2023 Croquet News Volume 3: AC Worlds

Love Croquet? You’re in the Right Place.

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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.

Established in 2019, The Peachtree Hills Place Croquet Club is proud to be an official member of the prestigious United States Croquet Association.

Proud to be a Development Partner and Sponsor of the USCA Golf Croquet Nationals

For more information please visit PEACHTREEHILLSPLACE.COM or call

229 Peachtree Hills Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30305

court side

It Is About You

With summer in full swing, croquet is happening across the USA, north and south of the border in Mexico and Canada and I hope in your nearby club or backyard.

As I write this article, several of our fine women players are contesting the 2023 GC Women’s Title in England. We are very proud of the USCA players – Helen Covington, Cheryl Bromley, Bev Cardo, Debbie Davidoff and Ellen Nielsen for participating in this elite challenge and being ambassadors for the USCA on the international croquet stage.

The USCA is also equally proud of the fine showing of the USCA players competing in the recent 2023 AC World Championship. It was the strongest-ever showing by U.S. talent. Matthew Essick was the stand-out performer across all players in the event. When the dust settled, Essick finished in second place in a thrilling knockout contest. Outstanding performances were given from all our players – Matthew Essick (Runner-up), Tom Balding (Bronze Medal Winner), Stephen Morgan, Blake Fields, Kyle Maloof, Ben Rothman and Zack Watson qualified for the knockout. Sherif Abdelwahab completed a sextuple peel in block play and there was good play by Stuart Lawrence, Doug Grimsley, Jeff Soo, Brian Cumming and Paul Bennett in the blocks.

The USCA is not just about tournament play. It is about you! You are the USCA and someone that enjoys croquet, and your membership support allows us to further our mission to promote the awareness, development and enjoyment of Croquet in America. Our five key elements to promote and develop croquet are: foster relationships by building community; support participation and continuity through organizational excellence; commit to growth through diversity and inclusion; develop and enjoy the sport through education; promote croquet as a lifelong activity and healthy lifestyle. We are your partner.

An example of building community is the fine work being done by USCA member James Creasy with the Jiminy Wicket program. In May, James Creasey and Bev Cardo, USCA Secretary, engaged 40 high school and college students in golf croquet at the annual Special Olympics Youth Summit indoors at the Championsgate Resort in Orlando, Fla. As a result of the overwhelming display of laughter and smiles, Jiminy Wicket has been asked to bring croquet to eight high schools in Florida with the first annual inter-school tournament to be held at the National Croquet Center on November 15 this year. The plan is to expand this into 50-60 schools next year.

The USCA recently launched CroquetNow, available exclusively to USCA members. It provides a fun way to track improvement, view past games and record results, handicaps and view rankings within your club in both singles and doubles in AC, GC, A6W and 9W. If you have not explored this system, please do so. It is a great club-level resource.

The USCA continues to make concerted efforts to provide resources at a local club level to meet the wide range and contrast in play across the country. If it is a game played with ball and mallet, we are in. Thank you for your support of the USCA through your membership, which makes all this happen. Let’s keep the ball rolling!

Damon Bidencope

Proud USCA Member / USCA President

USCA Management Committee

President Damon Bidencope president@uscroquet.com

First Vice President Michael Albert firstvp@uscroquet.com

Second Vice President Carla Rueck secondvp@uscroquet.com

Treasurer

Douglas Moore treasurer@uscroquet.com

Secretary

Beverley Cardo secretary@uscroquet.com

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS

Florida

Bill Simmons floridarvp@uscroquet.com

Mid-Atlantic Sally McGrath smcg226@gmail.com

Midwest

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

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 561-478-0760

United States Croquet Association

700 Florida Mango Road

West Palm Beach, Florida 33406

Use your phone’s camera to scan this code and press the screen to go to the website. You must log in as a member.

www.croquetamerica.com

Look under the Members-Only tab under Merchandise..

Submissions

Text should be submitted as a Microsoft Word file and photos need to be FULL resolution (300 dpi). All content may be edited for length and photos will be adjusted appropriately. 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.

TOP PHOTO (Left to Right): Zack Watson, Kyle Maloof, Stephen Morgan, Tom Balding, Jeff Soo, Paul Bennett, Doug Grimsley, Stuart Lawrence, Blake Fields, Sherif Abdelwahab and Matthew Essick. Photo provided by Hurlingham Club photographer Isobel McTear.

LOWER PHOTOS (Left to Right): Matthew Essick and Tom Balding. Both photos by Andrew Moss.

Robert Fulford encounters a distraction at hoop 1 in game one of the AC World Final.

Photos by Jeff Soo.

2023 Solomon Trophy Line-ups

The USCA AC Selection Committee has announced the 2023 team for the upcoming Solomon Trophy, the ongoing AC test series with the United States and Great Britain. The AC team event showcases the talents of six players from each country. This year, the Solomon Trophy will be hosted at the Sarasota County Croquet Club in Venice, Fla., November 7-12, 2023.

US ROSTER

Matthew Essick #6

Zack Watson #20

Ben Rothman #21

Tom Balding #19

Stephen Morgan #41

Kyle Maloof #54

ALTERNATES

Shane Hettler #116

Sherif Abdelwahab #81

GREAT BRITAIN ROSTER

Debbie Lines (captain) #27

Alain Giraud #26

Gabrielle Higgins #33

Stephen Mulliner #29

Mark van Loon #39

Aston Wade #69

ALTERNATE

Robin Brown #38

# Indicates World Rank (8/7/2023)

USCA Launches CroquetNow

In May, the USCA officially introduced the CroquetNow app as an exclusive member benefit for all USCA members. CroquetNow is intended for players who enjoy croquet at any level. It is just as useful for recording fun family games in the backyard, tracking progress for beginning players and helping croquet clubs function, as it is for assisting the most serious of players.

theclubhouse National Croquet is June 3rd.

FEATURING

CroquetNow is a croquet game history, handicapping, ranking, research, information and network system that is available to USCA members and USCA clubs exclusively as a member benefit. It is accessed from the USCA website (once the member has logged on) and is an innovative system that allows the USCA to be part of every game, every day to enhance the croquet experience. It provides instant feedback of progression for beginning players with adjustments to handicaps and rankings the instant a result is entered.

The system allows tracking, handicapping, ranking and game history for singles or doubles including the venue where a game is played. CroquetNow supports all four major forms of croquet (American Six Wicket Croquet, Association Croquet, Nine Wicket Croquet and Golf Croquet). Members can view any combination of game types depending on their preference either on their smartphone or computer browser. Members can look up friends and search for evenly matched players in their club, district, region and across the country. Member clubs can track intra-club ladders and rankings in all four rule types.

Let’s Get the Party Started!

National Croquet Day is the perfect time to introduce your club to potential 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 number of attendees, creativity, etc. We will be publishing the photos News and on social media.

A Quick Start Guide is located at https://www.croquetamerica.com/docs.ashx?id=1151636

In addition, this year we are introducing CroquetNow, an app for your computer that will allow you to have regular games affect your handicap More information is available on the USCA website, www.croquetamerica.com

WEEKLY CROQUET BREAK

The Club that logs the most games on the CroquetNow app from June 11th will claim a top prize. You and your fellow club members will want get set and play because the prize will be well worth it.

Seeking articles on croquet-related subjects by USCA members to be published electronically in the weekly newsletter sent by email to all USCA members. Writers and articles are scheduled according to a rotation that considers croquet games, subjects, USCA regions and writers.

Procedure: Submit your piece to Sara Low (hoopsnflies@msn.com ) or Ursula Peck (membership@uscroquet.com) to be added to the Weekly Croquet Break calendar. Before publishing, suggested edits (punctuation and spelling) and a final page will be sent to you for your approval.

We are excited about the impact National Croquet Day will continue to community, while we keep these 5 focuses in mind:

1.Foster relationships by building community.

Article Format: Word Length: Any length

2.Support participation through organizational

3.Commit to growth through diversity and inclusion.

Additional: Short bio (1-4 lines) and photo (j-peg) to appear with article

4.Develop and enjoy the sport through education.

5.Promote croquet as a lifelong activity and healthy

2023 USCA Grant Program: Promoting Croquet Membership and Public Access Initiatives

The USCA is encouraging clubs to participate in the 2023 Grant Program, which provides an opportunity for clubs and schools to boost membership and foster new initiatives in public access spaces. The goal is to support innovative projects and events that promote the growth of croquet in the United States. Funds allocated to clubs can be used for various aspects of hosting an event, including refreshments, prizes, advertising and other related expenses, but it does not cover equipment costs.

Several clubs have taken advantage of this opportunity in the past and have had great success. One club organized a golf croquet tournament, where participants were required to become USCA members to receive a handicap. This inventive approach resulted in 10 new USCA members, demonstrating the potential impact of the grant.

To expand on the program, this year a portion of the budget has been specifically reserved for croquet programs in public access spaces. This opens possibilities for establishing croquet programs in town recreation programs, county parks and other accessible areas. Grants designed for these initiatives may also include equipment support, encouraging a broader reach for the sport.

Club representatives are encouraged to consider hosting engaging and enjoyable events that target new USCA members. By leveraging the 2023 grant, clubs have the chance to introduce more individuals to the game of croquet, strengthening the sport’s community and impact across the nation.

For further information on the application process for the 2023 Grant Program, interested parties are advised to contact Grant Chairperson, Loretta Cooper, at loretta@coopergroupnj.com.

New Treasurer USCA Treasurer

The USCA Management Committee has two new members. Doug Moore joins the team as the new treasurer replacing David Isaacs and Bev Cardo is the new secretary, taking over for Rob Byrd. Both Isaacs and Byrd have agreed to stay on the Finance Committee.

Additionally, the USCA announced a committee change with Ron Eccles stepping into the 9 Wicket & Long Grass Chair, replacing Paul Bennett.

ONLINE TOURNAMENT REGISTRATION

One of the nice things about our new website is the ability to sign up and pay for tournaments online. However, with every good thing there is often a bad thing. Yin and yang. Unfortunately, you cannot sign up another member as a player, but you can as a guest. They sign up with their own account if they wish to play. It may cause a bit of inconvenience, but please remember each person must sign up for themselves. It makes life easier for everybody.

—Johnny Mitchell

WCF UPDATES

PROCESS FOR NEW PRESIDENT: Current WCF president Ian Burridge has indicated that he does not intend to stand for a second term when his current four-year term as WCF President finishes at the end of this year. Those interested in developing our sport are invited to get in touch now to find out more about what is involved. Please email secretary@worldcroquet.org for more information. The formal process for applications is via member nominations and this process will start later in the yea r.

GC OVER 50s: The Golf Croquet Over 50s World Championship will take place in Bunbury, Western Australia, October 14-21, 2023. U.S. players participating in the event include:

• Sherif Abdelwahab #74

• Mohammad Kamal #104

• Billy Harper #182

• Kent Lovern #211)

• Matt Griffith #344

• Helen Covington #402

Event website:

www.over50gcworldchampionship.com

# Indicates World Rank (8/7/2023)

Return of Snowbirds and Flamingos

The Snowbirds and Flamingos Golf Croquet Doubles Tournament has been a FRIEND/FUN-D-RAISER at the National Croquet Center since 2014. We have not hosted this fun event for the past two years, but due to its popularity and many requests, we are pleased to announce the “Birds” will once again gather on the lawns at the National Croquet Center, West Palm Beach, Fla., November 1-2, 2023.

Since its inception, players have traveled from all over the U.S. to play in this event. The costumes have been memorable, creative, some challenging to play in and some have left their feathers on the lawns, but a fun time has been shared by all.

This fun-d-raising tournament raises money to purchase specific items benefiting the players. For example, past purchases have included the court awnings and cushions. To accommodate the upcoming 2024 Golf Croquet World Tournament, the 2025 Association World Tournament and the number of players using the facility for other tournaments, the Croquet Foundation of America has developed plans to expand the number of lawns

at the center. This expansion offers naming opportunities. The committee is working to not only relaunch the Snowbirds and Flamingos Golf Croquet Doubles Tournament, but also raise enough money to name one of the new lawns SNOWBIRDS & FLAMINGOS.

We are inviting all past, present and future Snowbirds and Flamingos to participate. To be part of this naming opportunity, you can join us for two days of fun and competitive play or you can support our efforts with a contribution to the Snowbirds and Flamingos Tournament. So, grab a partner, design your wildest costume, a crazy team name and join us for two days of fun! Oh, and by the way, right now the series is tied with four titles each. This year will be the tiebreaker!

For more information, contact Priscilla Flowers at 828-421-3543 or pmflowers375@gmail.com. Donations and underwriting opportunities are available.

TheInbox

Peachtree Hills Place Croquet Club Hosts Georgia Cup Tournament

Peachtree Hills Place Croquet Club hosted the inaugural United States Croquet Association Georgia Cup Tournament April 22-23, 2023, for two days of intense croquet competition by top players from throughout the state of Georgia, several who were ranked among the best national players. The tournament, sponsored by MercedesBenz of Buckhead and TheKey, featured golf croquet and included players from Peachtree Hills Place Croquet Club and Lenbrook Croquet, Jekyll Island Croquet Club and Carroll County Croquet Club. Carroll County Croquet Club won the tournament with a combined score of 33 and Jekyll Island Croquet Club finished second.

“Croquet has been increasingly growing in popularity in the Southeast and Georgia, and we are thrilled to have a sanctioned USCA event recognize the high level of play that we have in this region,” says Peachtree Hills Place Croquet Club Chairman Bill Mullican. “We congratulate Carroll County Croquet Club on their win and appreciate all the players who joined us for the inaugural Georgia Cup tournament. Peachtree Hills Place Croquet Club looks forward to hosting again next year.”

The game of croquet is steeped in etiquette, including the tradition of practicing and competing in all white attire. Spectators from the participating clubs will be in attendance to watch the competitors expertly execute roquet and jump shots during play.

From casual play to competitive matches, croquet’s popularity is on the rise as Americans seek more outdoor social activities that promote a healthy lifestyle. Adding to

the sport’s popularity is the multigenerational aspect as people of all ages can be competitive. Many golf clubs, resorts and municipal parks have added croquet courts to the mix, as croquet is one of the fastest-growing sports among active adults – second to pickleball.

In addition to the Georgia Cup Tournament, Peachtree Hills Place Croquet has plans for charitable exhibition games and tournament play with other teams soon. Additionally, Peachtree Hills Place is a host venue for the USCA High Performance and Talent Development Program, which is dedicated to improving the performance of US representatives in international team and individual competitions.

Established in 2019, the Peachtree Hills Place Croquet Club originated from the Peachtree Hills Place members’ collective passion for the game of croquet. Inspired by English country garden designs, the Peachtree Hills Place Central Courtyard features two TifEagle Bermuda grass regulation-sized croquet lawns – the only regulation-sized lawns in Atlanta. Open exclusively to Peachtree Hills Place members and their guests, the manicured greens are the perfect place for lawn sports and socializing while sporting croquet whites. Members enjoy private instruction from world-class players, competitive gameplay through men’s, women’s and mixed matches, and casual, social gameplay at weekly Wine & Wickets gatherings.

For more information, visit www.peachtreehillsplace.com/croquet-club.

Tega Cay Community Outreach PASSAGES

Skip (L. Kent) Babcock .............................. At Large Member

Jean Conry Pinehurst Croquet Club

Marvin Ginsky National Croquet Club & New York Croquet Club

A. Lloyd Hadden, Jr................ Strawbery Banke Croquet Club

Bob Harris ........................................ National Croquet Club

Tom Keesee................................ Linville Ridge Croquet Club

Alan Langley Pinehurst Croquet Club

Lynn LeBlanc Bombay Mallet & Wicket Croquet Club

Earle Mauldin ................. Highlands Strikers Croquet Club & The Plantation of Ponte Vedra

The Tega Cay Croquet Club had a recent “community outreach” project. Seven residents of The Wellmore of Tega Cay were invited to play croquet at the club. The Wellmore is an assisted living facility, and they have a bus for transportation. Before the residents arrived, we divided our full-size court into half-size courts.

To make gameplay easier, just four wickets were used on each court and the center peg was removed. Players were given a quick lesson on golf croquet. The club had several members in attendance to coach and help the players play safely. The group played for about an hour, and everyone really enjoyed the outing.

The Tega Cay Croquet Club was founded in 2008 and currently has 115 members. Tega Cay is located in South Carolina, just south of Charlotte, N.C. Learn more about the club at www.tegacaycroquet.com.

Jutta McInnis .................................... National Croquet Club

Howard McMillan ......... Highlands Falls Croquet Association

Robert Morgan Pinehurst Croquet Club

Ruth Nicolaci Marion Mallet Club

Helen Ozment................................... Pinehurst Croquet Club

Peter Rothenberg .................................... Quogue Field Club

Dave Simon ............................................... Cedar Creek Club

Ellen Sole Edgartown Croquet Club

At Large Member

Joan K. Stout

Residents from The Wellmore get a quick lesson on croquet.

Photo by Bob Harned.

2023 AC World Championship

July 15–22, London, England

six for FULFORD

By Jeff Soo

Robert Fulford (ENG) won the 2023 WCF Association Croquet World Championship for a record sixth time, further cementing his legacy as the greatest AC player of all time. The victory was a comeback in two senses. It was Fulford’s first individual world championship title since 2002, by far the longest gap ever between wins at this event. And, in the best-of-five final against Matthew Essick (USA), Fulford had to overcome a two-game deficit to win.

PHOTO: Robert Fulford from C1 during the final.

Photo provided by Hurlingham Club photographer Isobel McTear.

LEFT: Tom Balding during the semifinals.

RIGHT: Australia’s Robert Fletcher during his semifinal against Essick. Photos by Andrew Moss.

Matthew Essick during the Final.

Provided by the Hurlingham Club photographer Isobel McTear.

2023 AC World Championship

July 15–22, London, England

It was Essick’s third consecutive appearance in a world championship final. His breakthrough came in 2020, where he knocked off two world champions to reach the final against Reg Bamford (ZAF). In 2022, Essick won the GC world title with a dominating performance in the knockout, ending with a 3-1 victory over Fulford in the final.

Twelve American players qualified for the tournament, the most ever for a world championship held outside the U.S. (the host country receives extra spots in the tournament). Eight of those players qualified for the knockout, the most ever. In another first, two Americans reached the semifinals, setting up the possibility of an all-American final. Tom Balding (USA), playing in his first individual world championship, had a breakthrough performance. After winning seven of nine block games, he came back from a game-one loss to beat 2016 champion Stephen Mulliner (ENG) in the round of 32, then posted successive 3-0 wins to advance to the semifinals.

Essick started the event as the #5 seed. After posting a 7-2 block record, he breezed through the knockout, dropping just one game en route to the final. This included a 3-0 semifinal victory against Robert Fletcher (AUS), former world champion and current world #1. In the first game of that match, Fletcher hit the lift and made six hoops and a 1-back leave, Essick’s Red and Yellow cross-wired at Hoop 1. Essick jumped the hoop to make the roquet and finish game 1 with a triple peel. This is the third time Essick has beaten Fletcher in a world championship semifinal.

Moving on to the final, the first pivotal point came in game 3. Essick had won the first two games, but Fulford had the first break to 4-back (as he had done in the two previous games). Essick hit and opted to make just six hoops, cross-wiring Fulford’s two balls at #1 and laying up in corner III (just as Fletcher had done to Essick in game 1 of their semifinal). Fulford narrowly missed the 35-yard shot, and Essick now had the option of a TPO (triple peel on opponent) — peeling Fulford’s forward ball through three hoops and pegging it out of the game, or a sextuple peel, peeling his own ball through six hoops for the immediate win. He went for the sextuple. The first two peels went well, but troubles with the 3-back peel led to needing a straight-triple finish. This came undone when the striker’s ball went a little farther than intended on the 4-back peel, barely scoring the hoop and leaving no shot at either opponent ball. He finished the turn under reasonable control but had to concede a contact lift, and Fulford finished a few turns later. Fulford then leveled the match at two games all with a quick +26tp to win game four.

Winning yet another opening, Fulford took a 9-0 lead on the fifth turn of the deciding game. Essick opted for the long lift, missed and set Fulford up for a championshipwinning turn. Shockingly, after scoring Hoop 1, Fulford missed his Hoop 2 pioneer, leaving a 10-yard shot, which Essick hit center-ball with Red. Despite not picking up the fourth ball until after Hoop 3, Essick opted for the TPO — an unconventional choice given that it would necessarily be a delayed peeling turn. He peeled Blue through 4-back before scoring Hoop 6, failed a “death roll” penult peel on the way to 2-back, but then put Blue in the jaws of penult on the way to 4-back. His straight penult peel sent Blue to excellent position at rover, and he pegged Blue out of the game, leaving Yellow in corner IV and Red in corner I.

Fulford went all-out to set up a winning turn, lifting to Yellow and sending it to Hoop 3 while approaching Red in corner I. His roll to Hoop 2 was nearly perfect but just a touch too hard, sending Red over the treacherously brown, fast and sloping north boundary by inches. Essick hit and made a leave. Several turns of cat-and-mouse play followed, Essick advancing Yellow to Hoop 3 while Fulford played defensively, biding his time for a safer or shorter shot. From here, Essick went all out, making a two-ball break for four hoops, then playing for a cannon in corner 2, where the Black ball was waiting. His shot through 6 left him short of a straight rush, and he attempted a hard cut, missing. This

Fulford’s sixth WCF AC World title.

Photo provided by Hurlingham Club photographer Isobel McTear.

ABOVE: Robert Fulford during his semifinal against Tom Balding. Photo by Andrew Moss.

LEFT: Essick’s key hit-in late in game five of the final. Provided by Hurlingham Club photographer Isobel McTear.

RIGHT: Stephen Mulliner and Tom Balding doing commentary for the live stream.

Photo by Jeff Soo.

left Fulford a 10-yard shot, although one along that treacherous north boundary. Fulford hit and now had a straightforward pickup for a championship-winning three-ball break. A three-ball break on such a fast lawn is no easy turn, especially in these circumstances, but Fulford never looked in doubt. Final match score: -17tp, -17tp, +4tp, +26tp, +8otp.

Fulford’s last appearance at this event was in 2013. In the years since, he has typically played just a handful of tournaments a year, nearly all of them in England, and in some years playing more GC than AC. Raising a family took priority, and wrist problems from years of playing Irish grip also took a toll. He entered the tournament as the #2 seed, but looked vulnerable at times, including a -26tp loss to Blake Fields (USA) in the first game of their best-of-three match in the first knockout round. But by the final day, he was in top form, shooting well and making few errors. Essick won the first two games on the strength of his long hit-ins and controlled break play. Astonishingly, though, Fulford won the opening in all five games, making the first break to 4-back each time. As Fulford noted at the closing ceremony, you can have a long-playing career in croquet. His 35 years at the top of the game are emphatic proof of that.

The tournament was held at seven clubs in and around southwest London. This included the All-England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, Wimbledon, which staged two days of consolation play, a special treat for those players. The main venue was The Hurlingham Club, a grand old club on the Thames, and a host of major croquet championships for well over 100 years. London’s excellent public transport network made it easy for players to get to all the venues, especially after the tournament schedule was adjusted to cope with potential transport union strikes.

2023 AC World Championship July 15–22, London, England

Essick lines up a peel.

Photo provided by Hurlingham Club photographer Isobel McTear.

Fulford plays through steady rain during the semifinals.

Photo by Andrew Moss.

2023 AC World Championship

July 15–22, London, England

US PLAYER EVENT STATISTICS

MATTHEW ESSICK

Silver Medal, Finalist

Event Record: 20-6 (16 tp, 1otp)

Career Record: 472-160 (194 tp, 17 tpo, 7 sxp)

Block E: Second Place (7-2, +114)

World Rank: #6

THOMAS BALDING

Bronze Medal, Semifinals

Event Record: 16-6 (7 tp, 1 tpo)

Career Record: 183-82 (43 tp, 2 tpo)

Block G: Second Place (7-2, +94)

World Rank: #19

ZACK WATSON

Second Round Championship Knockout

Shield Runner-up

Event Record: 12-7 (6 tp)

Career Record: 241-98 (93 tp)

Block D: Second Place (8-1, +117)

World Rank: #20

BEN ROTHMAN

First Round Championship Knockout

Event Record: 9-3 (7 tp)

Career Record: 870-329 (491 tp, 11 tpo, 10 sxp)

Block A: Fourth Place (8-1, +185)

World Rank: #21

STEPHEN MORGAN

Second Round Championship Knockout

Quarterfinals Shield Knockout

Event Record: 10-8 (6 tp)

Career Record: 346-244 (90 tp)

Block B: Fourth Place (7-2, +99)

World Rank: #41

KYLE MALOOF

First Round Championship Knockout

Bowl Runner Up

Event Record: 13-11 (7 tp)

Career Record: 48-35 (14 tp)

Block C: Fourth Place (5-4, +27)

World Rank: #53

LEFT: Shield runner-up Zack Watson. RIGHT: Bowl runner-up Kyle Maloof. Debbie Lines in both photos. Photos provided by Hurlingham Club photographer Isobel McTear.

STUART LAWRENCE

First Round Championship Knockout

First Round Bowl Knockout

Event Record: 8-8 (2 tp)

Career Record: 912-566 (296 tp, 3 tpo)

Block C: Fourth Place (6-3, +65)

World Rank: #64

JEFF SOO

First Round Plate Knockout

Event Record: 9-9 (3 tp)

Career Record: 782-480 (311 tp, 20 tpo)

Block C: Seventh Place (4-5, -26)

World Rank: #68

SHERIF ABDELWAHAB

First Round Plate Knockout

Event Record: 6-11 (2 tp, 1 sxp)

Career Record: 279-253 (72 tp, 2 tpo, 2 sxp)

Block C: Eighth Place (3-6, -57)

World Rank: #81

BLAKE FIELDS

First Round Championship Knockout Bowl Quarterfinals

Event Record: 8-8 (2 tp)

Career Record: 83-45 (7 tp)

Block C: Third Place (5-4, +11)

World Rank: #85

DOUG GRIMSLEY

Event Record: 5-12

Career Record: 893-678 (272 tp, 13 tpo)

Block B: Eighth Place (2-7, -134)

World Rank: #113

PAUL BENNETT

Event Record: 5-10

Career Record: 538-328 (174 tp, 3 tpo, 1 sxp)

Block F: Eighth Place (3-6, -46)

World Rank: #126

Paul Bennett and Doug Grimsley. Photos provided by Hurlingham Club photographer Isobel McTear.

U.S. players are front row for the knockout draw. Photo provided by Hurlingham Club photographer Isobel McTear.

Blake Fields.

Photo by Jeff Soo.

2023 AC World Championship

July 15–22, London, England

Essick Extends Medal Streak

Matthew Essick treats American fans to another title run and a third straight World Championship medal

Fresh off battling the best in the world at the 18th WCF AC World Championship in London in July, silver medalist Matthew Essick took some time to interview with Croquet News via email on the event and the overall performance of U.S. players.

Three world championship finals in a row — that is a fantastic achievement. It was a tough way to lose in the final, but with some time now have you been able to sit back and appreciate that you are sustaining an elite level of play that is unprecedented for an American player?

It’s always nice to look back on the big picture to appreciate the work put in and how it has helped me reach the level of play where I am now. That being said, I have goals much bigger in croquet than the ones I have achieved so far, and it just inspires me to work harder to get to the next level.

I haven’t yet caught the video for this yet as I picked up the action in the middle of game 3 of the final, but it was reported that you jumped a hoop to hit in on a sextuple leave? Can you describe how that came about?

I have to give the credit to Danny Huneycutt on this one. Danny introduced the pattern of the sextuple to me when I was around 14 years old, and he would always try to jump Hoop 1 if there was space when someone set it against him. That encouraged me to practice it in case the situation ever came up in a match. Fortunately, it did, and I was able to get it.

Photo by Andrew Moss.

I understand if you want to pass on this one, but if you are interested in talking about the two big tactical choices in the final — the sextuple and then the TPO — I am sure many players would love to hear your perspective on that.

I would be happy to talk about it. The sextuple in game three was entirely because I thought I had put enough work into the turn leading up to the event, and that I was playing well enough to complete the turn, so I thought it was a viable tactic. It would be easy in hindsight to say I should have taken nine, let him miss and finish the match. I just didn’t think he was going to miss again. As far as the TPO goes, the same thought applies. I thought that I would be kicking myself if I took nine and watched him hit in and finish the match. I decided to do the TPO and create an end game that I was very comfortable with to try and win game five. I missed a short shot trying to rush into corner 2 to get a cannon and the rest is history. I’m very confident in my ability as a player and happy to take on difficult turns because I believe that I’m good enough to complete them no matter the circumstances, and that is not going to change anytime soon.

The event live stream was generally centered on just one or two matches each day. Is there anything overall in the event croquet fans might have missed outside of the live stream?

The quality of the other venues. Each venue introduced a new challenge that all the players had to navigate day in and day out. Roehampton had my favorite lawns I’ve ever played on with speeds reaching up to 14 plummers. It’s a real treat that London has so much quality and variety in their clubs, and they were willing to offer that to us as players in this event.

Twelve total U.S. players were in the event and eight made the knockout. We almost had an all-American final. What do think that says about the level of play in the U.S.?

There are two important things to note on this one. First, the quality of play in the U.S. has improved drastically over the last 20 years. We have more depth than ever before, higher-quality play than ever before, and I think that all the top players get along as well as they ever have. Secondly, the court conditions we faced in London could be described as very similar to the conditions we face in the U.S. They were very flat lawns, easy hoops for most of the event, and the speed was like what we face at most national tournaments. I think it was home away from home for most of our players, which ultimately improves your play and comfortability.

2023 AC World Championship July 15–22, London, England

Essick receives his silver medal from Debbie Lines.

Photo provided by Hurlingham Club photographer Isobel McTear.

Did you get to see Tom Balding play much and, if so, what did you think about his performance?

Tom was tremendous. Everyone that has had a chance to watch Tom play can immediately see the skill and raw ability. The other thing Tom has going for him is confidence. For a player to reach that elite level, they must believe in themselves and their game no matter the circumstances, and Tom has that trait. The next step for Tom is consistency and performing to the standard that he and all his peers know that he can perform at on a more regular basis. I just can’t be happier for him and his progression over the last two years. Hopefully, he’s a staple in American croquet for years to come.

There’s the Solomon in November and I assume the next two Worlds in the U.S. What else do you have planned for your tournament schedule?

I have the GC Nationals in late September defending my title and will hopefully gain the GC Doubles title as it is the only national championship I am lacking. After that I plan to go to the Egyptian Open in early October, Selection Eights in late October, followed by the Solomon Trophy.

Can you tell us about your work as a club pro? What’s a typical workweek schedule like?

I normally work 40-50 hours a week doing primarily lessons, clinics, court maintenance and scheduling organized play. I work from November to April in Winter Park, Fla., at The Country Club of Orlando and Interlachen Country Club. Then I head up north and work from June to late September at the Quogue Field Club in New York out on Long Island. The other duties include scheduling and running club tournaments, selling and fitting members for mallets and organizing events that our members can participate in to stay active in the game of croquet.

It’s wonderful that we are getting live streaming for croquet events and can see the level of play and the chance to watch the chase for a world title. But, only a handful of players will ever make it to the elite level. As a teacher, do you have an approach around ensuring that players can enjoy club-level play and stay engaged in the sport on that level?

I try to show up to work every day and introduce people to the game of croquet that has brought me so much joy over the course of my life. The strategy, the shot-making, the competition, and most importantly the relationships are what make our game fun. I don’t think anyone I teach wants to be a world champion, nor do I want to try and make them into one. My goal is just to help them find that joy and competitive fun at whatever level they are at and help to improve their game at a rate they are comfortable.

Is there anything I haven’t asked that you would like to comment on?

I want to thank everyone that has reached out to me over the last couple of weeks to congratulate me or offer their condolences. It means a lot and helps numb the pain of a loss that I will never forget. If you know me, you know how much of a competitor I am and how much passion I have for competing and winning at the highest level. This one might sting, but the support means the world to me, and I couldn’t do it without it. I can promise I’ll be back, and I can promise you no one wants to see me on their side of the draw! Love you all.

This interview was condensed and edited for clarity.

Photo by Andrew Moss.

2023 AC World Championship July 15–22, London, England

A Run for Bronze

Thomas Balding becomes the sixth American to earn an AC World Championship medal

Playing in his first World Croquet Federation AC World Championship, 26-year-old Thomas Balding made quite a showing as he knocked off former World Champion Stephen Mulliner in round one of the knockout, and then followed that with a dazzling run to the semifinals. He took a bit of time shortly after his return from the event in London to join Croquet News for a Zoom interview from Grandfather Golf and Country Club, where he works as a club pro.

That was an incredible run to be in the last four at AC Worlds. What is your take on the event overall and your performance?

I’m feeling positively over the moon about it. I went into the tournament expecting to make the knockout. I would say that I would’ve played rather poorly not to. But only four out of 10 players make it out of the block and it’s still difficult because those players are not too shabby. Even up to the third day of block play, I was a little bit on the bubble. I needed to win out and thankfully I did.

Once I made it to the knockout, I knew it was possible to get knocked out in the first round. These players are some of the best in the world. And I got Stephen Mulliner in round one, and it was a tough match. It went to three games, and I had to win the last two.

I think for me it really went well because after the MacRobertson, I had sort of gone back to the drawing board on some aspects of my mental game on how I approach tournament or match play, where you do have to win more than one game. You can’t lower your guard because you’ve won a game. There’s always a way for your opponent to claw their way back. So, I think that really helped me and was one of the reasons I went as far as I did.

I was very happy to make it to the semis. It stung a little bit — the way I went out. I felt like I had chances. But making it that far, I needed some luck and a couple of really good days of croquet, but I’d be super happy to get that far again.

That was kind of a tough draw to go up against Mulliner in round one. A lot of times it’s hard to follow up after getting a big win like that but you found a way.

Harry Fisher in round two was a Mac player — he was on the winning English Mac team as their number two, and he had just won the British men’s championship. I believe he was ranked

10th when I played him, and the match was at his home club of Roehampton. I really needed to pull out all the stops. It was probably the best overall day of croquet of my life. I played the best croquet I felt I’d ever played and it was still a tough match. I won in three, but he was not whipped in any one of those three games. He had chances and I just managed to edge him out. So then, with Alain Giraud in the quarterfinals, he definitely didn’t play as well against me as he had the day before beating Reg Bamford. He had beaten Bamford in five, and I watched him play and I was like, my goodness, if he comes out playing like that tomorrow, this might be over for me. And thankfully, I managed to sort of maintain my level of croquet. And I think he was a little bit tired out from that long match the day before, so he didn’t quite play up to the same level.

Then with Fulford, that was sort of my worst day in the knockout. I definitely didn’t play up to the level I had before, and you know, against a guy like Fulford, you have to because … talk about a croquet legend, you know, he is “the guy.” But it was a good match and I know I had chances. I know I could have gotten through to the final, but it’s just the way it fell out.

You are well known for your ability to hit in. What is the key to your ability to hit in from almost any distance?

I practice a lot. During the croquet season here, after I’m done with work, I try to put in two to four hours of practice a day. A good portion of that is just me practicing the single ball shots — playing games of golf croquet against myself, just doing long shots, giving myself shots at different distances, corner to corner, Tea Ladies, different things like that. The approach is, it’s not enough to hit a quarter of a ball, you have to hit 3/4 of a ball. You must hit the center of the ball.

To me, that’s very relaxing. It’s very fun when I’m doing that practice, so I can do it for hours and hours. I end up hitting a lot of balls and I’m paying very close attention when I do that to how the swing feels. What things in my swing are always present in the good ones versus the not so good ones? What things can I get rid of to make it simpler and more compact? What are my natural tendencies? Like which side do I miss on? What are my natural negative tendencies in a swing? Like do I pull it left? Did I let this hand take over?

Photo by Jeff Soo.

US MEDALISTS: WCF AC WORLDS

1990-Jerry Stark (Bronze)

2001-Jacques Fournier (Bronze)

2009-Ben Rothman (Silver)

2016-David Maloof (Silver)

2020-Matthew Essick (Silver)

2023-Matthew Essick (Silver)

2023-Thomas Balding (Bronze)

I’m constantly sort of doing these calculations? And when I’m in a match setting like I was at Worlds, I’m able to sort of fall back on that; sort of shut out the fact that I need to hit this ball and go back to — I know all of my swing mechanics, I have everything in my head. And I can just focus on the few couple of things I need to consciously focus on and just let the swing do its work.

Do you ever have periods where you feel like “I’m not hitting it right?” where you’re not feeling good about how you’re hitting it and you have to play out of that?

Oh yeah, I’ll have whole days where I feel like that, where it’s just not working. I think I do everything right. It feels good and I keep missing the ball two inches on the right-hand side or something like that. And it’s like I couldn’t have put a better swing on that, so something must be wrong.

There are little microscopic things that are going to leach into your swing on any given day. It might be that I’m just tired. It might be that I’m dehydrated. It might be that I’m just not feeling that particular thing that I’m doing at that moment because I’m focusing on other things.

When that happens, normally I’m able to play through it quickly enough. I sort of just go back to my basic fundamentals. Take all the extra trimmings out of it and just focus on the rhythm of your swing and feeling the follow-through. Don’t worry about the timing. Don’t worry about your hands. Just count it out: 1, 2, 3 swing.

That seems to be one of the traits that separates elite players from average players: having a better process or method for getting out of a period of bad form.

I think a lot of it too comes down to confidence — just believing you’re going to put a good swing on it. Like when I played Fulford, it was interesting because I don’t think I missed a hit in between 9:30 in the morning and about 3:00 in the afternoon. And then I missed one. And I didn’t make another one. And I only had like two or three after that, but it was like as soon as I missed, I was now like, the match isn’t going my way. I was feeling pressure and because I missed what I thought was a relatively easy hit in, something subconsciously in my mind just switched and, all of a sudden, I was out of that zone. So, I think a lot of it changed mentally, even though I don’t think physically anything changed. From a confidence standpoint, I wasn’t swinging as freely and as well as I had been because now the armor was broken.

So, we heard you working with Mulliner to do the commentary in the final between Essick and Fulford. Was that your first time as a commentator and how was that experience?

No, I’ve never done that before. I’ve been kind of wanting to try it out to see how well I could do. I definitely felt like, “I’m sitting next to Stephen Mulliner and I have no expertise compared to this man.” So, anything technically speaking, I will mostly defer and just bounce questions off him and see what his more experienced thoughts are. I think that served me well because Fulford obviously

AC World Championship July 15–22, London, England

ABOVE: Balding receives his bronze medal from Debbie Lines. Photo provided by Hurlingham Club photographer Isobel McTear.

is tactically far beyond me. And Matthew is also tactically beyond me. So, to truly understand what’s going on, I want to hear Mulliner’s take. Mostly, I just focused on the interaction with the people who are watching and the comments section.

Is there anything new that you learned from playing in the event? It was really the first time where I’ve truly appreciated how much the mental game affects your play. I’ve always known that and people talk about it, and it’s one of those things that academically you can understand, but I’ve never had it in practice that severely. Like, I would have never won those matches six months ago. Without going to the Mac, I don’t make it past the first round of the knockout.

The Mac was really a transformative experience for me. Some of the mental things you need to do to be able to win these types of matches when you’re behind — like when I went one game down to Mulliner, in my old mental framework — I’m done. There’s no way I’m pulling this one back. He’s whooping me. Even in game two, when we were down to the two versus one game and he was still whooping me, it’s like I was able to sort of stay in the moment and think, I just need one opening. And he pegged his peg ball out, and even though it’s four back and Hoop 3 and he’s still the favorite — all of a sudden, I have this mentality of that was the opening — he made a mistake. It’s about finding that ability to just stay in the moment and not get down on yourself.

From a physical perspective, I definitely think my break play needs to get tighter. I’m really happy with the hitting. It keeps me in the fight, but I get myself into more trouble than I ought to with slightly loose break play. Thankfully, those lawns were flat and even enough that some sloppy break play can be played through. But some triple peels didn’t happen because of poor management. Certain turns almost didn’t get finished because I almost gave them away.

Eight American players made the knockout.What do you think that says about the level of AC play in the States?

I think it’s undeniable that we have one of the best top-level groups that we’ve ever had. It’s also one of the youngest. The new Solomon team that will be playing in November — Ben Rothman is the oldest member and he’s not 40 yet. Six or seven years ago, you had almost no young guys at the top level. And now, the top five or six guys are mostly under the age of 35, right? I think that has been a recent and distinct change that has led to a lot of good things.

The other thing, most of those young guys, myself included, are teaching pros that spend a lot of the year or the entire year on the courts teaching, practicing and you know, eating, sleeping and breathing croquet. Some of the older players have careers and jobs unrelated to croquet and only get to play and practice

during tournaments or on the weekend. It was even remarked at the event, the international players were like, “we wish we had a culture like that where you could teach and be on the court” because they were seeing how quickly it has benefited us.

Is there anything about playing in the World Championship that people who haven’t attended would be surprised to learn?

I think that in this country we don’t experience the endurance test of match play that they do in England. It’s a fairly typical thing in England to have two-out-of-three matches in AC.

Three-out-of-five is their ideal and that can go all day. We’ll be playing from 9:30 a.m. until like 9:30 p.m. sometimes. And maybe you have to peg down and it’s just something that they treat as typical. If they have a final, it’s a three-out-of-five. Here in the U.S., we only really go up to two-out-of-three. It’s just a different level of an endurance contest. It makes you approach the game differently. It makes you pace yourself differently. It makes your outlook on losing and winning a single game a little bit different because you can lose a game and still be perfectly fine. Whereas in a two-out-of-three, like when I played Mulliner, I must win two games in a row to win. Otherwise, it’s over. If I lose the first game in a best-of-five, I don’t have to win the next two games in a row. I have some leeway.

That’s been sort of a concern of the American players for things like the Mac and for World Championships. We need to get more accustomed to this longer match play that other countries are regularly engaging in because we don’t have the mental stamina for that type of play.

Thank you for spending some time with the Croquet News. Is there anything we haven’t asked about that you would like to comment on?

I know Matthew fell a little bit short, but it really is amazing to me in such a short amount of time — I mean, I know he’s been playing for 20-something years, but even to see how far he’s come from when he was 18 to 19 years old to now. He truly has become one of the world’s leading players and we all favored him to beat Fulford. Had it not been for one or two unlucky shots, we all know he could have won. It really is amazing to see an American get that close twice in a row. We’ve never had sort of a leader like that. A player that we could all look to and say, “Wow, he’s on the cusp every time. He’s outplaying the best players in the world.”

Obviously, in his prime, Ben Rothman was very good. He made it to a final. David Maloof made it to a final. These are top-level players. But seeing Matthew play, you really get the sense now that we have something to aspire to. For a lot of the young guys, he is sort of like the metric that keeps us pushing to be better. If anyone out there is looking to get better at AC and wants to see the way forward, find a video of Matthew playing. It will make you appreciate how good the game can be. There were some great videos of Matthew playing during this tournament. The Finals is a great one. He played fantastic croquet. And Fulford just got a little lucky on some things and also played fantastic. Watching that will give you a lot of guideposts as to how to improve your game.

Photo by Andrew Moss.

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 2024 Croquet News media kit, contact Dylan Goodwin at croquetnetwork@gmail.com

Upcoming Ad/Copy Deadlines

2023 November Issue (Winter) – 10/27/23

2024 February Issue (Spring) – 1/19/24

NATIONAL CROQUET DAY Winners: 2023

The USCA is pleased to present the clubs who had a "Croquet Party" and invited so many participants to join in the fun. We had the most clubs ever to choose from, so we must emphasize

congratulations to all!

Derby City Croquet

MOST “MEMORABLE” PARTY: In Memory of Gary Bennett

Grand Haven Croquet

Wildest Croquet Party: “Rock the Wickets”

Hey, it’s National Croquet Day and the very first game that was played at the NEW Derby City Croquet! Gary Bennett had just finished a court in his own backyard last year and with his passing in December, his wife is all for keeping the court and play alive in Louisville, Ky. So, here we are about to start a game of Golf Croquet with two newbies to the sport!

Celebrating National Croquet Day at Grand Haven Croquet Club, Palm Coast, Fla. Our theme was “Rock the Wickets.” We had 50 club members and 24 local residents join in the celebration with food, music, both 6-Wicket and Golf Croquet games and skills contests. Enjoy the music, we did.

Houston Croquet Association

Most Unusual Photo: Shot from Space

Lenox Croquet Club

Funniest Group Photo

National Croquet Club

The Craziest Partygoers

The Lenox Croquet Club in Lenox, Mass., celebrated National Croquet Day with a Crazy Hat Day. The event took place during the competition of The Berkshire Invitational, a sanctioned USCA 6W tournament. This annual competition has become international as 24 players came from Canada and throughout the United States. Hats ranged from old-fashioned styles to more modern looks, but everyone appreciated the opportunity to display their individualism. Guests, spectators and visitors appreciated the fun theme during the fierce games as croquet was promoted as both enjoyable and competitive in unison!

You have to feel sorry for the Florida Clubs. They’ve been poured on for the second year in a row.

“Yes, we celebrated with our umbrellas in sunny West Palm Beach!”

Highland Strikers Croquet Club

Introduced to Croquet: 30 Newbies

Most Attended Party: 125 members

The Highlands Strikers had a grand National Croquet Day celebration that included high-low player pairings, classes for new players, a fabulous cookout and an exhibition match. Enthusiasm was high with more than 125 players attending. Dress was in ball-colored tops. More than 30 new players participated in the classes. The exhibition match, played by club champions, had a nail-biting 7-6 finish. A glorious day in the mountains!

NATIONAL Croquet Day

Trillium Links & Lake Club

Most Tropical Theme: “Flamingle”

We had a great time on Saturday celebrating National Croquet Day! All were “flocked” out in pink and played the Flamingle court with enthusiasm. Thanks to all who helped make this a fun day! Congratulations to the winning black team and to our “Best Flocked Out” Flamingo Gals, Lou Milciunas and Lynn Dudgeon and Guys, Kevin Killilea and the Three Amigos: Raz Rasmussen, Ron Smith and Craig Sellner!

Sky Valley Club Biggest Group Shot

We had a National Croquet Day celebration at Sky Valley Country Club in Sky Valley, Ga. Eighty people attended and 14 of those had never played croquet! We invited all club members, asked new players to wear blue, red, black or yellow (one gentleman wore all four colors!), had two instructors on the lawns for the new people and then drew names to pair up the rest of the players. It was a great kick-off celebration and we had many new people sign up.

Sarasota County Croquet Club

The Lewis Carroll Award: “The Mad Hatter”

The theme of the party was The Mad Hatter. We organized a Mad Hatter Cuban style lunch, including Belkis Cuban sandwichs, savory black beans and toasted corn, tropical fruit medley, Mad Hatter hibiscus brewed iced tea and key lime pie for dessert. The winner of the most hoops scored and the least hoops scored at the 10:00 a.m. GC game was awarded a Mad Hatter prize.

Wyndemere Country Club

Best Party Theme: “Luau On the Lawn”

Croquet Day Mission

Our goal at the USCA is to promote the awareness, development and enjoyment of croquet in the United States, providing resources and governance for the sport at all levels. We are excited about the impact National Croquet Day will continue to have on our community, while we keep these five focuses in mind during our development and creation each year:

• Foster relationships by building community.

• Support participation and continuity through organizational excellence.

National Croquet Day 2023, being celebrated at Wyndemere Country Club! Two teams of 20 people played in the event called “Luau on the Lawn!” What a great day!

Bald Head Island Croquet Club

Grand Prize Winner: Club Hosting the Most games Using CroquetNow

The Bald Head Island Croquet Club National Croquet Day event was our regular Scrambler … this one themed as “Tacky Tourist” and organized by Thomas Locke. Locke was assisted by our new Croquet Intern, Vanesa Fernandez, who is working under the direction of Jeff Soo, Bald Head Island Croquet Director ... great job team!

• Commit to growth through diversity and inclusion.

• Develop and enjoy the sport through education.

• Promote croquet as a lifelong activity and healthy lifestyle. Save the date for next year’s National Croquet Day: June 1, 2024!

We did a tacky tourist theme and also participated in logging games in the CroquetNow App. We had 16 players, each played six games that we were able to log. That is a whopping 96 games for that day alone, with more games to be logged as the week goes by! (It’s actually 48 games, but great effort and congrats!)

NATIONAL Croquet Day

Pinehurst Croquet Club

Linville club and Grandfather club

The Chattooga Club

It was a great day for croquet at The Chattooga Club!

Highlands Falls Country Club

Linville club and Grandfather club came together today for fun and refreshments. Both clubs took turns hosting the other, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

I can't think of a more wonderful way to kick off the first week of the summer season here in the mountains, sharing this fantastic game that we all love!

Westhampton Mallet Club

Pinehurst Croquet Club members decked out in blue, red, black and yellow to celebrate National Croquet Day.

Primary Ball Color Theme: National Croquet Day Exhibition featuring Jeff Soo, Eileen Soo, Brian Lozano and commentary by former USCA President Eugene Young.

A few photos from the first-ever National Croquet Day celebration held in Linville, N.C.

Despite the blustery winds, we had a great turnout for Croquet Day at WMC.

Quogue Field Club

Plantation at Ponte Vedra Beach

Hammock Dunes Croquet Association

The Plantation at Ponte Vedra Beach enjoyed another wonderful day of croquet celebrating National Croquet Day 2023 located in beautiful Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Our members, dressed in traditional all-whites, took another opportunity to join together at the croquet courts with the spirit of the game. Over the past seven years since the program was established, it has provided the members with joyful experiences, lasting memories and community unity. This game of croquet has given each of our members its own personal experience of commitment and achievement. As an expression of gratitude to the game, we at The Plantation want to share our story with others who might find enlightenment within their own connection to croquet.

Green Gables Croquet Club

Hammock Dunes Croquet Association is celebrating National Croquet Day

New York Croquet Club

Happy National Croquet Day from Green Gables Croquet Club

On a chilly day, we had a nice group of brand new players and 30 club members. The usual helicopters were there to help celebrate.

The Club at The Strand

National Croquet Day at the Quogue Field Club. Happy to have our pro, Matthew Essick, back with us.

"Silly chapeaus" for The Club at The Strand ... Naples.

2023 USCA CLUB DIRECTORY

Croquet News is pleased to present the Fifth Annual USCA Club Directory with the goal of showcasing the clubs across the association that are key to growing the sport. Please email any changes or corrections to croquetoffice@uscroquet.com.

ALABAMA

DISTRICT PRESIDENT: Arthur Bagby III

BIRMINGHAM

Mountain Brook Croquet Club (205) 967-3301

EUFAULA

Eufaula Country Club-Croquet Club (334) 695-3520

FAIRHOPE

The Lakewood Club (251) 990-4268

LOXLEY

Steelwood Croquet Association (251) 964-5308

ALASKA

DISTRICT PRESIDENT: Gary L. Anderson

GIRDWOOD

Creaux Crique Croquet Club (907) 382-0099

ARIZONA

DISTRICT PRESIDENT: Paul T. Bennett

SCOTTSDALE

Arizona Croquet Club (602) 686-3941

Mountain Mallets (480) 656-4643

ARKANSAS

DISTRICT PRESIDENT: Russell S. Dilley

CALIFORNIA

DISTRICT PRESIDENTS: Northern-Michael

Orgill,Southern-Mary Rodeberg, Western-Patrick Sweeney

OAKLAND

Oakland Croquet Club

PASADENA

Pasadena Croquet Club (626) 794-8675

RANCHO MIRAGE

Mission Hills Croquet Club (714) 743-7186

SAN FRANCISCO

San Francisco Croquet Club

SAN MARINO

Zamalek West Croquet Club (626) 737-1671

ST. HELENA

Meadowood Mallet Club (800) 458-8080

WINDSOR

Sonoma Croquet Club (707) 547-7146

COLORADO

DISTRICT PRESIDENT: Ronald L. Eccles

DENVER

Colorado Croquet (720) 937-2056

Denver Country Club (303) 862-3471

ENGLEWOOD

Denver Croquet Club (303) 520-9023

CONNECTICUT

DISTRICT PRESIDENT: Sarah Persons

GREENWICH

Greenwich Croquet Club (203) 789-2434

HAMDEN

Special Olympics Connecticut (203) 230-1201

MOODUS

Elizabeth Park Croquet Club (860) 608-1222

DELAWARE

DISTRICT PRESIDENT: Karin Karel

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

DISTRICT PRESIDENT: Rodney Calver

FLORIDA

DISTRICT PRESIDENTS: Keys-Bill Simmons, Northeast -Brad Martens, Southeastern-Derek Wassink, West and Central-Bill Simmons, Southwest-Jennifer Joseph, Central-Chris Barley, Treasure Coast-Bo Prillaman

ATLANTIC BEACH

Fleet Landing Croquet Club (904) 501-6015

BELLEAIR

Belleair Country Club Croquet (727) 461-7171

BOCA GRANDE

Boca Grande Croquet (978) 929-9000

Gasparilla Inn Mallet Club (941) 964-2201

BOCA RATON

Boca Raton Croquet Club (818) 383-4847

Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club (561) 395-2100

BOKEELIA

Useppa Island Croquet Club None

BONITA SPRINGS

Bonita Bay Club (239) 495-0200

DELRAY BEACH

St. Andrews Club (561) 243-0557

FT LAUDERDALE

Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward Cnty (954) 537-1010

GULF STREAM

The Little Club (561) 278-1010

HILLSBORO BEACH

Hillsboro Club, Inc. (954) 941-2220

HOBE SOUND

Jupiter Island Club-Croquet Club (772) 545-9474

JACKSONVILLE

The Florida Yacht Club (904) 387-1653

KEY LARGO

Key Largo Anglers Club (520) 665-8194

Ocean Reef Club (505) 352-4095

LAKE WALES

Mountain Lake Croquet Club (863) 676-3494

LAKE WORTH

Special Olympics PB Cty Croquet Club (561) 966-7019

MELBOURNE

Indian River Colony Club (321) 255-6051

MIAMI BEACH

Indian Creek Country Club (305) 866-5751

NAPLES

Audubon Croquet Association (239) 566-9800

Grey Oaks Country Club (305) 778-1996

Naples Croquet Club of Florida (239) 405-4143

The Club at the Strand (239) 592-9944

The Club Pelican Bay (239) 597-1183

Wilderness Country Club (239) 261-6060

Wyndemere Country Club (239) 263-1700

ORLANDO

The Country Club of Orlando (407) 849-0990

Winter Park Croquet Club (407) 788-0565

OSPREY

The Oaks Club (941) 966-2161

PALM BEACH

Everglades Club, Inc. (561) 655-7810

The Beach Club, Inc. (561) 842-4874

PALM BEACH GARDENS

Croquet Club at PGA National (860) 810-7055

Devonshire at PGA National (561) 227-2446

PALM COAST

Grand Haven Croquet Club (847) 309-6233

446-4655

KENTUCKY

DISTRICT PRESIDENT: Brian D. Hovis LOUISVILLE

MASSACHUSETTS

DISTRICT PRESIDENT: Courtney Green BREWSTER

MISSISSIPPI

DISTRICT PRESIDENT: Mark Fields DIAMONDHEAD

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2023 USCA CLUB DIRECTORY

NEVADA

DISTRICT PRESIDENT: Ronald L. Eccles

RENO

Savvy City Croquet (602) 403-1539

NEW HAMPSHIRE

DISTRICT PRESIDENT: James McLaughlin

BENNINGTON

Bennington Croquet Club (603) 588-2106

RYE

Strawbery Banke Croquet Club (603) 433-5382

NEW MEXICO

DISTRICT PRESIDENT: Paul T. Bennett

NEW JERSEY

DISTRICT PRESIDENT: Loretta Cooper

MANTOLOKING

Mantoloking Yacht Club (732) 892-6281

MONROE TOWNSHIP

Rossmoor Croquet Club (609) 642-6248

RUMSON

Rumson Country Club (732) 842-2518

SEA GIRT

Green Gables Croquet Club (732) 319-5113

NEW YORK

DISTRICT PRESIDENT: Sally McGrath, E. Long

Island-Sally McGrath, Western-Paul Neubecker

BRIDGEHAMPTON

The Bridgehampton Club (631) 537-7399

BUFFALO

Buffalo Croquet Club

CAMILLUS

(716) 432-1500

West Hill Golf & Croquet Club (315) 672-3540

HILTON

Rochester Croquet Club @

G&T SportsPark (585) 683-7780

LOCUST VALLEY

The Creek Club (516) 676-1405

NEW YORK

New York Croquet Club (646) 642-6601

QUOGUE

Quogue Field Club

TUXEDO PARK

Pine Court

WESTHAMPTON

(631) 653-9890

(914) 351-2547

Westhampton Mallet Club (516) 480 9930

NORTH CAROLINA

DISTRICT PRESIDENT: Eastern-Mike Taylor, Western-Debbie Davidoff

ASHVILLE

Deerfield Croquet Club (828) 232-7102

BALD HEAD ISLAND

Bald Head Island Croquet Club (919) 673-6776

BELVIDERE

Albemarle Croquet Club (252) 326-1231

BLACK MOUNTAIN

Black Mountain Croquet Club (828) 669-2281

BLOWING ROCK

Blowing Rock Country Club (828) 295-3171

CASHIERS

Cedar Creek Club (828) 743-9380

High Hampton (800) 334-2551

The Chattooga Club (828) 743-3640

The Country Club of Sapphire Valley (828) 743-2462

Trillium Links and Lake Club (828) 743-6161

CHAPEL HILL

Carolina Meadows Croquet Club (919) 942-2411

DURHAM

Stoneridge Croquet Club (919) 419-3165

HIGHLANDS

Cullasaja Club (828) 526-3531

Highlands Falls Croquet Association (828) 526-4118

Highlands Strikers Croquet Club (828) 526-0501

VZ Top Croquet Club

Wildcat Cliffs Country Club, Inc (828) 526-5850

LAKE TOXAWAY

Lake Toxaway Mallet Club (864) 630-2165

LINVILLE

Grandfather Golf & Country Club (828) 898-4635

Linville Golf Club (828) 733-4311

Linville Ridge Croquet Club (828) 742-4140

PINEHURST

Pinehurst Croquet Club (910) 986-3164

PITTSBORO

Fearrington Swim & Croquet Club (817) 565-8145

ROARING GAP

Roaring Gap Club (336) 363-9169

SAPPHIRE

Burlingame Country Club (828) 966-9200

SOUTHPORT

The Clubs at St James (910) 477-8500 x

WINSTON SALEM

Arbor Acres Croquet (336) 724-7921

NORTH DAKOTA

DISTRICT PRESIDENT: Deborah Millican

OHIO

DISTRICT PRESIDENT: Jennifer Joseph

CINCINNATI

Cincinnati Country Club (513) 533-5200

NEW ALBANY

New Albany Country Club (614) 488-0890

OKLAHOMA

DISTRICT PRESIDENT: Bob Baker

NICHOLS HILLS

ScissorTail Croquet Club (405) 590-7264

TULSA

Tulsa Croquet Club (918) 600-9311

OREGON

DISTRICT PRESIDENT: Steve Scalpone

PORTLAND

Portland Croquet Club (503) 244-2080

PENNSYLVANIA

DISTRICT PRESIDENT: Sally McGrath

CLARKS GREEN

Manataka Mallet Club (570) 510-8446

GREENSBURG

Westmoreland Croquet Club (724) 836-1000

HAVERFORD

Merion Cricket Club (610) 642-5800

LANSDALE

Harleysville Croquet Club (610) 633-9999

PHILADELPHIA

The Croquet Club at Philadelphia Cricket (215) 643-9222

RHODE ISLAND

DISTRICT PRESIDENT: Sean Hartley

NEWPORT

Newport Croquet Club (561) 346-7079

WATCH HILL

Ocean House Mallet Club (860) 227-7297

WEEKAPAUG

Weekapaug Croquet Club (401) 339-6258

SOUTH CAROLINA

DISTRICT PRESIDENT: Linda Trifone

AIKEN Green Boundary Croquet Club (803) 215-6166

BLUFFTON Sun City Croquet Club (843) 637-2150

CHARLESTON Bishop Gadsden (843) 864-4365

Daniel Island Golf Club, LLC (843) 971-3555

Yeamans Hall Club

HILTON HEAD ISLAND

Wexford Croquet Club (207) 226-0606

OKATIE Spring Island Croquet Club (843) 987-2003

SAINT HELENA ISLAND Croquet Club of Dataw Island (843) 422-2391

TEGA CAY Tega Cay Croquet Club (978) 337-4991

SOUTH DAKOTA

DISTRICT PRESIDENT: Deborah Millican

TENNESSEE

DISTRICT PRESIDENT: Linda Trifone

CHATTANOOGA Lookout Battleground Croquet Club (423) 602-3101

MEMPHIS University Club of Memphis (901) 722-3700

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

TEXAS

DISTRICT PRESIDENT: John O. Brown

VERMONT

WASHINGTON

WEST

WISCONSIN

WYOMING

DISTRICT

SCHOOLS

ARKANSAS

LITTLE ROCK

Sylvan Hills Middle School

CALIFORNIA

RANCHO MIRAGE

Palm Valley School

FLORIDA

DELAND

Stetson University

LAKE WALES

Edward W. Bok Academy

WEST PALM BEACH

Palm Beach Atlantic University

MASSACHUSETTS

CAMBRIDGE

Harvard College

WALTHAM

Bentley University Club Team

MARYLAND

ANNAPOLIS

St. Johns College

United States Naval Academy

SPARKS GLENCOE

Sparks Elementary School

MAINE

ISLE AU HAUT

Isle Au Haut School House

ISLESBORO

Islesboro School

ISLESFORD

Islesford

MATINICUS

Matinicus Elementary School

MONHEGAN

Monhegan Island School

NORTH HAVEN

North Haven Community School

ROCKPORT

The Riley School

SWANS ISLAND

Frenchboro School

Swan’s Island School

VINALHAVEN

Vinalhaven School

MISSISSIPPI

GAUTIER

Mississippi State Croquet Club at Mississippi State

MISSOURI

WARRENSBURG

University Central Missouri

NEW JERSEY

SOMERSET

Rutgers Preparatory School

WEST LONG BRANCH

Monmouth University

NEW YORK

NEW PALTZ

State University of NY at New Paltz

NORTH CAROLINA

GREENSBORO

Bennett College

NORTH DAKOTA

FARGO

Fargo South High School

OKLAHOMA

BARTLESVILLE

Oklahoma Wesleyan University

PENNSYLVANIA

UNIVERSITY PARK

Penn State University

UTAH

LEHI

Lehi High School

VERMONT

MARLBORO

Marlboro College

INTERNATIONAL

BERMUDA

DISTRICT PRESIDENT:

RETURN OF THE NORTHEAST AC REGIONAL

The USCA held its first Northeast Regional Championship since 2019 over the Memorial Day long weekend, returning to the last pre-COVID regional venue, the Lenox Croquet Club in the hills of western Massachusetts. As in 2019, the tournament was a singles-only association croquet (AC) event in one flight, with the size of the field limited to assure everyone a lot of play.

While the tournament did not attract any of the country’s very best AC players, the seven entrants enjoyed wonderful sunny weather throughout as well as two lawns that were in excellent condition for this early in the Lenox season. Along with the delightful weather, the players and a few guests enjoyed breakfasts

and lunches organized by Preston and Carol Stuart, a pizza night in the Lenox Club’s clubhouse up the hill and toast and tally evenings in the croquet pavilion.

Somewhat unsurprisingly, top seed and tournament director Stuart Lawrence emerged victorious. Lawrence, who serves as the greenskeeper at the Lenox Croquet Club, clinched his second consecutive Northeast Regional with a 26tp-0 final win over Chris Barley of Orlando, Fla., and Linville, N.C.

In block play, Northeast Regional VP Preston Stuart was the big surprise. With no previous sanctioned AC play under his belt, he managed a 5-1 record, earning a bye in the quarterfinal round. He bested more experienced players by a single hoop in several of the games, timed at 2.5 hours, pegging out in two.

ABOVE PHOTO: (L to R) Michael Jeary, Tom Cooper, Stuart Lawrence, Chris Barley, Preston Stuart, Webster Bull and David Ekstrom

The other newcomer to AC, Michael Jeary of the Rumson Country Club in New Jersey, was a fortuitous addition to the event. Having never played AC before the tournament, and with only a few years of tournament play behind him, he showed great sportsmanship and some terrific shot-making while absorbing a lot of assistance from more experienced players. He left with hopes for an AC-focused member event at his home club.

LCC president David Ekstrom, just returning from his winter home in Florida, showed off his usual smooth shotmaking. In the quarterfinal, he fell short by one point against Green Gables’ Tom Cooper. Cooper went on to meet Lawrence in the semifinal, losing an interactive 26-12 game that featured both good and not-so-good turns by both players.

In the other semifinal, Barley beat Stuart on time, 20-19. Stuart was on a break from 2-back with his forward ball when time expired, forcing him to execute a peel on his partner ball and peg out the striker ball to tie the score. All that impressive maneuvering was for naught, though, as Barley replied by hitting the peg from eight yards in his last turn to go up by one.

In the final, planned as a best-of-three match but played as a single game due to time constraints, Lawrence went around to 4-back and set a diagonal spread. Barley hit his lift shot from B-Baulk, but failed Hoop 1. Stuart hit in and proceeded to score the only triple peel in the tournament to take the title.

FINAL ORDER

CHAMPIONSHIP SINGLES

01. Stuart Lawrence

02. Chris Barley

03. Tom Cooper

03. Preston Stuart

05. David Ekstrom

05. Webster Bull

07. Michael Jeary

Chris Barley

Preston Stuart, Stuart Lawrence and Chris Barley

Brian Hovis

Age: 48

Home Base: Louisa, Kentucky

Home Club: Sarasota County Croquet Club

Grip: Solomon

Mallet:

Trimmer, 12-inch head, 34-inch shaft, 2lb 14oz

Years playing croquet: 6

Favorite Venue: Pinehurst Croquet Club

Favorite Tournament: The Jones Invitational

How did you get into the game?

In 1999, my wife April and I were dating. One Saturday afternoon, we were hanging out at her house. Her dad came inside and said, “hey you two, come outside.” We went outside, and there it was … a nine-wicket croquet court. April was not thrilled; she didn’t share the same passion for the game as her dad. That Saturday afternoon, I was taught how to play and immediately fell in love with the game. Fast forward 17 years, I thought I knew everything there was to know, and I wanted to play more than once a year at family cookouts. In 2016, I discovered the USCA, but soon realized the game I learned to play was not the game of choice. They didn’t play with nine hoops and two stakes, the mallets were huge and the hoops were just barely wide enough for the ball to fit through. I began studying the American Six Wicket rulebook and watched YouTube videos. I bought one of those “big” mallets and a couple of regulation balls. I started working on my swing and practicing the set shots. I joined the USCA and in January of 2017, I played my first game of American Six Wicket Rules Croquet.

Croquet Highlights/Wins:

All wins feel the same, all are special and every tournament I enter is memorable. But the one tournament that has meant the most to me is my very first — the 2017 USCA Singles Open Championship (Fourth Flight). I had only watched YouTube videos and practiced roll shots in the yard. I studied the game and read the rulebook over and over. I remember thinking before the tournament, “Gosh, I sure hope I don’t get embarrassed.” I didn’t know if I was going to be good enough to play with the folks who had access to a court. By the end of the tournament, I lost only one match and won the championship game. I was beyond thrilled and at that point I knew I was good enough and my tournament career took off.

Favorite Sports Team:

USA MacRobertson Shield Team and any other team that begins with USA.

Pop Culture Favorites: Anything from the 80’s

What is the best thing the USCA has done for croquet: Made it virtual. If not for the internet I would have never discovered the croquet community. YouTube offers free croquet lessons, and the USCA website made it easy for me to find clubs. In addition, it provided me with the ability to connect with other members who share the same passion.

What is the USCA’s greatest weakness: Recruiting young players. We need more collegiate players to become obsessed with this sport.

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

More collegiate level events and cash prizes. If you have a money tournament, more people will come.

What have you learned from croquet?

Age takes your hearing, vision and mobility; but no matter how old you are, you never lose your competitive spirit.

Quick croquet tip:

Never turn down the opportunity to play someone better than you. I’ve learned more from losing than winning.

Deceptively Simple

By Jeff Soo

Abbreviations used: blUe, Red, blacK, Yellow

Figure 1 (showing only the northern half of a court) presents a position that arose in a Championship Flight game at the 2023 USCA Southeast Regional. Thanks to Russ Dilley and the USCA Croquet video team for the footage and to the players for inspiring this article.

In the video, Dilley notes that K’s shot was risky because of the opportunity for Y to attack with a croquet-out: rush R a couple of yards east, then deliberately send it out of bounds next to K, Y stopping in front of 2. This sets up a three-ball break for R, starting with a potential peel on Y. Figure 2 shows how this might look if Y plays it reasonably well.

The game, up to this point, was more eventful than you might imagine by looking at the clips and deadness. It started with some out-game play, U and R in the game and K and Y battling at 1. Then K entered, setting up U for a brief three-ball break. A few turns later R hit in to attack for Y (hence R’s deadness on U), still in position at 1, but K hit in to steal the break. K failed 3, and Y and R joined on court at 2. In Figure 1, K has just scored 3 and then taken a shot at R and Y, missing to the boundary; it is Y to play.

What would you do here as RY (or, if you are not yet a Championship Flight player yourself, what would you advise such a player to do)? As usual, think through some options before reading on. This situation is deceptively simple, and there is more to it than first meets the eye.

has croqueted R out of bounds next to K

R’s deadness on U complicates this, though. If there is much of a gap between R and K, U might be able to shoot out between them to block R from roqueting K. Or U can shoot at Y. If U hits Y, it can send it to 4 (K’s wicket), then try to shoot out between R and K. That would leave a tough start for K’s break, though, so U might prefer a wide split-roll or a thick take-off to send Y well away from 2 while U approaches 5, then take good position at 5 on the continuation shot. At any rate, U has every reason to shoot.

If the boundary next to K seems reasonably flat, Y has a better option: rush R to about four or five feet east of 2 (i.e., not quite as far as when setting up the croquet-out). Send R close to K, but not out of bounds, while stopping Y in front of 2. This is a reasonable play because of the short distances involved and gives Y a good chance to score the wicket on the continuation shot, then hide from U (see Figure 3). With R on court, U can’t easily block it from K. The main risks here are failing to

FIGURE 1: Y to play, R and Y for 2, R dead on U

FIGURE 2: Y

get R close enough to K for a safe roquet or sending R out of bounds by mistake. Also, if you fail to clear 2 on this turn, U has a free shot (free because if U misses, R can’t pick up U until after scoring 2; this is difficult enough that R should leave U where it is until after scoring 6).

corner 4, perhaps) for this play to be worth the risk, unless Y is particularly good at the load-and-hold shot.

What about scoring 2 first, then attacking? Y could tap R, then approach 2 sending R past and left of 2. If Y runs 2 with control it can then rush R back toward K. The goal would then be to set up a three-ball break for R, such that K will be the ball R uses to score 2. That gives R a chance of peeling Y at 3. Y could use at least a couple of sequences to set this up, but this play is inferior in almost every way to the one shown in Figure 3. There’s no guarantee of a good rush on R after scoring 2, and Y has very little chance of both clearing itself at 3 and leaving R with a good break set-up.

Starting from the Figure 1 position, Y also has a more aggressive option: roquet R gently, take off to K (ideally moving R a bit north on the take-off), roquet K, then send it toward 3 while approaching 2. If this load-and-hold play works, Y has an immediate three-ball break, with a good chance to pick up U on the way to 4. And if Y doesn’t get good scoring position at 2, it can still lay up for R and a good chance of the peel.

If RY wants a relatively easy and low-risk play, Y can tap R, approach 2 while attempting to send R to a position wired from U, run the wicket, then play between R and 2, hopefully also wired from U (see Figure 5). R will then have a safe and easy play to score 2 and clear deadness (remember, R is still dead on U). With both Y and R clear and for 3, RY will have the advantageous position of being just behind UK and will likely be able to join in corner 3 before UK has managed to arrange a useful rush (unless U is inclined to attack in corner 3, not very attractive with U for 5 and K for 4).

But there’s a rather obvious problem with this play: Y is sending K dangerously close to U, and the chance of wiring K from U is small. If Y fails to score 2, U has a good chance to hit in. U would have to be much farther away (down toward

If you’re a player who likes to give the opponent a chance to try something aggressive and maybe get in trouble doing so, the Figure 5 play is a good option. Just remember that even a “safe” play such as this still represents a trade-off. The main trade-off here is opportunity cost: the Figure 3 play is almost too good to pass up.

If you’re surprised by how many options this “simple” scenario offers, you’re not alone—I was surprised too! Each of the plays described above would make an excellent practice drill, no matter your skill level.

FIGURE 3: Y has croqueted R near K but not out, then scored 2 and hidden from U

FIGURE 4: A successful “load-and-hold,” sending K to 3 and Y to 2

FIGURE 5: Y has wired R from U, then scored 2 and wired Y from U

PRE-GAME! GC WOMEN'S WORLDS

By Cheryl Bromley

Just like the Olympics, the Women’s Golf Croquet World Championships are held once every four years. This summer’s big event will take place at the Southwick Croquet Club in West Sussex, England, August 7-14 with a qualifier at the Compton Croquet Club in Eastbourne August 3-5. Fifty-six ladies representing Australia, Egypt, England, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Mexico, New Zealand, Portugal, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United States and Wales will be participating.

With just two slots available for the American women, Helen Covington and Cheryl Bromley were selected by the USCA for member spots to represent the U.S. along with Debbie Davidoff (first alternate) and Bev Cardo (second alternate). Both Davidoff and Cardo will be competing in the qualifier and Ellen Nielsen is also making the trip hoping to snag one of the top four places from the qualifier that will gain a spot into the main event. As the ladies were getting ready for their international adventure, they were asked a few questions about their preparations.

Helen Covington

How long have you been thinking about or preparing to compete in the upcoming Women’s World Championships?

I started thinking about Women’s Worlds a couple of years ago when my ranking reached number one woman in the country. I think it first got there around the time I won the Championship at the 2021 Woman’s Open at Chesapeake Croquet Club against the Queen of women’s croquet, Cheryl Bromley. That win made me think that perhaps I could possibly qualify for the Women’s Worlds. I knew I could not reach the full World’s because too many men rank higher, so I set my sights on the Women’s Championship.

Have you added anything new or different to your typical tournament training process for this event?

I have been practicing more and focusing on my techniques more when I practice. I have been talking strategy through every game I play whether for fun or actual practice, whether I am playing advanced players or beginners. I also look at suggestions by my partners in doubles games to see if their ideas are something I have not considered. I am trying to listen to constructive criticisms!

What are a few things you are looking forward to on the trip to England?

I am looking forward to meeting players from other countries. I am really excited about representing the U.S. in a world championship, which is something I never dreamed would happen in my life! I am looking forward to the possible cooler temperatures in August in England. I am looking forward to seeing a part of England I have not visited before and enjoying the trip with my sister and her husband.

Please add any additional thoughts you wish. I cannot wait to stand under the U.S. flag with Cheryl, Debbie, Ellen and Bev. We are all so excited to be going! What a great honor for women in croquet.

Cheryl Bromley

How long have you been thinking about or preparing to compete in the upcoming Women’s World Championships?

I have been thinking about this event since my last international competition in 2019. This will be my sixth Golf Croquet World Championship having competed in three previous Women’s GC World Championships and two Open GC Worlds (men and women) since 2011. I feel incredibly lucky and blessed to be going to England.

Have you added anything new or different to your typical tournament training process for this event?

Yes, my preparations are much more involved than previous tournaments. Back in April of 2022, I participated in a mindset course for several months led by a sports psychologist from the UK who specializes in croquet. It was helpful in so many ways beyond my croquet game and made me realize a broad balanced approach including mental training, endurance training, nutrition and finding as many opportunities to be swinging my mallet as possible were going to be necessary to reach a higher level. Interestingly, teaching croquet has been a constant reminder to make sure that my basics are solid.

What are a few things you are looking forward to on the trip to England?

I’m really looking forward to reconnecting with the other international players that I’ve become friends with over the years and enjoying the experience with my U.S. teammates – our largest contingent ever. I’m also looking forward to seeing if I have put all of the proper preparations in place to perform at the highest level.

Please add any additional thoughts you wish.

I know that this is considered an individual event, but I can tell you I’m very excited to be a part of our stellar U.S. team! It’s unfortunate that this event is capped at 56 players instead of the typical 80 so that more women would be able to participate especially with the surge and growth of the women’s game across the world!

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Debbie Davidoff

How long have you been thinking about or preparing to compete in the upcoming Women’s World Championships?

I think I started to really think about the World Championship about a year ago. When the USCA sent out its first notice about the Talent Development Program, I started to actually think maybe I could be considered.

Have you added anything new or different to your typical tournament training process for this event?

Yes…due to unforeseen circumstances in my personal life, I have had to step back from training for about two months. Now that I am full on back to preparing, I am focusing on the fundamentals, but also on the mental game. I am particularly focusing on my tempo and a smooth swing. I really want to be fully present for this experience and enjoy the joy of playing croquet for my country, so the mental part of the game is paramount … not to feel too much pressure!

What are a few things you are looking forward to on the trip to England?

The honor of playing for my country, the opportunity to meet all these wonderful women from around the world and having this experience with my teammates.

Please add any additional thoughts you wish. Even though this is an individual event, I am very excited to be a part of Team USA and am wishing the very best to all of my teammates.

Bev Cardo

How long have you been thinking about or preparing to compete in the upcoming Women’s World Championships?

I started taking my golf croquet game seriously ever since I had my win at the 2023 Women’s GC Open, in January. The timing of the upcoming Women’s World Championship served as a catalyst to get on a fast track, practicing different shots and strategies to make myself more competitive. I have used the preparation of this tournament as motivation to grow as a player and as a competitive athlete, by training physically and mentally. Focus, confidence, and belief in myself are all important, so chasing away the negative thoughts and doubts has taken center stage in my training efforts.

Have you added anything new or different to your typical tournament training process for this event?

In May, Cheryl Bromley and I did a croquet boot camp of our own. She stayed with me in Florida and we practiced and played croquet at the National Croquet Center for three days, taking videos of each other and creating drills and challenges that fine-tuned our games. We spent our evenings watching Cheryl’s playlist of some of the best croquet matches on YouTube. It was croquet heaven! Since then, I have been trying to play as many high-pressure games as I can against superior players. Lucky for me, I have my husband, Randy Cardo, our croquet pro, Matthew Essick, and my friend, Chris Morris, to provide that for me.

What are a few things that you are looking forward to about the trip to England?

I think it is such an incredible opportunity to be able to play the game with some of the best female players in the world. Whether I make it into the main event or not, I am really looking forward to sharing the experience with our U.S. team and embracing this time together. Although this is not a “team event,” we all stand as a team, and we will be cheering each other on and encouraging and supporting one another.

Alignment Issues?

Check your feet, not your mallet.

A common practice I see at a lot of clubs is a player setting their mallet behind their ball, letting go of the mallet and then moving back and forth several times realigning their mallet head. I’ve also seen players who stand opposite their partner and point for them to adjust their mallet head one direction or another.

I have a couple reasons for not encouraging this when working with players, but instead recommend focusing more on proper stalking and body alignment. In the first scenario, a good amount of time can be wasted going back and forth and, on a windy day, the mallet will often blow over when the person is backing away from it and not holding on to it. In the second example, I really want players to learn how to set up into their shooting stance without assistance for those times when they might play singles or have different partners each time they play.

Ellen Nielsen

How long have you been thinking about or preparing to compete in the upcoming Women’s World Championships?

I really had not thought at all about playing in the Women’s World Championship since only two spots are allotted to the U.S. and naturally these spots go to the two top-rated players. However, earlier this year when I found out there was a qualifier tournament that offers a chance for players to earn a place in the main event, I thought it would be a lot of fun to participate. Just the prospect of playing in England and meeting many of the top female players in the world is an incredible opportunity that I look forward to!

Have you added anything new or different to your typical tournament training process for this event?

As far as training, I haven’t added anything different. Just more time. I try to practice by myself for a couple of hours a day working on skills that need work. In addition, I am playing as many games as I can.

What are a few things you are looking forward to on the trip to England?

Aside from being there with friends, the incredible women representing the USA, I am looking forward to meeting all the international croquet players, playing the best croquet I can and watching some top-notch Championship play. Plus, I am looking forward to some really good fish and chips!

Try this:

• Stalk your ball from 6-8 feet behind it and visualize the line through your ball to the target.

Alignment

Check

A common setting their the mallet, times realigning

I’ve also partner and head one There are encourage recommend body alignment.

In the first wasted going the mallet backing

In the second learn how without assistance play singles they play.

Try this: and visualize target.

2) parallel with your body shoulders things are position shot.

3) backswing you visualized Practice your feet swing

By, Cheryl Bromley USCA National Instructor and Referee

• Approach your ball and place your feet parallel with the line you have determined. Check your body alignment (toes, knees, hips and shoulders should be pointing to your target). These are more important than readjusting the position of your mallet face when setting up your shot.

• Once you are in your stance, use a slow backswing and follow-through smoothly up the line you visualized as you stalked the ball.

Practice Drill:

Use the boundary line to check that your feet are evenly spaced and parallel to it, and swing 5-10 times to see whether your follow-through is swinging straight up the line. Remember: “Feet and Follow-through.”

5through

Remember:

newmembers

ALABAMA

Birmingham–Mountain Brook Croquet Club

Brian Midkiff

CONNECTICUT

Greenwich–Greenwich Croquet Club

John Avellino

Paul Barbian

Vincent De Fina

Barbara De Fina

Elizabeth Epley

Mark Epley

Claire Furlin

Carl Mecky

Debra Mecky

Amy Rabenhorst

Randy Rabenhorst

Phyllis Sheridan

Elisabeth Tretter

Westport–At Large Member

William Bell

FLORIDA

Belleair–Belleair Country Club Croquet

Carol Ann Burczyk

Alan Burczyk

Bonita Springs–Bonita Bay Club

Douglas Elliott

Naples–At Large Member

Sydnor Byrne

Elisabeth Ann Evans

Kirsten Gildersleeve

Oliver Gildersleeve Jr.

Naples–Wyndemere Country Club

Ann Bradley Confoy

William Confoy

Ponte Vedra Beach–The Plantation of Ponte Vedra

Paul Meighan

Angie Wimberley

Vero Beach–The Moorings Club

Thomas Brinson

Vero Beach–Vero Beach Country Club

Sandra Leary

West Palm Beach–National Croquet Club

Richard Allen

Barbara Bielenberg

Alexis Breaux

Laurie Brown

Larry Brown

Joanne Gill

Elizabeth Russell

Robert Russell

Elisabeth Tretter

GEORGIA

Atlanta–At Large Member

Walter Maynard

Trevor Woodhams

Jane Woodhams

Sky Valley–Sky Valley Club, Inc.

Briggs Stahl

KENTUCKY

Louisville–Derby City Croquet

Margaret Bennett

MASSACHUSETTS

Sandwich–Sandwich Croquet Club

Richard Kent

MARYLAND

West River–At Large Member

Caden Marshall

Annapolis–St. Johns College

Quinlyn Bright

Galesville–West River Wickets

Tom Friderichs

Cynthia Giese

Silver Spring–At Large Member

Francisco Echeverria

MISSOURI

Parkville–Kactus Creek Croquet Club

Carlos Ayala-Pagan

NORTH CAROLINA

Bald Head Island–Bald Head Island Croquet Club

Suzanne Schneck

Belvidere–Albemarle Croquet Club

Tom Mullen

Scott Winslow

Cashiers–Cedar Creek Club

Josh Freeth

Highlands–Highlands Falls Croquet Association

Christine Pierce

James Pierce

Highlands–Highlands Strikers Croquet Club

Michelle Chaiken

Highlands–VZ Top Croquet Club

Marc Blumberg

Mary Blumberg

Sykes Sturdivant

Cindy Sturdivant

Highlands–Wildcat Cliffs Country Club, Inc

Kelly Schreiner

William Schreiner

Linville–Grandfather Golf & Country Club

Terry Gilliam

Mark Jordan

Paul Kroening

Ray Ogden

Lezah Pinnell

Henry Pinnell

Richard Rendleman

Linville–Linville Golf Club

John Dobson Jr

Tracy Hallett

Pinehurst–Pinehurst Croquet Club

Pamela Bailar

Nellie de Groot

Gustav de Groot

David Grayson

Greg Handke

Melinda Handke

Linda McKarney

Mary Richards

Jan Waldron

NEW CLUBS

Derby City Croquet | Louisville, Kentucky

Tiger Croquet Club | Saint Louis, Missouri

Bennington Croquet Club | Bennington, New Hampshire

VZ Top Croquet Club | Highlands, North Carolina

Weekapaug Croquet Club | Weekapaug, Rhode Island

Sapphire–Burlingame Country Club

Paula Markert

Frederick Markert

Southern Pines–Pinehurst Croquet Club

Woody Strohm

NEW YORK

Buffalo–Buffalo Croquet Club

Ryan Boniface

Noel Leigh

Eric Mrugacz

Darcy Mrugacz

Greenport–At Large Member

Nancy Colt

Michael Colt

Medford–At Large Member

Don Liotine

Bonnie Liotine

OKLAHOMA

Tulsa–Tulsa Croquet Club

Laura Bennison

PENNSYLVANIA

Haverford–Merion Cricket Club

Peter Miller

University Park–Penn State University

Amelia Putnam

SOUTH CAROLINA

Okatie–Spring Island Croquet Club

Ryan Good

TEXAS

Houston–Houston Croquet Association

Gayle Burns

E.G. Skip Ward

VIRGINIA

Martinsville–At Large Member

David Nagel

WISCONSIN

Milwaukee–Milwaukee Croquet Club

George Goetz

Third Flight Singles

01. Joe Leary

02. Don Chapoton 03. Allison Worthington 03. Mary Craddock 05. Melissa Nelson 05. Tish Peterkin 05. Jim Tiberg 05. Tom Hadlock 09. Randall Roe 10. David Beccia Championship Waterford Doubles 01. Randy Cardo 02. Carl Archiniaco

03. David Kepner 04. Macey White

05. John Brown

06. Beatty Cramer

07. John Grabow

08. Connor Helms

09. Tim Bitting

10. George Peterkin

11. Jeanne Branthover

12. Sally McGrath

13. Alex Muradian

14. Pat Spratt

15. John Craddock

16. Nancy Crouch

First Flight Waterford Doubles

01. Allison Worthington

02. Mary Craddock

03. Georgia Carter 04. Jane Helms

05. Doug Greeff 06. John McGrath 07. Dick Corey

08. David Platt

09. Jim Tiberg

10. Randell Roe

11. Eileen Cornacchia

12. Lyn Hamer

13. Joe Leary

14. David Beccia

15. Missy Chilton

16. Pam Walker

Second Flight Waterford Doubles

1. Maggie Kirkbride

2. Jessica Beccia

3. Susie Wagner

4. Hunter Cushing

5. Melissa Nelson

6. Tish Peterkin

7. Mary Jo Chapoton

8. Gerry Geddes

New York State GC Championship

June 23-25, 2023

New York Croquet Club

New York, New York

Championship Singles

01. Paul Neubecker

02. Tate Russack

03. Stephen Tasker

03. Justin Berbig

05. Tom Cooper

05. Chris Morris

07. Alex Galasso

08. Chris Olsen

08. Dennis Leddy

10. Cecil Creasey

11. Norris Settlemyre

12. Devin Burress

First Flight Singles

01. Cami Russack

02. Susan Creasey

03. Amy Hempt

03. George Claffey

05. Mark Ski

06. Lois Clay

06. Pat Spratt

08. Peter Timmins

09. Peter Woolley

10. Trudy Crowetz

Second Flight Singles

01. Anne Carr

02. Georgia McCravey

03. Kate Rutledge

03. Janet Anthos

05. Louise Bozorth

06. Mark Woolley

Championship Doubles

01. Paul Neubecker/Dennis Leddy

02. Tate Russack/Cami Russack

03. Alex Galasso/Chris Morris

03. Cecil Creasey/Susan Creasey

05. Stephen Tasker/Devin Burress

06. Chris Olsen/Doug Moore

07. Pat Spratt/Mark Ski

08. Norris Settlemyre/Peter Timmins

First Flight Doubles

1. Lois Clay & Trudy Crowetz

2. Amy Hempt & Janet Anthos

3. George Claffey & Louise Bozorth

3. Peter Woolley & Mark Woolley

5. Georgia McCravey & Kate Rutledge

6. Anne Carr & Pat Richmond

event results

Greenwich Invitational

June 23-25, 2023 | Greenwich Croquet Club

Greenwich, Connecticut

Championship Singles

01. Courtney Green

02. Webster Bull

03. David Kepner

04. George Peterkin III

05. Quinn Reinhardt

06. John Watson

07. Bill Miller

07. Boyd Parker

First Flight Singles

01. Penny Pressler

02. Katie Bull

03. Kathleen Green

03. Patricia Peterkin

03. Larry Schmutz

06. Karen Kay

07. Nora Watson

08. Hilary Michaels

ScissorTail Invitational

June 22-25, 2023

Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club

Nichols Hills, Oklahoma

Championship Singles

01. Conner Helms

02. Matt Baird

03. Britt Ruby

04. Scott Spradling

05. Joe Yoder

DNF Dylan Goodwin

First Flight Singles

01. Dale Jordan

02. Carl Archiniaco

03. Suzanne Spradling

04. Gene Bryan

05. Joe Schulte

05. Ford Austin

07. Jon Spaulding

Championship Doubles

01. Britt Ruby/Matt Baird

02. Scott Spradling/Joe Yoder

03. Conner Helms/Dylan Goodwin

Seattle Open

June 16-18, 2023 | Woodland Park

Seattle, Washington

Championship Singles

01. Patrick Sweeney

02. Jason Torla

03. Steve Scalpone

04. Gary Anderson 05. Curtis Toops

06. Ron Eccles

07. Nick Gray

Woodlawn Invitational

June 15-18, 2023

Woodlawn Croquet Program

Ellsworth, Maine

Championship Singles

01. Neil Houghton

02. Bob Worrell

03. Bob Van Tassell

04. Don Parker

05. Mike Gibbons

First Flight Singles

01. Randall McAndrews

02. Fred Beck

03. Oakley Johnson

04. Glenn McAndrews

05. Bill Whitman

06. James Lane

07. Whitney Small

Mountain Brook Croquet Club GC Championship

June 2-4, 2023

Mountain Brook Croquet Club

Birmingham, Alabama

Championship Singles

01. Matthew Jackson

02. Robert Schoel

03. Todd Russell

04. Michael Seele

05. Robert Richardson

06. Brian Midkiff

Berkshire Invitational

June 1-4, 2023 | Lenox Croquet Club

Lenox, Massachusetts

Championship Flight

01. Webster Bull

02. Rich Laging

03. Courtney Green

03. Jodie Rugart

05. Chris Loat

05. Preston Stuart

05. David Ekstrom

05. Patricia Spratt

First Flight

01. David Kepner

02. Lee Anderson

03. Rita McNamara

03. George Claffey

05. Pete Bowers

05. Fred Beck

05. Gary Anderson 05. Rick Hayes

Second Flight

01. Kathleen Green

02. Katie Bull

03. Suzanne Laging

03. John Welch

05. Bess Gallanis

05. Hillary Michaels

05. Claudia Parks

05. Sarah Persons

Indian Territory Open

May 26-29, 2023 | Tulsa Croquet Club

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Championship Singles

01. Scott Spradling

02. Matt Smith

03. Matt Baird

03. Ron Millican

05. Kevin McQuigg

05. Stuart Price

07. Deborah Millican

07. Joe Steiner

First Flight Singles

01. Greg Clouse

02. Dale Jordan

03. Carl Archiniaco

03. Joe Schulte

05. Suzanne Spradling

05. Bob Baker

Championship Doubles

01. Matt Smith/Art Parsells

02. Matt Baird/Kevin McQuigg

03. Scott Spradling/Deborah Millican

03. Stuart Price/Ron Millican

First Flight Doubles

01. Dale Jordan/Carl Archiniaco

02. Greg Close/Suzanne Spradling

03. Joe Steiner/Joe Schulte

USCA SE Florida District GC Championship

May 19-21, 2023 | National Croquet Center

West Palm Beach, Florida

Championship Flight

01. Tate Russack

02. Kendall Hendrick

03. Lynda Sudderberg

03. Laura Hendrick

First Flight

01. Jack Rush

02. Jim Sansalone

03. Jose Benjumea

04. Frank Merschman

Second Flight

01. Jay Carey

02. Lin Irey

03. Bob Broadway

04. Franck Meunier

Castles and CroquetTM

5-STAR LUXURY CROQUET TRIPS IN THE UK

Stay in the Elizabethan splendour of the Gravetye Manor with their Michelin Star restaurant and the outrageous, palatial elegance of Cliveden House. Play at 700yr old Hever castle, Downton Abbey and visit Sir Winston Churchill’s country home then play on his croquet lawn. And much more!

Learn the 7 Skills to Play Like a Champion as taught by Jiminy Wicket® and celebrate your wins with a Roaring ’20s awards dinner (stripey blazers, bow ties, flapper dresses and fascinators). Proceeds support our work with Special Olympics. Limited to 8 guests.

Register now for your trip!

More details: info@JiminyWicket.org

SE 6W Regional Championship

May 18-21, 2023

Albemarle Croquet Club

Belvidere, North Carolina

Championship Singles

01. Adam Lassiter

02. Danny Huneycutt

03. Mike Taylor

03. Rodney Lassiter

05. Brian Hovis

05. Linda Trifone

05. Stuart Price

05. Steve Thurston

09. Joshua Lassiter

09. Elaine Moody

11. Walt Janitz

11. Rick Darnell

First Flight Singles

01. Cecil Creasey Jr.

02. Timothy Williams

03. Christine Smith

03. Christof Weihs

05. Randy Lassiter

05. Sandy Janitz

05. Douglas Murphy 05. Georgia Carter

09. Becky Essick

09. Danna Huneycutt

11. Karen Weihs

Second Flight Singles

01. Susan Creasey

02. Kathie Hart

03. Elizabeth Robinson

03. Jennifer Falchi

05. Janet Mullen

06. Kathy Killmon

Championship Doubles

01. Danny Huneycutt/Danna Huneycutt

02. Mike Taylor/Elaine Moody

03. Adam Lassiter/Randy Lassiter

03. Walt Janitz/Brian Hovis

05. Rodney Lassiter/Joshua Lassiter

06. Linda Trifone/Stuart Price

07. Rick Darnell/Steve Thurston

First Flight Doubles

01. Becky Essick/Timothy Williams

02. Christine Smith/Sandy Janitz

03. Cecil Creasey Jr./Hillary Lassiter

03. Douglas Murphy/Kathie Hart

05. Georgia Carter/Elizabeth Robinson

06. Christof Weihs/Karen Weihs

07. Susan Creasey/Kathy Killimon

08. Jennifer Falchi/Janet Mullen

©2023 Jiminy Wicket

Cliveden House

The Gravetye Manor

700yr old Hever Castle

event results

Texas State Championship

May 11-14, 2023

Houston

Texas

Championship Doubles

01. Perry Mattson/Inez Cancienne

02. Stephen Errickson/Susan Creasey

03. Cameron James/Cecil Creasey

03. Nancy Crouch/Teresa Errickson

05. Macey White/Cynthia Fowler

05. Steve Thurston/Fred Beck

05. Gil Rocha/John Welch

05. Leo Leither/Sandy Janitz

GC Boot Camp

May 5-7, 2023

Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club Hartfield, Virginia

Championship Singles

01. Steve Thurston

02. Kim Allen

03. David Paukovich

03. Nancy Crouch

05. Lisa Maloney

05. Pamela Darney 05. Dorothy Silliman 05. Inez Cancienne

Croquet by the Bay 6W

Chesapeake

09. Joe Ward 09. Janet Schwartz 09. Whitney Thain 09. Doug Fowler 09. Patti Paukovich

09. Sheila Peterson 09. Grace Hanners

16. Cynthia Fowler

16. Cathy Long

16. Bess Gallanis

16. Sara Atherholt

USCA Golf Croquet Eights

April 27-30, 2023

National Croquet Center

West Palm Beach, Florida

First Eight

01. Billy Harper

02. Danny Huneycutt

03. Kent Lovvorn

04. Jim Teel

05. Tamer Hatata

06. Matt Griffith

07. Jay Hughes

08. Leo McBride

Second Eight

01. Randy Cardo

02. Helen Covington

03. Bev Cardo

04. James Creasey

05. Stephen Tasker

06. Bo Prilllaman

07. Darin Guffey

08. Cheryl Bromley

Third Eight

01. Lynda Sudderberg

02. Marc Stearns

03. Alex Galasso

04. Dick Boger

05. Amr Hamdy

06. David McCoy

07. Steve Jackson

08. Chris Morris

Fourth Eight

01. Ellie Griffith

02. Kendall Hendrick

03. Bill Simmons

04. Priscilla Flowers

05. Jeff Morrison

06. Ryan Eberlein

07. Caryl Firth

08. Sue Emond

Fifth Eight

01. John Strasser

02. David Scott

03. Tim Williams

04. Mary Hennelly

05. Ellen O’Brien

06. Tom Bown

07. Sarah Persons

08. Tom Hennelly

USCA FL District SW GC Championship

April 27-29, 2023

Bonita Bay Croquet Club

Bonita Springs, Florida

Championship Flight

01. Tate Russack

02. Tom Wright

03. John Joseph

03. John Grout

05. Cami Russack

05. Fred Heald

05. Jennifer Joseph

05. Julie Wright

09. Jicham Zaatini

10. Lin Irey

10. Howard Glicken

12. John Ward

First Flight

01. Ed Kane

02. Jose Benjumea

03. Gregory Gonzales

03. Raymond George

05. Jeff Cohen

05. Michael Kolowich

05. Madeleine D'Ambrosio

05. Mike Anthony

09. Fran Anthony

09. Doug Elliott

09. Cindi Cooper

12. Marilyn Ward

The Falls Invitational

April 22-23, 2023

Highland Falls Country Club

Highlands, North Carolina

Championship Flight

01. Darin Guffey

02. Mark Kucharski

03. Hammond Rauers

03. Onifer Wilmoth

05. Jim Jamison

05. Mike Zuro

05. Dick Boger

05. Don Eastman

First Flight

01. Brooklyn Ellenburg

02. Dan Horton 03. Lynda Bjorklund

03. John Rymer 05. Gil Flowers

05. Gene Lockard 05. Adrienne Lucke

05. Barbara Jamison

National Croquet Club GC Doubles

March 31-April 2

National Croquet Center

West Palm Beach, Florida

Championship Flight

01. Cami Russack/Tate Russack

02. Steve Tasker/Devin Burress

03. Randy Cardo/Bev Cardo

04. Bob Van Tassell/David McCoy

05. John Warlick/Lucus Van Alen

06. Alex Galasso/Tom Lindley

07. Calvert Chaney/Liddy Chaney

08. Ruth Summers/Anne Frost Robinson

First Flight

01. Caryl Firth/Mary Galasso

02. Steve Mednick/Nigel Billingham

03. Bill Trower/Brian Mitchell

04. Bruce Hindin/Neill Trimble

05. Geraldine McCauley/Ralph Worthington

06. Lois Clay/Trudy Crowetz

07. Pam Groh/Suzanne Turner

08. Laurie Brown/Sarah Billingham

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Second Flight

01. Nancy Sansalone/Jim Sansalone

02. Donald Allison/Janet Allison

03. Mary Churchill/Frank Meunier

04. Phil Robinson/Bob Rochedieu

05. Fei Fei Williams/June Rochedieu

06. Lynn Foley/Bob Broadway

07. Lynn Epstein/Stuart Epstein

08. Maurizio Russo/Elisabeth Tretter

FIVE SIZES

grandprixstandings

2023 A6W OVERALL GP STANDINGS

2023 GC OVERALL GP STANDINGS

2023 GC WOMEN'S GP STANDINGS

grandprixstandings

2023 AC OVERALL GP STANDINGS

AC WOMEN'S GP STANDINGS

uscasanctionedevents

September 2023

9/1/23 - 9/4/23

USCA Midwest Regional 6W | US

Lafortune Park | Tulsa, OK

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

9/6/23 - 9/10/23

Woodlawn Big Lobster 6W/9W | US & 9W

Woodlawn Croquet Program | Ellsworth, ME

Perry A Mattson | 207-667-9335 | newburyneckshore@gmail.com

9/6/23 - 9/9/23

The Little Rhody 6W | US

Ocean House | Watch Hill, RI

Patricia K Spratt | 860-227-7297 | psprattct@aol.com

9/7/23 - 9/10/23

SE Regional GC Championship | GC

Albemarie Croquet Club | Belvidere, NC

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

9/14/23 - 9/17/23

Blue Crab 6W | US

Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club | Hartfield, VA

Macey W. White | 804-694-9771 | maceywhite@gmail.com

9/14/23 - 9/17/23

Osborn Cup 6W | US

New York Croquet Club/Central Park | New York City, NY

Peter W Timmins | 646-642-6601 | peterwtimmins@yahoo.com

9/18/23 - 9/24/23

USCA National GC Championship | GC

Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club | Hartfield, VA

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

9/22/23 - 9/24/23

Turkey Trot Double-Digit Handicap 6W | US

Lenox Croquet Club | Lenox, MA

David R Ekstrom | 413-230-6122 | dekstrom2023@outlook.com

9/23/23 - 9/24/23

Merion Cricket Club 6W & GC Ivitational | US & GC

Merion Cricket Club | Haverford, PA

9/27/23 - 10/1/23

Pinehurst Invitational 6W | US

Pinehurst Country Club | Pinehurst, NC

Elaine Moody | 910-986-3164 | halliburton_2@msn.com

9/28/23 - 10/1/23

Cape Cod Invitational 6W | US

Sandwich Croquet Club | Sandwich, MA

Jean M Lynch | 508-444-6983 | jlynch8488@gmail.com

October 2023

10/8/23 - 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/Highland Mallet Club | Flora, MS/Jackson, MS

Mark Fields | 601-918-2704 | mfields5@gmail.com

10/19/23 - 10/22/23

NC State Singles Championship 6W | US

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 Doubles | GC

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL

Priscilla M Flowers | 828-421-3543 | pmflowers375@gmail.com

10/21/23 - 10/22/23

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 - 11/2/23

USCA American 6W School | US

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL

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

November 2023

11/1/23 - 11/2/23

Snowbirds & Flamingos GC | GC

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL

Priscilla M Flowers | 828-421-3543 | pmflowers375@gmail.com

11/2/23 - 11/5/23

Ponte Vedra Seahorse GC Tournament | GC

Ponte Vedra Croquet Club | Ponte Vedra , FL

Marc H Stearns | 562-762-5400 | mstearns2@bellsouth.net

www.WhiteTieCroquet.com IN THE SUN, RAIN, HEAT OR CHILL WHITE TIE HAS YOU COVERED!

11/2/23 - 11/5/23

West Indies Invitational 6W | US

Tennis Club of St Croix | St Croix

Douglas P Moore | 646-322-1742 | douglaspmoore@gmail.com

11/2/23 - 11/5/23

Houston Invitational 6W & GC | US & GC

Memorial Park Croquet Lawns | Houston, TX

Stuart Coco | 713-628-5704 | stuartwcoco@gmail.com

11/7/23 - 11/12/23

Solomon Trophy and President’s Matches | AC

Sarasota County Croquet Club | Venice, FL

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

11/8/23 - 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 2023

12/1/23 - 12/3/23

USCA GC Club Teams | GC

Sarasota County Croquet Club | Venice, FL

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

12/5/23 - 12/9/23

Pacific Cup AC | AC

Mission Hills Country Club | Rancho Mirage, CA

Patrick Sweeney | 503-452-2191 | sweeney@503law.com

12/6/23 - 12/7/23

USCA GC School | GC

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL

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

12/8/23 - 12/10/23

National Croquet Club 6W Doubles | US

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL

Timothy McCormick | 207-329-5343 | tmccorm1@gmail.com

12/15/23 - 12/17/23

The Holiday Invitational 6W | US

Sarasota County Croquet Club | Venice, FL

Nancy Hart | 803-530-2035 | nh13sc@gmail.com

12/15/23 - 12/17/23

Beach Club Invitational Golf Croquet Tournament | GC

The Beach Club | Palm Beach, FL

uscasanctionedevents

January 2024

1/4/24 - 1/7/24

USCA Florida Regional GC Championship | GC

Sarasota County Croquet Club | Venice, FL

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

1/8/24 - 1/13/24

Desert Classic | AC

Mission Hills Country Club | Rancho Mirage, CA

Nicholas Gray | 760-770-2052 | nickgray723@comcast.net

1/9/24 - 1/11/24

USCA American 6W School | US

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL

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

1/12/24 - 1/14/24

National Croquet Club 6W Singles | US

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL

Timothy McCormick | 207-329-5343 | tmccorm1@gmail.com

1/18/24 - 1/21/24

Women’s GC Open | GC

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL

Priscilla M Flowers | 828-421-3543 | pmflowers375@gmail.com

1/25/24 - 1/28/24

The Jones Invitational 6W | US

Sarasota County Croquet Club | Venice, FL

Nancy Hart | 803-530-2035 | nh13sc@gmail.com

February 2024

2/1/24 - 2/4/24

Beach Club Invitational 6W | US

The Beach Club/NCC | Palm Beach, FL

Thomas Tribby | 561-308-9447 | thomastribby@gmail.com

2/7/24 - 2/8/24

USCA GC School | GC

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL

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

2/12/24 - 2/18/24

USCA National GC Championship | GC

Mission Hills Country Club | Rancho Mirage, CA

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

2/23/24 - 2/25/24

GC Shootout | GC

Sarasota County Croquet Club | Venice, FL

Nancy Hart | 803-530-2035 | nh13sc@gmail.com

2/27/24 - 3/2/24

Mission Hills Invitational | US

Mission Hills Country Club | Rancho Mirage, CA

Nicholas Gray | 760-770-2052 | nickgray723@comcast.net

2/28/24 - 3/3/24

Steuber Classic 6W & GC | US & GC

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL

Bill F Sadowski | 631-834-7176 | wsadowsk@optonline.net

March 2024

3/5/24 - 3/6/24

USCA GC School | GC

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL

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

3/5/24 - 3/7/24

USCA American 6W School | US

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL

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

3/8/24 - 3/10/24

USCA Croquet Week GC | GC

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL

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

3/14/24 - 3/17/24

USCA Club Teams 6W | US

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL

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

3/29/24 - 3/31/24

National Croquet Club GC Singles | GC

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL

Priscilla M Flowers | 828-421-3543 | pmflowers375@gmail.com

April 2024

4/10/24 - 4/14/24

USCA GC Eights | GC

Sarasota County Croquet Club | Venice, FL

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

4/17/24 - 4/18/24

USCA GC School | GC

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL

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

4/25/24 - 4/28/24

Kathleen F. Chace

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

USCA Florida Regional 9W Championship | 9W

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL

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

In Memorium: Pat Chace Supper & Papa Fred Supper

USCA INSTRUCTION SCHOOLS

USCA SCHOOLS AT THE NATIONAL CROQUET CENTER

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.

AMERICAN 6W RULES (3 days)

October 31, 2023

January 9, 2024

March 5, 2024

October 29, 2024

GOLF CROQUET SCHOOL (2 days)

October 17, 2023

December 6, 2023

February 7, 2024

March 5, 2024

April 17, 2024

October 8, 2024

December 3, 2024

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)

» Daily Continental Breakfast and Lunches

» Certificate of Completion & Photograph

» Wine and Cheese Graduation Party.

ASSOCIATION LAWS (2 days)

October 24, 2023

October 22, 2024

United States Croquet Association 700 Florida Mango Rd, West Palm Beach, FL. 33406 561.478.0760

www.croquetamerica.com

Oakley Woods Croquet

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bent shaft mallet

• ergonomic design

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