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!

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.

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!