USCA On the Road Again

BY DAMON BIDENCOPE

Our experiences with croquet and how it enriches our lives varies in as many ways as we have members. It is a lifelong and healthy pursuit. My journey with croquet has spanned my entire adult life. From the first introduction in dubious and sometimes rowdy college croquet games, on less than perfect lawns with a less-than-perfect understanding of rules at St. Paul’s College, Sydney University, in 1978, I have been fortunate to cover some ground and experience the sport in many locations around the world. These experiences to date, which I hope are only a portion my life’s croquet allotment, have been punctuated with some outstanding and serendipitous occasions. I would like to share some past and recent moments.

Early experiences include: Playing and instructing members on the perfect lawn at Birnam Wood Croquet Club in Montecito, Calif., where at first glance the inlaid white marble court boundaries on the lawn appeared rather extravagant until Forrest Tucker pointed out they had not been touched since they were laid so it was, in fact, a most economical solution. In contrast, playing a mid-winter early morning game on Stan Patmor’s court in Phoenix, shaded by Oleander and frost crackling under foot; or huddling in the hut at Ren Kraft’s court in Paradise Valley and meeting Archie and Betty Burchfield for the first time with their genuine warmth that I will never forget; or the enthusiasm shared while playing full-moon croquet with Tom and Jane (Lufkin) McDonnell in Santa Rosa, Calif. Further, in the early 90s, I was fortunate to be asked by Walt Janitz, Midwest RVP at the time, if I would participate in a USCA teaching loop through the Midwest (St. Louis, Mo., Minneapolis, Minn., Tulsa, Okla., Detroit, Mich., Lewiston, Mich., Rockford, Ill., Akron, Ohio). All were unique and special unexpected moments to treasure. The only difference between then and now is not enthusiasm and interest but that I currently do not wear shorts with a 32-inch waist (perhaps enough self-reflection here). The recent journey I wish to share began with early rumblings a couple of years ago that Atlanta, Ga., was going to see its first full-size championship facility. Like any good skeptic, hearing a developer’s claim of “championship-level facilities” conjured images that span from my early college experience to scattered hoops on a rolling field. Then the pandemic hit and delayed everything until … at last the COVID-19 fog began to lift and following the NC Open at Pinehurst in early May, I ventured to Atlanta to what I was told was an enthusiastic croquet group at Peachtree Hills Place.

It did not disappoint. Andy Isakson, the Isakson family and Isakson Living Team with Peachtree Hills Place, had, in fact, delivered not just the first but two regulation-size courts in a most fabulous residential courtyard setting in the heart of Buckhead. Early planning ideas included large reflection pools in the courtyards, however the installation of the croquet courts provides both an aesthetic quality and an active element that adds to the facility’s mix of amenities. Croquet lawns and their settings are, however, physical elements and without an active and engaged membership, they remain static. It takes people to make them work. The enthusiasm and engagement of the resident members with the game was impressive. This is the part that made the experience special and profound. Some Peachtree Hills Place Residents like USCA member Dick Boger, who already I consider a croquet fanatic, down to the croquet crested slippers, clearly are on the more serious end of the scale while other residents are experiencing the game for the first time. The residents’ energy for the game was strong. I do suspect that in the mornings if all I needed to do was grab my cup of coffee, suitable attire, shut the door and walk 30 feet onto two championship courts, I would also be similarly enthusiastic, as every day I will have found a gem. The first two days were structured with beginner, intermediate and rules and etiquette clinics. The remaining time was used for small private small group/couples’ lessons. The real benefit was that these croquet players could participate conveniently from their home court with no travel involved (not a car was started). Established in 1977, the USCA has always been the key resource in developing the community network and communication across the country for croquet. Past efforts have included helping clubs and members grow through high-level content, instructor training, education, strategy, rules, handicaps and national member communications.

Years ago, I enjoyed the same enthusiasm while on the Midwest tour devised by Walt Janitz in the early 90s. Before that, Teddy Prentis had made similar tour excursions. Over the years, seasoned instructors such as Johnny Osborn and Bob Kroeger have provided instruction across a broad swathe of the US. My experience at Peachtree Hills Place in Buckhead confirmed and reinforced that providing this service to our members is a most worthwhile endeavor and promotes activity literally at the grassroots level. The USCA is now reaching out further with this key resource of providing travelling instructional schools. So, if you and a group of friends are interested in having a top-level USCA instructor come to your lawn, your town, your state, more detailed information is available and arrangements can be made through the USCA office at membership@uscroquet.com. The USCA is committed to helping all our clubs further develop as the gems they are.