be one of the substitute players when Hindin’s partner fell ill just prior to the start, but I think Hindin was happy with the result.
In Championship Flight, it was the top-seeded father and son team of David and Kyle Maloof versus the second-seeded duo of Ahab Dincer and Tamer Hatata in the finals. Dincer is the brother of Sherif Abdelwahab, who was the pro at the National Croquet Center and a champion in his own right. Because of the untimed best-of-three format, play had to be moved under the lights to court three. Both semifinals and finals went to three games, which resulted in a very long day that finally finished at 9:00 p.m. with the Maloofs coming out on top.
2023 USCA Florida Regional GC Championship West Palm Beach, Florida | January 26-29, 2023
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John Joseph
www.croquetamerica.com | 33
First Flight winner Steve Tasker and finalist Bruce Hindin
Singles began on Friday with three flights of blocks of eight. Dincer had to withdraw before the games began due to an injured wrist from the previous day’s play. Because each block only played six of the seven other players, the other players in his block were able to get six games in by playing the game they would not have played if Dincer had played.
In Second Flight, Larry Lynch, Scott Spoerl, Ryan Eberlein and Robert Smothers all went through block play with only one loss. In each block, the top four players would make it to the playoff ladder, and the difference in playing level between the top four second flight players was very close, making for a competitive flight. Ladder play was also close with several hard-fought games with the exception of Spoerl, who won the semifinals in a 7-2 victory over his wife Jan and then another 7-2 victory in the finals over Lynch.
First Flight was just as competitive with Hindin, Kendall Hendrick and Steve Tasker all coming out of the block with just one loss. Tasker and Hendrick met up in the semifinals and with Tasker claiming a 7-5 win to advance to the final. Hindin had to go to the fishhook for a 7-6 win over Devin Burress to get a berth in the final. The championship game went to the 12th hoop with Tasker taking the First Flight Singles title with a 7-5 score.
Championship Flight had several top-ranked players, and it was evident in their play. With some amazing clearing shots and difficult hoop shots, there was little doubt that this was a
true championship flight. Jim Jamison was impressive being the only undefeated player in block play in any flight while David Maloof, Jim Teel, Billy Harper, Alex Galasso, Kent Lovvorn and Brian Lozano made it through the blocks with only one loss. The competition was fierce with many action-packed games, but, in the end, it was the Maloofs in the finals. Proof the branch doesn’t fall far from the tree, David, who has been a strong competitor for many years, taught his son Kyle well. Maybe too well as Kyle bested his father in two games 7-5, 7-2.
In the end, it was a good event with competitive play. Out of 192 singles block games, only two didn’t go to seven points. The fervor for golf croquet is evident in the large turnout of players and the intensity of play. It is safe to say golf croquet is here to stay, and all the players were already looking toward the next tournament. Thanks to everyone who lent a helping hand to make this event the success that it was and thanks to Bill Simmons, the Florida RVP.
Nancy Sansalone
First Flight Doubles finalists Laura and Kendall Hendrick
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Second Flight winner Scott Spoerl
FINAL ORDER
CHAMPIONSHIP SINGLES
FIRST FLIGHT SINGLES
CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLES
01. David Maloof/Kyle Maloof
02. Ahab Dincer/Tamer Hatata
03. Brian Lozano/Rick Zazueta
03. Kent Lovvorn/Dallas Denny
05. Jim Jamison/Billie Ray
05. Leo McBride/John Warlick
05. Helen Covington/Marc Stearns
05. Jim Teel/Gary Gamble
09. Bo Prillaman/Jim Podraza
10. Sandra Knuth/Devin Burress
11. Amr Hamdy/James Creasey
11. Alex Galasso/Priscilla Flowers
13. Debbie Davidoff/Earle Mauldin
13. Dennis Leddy/John Wight
13. Billy Harper/Bill Simmons
13. David McCoy/Hal Denton
SECOND
SINGLES
FIRST FLIGHT DOUBLES
01. Bruce Hindin/Neill Trimble
02. Kendall Hendrick/Laura Hendrick
03. Jeff Morrison/Steve Jackson
03. Lynda Bjorklund/Kathie Gamble
05. Susie Day/Susu Day
05. Jim Sansalone/Nancy Sansalone
05. Jane Grandusky/Jane Smith
05. Sam Collins/Ryan Eberlein
09. Larry Lynch/John Grout
10. Caryl Firth/Barbara Jamison
11. Scott Spoerl/Jan Spoerl
11. Tate Russack/Cami Russack
13. Gay Cinque/David Scott
13. Steve Tasker/Whitney Miller
13. John Joseph/Jennifer Joseph
13. Jim Forbes/Robert Smothers
01. Kyle Maloof 02. David Maloof 03. Billy Harper 03. Brian Lozano 05. Jim Jamison 05. Kent Lovvorn 05. Rick Zazueta 05. Jim Teel 09. Debbie Davidoff 09. Marc Stearns 09. Jim Podraza 09. Tamer Hatata 09. Billie Ray 09. Alex Galasso 09. Jeff Morrison 09. Dennis Leddy 17. James Creasey 17. Hal Denton 17. Bo Prillaman 17. Steve Jackson 21. John Warlick 21. Helen Covington 21. Cami Russack 21. Leo McBride 21. John Wight 26. Dallas Denny 26. Sandra Knuth 26. Gary Gamble 26. Tate Russack 30. David McCoy 30. Amr Hamdy DNF. Ahab Dincer
02.
03.
03. Kendall Hendrick 05. Kathie Gamble 05. Barbara Jamison 05. Laura Hendrick 05. Sam Collins 09. Bill Simmons 09. Lynda Bjorklund 09. Caryl Firth 09. Earle Mauldin 13. Anne Carr 13. John Joseph 15. Susie Day DNF. Priscilla Flowers
01. Steve Tasker
Bruce Hindin
Devin Burress
01. Scott Spoerl 02. Larry Lynch 03. Ryan Eberlein 03. Jan Spoerl 05. Jennifer Joseph 05. Susu Day 05. David Scott 05. Robert Smothers 09. Nancy Sansalone 09. John Grout
Lynn Foley
Jim Sansalone
Gay Cinque
Bob Smith
Whitney Miller 15. Jim Forbes
FLIGHT
11.
11.
13.
13.
15.
www.croquetamerica.com | 35
John Warlick
Age: 74
Home base: West Palm Beach, Florida
Home club: National Croquet Club
Grip: Standard
Mallet:
Dave Trimmer Kevlar mallet 11.5” head, 2” high and 2 3/8” wide with a 36” carbon fiber Airline shaft. The mallet head has composite faces with a total weight of 2 lb.13 oz.
Years playing croquet:
Most of my life. My first recollection is playing backyard (nine wicket) around five years old at a Fourth of July picnic in Balboa Park, San Diego.
Favorite croquet venue:
Of course, the National Croquet Center is so great. I really like all the outstanding clubs and courts around Cashiers, N.C. It is so beautiful and peaceful there. The Warlick family were among the first settlers in central North Carolina just before 1750.
Favorite tournament:
USCA Club Teams. I have been lucky to have been on many Bombay and NCC winning club teams. I first played in the 1994 tourney at the PGA and won fourth flight with Bernie “The Attorney” Pattie.
How did you get into the game:
I first played American Six-Wicket in 1989 in a Bombay Croquet Club doubles tournament next to the beach at Duggan’s Reef in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Croquet highlights/tourney wins:
Happily, I have had more than my share of tournament victories. Inaugural tournament wins such as the West Indies Invitational 6W and the John’s Island 6W are memorable. I’ve managed Florida Regional wins in 6W singles, 9W singles and doubles and in GC doubles (some multiple). I have had nine National Nine Wicket Doubles Championship wins. Representing croquet players as the Florida Regional VP and NCC Club President for two terms each was an honor. I’m also a nine-wicket instructor and former or current certified regional referee and instructor in 6W and golf croquet.
Do you play other sports?
Chess (I have been fortunate to have played in seven Chess Olympiads). I used to run track.
Favorite sports teams?
University of Texas teams and the Dallas Cowboys.
Pop culture favorites:
TV: “Survivor;” Movie: “Run Silent, Run Deep;” Book: “The Little Engine That Could” (a good read); Musicians: Roy Orbison, Anna Gabriel and Nana Mouskouri.
What is the best thing the USCA has done for croquet?
The USCA has helped organize clubs and promote tournaments all over the United States. I have played at so many terrific clubs and met such great people from all over the country,
What is the USCA’s greatest weakness?
In recent years, I feel the USCA has fallen short in their support for nine wicket croquet. Supposedly more than four million backyard croquet players are in the U.S. This is where our future members and the youth we need in croquet can be found and nurtured.
What would you like to see happen in the sport over the next 10 years?
I am hopeful that more appreciation for, and focus on, backyard croquet will encourage the youth (as well as others) in the U.S. to get more involved in croquet and see it as a lifetime sport. I expect that golf croquet will continue to expand around many more golf clubs and grow nationally.
What have you learned from croquet?
Croquet is an outstanding sport that can be played throughout one’s lifetime. So many interesting individuals are sharing one commonality of enjoying this beautiful outdoor sport. Most players have some competitive aspect to their personality. Croquet and the USCA allow for players to be as competitive as they like while still allowing others to enjoy fun play and camaraderie. It is a sport where you can make lifelong friends and travel to such lovely venues. I am still trying to learn to slow my backswing.
Quick croquet tip:
Practice, practice, practice. Generally, keep your head down and follow through. No matter what — have fun and enjoy the day!
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OPPOSITE PAGE (LOWER RIGHT): John and Gail Warlick
www.croquetamerica.com | 37
Out and About
By Jeff Soo
Abbreviations used: blUe, Red, blacK, Y
ellow
In the last issue, we looked at the opening stalemate when all balls are clean and for #2. The only way to break the stalemate is to play aggressively — attack or attempt a two-ball break. These are risky plays for most intermediate players. We looked at a couple of attack patterns that carry less risk, but they are still aggressive and challenging plays. Fortunately, a third way exists. The stalemate is always a threat when all balls are clean and are for the same wicket. Avoid those conditions and you prevent the stalemate. You can do this easily by keeping one or both of your balls out of the game.
Except at the championship level, the out-game more often happens by accident than by design; many players shun it. You don’t have to love the out-game, but you will have to play it sometimes, so you should at least try to understand its main lines of play.
The “Chernobyl” is the original out-game opening, devised by Garth Eliassen in 1986. After the first three balls have played in, Y plays to close position (or into the jaws) at #1. This is a classic opening, so you’ve probably seen it even if you haven’t played it yourself. It’s more of an advanced opening, though, and can still lead to a stalemate, so we’ll skip over it for now.
The Chernobyl is a good example of one type of out-game , in which one side has both its balls in the game. We’ll focus on the second type of out-game: neither side has both balls in. Usually, this means each side has one ball in and one ball out. I’ll call this the “2/2” opening.
The classic 2/2 opening has one ball blocking and clearing shots to prevent an opponent ball from scoring #1. Out-balls can’t make roquets, so this half of the game is essentially a two-ball version of golf croquet. The other half is, of course, a two-ball version of the normal game. With no partner ball available to roquet, the players advance by taking scoring position and sometimes by shooting at the opponent ball.
This opens a wide range of low-risk plays. You can’t go partner-dead when your partner is an out-ball, and you can’t give up a three- or four-ball break when with only two inballs. Most of the time you are free to take position at your wicket. Even if your opponent then hits you, it probably doesn’t cost you much.
This would be rather boring if not for how the two halves of the game interact. It might seem like two separate games, but usually one or both out-balls are a threat to enter the game. The tactics of the in-balls depend on the positions of the out-balls and vice versa. For the two out-balls, it is not just about controlling or scoring the wicket, it is also about seeing the most to gain by entering the game. If your partner ball is losing the “in-game,” you probably want to bring your own ball in sooner rather than later. But if you have the lead, you may prefer to keep the out-game going longer. It is most important to look for the chance of a three-ball break: an out-ball scoring #1 and either picking up an immediate break or setting one for partner.
The best chance of creating a 2/2 opening is to block #1 with U. R then has many options: jump, half-jump, clear U, promote U through #1, take close position behind U or hang back where K can’t clear it far. As in golf croquet, subtle differences in each ball’s position can have a big effect on the tactical balance. It may take several turns for any ball to enter the game, but this is usually followed quickly by one of the opponent balls.
Figure 1 shows a typical 2/2 position with U and R battling at #1. Y has taken off from K and finished its turn by taking good position at #4. What would you do with U? Come up with your own answer before reading on.
The game appears balanced, Y having a slight advantage over K but U having better control at #1. U’s advantage outweighs Y’s, though. If U scores #1 well enough to have an unhampered continuation shot, it can easily play between K and #3 to set K for a break. Or, more aggressively, it can shoot at Y. If U hits, it can roll Y to #3 while attempting to get a rush on K to #2. If that works, it is an immediate three-ball break for U. If U doesn’t get position for a rush, it can simply play near K, setting K for its own three-ball break while keeping U alive on partner. R would have to run #1 from a very difficult position and then make a long hit-in to disrupt that play.
If the colors were transposed (U and R swapped, K and Y swapped, R to play), RY would not present the same doublethreat, because of the rotation: R can’t set Y for a three-ball
38 | www.croquetamerica.com
let’stalk tactics
break because K plays next. In a 2/2 opening, the rotational advantage goes to the side that precedes the opponent in each half of the game. That is, if U and R are in the same half of the game, you would rather be UK; if U and Y are in the same half, you would rather be RY.
The 2/2 opening is especially good in a high/low doubles game. The stronger partner should always be the ball that stays out of the game. If you are the low-handicap player on your side and your low-handicap opponent enters the game with U, have your partner attempt to play into the jaws with R. (If I am playing high/low doubles, I never enter the game until my partner is already in.) If you win the toss, have your partner attempt to play into the jaws with U.
If you are an intermediate player and you dread the stalemate at #2, try the 2/2 opening. It gets the game going right away, it’s fun and unpredictable and it gets you scoring points without having to worry about partner-ball deadness.
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www.croquetamerica.com | 39
FIGURE 1: U and R for #1, K for #3, Y for #4 and dead on K. U to play.
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Are You “Over-Cooking” Your Stop-Shot?
By Cheryl Bromley
A stop-shot is a useful and satisfying stroke in the game of golf croquet. However, have you ever had a great situation with your striker ball 6 to 12 inches from the opponent ball in good position to execute a stop-shot and finish in front of the hoop, only to be frustrated when your striker ball careens out of control after contacting the opponent ball?
This may be caused by trying to do too much, i.e., “over-cooking” your striker ball by hitting with too much pace and enthusiasm. It’s thrilling to be able to send one’s opponent out of bounds, but keep in mind you don’t need to send the opponent ball 10 feet beyond the boundary line. You only need to send it far enough to break the plane of the line for the ball to be out of bounds.
ball away. Do this multiple times until you master the “feel” of how much pace is needed.
Next, position the striker ball 3 to 4 inches from an opponent ball and do the same exercise. With the balls closer together, it is important to be able to stop your mallet and not cause a double tap. Vary the speed of your stop-shot until you find a comfortable pace to accomplish your objective. Note the smallest distance the balls can be apart where you feel comfortable and you are able to execute a proper stop-shot without committing a fault.
Drill #2: Promote and Snuggle
This is a fun drill that can be added to your warm-up routine. Designate one ball as your striker ball and the other ball as your partner ball. Hit a gentle stop-shot to promote your partner ball a medium distance of 10 to 12 feet. Then, hit your striker ball again and try to make it stop right near the partner ball without touching it, i.e., snuggle up to it. This drill is a great way to practice setting tight blocks as it accomplishes both a controlled stop-shot and a placement/blocking shot.
Bonus: How to Inform Your Opponent in a Social Game that They’ve Committed a Double Tap
Secondly, to control your striker ball, your focus should be on your mallet making contact with the center of your ball and aiming to hit the center of the opponent’s ball. Center-to-center contact best transfers the energy from one ball to the other and allows you to control your striker ball. Naturally, enough space needs to be between the balls so as not to commit a double tap.
Below are two drills to try during your next practice session.
Drill #1: Stop Shots to the Boundary (This drill can be done using just two balls)
Set up your striker ball 6 to 8 inches from an opponent ball near a corner hoop. Go through your pre-shot routine and hit a stop-shot with the intention of sending the opponent ball to land just a few inches beyond the boundary line. You may be surprised at how little effort is needed to send the opponent
All too often I hear stories of players being harshly told by their opponents that they are not permitted to hit a particular shot as it will surely be a fault. Obviously, if you are in a tournament game, raise your mallet and ask a referee to watch the shot. However, in a social game, you’ll have to work this out with your opponent. Here is one suggestion that might help maintain your friendship for future games: Allow your opponent to take their shot, then use the result as a friendly learning opportunity.
From your own experience, you might say something to the effect of, “I’ve previously hit a shot just like that when the balls were just an inch apart during a tournament when a referee was watching the shot. Because the striker ball rolled on with the opponent ball and did not split apart 90 degrees, it was called a double tap. So, the shot you just hit would more than likely be called a fault.”
Or, maybe you’ve watched YouTube slow-motion videos on the topic and can give them a more scientific explanation.
Perhaps you give them one freebie as a gentle warning but let them know you will be watching those types of shots more closely going forward. Check out Rule 15.2 for more information.
40 | www.croquetamerica.com
gcamerica
Sarasota County CC AC Open
March 30 – April 2, 2023
Sarasota County Croquet Club
Venice, Florida
Championship Flight
01. Brian Cumming
02. Doug Grimsley
03. Stuart Lawrence
03. Leo McBride
05. Matt Griffith
05. Gene Raymond
05. Lynda Sudderberg
05. David Druitt
09. Hans Peterson
09. Michael Todorovich
First Flight
01. Arthur Olsen
02. Rick Alderson
03. Roger Vorraber
03. Christof Weihs
05. Christine Smith
05. Robert Gannon
Sarasota County Croquet Club 6W Singles Club Championship
March 10-12, 2023
Sarasota County Croquet Club
Venice, Florida
Championship Flight
01. Matt Griffith
02. Lynda Sudderberg
02. Bob Worrell
02. Neil Houghton
02. Donald Parker
06. Gene Raymond
First Flight
01. Roger Vorraber
02. Ellie Griffith
02. Bob Gelineau
04. James Watrous
05. Ken Deason
Second Flight
01. Bob Taber
02. George Quallich
02. George Claffey
02. Mervyn Harvey
05. Christof Weihs
05. Lester Taufen
05. Karen Weihs
06. Linda Taber
Third Flight
01. Sandra Cornes
02. Alexander Feinstein
03. Nona McGinnis
03. Debbie Martin
03. Toni Marie Gelineau
03. Christopher Darton
03. Pauline Harvey
06. Rick Alderson
06. Christine Smith
06. Rusty Rose
08. Amy Bothwell Featuring
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www.croquetamerica.com | 41 event results
the ‘
EVOLUTION
WWW.SHOPCROQUET.COM (978) 502 5999 SM
event results
Blaine Davis Invitational
March 2-5, 2023
Gasparilla Mallet Club
Boca Grande, Florida
Flight
Griffith
Second Flight
01. Jim Watrous
02. Pauline Harvey
03. George Pendleton
03. Karen Weihs
05. Rita McNamara
05. Debbie Martin
07. Alexander Feinstein
08. Mary Galasso
08. George Claffey
Third Flight
01. Joe Fairbanks
02. Walt Janitz
03. Sandy Janitz
04. Lee Richardson
05. Susan Helton
05. Kathleen Rivers-Carroll
Steuber Invitational
February 15-19, 2023
National Croquet Center
West Palm Beach, Florida
Golf Croquet
Championship Flight
01. Billy Harper
02. Tamer Hatata
03. Adam Barr
04. Mohammad Kamal
05. Hassan Raqem
06. James Creasey
07. Bo Prillaman
08. Alex Galasso
09. Tate Russack
10. Leo McBride
11. Ned Sperry
12. Conrad Rugart
John Joseph
07. Paul Panaccione
08. Louise Cardellina
08. Robert Carroll
Mission Hills Invitational
February 21-25, 2023
Mission Hills Country Club
Rancho Mirage, California
Handicap Doubles
01. Bill Sullivan/Nick Gray
02. Donna Dixon/Conner Helms
03. Jane Helms/Patrick Sweeney
03. Ron Eccles/Mary Rodeberg
05. Bess Hayes/Richard Hayes
Championship Flight Singles
Sarasota County CC GC Shootout
February 24-26, 2023
County Croquet
01. Peter Bach
02. Paul Bennett
03. Conner Helms
04. Steve Scalpone
05. Donna Dixon
05. Patrick Sweeney
07. Mary Rodeberg
First Flight Singles
01. Ron Eccles 02. Nick Gray 03. Bill Sullivan 04. Jane Helms 05. Myron McCumber
05. Richard Hayes 07. Bess Hayes
First Flight
01. Chris Olsen
02. Chris Morris
03. Kendall Hendrick
04. Robert Turner
05. Tom Lindley
06. Cami Russack
07. Mary Galasso
08. Laura Hendrick
09. Morna Steninger
10. Holly Sperry
11. Gay Cinque
12. Ying Benns
American 6W
Championship Flight
01. Randy Cardo
02. Macey White
03. Danny Huneycutt
03. David Ekstrom
05. Michael Todorovich
05. Loretta Cooper
05. Jeff Morrison
05. Jodie Rugart
09. Bev Cardo
09. Arthur Olsen
09. David McCoy
09. Ron Eccles
09. Rich Curtis
09. Mike Gibbons
09. Preston Stuart
17. Norris Settlemyre
18. Tom Hughes
42 | www.croquetamerica.com
Championship
01. Matt
02. Arthur Olsen 03. Oakley Johnson 04. Donald Parker 05. Lynda Sudderberg 05. Dan O'Connell 07. Bob Worrell 07. Tyler Thomas
04.
05.
05.
07.
07.
02.
03.
04.
05.
05.
07.
First Flight 01. Stephen Grassbaugh 02. Jan Fisher 03. Dennis Leddy
Steve Zoric
Ted Welsh
Christine Smith
Jeanette Hodgkins Second Flight 01. George Claffey
Jean Henry
Linda Grady
Ann Leddy
Steve Brink
Jennifer Joseph
Linda O'Connell 07. Laurien Trowell
03.
04.
05.
05. Sandra Cornes 05. Graydon Bell 08. Alex Galasso 09. Roger Vorraber
01. Scott Spoerl 02. Christine Smith 03. Bill Simmons 03. Sally Mills 03. Rick Alderson 03. Jan Spoerl 07. Gillian Merritt 08. Robert Merritt 09. Virginia Combs
Sarasota
Club Venice, Florida Championship Flight 01. Christof Weihs 02. Adam Barr
J. Billie Ray
Bob Gelineau
Mervyn Harvey
First Flight
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Championship Doubles (Waterford)
01. David Ekstrom
02. Loretta Cooper
03. Bev Cardo
04. Norris Settlemyre
05. Brian Zindel
06. Ron Eccles
07. Mark Ski
08. Lynda Sudderberg
09. Courtney Green
10. Jeff Morrison
11. Jodie Rugart
12. Rich Curtis
13. Arthur Olsen
14. David McCoy
15. Sally McGrath
16. Randy Cardo
First Flight Doubles (Waterford)
01. Sonia Alexandra
02. John McGrath
03. Kathleen Green
04. Missy Chilton
05. Jan Fisher
06. John Steninger
07. Alex Galasso
08. David Kepner
09. Freear Pollard
10. Danna Huneycutt
11. Jeffery Cohen
12. Alan Lazarescu
13. Claudia Parks
www.croquetamerica.com | 43
Steninger
Mark Ski
Danna Huneycutt
Missy Chilton
McGrath
First Flight 01. Courtney Green 02. Randy Reid 03. Larry Lynch 03. John
05. Stuart Price 05. David Kepner 05. Brian Zindel 05. Stephen Grassbaugh 09.
09.
09.
09. Sally
Second Flight
01. Sonia Alexandra
Cohen
02. John McGrath 03. Kathleen Green 04. Freear Pollard 05. Jeffery
06. Claudia Parks
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event results
Sarasota County CC Club
Doubles Championship
February 10-12, 2023
Sarasota County Croquet Club
Venice, Florida
Championship Flight
01. Webster Bull/Gene Raymond
02. Matt Griffith/Robert (Bob) Worrell
03. Neil Houghton/Russ Cuccia
03. Arthur Olsen/Walt Janitz
First Flight
01. Ellie Griffith/Roger Vorraber
02. Michael Kukla/Rusty Rose
02. Ken Deason/Dean Ricci
04. Rick Alderson/Christof (Chris) Weihs
04. Kathleen Rivers-Carroll/George Quallich
06. Brand Shank/Lori Matway
Second Flight
01. Bob Gelineau/John Goldener
02. Lee Anderson/Rita McNamara
02. Sandy Janitz/Christine (Chris) Smith
04. John Ayers/Arlene Stevens
05. Karen Weihs/Shirley Ricci
06. Lester Taufen/Katie Bull
07. Camelia Monteforte/Nona McGinnis
07. Robert (Bob) Merritt/Gillian Merritt
Third Flight
01. Linda Orff/Sandra Cornes
02. Robert (Bob) Taber/Linda Taber
03. Debbie Martin/Kathie Hart
04. Linda Kemerer/Maria Petrola
2023 Stewart Jackson Beach Club Invitational
February 1-5, 2023
Beach Club & NCC
Palm Beach, Florida
Championship Flight
01. Randy Cardo
02. David Isaacs
03. Bob Van Tassell
03. Jodie Rugart
05. Chris Patmore
05. Mark Fields 05. Conner Helms
05. Bev Cardo
09. David Ekstrom
09. Tom Cooper
09. John Brown
09. Rodney Lassiter
09. Conrad Rugart
09. David McCoy
09. Preston Stuart
09. Calvert Chaney
17. Alexander Muradian
18. Tim Bitting
18. Missy Ramey
18. Donna Dixon
21. Kevin Hansley
21. Linda Trifone
23. Thom Hughes
23. Mary Rodeberg
23. Stuart Price
DNF Dick Sullivan
First Flight
01. Ron Eccles
02. Mark Ski
03. Randy Reid
03. John Grabow
05. Jeanne Branthover
05. Patrick Foy
05. Richard Carlson
05. Sally McGrath
09. Patricia Spratt
09. George Peterkin
09. Stuart Baker
Second Flight
01. Carl Archiniaco
02. David Trigiani
03. Danna Huneycutt
03. Yvette Donato-Selby
Pegs
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Flags Clips & MALLETS Galore
02. Danna Huneycutt
02. Dick Brickley
03. George Peterkin
03. Carl Archiniaco
03. David Trigiani
03. David Kepner
09. Stuart Baker
10. John Grabow
11. Joseph Moore
12. Sally McGrath
Second Flight Doubles (Waterford)
01. John Craddock
01. George Claffey
02. Jan Fisher
02. Mary Craddock 03. Jane Helms
03. Jane Casey
03. John McGrath
03. Eileen Cornacchia
09. Lovejoy Duryea
10. Anne Carr
11. Kelso Sutton
12. Jeff Scholz
Third Flight Doubles (Waterford)
01. Richard Hayes
01. Allison Worthington
02. Georgia Carter
02. Sally Ohrstrom
03. Randall Roe
03. Patricia Peterkin
03. Jessica Beccia
03. Claudia Parks
09. Connie Walsh
10. William Sullivan
11. Mary Anne Mathys
12. David Beccia
2023 Sarasota County CC Jones Invitational
January 26-29, 2023
Sarasota County Croquet Club Venice, Florida
Championship A Flight
01. David Ekstrom
02. Gene Raymond
03. Lynda Sudderberg
04. Neil Houghton
04. Brett Stovall
06. Matt Griffith
06. Rodney Lassiter
08. Robert Worrell
09. Arthur Olsen
DNF Richard Sullivan
Championship B Flight
01. Brian Hovis
02. Linda Trifone
03. Oakley Johnson
04. Mary Rodeberg
05. Ron Eccles
05. Walt Janitz
07. Brian Zindel
07. Stephen Grassbaugh
09. Deborah Millican
First Flight
01. Ellie Griffith
02. Sally McGrath
03. Rick Alderson
04. Roger Vorraber
05. Steve Zoric
05. Ron Millican
07. Ken Deason
07. Yen Sullivan
Second Flight
01. Cecil Creasey
02. Christine Smith
03. Sandy Janitz
04. Janet Fisher
05. Rusty Rose
05. Jeanette Hodgkins
www.croquetamerica.com | 45 05.
05. Karen
05. David Kepner Third Flight 01. John
02. Jeff Scholz 03. Anne Carr 03. George Claffey 05. Jan Fisher 05. Lovejoy Duryea 05. Jane Casey 05. John McGrath Fourth Flight 01. Georgia Carter 02. David
03. Patricia
03. Richard Hayes 05. Mary
05. William Sullivan 05. Maggie Kirkbride 05. Allison
09. Randall Roe 09. Claudia Parks Championship Doubles (Waterford) 01. David
01. Linda Trifone 02. Rodney Lassiter 02. Kevin Hansley 03. David Ekstrom 03. Tom Cooper 03. Mary Rodeberg 03. Don Eccles 05. Tim Bitting 05. John Brown 05. David McCoy 05. Calvert Chaney 07. Randy Cardo 07. Jodie Rugart 07. Missy Ramey 07. Mark Ski 09. Dick Sullivan 09. Conner Helms 09. Donna Dixon 09. Alexander Muradian 11. Bob Van Tassell 11. Mark Fields 11. Stuart Price 11. Patricia Spratt
Chris Patmore 13. Bev Cardo
Preston Stuart
Jeanne
Joseph Moore 05. Dick Brickley
Heckman
Craddock
Beccia
Peterkin
Craddock
Worthington
Isaacs
13.
13.
13.
Branthover
Richard Carlson
Karen Heckman
First Flight Doubles (Waterford) 01.
01.
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event results
09. Mary Hennelly
10. Jan Spoerl
11. Gay Cinque
11. Diana Robinson
13. Mary Ellen Gumerson
13. Mary Churchill
13. Candra Seley
16. Marianne Davidson
17. Sarah Persons
18. Tina Day
19. Patricia Richmond
20. Shelley Laird
21. Linda Carpenter
22. Sheila Peterson
23. Carla Tourtellotte
24. Pamela Wilson
Second Flight
01. Vickie Johnston
02. Cori Campbell
03. Karen Heckman
04. Barbara O'Laughlin
05. Alix Worley
06. Jane Louise Smith
07. Cathy Long
07. Lynn Foley
09. Nancy Sansalone
10. Betsy Berry
11. Jan Loftis
11. Jane Grandusky
NCC Club 6W Singles
January 13-15, 2023 National Croquet Center
West Palm Beach, Florida
Championship Flight
01. Bob Van Tassell
02. David Ekstrom
03. Randy Cardo
03. Mike Gibbons
05. Preston Stuart
05. Norris Settlemyre
05. Mike Todorovich
05. Calvert Chaney
09. Lynda Sudderberg
09. Bill Trower
09. Jodie Rugart
12. Bev Cardo
12. Kevin Hansley
13. Leo McBride
13. David McCoy
DNF Johnny Mitchell
First Flight
01. Jeff Morrison
02. Lucas Van Alen
03. Larry Lynch
03. Randy Reid
05. Stuart Price
06. Missy Ramey
06. Mark Ski
08. Stephen Grassbaugh
Second Flight
01. Bill Sadowski
02. Kat Robinson
03. Jan Fisher
03. David Kepner
05. Anne Carr
06. Chris Morris
06. Jeff Scholz
08. Tom O'Laughlin
Third Flight
01. Steven Mednick
02. Nigel Billingham
03. Priscilla Flowers
03. Barbara O'Laughlin
05. John Bannister
2023 Sarasota County CC Club
Handicap Adjuster
January 11-12, 2023
Sarasota County Croquet Club
Venice, Florida
Breaksters (Hdcp 9-10)
01. Dean Ricci
02. Linda Orff
03. Jim McLaughlin
04. Alex Feinstein
05. Sandra Cornes
Hoopsters (Hdcp 10)
01. Michael Marsh
02. Kevin Gralton
03. Nona McGinnis
04. Shirley Ricci
05. Steven Walden
Wicketeers (Hdcp 11+)
01. Toni Marie Gelineau
02. Cindy Duranko
03. Kathie Hart
04. Rick Brace
05. Lynn Brace
06. Howard Russell
46 | www.croquetamerica.com
Flight
Mervyn
02. George Quallich 03. Chris Weihs 04. John McGrath 05. George Claffey 05. Karen Weihs Fourth Flight 01. Mark Klein 02. Cynthia Chess 03. Alex Feinstein 04. Jeffery Cohen 05. Susan Creasey 05. Barbara Wolf
Women's GC Open January 19-22, 2023 National Croquet Center West Palm Beach, Florida Championship Flight 01. Bev Cardo 02. Ellen
03. Debbie
03. Cheryl Bromley 05. Priscilla Flowers 06. Laura Hendrick 07. Lynda Bjorklund 08. Jodie Rugart 09. Anne Killilea 10. Cami Russack 11. Lois Clay
Vicky Naranjo
Suzanne
Pam Groh
Suzanne Turner
Ellie
Maloney
Caryl Firth
Kathie Gamble
Karen Connery-Albert 21. Jeanne Branthover 22. Mary Galasso 23. Barbara Jamison 23. Lynn Epstein First Flight 01. Vanesa Fernandez 02. Lorie Tarver 03. Amy Hempt 04. Ellen O'Brien 05. MaryCarol Stearns 06. Trudy Crowetz 07. Karen Weihs 07. Kathleen Brown
Third
01.
Harvey
2023
Nielsen
Davidoff
11.
13.
Spradling 13.
13.
13.
Griffith 17. Lisa
18.
19.
20.
2023 Desert Classic
January 9-14, 2023
Mission Hills Country Club
Rancho Mirage, California
Championship Flight
Patrick
Bennett
Flight
Dixon
Sarasota County CC Holiday Invitational
December 16-18, 2022
Sarasota County Croquet Club
Venice, Florida
Championship Flight
01. Adam Lassiter 02. Macey White
03. Gene Raymond 03. David Ekstrom
05. John Donohue
05. Mark Masselink 05. Don Parker 05. Brett Stovall
First Flight
01. Brian Zindel
02. Jim Watrous
03. Jeanette Hodgkins
03. Christine Smith
05. Nancy Crouch
05. Roger Vorraber
05. Ken Deason
05. Oakley Johnson
Second Flight
01. Christof Weihs
02. Jon Ayers
03. George Quallich
03. Les Taufen
05. Karen Weihs
05. George Claffey
05. Jim McLaughlin
Third Flight Singles
01. Mark Klein
02. Bill Simmons
03. Mary Anne Taufen
03. Hillary Lassiter
05. Alex Feinstein
05. Barbara Rees-Wolf
05. Jeffery Cohen
05. Debbie Martin
CONTRIBUTE TO THE CROQUET NEWS
Please submit all inquiries and stories to uscacroquetnews@yahoo.com. Articles and reports should be submitted as Microsoft Word files and photos should be full resolution (300 dpi). The best approach when writing a press release or story is to keep it simple, short and to the point. Start with the most important news, as opposed to who announced it.
A good first paragraph answers the key questions: What? When? Where? Why? Who? How? The idea is to anticipate the questions a reader might have. Or, think of what you would want to know. For the title, the goal is to capture the reader’s attention, but keep it brief and the message clear. Double-check all details to ensure accuracy before submitting the press release. Please remember that all content may be edited for length and photos will be adjusted appropriately. If you would like a byline, please include one at the beginning of the article.
Provide photos by using a filesharing service like Dropbox, Google Drive or Box. Pick your best photos – eight to 12 good photos is enough. Twenty photos maximum. If you are unsure if the photos are high enough resolution to print, check the file size. Generally, we can make files above 1 MB work. Files under 500 KB are in the danger zone, but we will do our best to make them work. Captions are important. The best option is create a caption key at the end of your article. If photo credits are needed, make sure they are part of the caption
www.croquetamerica.com | 47
01.
Sweeney 02. Paul
03. Steve Scalpone 04. Rich Lamm 05. Peter Bach 06. Martyn Selman 07. Gene Raymond 08. Karl-Heinz Kempfer
04.
06. Tracey
07.
08. Barbara
First
01. Ron Eccles 02. Curtis Toops 03. Donna
Mary Rodeberg 05. Nick Gray
Roche
Bill Sullivan
Wills
Visit www.croquetamerica.com for more news.
grandprixstandings
2023 A6W OVERALL GP STANDINGS
48 | www.croquetamerica.com 2023 GC OVERALL GP STANDINGS # Player Singles Doubles Total 01 Kyle Maloof 2598 1440 4038 02 Tamer Hatata 2488 973 3461 03 David Maloof 1842 1440 3282 04 Billy Harper 2636 183 2819 05 Debbie Davidoff 2339 183 2522 06 Brian Lozano 1564 791 2355 07 Kent Lovvorn 1295 791 2086 08 Rick Zazueta 1295 791 2086 09 Beverley Cardo 2040 0 2040 10 Billie Ray 1317 599 1916 11 Jim Jamison 1295 599 1894 12 Jim Teel 1295 599 1894 13 Alex Galasso 1501 272 1773 14 Laura Hendrick 1225 511 1736 15 Cami Russack 1505 143 1648 16 Bruce Hindin 856 756 1612 17 Marc Stearns 1012 599 1611 18 Kendall Hendrick 1047 511 1558 19 Jeff Morrison 1106 415 1521 20 Harry Dodge 1407 0 1407 21 Jim Podraza 1012 368 1380 22 James Creasey 1096 272 1368 23 Earle Mauldin 1103 183 1286 24 Bo Prillaman 907 368 1275 25 Bill Simmons 1038 183 1221 26 Scott Spoerl 1059 143 1202 27 Leo McBride 597 599 1196 28 Dennis Leddy 1012 183 1195 29 Lynda Bjorklund 732 415 1147 30 John Warlick 456 599 1055 31 Helen Covington 456 599 1055 32 Steve Jackson 627 415 1042 33 Dallas Denny 249 791 1040 34 Tate Russack 896 143 1039 35 Ahab Dincer 0 973 973 36 Steve Tasker 873 96 969 37 Adam Barr 957 0 957 38 Randy Cardo 951 0 951 39 Caryl Firth 772 168 940 40 Kathie Gamble 520 415 935 Total players: 172. Updated 3/16/2023. 2023 AC OVERALL GP STANDINGS # Player Singles Doubles Total 01 Patrick Sweeney 678 0 678 02 Paul Bennett 420 0 420 03 Steve Scalpone 312 0 312 04 Ron Eccles 261 0 261 05 Rich Lamm 242 0 242 06 Peter Bach 187 0 187 07 Curtis Toops 162 0 162 08 Martyn Selman 140 0 140 09 Donna Dixon 120 0 120 10 Gene Raymond 97 0 97 11 Mary Rodeberg 93 0 93 12 Nick Gray 72 0 72 13 Karl-Heinz Kempfer 57 0 57 14 Tracey Roche 54 0 54 15 Bill Sullivan 37 0 37 16 Barbara Wills 22 0 22 Total players: 16. 2/15/2023.
# Player Singles Doubles Total 01 David Ekstrom 9300 4750 14050 02 Robert Van Tassell 6400 5300 11700 03 Randy Cardo 10200 1170 11370 04 David Isaacs 3400 7500 10900 05 Matthew Griffith 6100 800 6900 06 Jodie Rugart 4700 2090 6790 07 Ronald L. Eccles 2438 3970 6408 08 Richard Sullivan 400 5500 5900 09 Kevin Hansley 500 5350 5850 10 Arthur Olsen 2600 3020 5620 11 Conner L. Helms 3600 1450 5050 12 Beverley Cardo 2600 2200 4800 13 Mary Rodeberg 1730 2950 4680 14 John O. Brown 900 3750 4650 15 Linda Trifone 1050 3600 4650 16 Gene Raymond 2400 2000 4400 17 Lynda P. Sudderberg 3700 680 4380 18 Rodney Lassiter 1400 2800 4200 19 Templeton Peck 0 3900 3900 20 Loretta Cooper 1300 2550 3850 21 Calvert Chaney 2000 1500 3500 22 Danny Huneycutt 2400 1050 3450 23 Jeff Morrison 2200 998 3198 24 David McCoy 1500 1670 3170 25 Thomas Cooper 900 2200 3100 26 Norris Settlemyre 1300 1700 3000 27 Macey W. White 3000 0 3000 28 Michael Gibbons 2600 0 2600 29 Preston Stuart 2400 200 2600 30 Robert Pulitzer 0 2550 2550 31 Michael Todorovich 2400 0 2400 32 Donna Dixon 1930 400 2330 33 Mark Ski 860 1380 2240 34 Mark Fields 1900 200 2100 35 Chris Patmore 1900 200 2100 36 Webster Bull 0 2000 2000 37 Neil Houghton 1600 300 1900 38 Jane C. Helms 707 1104 1811 39 Bob Worrell 1000 800 1800 40 Oakley Johnson 1795 0 1795 41 Tim Bitting 400 1200 1600 42 Ellie Griffith 1070 416 1486 43 Donald C. Parker 1400 0 1400 44 Randy W. Reid 1400 0 1400 45 Larry A. Lynch 725 638 1363 46 Courtney Green 850 510 1360 47 Brian Zindel 303 1020 1323 48 Brian D. Hovis 1275 0 1275 49 Nicholas Gray 1262 0 1262 50 William Sullivan 1250 4 1254 51 Roger Vorraber 800 416 1216 52 Peter Bach 1190 0 1190 53 Missy Ramey 490 700 1190 54 Patrick Sweeney 1190 0 1190 55 Karen Heckman 38 1054 1092 56 Douglas P. Moore 0 1050 1050 57 John Young III 0 1050 1050 58 Paul T. Bennett 1020 0 1020 59 Brett Stovall 1000 0 1000 60 Sally McGrath 700 202 902 Total players: 246. Updated 4/10/2023.
2023 A6W WOMEN'S GP STANDINGS
GC WOMEN'S GP STANDINGS
www.croquetamerica.com | 49
# Player Singles Doubles Total 01 Jodie Rugart 4700 2090 6790 02 Beverley Cardo 2600 2200 4800 03 Mary Rodeberg 1730 2950 4680 04 Linda Trifone 1050 3600 4650 05 Lynda P. Sudderberg 3700 680 4380 06 Loretta Cooper 1300 2550 3850 07 Donna Dixon 1930 400 2330 08 Jane C. Helms 707 1104 1811 09 Ellie Griffith 1070 416 1486 10 Courtney Green 850 510 1360 11 Missy Ramey 490 700 1190 12 Karen Heckman 38 1054 1092 13 Sally McGrath 700 202 902 14 Janet K. Fisher 473 174 647 15 Yen Sullivan 50 488 538 16 Bess Gallanis 519 0 519 17 Danna Huneycutt 175 236 411 18 Christine Smith 218 144 362 19 Vickie Johnston 0 319 319 20 Missy Chilton 50 215 265 21 Patricia Spratt 60 200 260 22 Sonia Alexandra 78 170 248 23 Sandy Janitz 72 144 216 24 Mary Craddock 15 173 188 25 Rita McNamara 0 182 182 26 Allison C Worthington 15 167 182 27 Kat Robertson 180 0 180 28 Georgia Carter 102 75 177 29 Mary Cassidy 0 176 176 30 Lovejoy R. Duryea 27 149 176 31 Eileen Cornacchia 0 169 169 32 Anne Carr 144 18 162 33 Priscilla M. Flowers 12 115 127 34 Yvette Donato Selby 125 0 125 35 Lin Irey 0 115 115 36 Sandra Cornes 51 60 111 37 Kathleen Green 24 84 108 38 Linda P. Orff 36 60 96 39 Jean Henry 90 0 90 40 Karen M. Weihs 36 54 90 41 Deborah Millican 85 0 85 42 Jane Casey 27 54 81 43 Kit Detering 0 81 81 44 Patricia Peterkin 45 32 77 45 Arlene Stevens 0 72 72 46 Linda Grady 54 14 68 47 Jeanette Hodgkins 50 14 64 48 Yolande Hadlock 0 63 63 49 C. Shirley Ricci 6 54 60 50 Toni Marie Gelineau 50 0 50 51 Kathleen Carroll 0 48 48 52 Mary Jo Chapoton 0 47 47 53 Jennifer Loving 0 47 47 54 Melissa M. Nelson 0 47 47 55 Nona McGinnis 28 18 46 56 Marjorie Cain 0 43 43 57 Carmela Lummis 0 43 43 58 Liddy Chaney 0 38 38 59 Freear Pollard 12 26 38 60 Jackie Wallace 0 38 38 Total players: 102. Updated 4/10/2023. 2023
# Player Singles Doubles Total 01 Debbie Davidoff 2339 183 2522 02 Beverley Cardo 2040 0 2040 03 Laura Hendrick 1225 511 1736 04 Cami Russack 1505 143 1648 05 Lynda Bjorklund 732 415 1147 06 Helen Covington 456 599 1055 07 Caryl Firth 772 168 940 08 Kathie Gamble 520 415 935 09 Janalyn Spoerl 778 143 921 10 Priscilla Flowers 630 272 902 11 Ellen Nielsen 884 0 884 12 Cheryl Bromley 741 0 741 13 Nancy Sansalone 419 315 734 14 Barbara Jamison 418 168 586 15 Sandra Knuth 249 319 568 16 Susu Day 249 315 564 17 Pam Groh 513 0 513 18 Mary Galasso 506 0 506 19 Lorie Tarver 497 0 497 20 Trudy Crowetz 476 0 476 21 Karen Weihs 475 0 475 22 Jodie Rugart 472 0 472 23 Vickie Johnston 465 0 465 24 Alix Worley 459 0 459 25 Jane Smith 144 315 459 26 Anne Killilea 438 0 438 27 Gay Cinque 340 96 436 28 Susie Day 111 315 426 29 Suzanne Turner 377 0 377 30 Lois Clay 376 0 376 31 Vicky Naranjo 376 0 376 32 Jane Grandusky 42 315 357 33 Jennifer Joseph 249 96 345 34 MaryCarol Stearns 336 0 336 35 Ellie Griffith 318 0 318 36 Suzanne Spradling 318 0 318 37 Jodie Payne 303 0 303 38 Christine Smith 290 0 290 39 Kathleen Brown 286 0 286 40 Pauline Harvey 249 0 249 41 Karen Heckman 241 0 241 42 Lynn Foley 234 0 234 43 Sally Mills 220 0 220 44 Diana Robinson 211 0 211 45 Lisa Maloney 209 0 209 46 Barbara O'Laughlin 201 0 201 47 Sarah Persons 199 0 199 48 Sandra Cornes 194 0 194 49 Leina Casimir 186 0 186 50 Mary Ellen Gumerson 179 0 179 Total players: 84. Updated 3/16/2023. 2023 AC WOMEN'S GP STANDINGS # Player Singles Doubles Total 01 Donna Dixon 120 0 120 02 Mary Rodeberg 93 0 93 03 Tracey Roche 54 0 54 04 Barbara Wills 22 0 22 Total players: 4. 2/15/2023.
CALIFORNIA
Rancho Mirage –
Mission Hills Croquet Club
Lucia Bell
John Durantini
Valerie Durantini
Mike Humphries
Ted Kalmon
Topaz Kalmon
Connie Linton
Susan Mardell
Debra Stern
Stanley Stern
Rohnert Park –
Sonoma Croquet Club
Diana Cecala
COLORADO
Denver – Denver Country Club
Gillette Hansen
CONNECTICUT
Greenwich –
Greenwich Croquet Club
Laurence Allen
Adam Gunnerson
FLORIDA
Boca Grande –
Gasparilla Inn Mallet Club
Bob Charlebois
Meghan Charlebois
Ron Drake
Betsy Drake
James Griesemer
Bonita Springs – Bonita Bay Club
Cindi Cooper
Joey Cooper
Madeleine d'Ambrosio
Sheila George
Raymond George Jr
Mike Hoggatt
Edward Kane
Michael Kolowich
William Kuhn
Alice Lehman
Delray Beach – St. Andrews Club
Ann Heilakka
Mary Jo Orsinger
Victor Orsinger
Martha Perry
Key Largo – Ocean Reef Club
Hannah Fleckenstein
Lake Wales –
Mountain Lake Croquet Club
Eugenie Birch
Lili Geehr
Naples –
Naples Croquet Club of Florida
Cara Blazier
Kenneth Blazier
Naples – Wilderness Country Club
Michael Fach
Nancy Kane
Ocean Ridge – At Large Member
Nancy Kirby
Palm Beach – Everglades Club, Inc.
Larry Flick
Maryam Flick
John Johnson
Sharon Lynch
Jim Lynch
Pamalee Murphy
John Niblack
Gil Walsh
Pam Williams
Palm Beach – The Beach Club
Sally Ohrstrom
Palm Coast –Grand Haven Croquet Club
Jackie Hamm
John Hamm
Elaine Murphy
Podduturu Reddy
P. Vijaya Reddy
Art Turcotte
Palm Coast –Hammock Dunes Croquet Association
Yadlapalli Brahmananda
Maggie Ferguson
Ponte Vedra Beach –
The Plantation of Ponte Vedra
Maggie Mignone
Ellen O'Brien
Venice –Sarasota County Croquet Club
Jose Benjumea
James Carlin
Theresa Chick
Cynthia Christenson
Jason Collins
Nancy Loosbrock
Steve Loosbrock
Paul Panaccione
Vero Beach –
John's Island Croquet Club
John Dillon
Vero Beach – Oak Harbor Club
Ted Fuller
West Palm Beach –
National Croquet Club
Kevin Alvarez
Helena Drori
Galo Emerson Jr.
Rhonda Gordon
Stan Green
Seifried Gundi
John Hooper
Geoffrey Johnson
Linda Koch-Hunt
Steve Laciak
Judy Ann Lang
Virginia Laytham
Linda Munn
John Niblack
Ruth Salkin
Nicholas Sander
Nancy Sander
Douglas Simmons
Elizabeth Thiele
Jacob Turner
Diane Wren
GEORGIA
Atlanta – At Large Member
Walter Maynard
McDonough – At Large Member
Daniel Kilpatrick
ILLINOIS
Chicago – Chicago Croquet Club
Laura Baxley
Barbara Pearce
KANSAS
Fredonia – At Large Member
Jacob Green
LOUISIANA
Baton Rouge –Red Stick Croquet Club
Marguerite Hawking
MARYLAND
Annapolis –
The United States Naval Academy
Jason Nguyen
Galesville – West River Wickets
Marie Richardson
Charles Worden
Silver Spring – At Large Member
Francisco Echeverria
Takoma Park – At Large Member
Jack Bevington
Evan Muir
Bryan Robinette
Isaiah Winger
Caleb Winger
MASSACHUSETTS
Sandwich –
The Sandwich Croquet Club
Robert Bennink JR
MINNESOTA
Stillwater – At Large Member
John Bergman
Gloria Sell
MISSOURI
Parkville –
Kactus Creek Croquet Club
Jake Walter
St. Louis – At Large Member
Ann Behm
Mat Turner
NEW JERSEY
Sea Girt –Green Gables Croquet Club
Patricia Agabiti
NEW CLUBS
Atlanta Athletic Club | Johns Creek, Georgia
Colorado Croquet | Denver, Colorado
Sylvan Hills Middle School | Little Rock, Arkansas
NEW YORK
Buffalo – Buffalo Croquet Club
Margo Davis
New York –
New York Croquet Club
Enrique Castellon-Davis
Rochester –
Rochester Croquet Club
Denise Ireland
Southampton –
Meadow Club of Southampton
Laurence Allen
NORTH CAROLINA
Belvidere –
Albemarle Croquet Club @ Doodle Hill
Jennifer Falchi
Russell Lassiter
Cashiers – Cedar Creek Club
Simon Dentchev
Highlands –
Highlands Falls Croquet Association
Melissa Cabe
Highlands –
Highlands Strikers Croquet Club
Lynn DeVault
Pinehurst – Pinehurst Croquet Club
Peter Humphrey
Kate Humphrey
Aline Lafferty
John Lafferty
Southport – The Clubs at St James
Elaine Smith
Robert Smith
OKLAHOMA
Bartlesville –Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Cori Campbell
Leina Casimir
SOUTH CAROLINA
Aiken – At Large Member
John Harte
Sylvia Harte
Aiken –Green Boundary Croquet Club
Amy Hempt
Charleston – Bishop Gadsden
George Hartley
Cynthia Hartley
Okatie –Spring Island Croquet Club
Anne Clark
Tom Clark
Oktie – Spring Island Croquet Club
Jacqueline Cannon
Sam Cannon
TEXAS
Dallas – At Large Member
Kathy Bolton
USVI
Christiansted –
Bombay Mallet & Wicket Croquet Club
Elizabeth Armstrong
Norma Jean Brent
Diane Buska
James Gutierrez
Nancy Hasoon
Ann Nagel
VERMONT
Vernon – At Large Member
Bettina Buehler
VIRGINIA
Hartfield –Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club
David Bundy
INTERNATIONAL
CANADA, BRITISH COLUMBIA
Mission – At Large Member
Michael Kernaghan
CANADA,ONTARIO
Toronto – At Large Member
Elizabeth Randell
Mike Tevlin
UNITED KINGDOM
At Large Member
Harry Dodge
50 | www.croquetamerica.com
newmembers
Expanded Reach
Four Issues to Deliver Maximum Impact
The USCA’s full-color Croquet News magazine is now quarterly with all four issues released in print + the interactive digital edition. Since the Croquet News digital magazine was launched, it continues to set new standards for reader engagement and advertiser click-throughs. Plus, the digital edition goes beyond the USCA membership and offers a global reach of more than 4,000 total readers per issue for the print + digital editions.
Each issue of the magazine includes tactics columns, tournament dates, news, results, national event coverage and features full of the best croquet photography. The print version of the Croquet News is a core attraction for USCA members and still boasts a print circulation of roughly 2,000 copies per issue and reaches over 3,000 croquet players and fans.
Get Started
For a full 2023 Croquet News media kit, contact Dylan Goodwin at croquetnetwork@gmail.com
Upcoming Ad/Copy Deadlines
2023 August Issue (Fall) – 7/21/23
2023 November Issue (Winter) – 10/27/23
2024 February Issue (Spring) – 1/19/24
CroquetNews The Official Magazine of the United States Croquet Association 2022 Volume 1 PLUS: SENIORS MASTERS | FLORIDA GC REGIONAL NINE WICKET NATIONALS | RYAN THOMPSON GC CLUB TEAMS USCA'S BIGGEST 2021 EVENT
uscasanctionedevents
May
05/26/23 - 05/21/23
Northeast AC Regional Championship | AC
Lenox Croquet Club | Lenox, MA
Stuart Lawrence | 646-483-3000 | plus26tp@gmail.com
05/31/23 - 06/04/23
Berkshire Invitational | US
Lenox Croquet Club | Lenox, MA
David R Ekstrom | 413-230-6122 | dekstrom2023@outlook.com
June
06/03/23 - 06/03/23
National Croquet Day | Multi-Rules
At your Club
Thomas Cooper | 609-306-7669 | tom@coopergroupnj.com
06/08/23 - 06/11/23
NC Open AC | AC
Albemarle Croquet Club | Belvidere, NC
Mike Taylor | 910-986-3343 | mrtaylor1022@gmail.com
06/15/23 - 06/18/23
Woodlawn Invitational 6W | US
Woodlawn Croquet Program | Ellsworth, ME
Perry A Mattson | 207-667-9335 | newburyneckshore@gmail.com
06/22/23 - 06/25/23
ScissorTail Oklahoma Championship | US
Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club | Nichols Hills, OK
Suzanne Spradling | 405-590-7264 | sshawsprad@cox.net
06/23/23 - 06/25/23
New York State GC Tournament | GC
New York Croquet Club @ Central Park | New York City, NY
Peter W Timmins | 646-642-6601 | peterwtimmins@yahoo.com
06/23/23 - 06/25/23
Greenwich Invitational | US
Bruce Park | Greenwich, CT
Bill Miller | 203-530-6788 | billmiller8@snet.net
06/29/23 - 07/02/23
Chesapeake Bay Croquet Festival GC | GC
Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club | Hartfield, VA
Macey W. White | 804-694-9771 | maceywhite@gmail.com
06/29/23 - 07/02/23
Rockfish GC | GC
Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club | Hartfield, VA
Macey W. White | 804-694-9771 | maceywhite@gmail.com
July
07/10/23 - 07/13/23
WCF AC World Championship Qualifier
Sussex County Croquet Club | Sussex
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com
07/11/23 - 07/14/23
Meadow Club Invitational 6W | US
The Meadow Club | Southampton, NY
Vickie Johnston | 561-848-7489 | vejohnston@gmail.com
| www.croquetamerica.com
07/15/23 - 07/23/23
WCF AC World Championship | AC
Hurlingham and multiple clubs | London
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com
07/20/23 - 07/23/23
Western Regional 6W Championship | US
King City Civic Center | Portland, OR
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com
August
08/02/23 - 08/04/23
The Prosser Cup GC | GC
Ocean House | Watch Hill, RI
Patricia K Spratt | 860-227-7297 | psprattct@aol.com
08/03/23 - 08/06/23
Westhampton Invitational | US
Westhampton Mallet Club | Westhampton, NY
Randy Cardo | 631-902-5678 | randy.cardo@gmail.com
08/07/23 - 08/14/23
WCF Women’s GC World Championship | GC
Sussex County Croquet Club | West Sussex, England
08/10/23 - 08/13/23
Woodlawn Vacationland GC Inviitational | GC
Woodlawn Museum & Gardens, Ellsworth, ME
Timothy McCormick | 207-329-5343 | tmccorm1@gmail.com
08/11/23 - 08/13/23
Rochester Invitational | US
Rochester Croquet Club | Rochester, NY
Sue E Sherer | 585-474-3753 | sue.e.sherer@gmail.com
08/17/23 - 08/20/23
Buffalo 7th Annual 6W Invitational | US
Delaware Park | Buffalo, NY
Robert Gannon | 716-432-1500 | thehangmen@msn.com
08/24/23 - 08/27/23
Western Regional AC Championship | AC
West Point Grey | Vancouver, BC
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com
08/25/23 - 08/27/23
MidAtlantic Regional 6W Championship | US
Green Gables Croquet Club | Sea Girt, NJ
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com
September
09/06/23 - 09/10/23
Woodlawn Big Lobster 6W/9W | US & 9W
Woodlawn Croquet Program | Ellsworth, ME
Perry A Mattson | 207-667-9335 | newburyneckshore@gmail.com
09/06/23 - 09/09/23
The Little Rhody | US
Ocean House | Watch Hill, RI
Patricia K Spratt | 860-227-7297 | psprattct@aol.com
52
09/07/23 - 09/10/23
SE Regional GC Championship | GC
Albemarie Croquet Club | Belvidere, NC
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com
09/14/23 - 09/17/23
Blue Crab 6W | US
Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club | Hartfield, VA
Macey W. White | 804-694-9771 | maceywhite@gmail.com
09/14/23 - 09/17/23
Osborn Cup 6W | US
New York Croquet Club @ Central Park | New York City, NY
Peter W Timmins | 646-642-6601 | peterwtimmins@yahoo.com
09/18/23 - 09/24/23
USCA National GC Championship | GC
Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club | Hartfield, VA
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com
09/23/23 - 09/24/23
Merion Cricket Club 6W & GC Ivitational | US & GC
Merion Cricket Club | Haverford, PA
09/27/23 - 10/01/23
Pinehurst Invitational 6W | US
Pinehurst Country Club | Pinehurst, NC
Elaine Moody | 910-986-3164 | halliburton_2@msn.com
09/28/23 - 10/01/23
Cape Cod Invitational | US
Sandwich Croquet Club | Sandwich, MA
Jean M Lynch | 508-444-6983 | jlynch8488@gmail.com
October
10/08/23 - 10/14/23
USCA National American 6W Championship | US
National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com
10/14/23 - 10/21/23
WCF GC Over 50 World Championship | AC
Moorabinda Croquet Club & Bunbury Tennis Club | WA
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com
10/17/23 - 10/18/23
USCA GC School | GC
National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com
10/18/23 - 10/22/23
Country Club of Jackson 6W Invitational | US
Country Club of Jackson | Jackson, MS
Mark Fields | 601-918-2704 | mfields5@gmail.com
10/19/23 - 10/22/23
NC State Singles Championship 6W & AC | US & AC
Bald Head Island Croquet Club | Bald Head Island, NC
Mike Taylor | 910-986-3343 | mrtaylor1022@gmail.com
10/20/23 - 10/22/23
National Croquet Club GC Singles | GC
National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL
Priscilla M Flowers | 828-421-3543 | pmflowers375@gmail.com
10/21/23 - 10/24/23
Big Oyster GC | GC
Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club | Hartfield, VA
Macey W. White | 804-694-9771 | maceywhite@gmail.com
10/24/23 - 10/25/23
Association Laws Croquet School | AC
National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com
10/26/23 - 10/29/23
Women’s Friendship Cup GC | GC
Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club | Hartfield, VA
Macey W. White | 804-694-9771 | maceywhite@gmail.com
10/26/23 - 10/29/23
USCA Selection Eights AC | AC
National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com
10/31/23 - 11/02/23
USCA American 6W School | US
National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com
November
11/02/23 - 11/05/23
Ponte Vedra Seahorse Tournament | GC
Ponte Vedra Croquet Club | Ponte Vedra, FL
Marc H Stearns | 904-273-2694 | mstearns2@bellsouth.net
11/02/23 - 11/05/23
West Indies Invitational 6W | US
Tennis Club of St Croix | St Croix, USVI
Douglas P Moore | 646-322-1742 | douglaspmoore@gmail.com
11/02/23 - 11/05/23
Houston Invitational 6W & GC | US & GC
Memorial Park Croquet Lawns | Houston, TX
Stuart Coco | 713-628-5704 | stuartwcoco@gmail.com
Sales Associate 2000 PGA Blvd, # 2100 Palm Beach Gardens FL 33408 m 518.524.5658 | o 561.210.7766 kathleen.chace@corcoran.com www.corcoran.com
In Memorium: Pat Chace Supper & Papa Fred Supper
www.croquetamerica.com | 53
Kathleen F. Chace
uscasanctionedevents
November (continued)
11/07/23 - 11/12/23
Solomon Trophy and President’s Matches | AC
Sarasota County Croquet Club | Venice, FL
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com
11/08/23 - 11/12/23
USCA Seniors Masters 6W | US
National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com
11/14/23 - 11/18/23
US Open AC | AC
Sarasota County Croquet Club | Venice, FL
Doug Grimsley | 703-591-0813 | dgrimsley37@aol.com
December
12/01/23 - 12/03/23
USCA GC Club Teams | GC
Sarasota County Croquet Club | Venice, FL
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com
12/05/23 - 12/09/23
Pacific Cup AC | AC
Mission Hills Country Club | Rancho Mirage, CA
Patrick Sweeney | 503-452-2191 | sweeney@503law.com
12/06/23 - 12/07/23
USCA GC School | GC
National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com
12/08/23 - 12/10/23
National Croquet Club 6W Doubles | US
National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL
Timothy McCormick | 207-329-5343 | tmccorm1@gmail.com 2024
January
01/12/24 - 01/14/24
National Croquet Club 6W Singles | US
National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL
Timothy McCormick | 207-329-5343 | tmccorm1@gmail.com
01/18/24 - 01/21/24
Women’s GC Open | GC
National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL
Priscilla M Flowers | 828-421-3543 | pmflowers375@gmail.com
February
02/01/24 - 02/02/24
Snowbirds & Flamingos GC | GC
National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL
Priscilla M Flowers | 828-421-3543 | pmflowers375@gmail.com
02/12/24 - 02/18/24
USCA National GC Championship | GC
Mission Hills Country Club | Rancho Mirage, CA
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com
March
03/08/24 - 03/10/24
USCA Croquet Week GC | GC
National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com
03/14/24 - 03/17/24
USCA Club Teams 6W | US
National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com
03/31/24 - 04/02/24
National Croquet Club GC Doubles | GC
National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL
Priscilla M Flowers | 828-421-3543 | pmflowers375@gmail.com
April
04/10/24 - 04/14/23
USCA GC Eights | GC
Sarasota County Croquet Club | Venice, FL
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com
May
05/01/24 - 05/05/24
Southeast 6W Regional | US
Pinehurst Country Club | Pinehurst, NC
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com
September
09/17/24 - 09/21/24
USCA Selection Eights AC | AC
Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club | Hartfield, VA
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com
November
11/06/24 - 11/10/24
USCA Seniors Masters 6W | US
National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com
December
12/06/24 - 12/08/24
USCA GC Club Teams | GC
National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL
Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com
54 | www.croquetamerica.com
USCA INSTRUCTION SCHOOLS
Our schools are taught by top USCA certified instructors who are qualified and experienced players selected by our staff because of their croquet expertise and ability to communicate to those who wish to learn to play the game correctly. Students will have the opportunity to play croquet in a structured environment. Classes are small (8:1 or less student to teacher ratio) and are tailored to the specific playing levels of the participants. The elements of croquet are explained and demonstrated in detail. We strive to have similarly skilled players in a particular group, however, there may be times due to demand that we have a diverse group of skills. In these cases, the instructor will give each student proper attention specific to their skill level.
USCA SCHOOLS AT THE NATIONAL CROQUET CENTER
AMERICAN 6W RULES (3 days)
10/31/2023
GOLF CROQUET SCHOOL (2 days)
4/12/2023
10/1/23
12/6/23
ASSOCIATION LAWS (2 days)
10/24/2023
Included:
» 5 hours/day of on-court instruction
» Use of equipment
» Official Rulebook (New A6W or GC members) USCA Shot-making Manual (1st time A6W)
United States Croquet Association
700 Florida Mango Rd, West Palm Beach, FL. 33406 561.478.0760
www.croquetamerica.com
» Daily Continental Breakfast and Lunches Certificate of Completion & Photograph Wine and Cheese Graduation Party.
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