2020 Croquet News Volume 3

2020 Volume 3

CroquetNews The Official Magazine

of the United States Croquet Association

Fall Issue

Courting Young Players | National Croquet Day | Hall of Fame Inductees | Bob Kroeger Ponte Vedra Croquet Club | Court Lighting Case Study

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CroquetNews 2020 Volume 3

Features 11 | National Croquet Day 2020 14 | Courting Young Players 17 | CFA Hall of Fame 22 | Club Profile: Ponte Vedra Croquet Club 24 | Member Profile: Bob Kroeger 31 | Event Reports

Departments 03 | Courtside with Sara Low 04 | The Clubhouse 05 | Who Am I? 09 | The Inbox 26 | Club Management 28 | Let's Talk Tactics 29 | GC America 38 | New Membership 39 | Grand Prix Standings 41 | Events Calendar

courtside

Tribute to USCA Pioneer Croquet News has been forced to revise its content often during this pandemic.

Daily changes to federal, state and club environments have required everyone to frequently accommodate new regulations. Even so, the magazine continues to be an interesting and full publication. We applaud Dylan Goodwin, the publisher, and his staff for creating a colorful and complete volume every quarter. The summer issue is, by plan, electronic, and offered in digital format only. Enjoy it and all the croquet to be discovered in this issue.

This spring the world lost Jean Arrington, who passed away on April 30. A name in the annuls of the United States Croquet Association, it was her life – her spirit and energy – that deserves memory and, for some, introduction.

Every US player should pay tribute to Jean Arrington with the women players toasting her a little bit more. “The first” in several ways, she was a role model without meaning to be.

As a croquet player, Jean affected us all.

She was a strong contender, loved the sport, gave a great deal of herself and time to croquet administration.

On The Cover

Her croquet skills were envied by many players in her time: the men she beat and the women who wanted to equal her.

She was proud of her placement as the only woman listed in the top ranking of players from 1980 to 1992.

Publisher

A member of the New York Croquet Club, Jean could be found playing and practicing almost daily at the croquet court in Central Park. She absolutely loved the game and shared it whenever she could. Later, she provided her memories to the club’s history.

Photo and graphic created by Brandy Ferguson and Dylan Goodwin Dylan Goodwin

Managing Editor Julie Jantzer-Ward

Art Director

Brandy Ferguson

Inquiries

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

Text should be submitted as a Microsoft Word file and photos need to be FULL resolution (300 dpi). All content may be edited for length and photos will be adjusted appropriately. Croquet News is produced four times per year and is distributed as a benefit to USCA membership. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the expressed permission of the publisher.

Views expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the USCA.

A figure in US Croquet, Jean helped Jack Osborn from the beginning. She served on the boards of the NYCC, the USCA, the Croquet Foundation of America and as an editor of the Croquet Gazette.

For everything she did on and off the court, Jean was honored with an induction to the US Croquet Hall of Fame.

Thank you, Jean. Croquet and the USCA are enjoyed today because of you.

Sara Low

USCA President | president@uscroquet.com

© 2020 United States Croquet Association

croquetamerica.com | 3

TheClubhouse WCF DELAYS 2020-2023 EVENTS BY ONE YEAR WCF EVENT

HOST

ORIGINAL DATE

REVISED DATE

2020 GC World Team Championship Tier 2 2020 GC World Team Championship Tier 3 2020 Women’s AC World Championship 2021 Under 21 GC World Championship 2021 GC World Championship 2021 AC World Team Championship Tiers 2/3 2021 AC World Team Championship Tier 1 (MacRobertson Shield) 2022 AC World Championship 2022 Over 50 GC World Championship 2023 Under 21 GC World Championship 2023 GC World Championship

Spain England New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand England Australia England Australia USA USA

May-2020 Jul-2020 Nov-2020 Jan-2021 Feb-2021 Aug-2021 Nov-2021 Jul-2022 Oct-2022 Mar-2023 Mar-2023

May-2021 Jul-2021 Nov-2021 Jan-2022 Feb-2022 Aug-2022 Nov-2022 Jul-2023 Oct-2023 Mar-2024 Mar-2024

With the Tier 2 and lower Golf Croquet WTC already postponed, the World Croquet Federation (WCF) has now announced that all WCF events scheduled for the remainder of 2020 through 2023 will be shifted back by one year. The first affected event is the 2020 Women’s Association Croquet World Championship that was scheduled for November 2020 in New Zealand.

In the release, the WCF also noted that further adjustments could be made depending on the status of the COVID-19 pandemic. The table indicates revised dates, which “are approximate and subject to detailed agreement with the relevant event hosts who have all indicated their support.”

Looking ahead to the 2025 MacRobertson Shield, the WCF Secretary-General, Stephen Mulliner says, “The MacRobertson Shield is due to be held in England in 2025, which will be the centenary of its founding. It was also agreed that, if possible, this event should still be held in 2025 with the forward calendar being revised slightly to accommodate this.”

The WCF also offered further guidance on the following specific events: WOMEN’S EVENTS: In recent years, both the Women’s AC and GC World Championships have “slipped” by a year so that the Women’s ACWC, last held in 2015, was due to be held next in 2020, which was also the same year as the ACWC. Similarly, the Women’s GCWC, previously held in 2014, was most recently held in 2019, which was also the same year as the last GCWC. This is not ideal because it makes it more difficult for the top women players to compete in both events in each code. It also means that women players have experienced a five-year gap between their recent world championships in both codes instead of the four-year gap that was intended.

To counteract both aspects of this slippage, it has been agreed that the one-year postponement will not apply to the women’s

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events other than for the postponement of the 2020 Women’s ACWC to 2021. The next Women’s GCWC will, therefore, be held in 2023 and the next Women’s ACWC will be held in 2024.

The WCF Management Committee (MC) will now actively seek an event host and dates for the 2023 Women’s GCWC so that all WCF Events due to be held from now to the end of 2023 will be fully allocated.

2022 U21 GC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: The WCF MC has considered the impact of the postponement of the 2021 Under 21 GC World Championship (U21 GCWC) to 2022 on the eligibility of players whose 21st birthdays fall in 2021. Such players would have been eligible to play in the 2021 U21 GCWC but, applying the normal age limit, would not be eligible to play in a 2022 U21 GCWC. Given the exceptional circumstances that have led to the postponement, the WCF MC has decided to recommend to the council that WCF Sports Regulations paragraph 5.1.5 be temporarily amended so that players whose 21st birthdays fall in 2021 will still be eligible to play in a 2022 U21 GCWC. Allowing any player who would have been eligible for a 2021 U21 GCWC to remain eligible for the same event in 2022 is consistent with treating the 2021 GCWC as postponed rather than canceled.

The WCF MC feels that this inclusive approach is in the best interests of fostering the next generation of croquet players.

For the avoidance of doubt, this treatment will not apply if the U21 GCWC cannot be held in 2022. If that is the case, the 2021 U21 GCWC will be regarded as canceled and the next holding of the U21 GCWC, perhaps in 2023, will be a new event and subject to the normal age limit.

2023 OVER 50 GCWC: This event will continue to be open to players who reach the age of 50 by the first day of the event.

USCA Management Committee

WHO AM I? I have something in common with Mozart, Picasso and Bobby Fischer. In that regard, I started playing croquet at an early age. And my dad did not even have to pull teeth to get me to do it.

________________________

?

Because of my early accomplishments, I was covered in many national media sources, including a story about me in Sports Illustrated, being interviewed by Soledad O’Brien on NBC’s “Today Show,” and a caricature of me in ESPN: The Magazine.

You could say that, when I was 16, I played the role of a Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, although I am not from Connecticut.

My greatest achievement had some irony to it because my most famous match victory happened where it was illegal for me to consume the venue’s primary product.

I was a Mac before there was the iPod, iPad or iPhone.

I am one of a handful of people who has won a national title in both association croquet and golf croquet.

Among many firsts, one of my favorites is being the first American to do something six times in the same tournament croquet game.

You also could say that I developed a bit of a cavalier attitude later in my croquet career.

Can you guess, who am I?

President Sara Low president@uscroquet.com First Vice President Damon Bidencope firstvp@uscroquet.com Second Vice President Don Oakley secondvp@uscroquet.com Treasurer David Isaacs treasurer@uscroquet.com Secretary Carla Rueck secretary@uscroquet.com United States Croquet Association (USCA) 700 Florida Mango Road West Palm Beach, FL 33406 Tel. (561) 478-0760 Fax (561) 686-5507 Email: usca@msn.com Website: www.croquetamerica.com ________________________ REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS Florida Gene Raymond floridarvp@uscroquet.com Mid-Atlantic Timothy Rapuano midatlanticrvp@uscroquet.com Midwest Russell S. Dilley midwestrvp@uscroquet.com Northeast Patricia Spratt northeastrvp@uscroquet.com Southeast Macey White southeastrvp@uscroquet.com Western Rory Kelley westernrvp@uscroquet.com ________________________ USCA STAFF Membership Coordinator Ursula Peck membership@uscroquet.com Tournament & Schools Johnny Mitchell tournament@uscroquet.com www.CroquetAmerica.com croquetamerica.com | 5

theclubhouse

Jean Arrington 1935-2020

US Croquet Hall of Fame member Jean Arrington passed away on April 30, 2020, in Abingdon, Va., at the age of 85. She was born on March 26, 1935, in Buchanon County, Va., and attended Richmond Professional Institute (now known as Virginia Commonwealth University) after high school. Her career led her to New York City, where she lived for more than 50 years. There she worked as a fashion merchandiser for Burdine’s Department Store and later in sales and marketing with IBM. Traveling was one of her passions and she had four passports filled with stamps from destinations all over Europe and the Caribbean.

Her start with the USCA began when a friend suggested that they volunteer to address invitations to the 1980 Hall of Fame Ball.

Working during those formative years in the cramped one-room office on Madison Avenue, where the USCA and CFA based their operations, she was said to have contributed more time, energy and talent to “growing” the sport of croquet than any other woman in America.

In service to her beloved sport, she held the position of Secretary of the United States Croquet Association for 10 years and the positions of President and Secretary of the Croquet Foundation of America. She also served on the Palm Beach Polo and Country Club Hospitality and Social Activities Committee, as well as Treasurer and Advertising/Marketing manager for the U.S. Croquet Gazette.

While serving in these offices, Arrington helped hundreds of clubs and thousands of individuals coming into the sport through the USCA. No one, however, did she help more during those formative years than Jack Osborn. Throughout eight office moves, evolving management committees, five support staff changes and dealings with countless suppliers, she provided solid continuity as Osborn’s right arm and sounding board. Despite her soft-spoken, low-profile persona, her strong-willed determination to see croquet prosper earned Arrington respect throughout the USCA. Amazingly, during this time, she also excelled on the court, and from 1980 to 1992, she was the only woman listed among the best croquet players in the United States.

For those efforts and the overall impact she had on the sport in America, she was inducted into the United States Croquet Hall of Fame in 1991.

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Photo courtesy of Voice Magazine for Women (www.voicemagazineforwomen.com)

She is survived by her brother, James Arrington, 92, of Abingdon, Va.; and her nieces and nephews to include Jim, Tim and Susan Arrington, of Abingdon, Va., Cindy and George Reese of Atlanta, Ga., Leisa Moseley of Reno, Nev., Terry Arrington of Johnson City, Tenn., Diane and Cory Owens of August, Ga., Dawn and Michael Crouse of Knoxville, Tenn., and Dean and Vickie Arrington of Plano, Texas.

RICHARD V.W. NELSON Richard (Dick) Nelson of the Green Gables Croquet Club in Sea Girt, N.J., passed away on Thursday, April 20, 2020, with his family at his bedside.

created standards for client management and international exhibiting.

As a natural progression from design, Dick started painting in 1987, he studied at the Born in Westfield, N.J., Dick was introduced Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and the to the game of croquet when he moved to Art Students League of New York. He became Spring Lake 27 years ago and became an an avid and accomplished artist. He was a captured the milestone with a graphic avid player and supporter of the sport. His member of the Portrait Society of America. salute. He designed and distributed copies legacy lives on in the contributions he has of his newest creation, our anniversary Dick’s gifts of art, design and made to our club. logo, given to all who participated in that uncompromising generosity of spirit and year’s invitational tournament. His garden He was a successful entrepreneur, an service contributed to the growth of the train show benefitted the Spring Lake accomplished artist, garden train enthusiast, Green Gables Croquet Club. For years, Garden Club. the consummate well-dressed man and a at each Green Gables Croquet Club lifelong (often anonymous) philanthropist. tournament, Dick approached the game as As an avid croquet player and artist, Dick In the early 1970s, Richard dreamed if it were a trigonometry exam. He focused designed and produced the iconic GGCC of starting a company driven by ethics, intently on the angles of attack and strategy of towers, which have been used to highlight creativity and a commitment to excellence— his matches—often with considerable success. the club’s special events gracing the dining an organization where employees’ ideas tables at the Spring Lake Bath & Tennis Dick was a skilled and inquisitive and talents could flourish. He founded Club. Dick’s affection for the game led to his photographer. In one memorable moment Impact Unlimited and pursued his goal of generous support in sustaining the resources he saw a mother duck in a parade with her success, equally relishing the success and of the club. He will be sorely missed by all new ducklings marching boldly across our advancement of his employees. What began who knew him for his friendship, generosity, lawns. He captured the feathered lineup in as a local trade show exhibit producer grew creativity and competitive spirit on and off the most charming photo. into a worldwide interactive marketing the courts.

In 2007, when Green Gables celebrated its and communications firm. Recognized by —Submitted by the Green Gables 50th anniversary as the oldest established many trade organizations and publications Croquet Club croquet club in the country, Dick as an authority on industry trends, Dick

USCA TOURNAMENT MANAGER GUIDANCE The USCA offers the following guidance that all tournament managers should utilize for sanctioned events. This will allow for tournaments to be listed correctly on the USCA website (www.croquetamerica.com) calendar, in the electronic newsletter and in USCA Croquet News magazine. It also ensures handicaps and tracking points are calculated correctly.

BEFORE TOURNAMENT:

AFTER TOURNAMENT:

After your dates and venue have been selected, send in your Sanction Application.

You will need to know your players’ current handicap or index/grade.

Results must be submitted within five days because they impact a person’s handicap or grade/index for the next tournament. Email the results and tournament report with photos to tournament@uscroquet.com.

You can get a USCA handicap from: www.croquetamerica.com/usca/ handicaps.

For the golf croquet index and grade, visit: worldcroquet.org/index.php/worldrankings/gc-individual-rankings For the association rules index and grade, visit: worldcroquet.org/index.php/worldrankings/association-croquet

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

Linda Grady, PA 561-512-0852

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Report all results of Golf Croquet tournaments to Stephen Mulliner at snmulliner@gmail.com.

For reporting instructions visit: www.croquet.org.uk/?p=golf/gcrankings.html.

Report association rules tournaments to www.croquetscores.com.

For reporting instructions visit: www.croquetamerica.com/usca/handicaps.

croquetamerica.com | 7

theclubhouse

WCF HALL OF FAME 2020 NOMINATIONS The World Croquet Federation is seeking nominations for potential inductees in 2020. Nominations should be sent to the secretary general before September 30, 2020, for consideration by the WCF Hall of Fame Committee. Nominations should be in accordance with the following: “A nomination by an individual is to take the form of a written citation, which should demonstrate how the candidate has made an outstanding contribution to any of the games of croquet as a player, administrator or supporter or any combination thereof. A citation should be in English and not less than 500 words and should be accompanied by a photograph or portrait of the candidate.”

For more information on the WCF Hall of fame visit: https://worldcroquet.org/index.php/about-the-wcf/hall-of-fame

Errata We regretfully report that there was an error in the profile of Bert Myer that appeared in the 2020 Volume 2 issue of the Croquet News. The last paragraph referring to Croquet Canada was in-advertently carried over from the Volume 1 issue profile on Don Oakley and does not apply to Bert Myer. We apologize for any confusion caused by the error.

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PASSAGES Pat Colt, Croquet Club of Vermont Helen (Lenny) Copeland, New Albany Country Club Ted Johnson, Sonoma Croquet Club Norma Jean Loving, New Albany Country Club George Mathys, National Croquet Club Donald Moss, Deerfield Croquet Club Charlie Pendleton, Tega Cay Croquet Club Joe A. Reiser, At Large Member Alan H. Wolman, At Large Member

EMAIL BLASTS Call or email Vickie Johnston, to get your perfect mallet configuration.

HoopmakerUSA@gmail.com; or 415-203-2794

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As a club benefit, the USCA will send out one email blast per club per calendar year to help promote your USCA sanctioned tournament. Please send the file as a Microsoft WORD document or a .jpeg (photo) file — we cannot send any attachments or PDF files. Any additional email blasts will be $55.00 each.

theinbox

Masks and

Social Distancing at the Westhampton Mallet Club: Tom Balding, Lone Schweitzer, Bev Cardo and Randy Cardo -Dennis Amato croquetamerica.com | 9

“WHO AM I?” ANSWER I am ... Jacques Fournier Before there was Matthew Essick and before there was Ben Rothman, there was Jacques Fournier. He was a child croquet prodigy and superstar who, as a teenager, beat the best players in the US and then the world. He was the first American to accomplish several incredible croquet achievements, including winning an international croquet championship. And then, as Fournier’s talents shined their brightest, his star dimmed when his body failed him.

Fournier started playing croquet as a boy after his father, a dentist, discovered croquet during a business retreat at Meadowood resort.

Don Fournier Sr. returned to Arizona and built a quarter-size croquet court in the backyard of the family home. Later, a nearly full-size court was built in the front yard.

Fournier first burst onto the national croquet scene in 1994, at the age of 12, with a fourth-place finish in the USCA American Rules Nationals. The following year he was profiled in Sports Illustrated, beginning the national media’s fascination with this croquet prodigy.

He then began a run of major croquet tournament victories in the US, while still in high school.

But Fournier’s star shined brightest in international events.

In 1998, he was the runner-up in the British Open, losing to world champion Robert Fulford. He became the first American and youngest player at age 16 to make the British Open Finals.

Later in 1998, he won the US Open, becoming the first and only known player to make the finals of both the British and US Opens in the same year.

In 1999, Fournier won the Sonoma-Cutrer World Croquet Championship, at age 17, becoming the first American to win a world croquet championship. That event featured the best association croquet players in the world, many of whom Fournier beat, including Chris Clarke, Reg Bamford and, in the finals, Robert Fulford. The Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards, where the event was held, produces world-class wines, which Fournier was too young to legally consume.

As a result of becoming the dominant American player, he was selected to the US teams playing for the Solomon Trophy in 1998 and 1999, as well as the US teams playing in the 2000 and 2003 MacRobertson Shield Test Matches (known as “the Mac”).

Fournier went to college at the University of Virginia (UVA’s mascot is a Cavalier), where he received a half-scholarship in croquet. As far is known, he received the first collegiate croquet scholarship in US history. He was the captain of his college team, leading them to three collegiate titles in 2001, 2002 and 2003, before graduating after his third year.

At the peak of his game, when he was still a teenager, Fournier’s mother noticed his hands shaking while he was eating cereal; an art teacher had noticed the same when he was drawing. Fournier was later diagnosed with essential tremors (ET), a genetic neurological disorder that causes involuntary and rhythmic shaking, most often in the hands first before affecting other parts of the body. ET is exacerbated by purposeful movement.

Fournier is also one of the few Americans to win national titles in both association and golf croquet, winning the USCA Association For a world-class croquet player, who must use his hands and Rules National Singles Championship in 2002 and the USCA Golf arms in an extremely precise manner, ET has robbed Fournier of Croquet National Doubles Championship in 2010 (with partner his croquet super-powers. The overall effects of ET on Fournier Paul Bennett). prevent him from being able to play in multiple-day croquet tournaments. But ET cannot take away from his many incredible One of his favorite accomplishments is being the first American croquet achievements nor that he put US croquet prominently to do a sextuple peel in tournament play, which he did in the on the world stage.

1998 US Open.

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Despite the limitations created by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the USCA once again held National Croquet Day as a social media-driven event on June 6. Croquet supporters were asked to post photos on social media and share with the USCA’s Facebook and Instagram pages. The response netted 50 participants and 118 photos. The National Croquet Day committee, led by Mary Shields and including Suzanne Spradling and Don Whalen, went through an evaluation and selected the best 12 presented here.

for

Grand Haven Group

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Bob Chilton

Debbie Davidoff

Mark Ski Nanci Hunt

Rusty Rose

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Ellen Hall

Scott Kennedy

Yen Sullivan

Steve Irace

David McCoy

Susan Savage

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Y O U N G P L AY E R S It’s relatively well known that the USCA draws in new members at a respectable rate. However, the total membership tends to hover around 3,000 as annual attrition generally matches the new member gains. Many USCA leaders and ambassadors believe the key is to attract more young players and members to the sport. In this piece, two prominent new players offer their opinions on what the USCA can do to be more effective in drawing in the younger demographic.

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TOM BALDING

I have been competing in croquet for a little more than two years now, and no matter where I go or who I meet, someone never fails to mention the ongoing problem that faces American croquet: a lack of new young players. Everyone agrees that it is beneficial to croquet to bring in more. An abundance of young people exist in this country with potential access to the wonderful sport we all share.

Many USCA members try to encourage young relatives to take up the game quite often. So why do so few of them stick with it? Why is my presence an oddity rather than a norm?

It is possible that the biggest problem lies in the social stigma that currently surrounds the game of croquet. A week does not pass without my peers teasing me for taking part in the sport, but my love for the game makes it fall on deaf ears. The majority of my peers, however, will find it difficult to get past the image of the sport; they do not want to be dressed in all white, playing a game that they assume is childishly simple and belongs at family barbeques. Members of my generation, raised in the age of social media, are driven by image and the approval of others, and when an activity does not agree with the image they are trying to cultivate, they often cut that activity out entirely, regardless of how much they enjoyed themselves while participating.

This issue will be almost impossible to overcome without some adjustments on the part of the croquet community to better appeal to the youth of today. New strategies must be sought out and will be crucial in attracting a younger player population. If clubs can begin to make aesthetic changes on the ground levels of the sport, then over time the most effective changes can be more widely instituted and hopefully become standardized.

I personally was attracted to croquet at St. John’s because of the glory attached to it; I wanted the pride that came from defeating the Naval Academy. As a USCA member, I feel that same drive for glory and victory, and it compels me to press forward in the game. I believe that organizations and movements such as the Professional Croquet Association (PCA) will be invaluable to the youth development of the sport as it will give new opportunities and incentives for competition, while also establishing a new and more appealing image of the sport. On the national scale, it is important that we begin to curate a more serious and competitive image of croquet. Our websites, magazines, newsletters and social media should all be emblazoned with the greatest players and events that this sport has to offer. This is especially true now, as Matthew Essick and Ben Rothman have stepped up to the world stage and given historic performances for us to showcase here at home.

The other major obstacle that we must overcome is the lack of accessibility to the sport. This includes lengthy tournaments, expensive entry fees, club memberships, an absence of municipal facilities, etc. Young players are unlikely to have the resources necessary to compete regularly or even hold membership at most clubs. I personally have relied upon a good deal of sponsorships and kind benefactors, who without I would only be able to play in

Photo by Reba Priscilla Watson

two tournaments a year. Membership at most clubs is far above my ability to pay, and I can only afford the club I belong to because of a discounted junior membership. For younger players to get into and continue progressing in the sport, it must be made more financially accessible, and municipal facilities and no-frill tournaments with smaller price tags will help with this issue immensely.

A small movement in American croquet is already steering toward these methods with some clubs hosting reasonably priced two- or even one-day mini-tournaments. Members of the St. John’s croquet team have participated in such events during the school year at the Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club. We found that, aside from being able to play without having to miss classes (or work), they are especially appealing to newer players who do not have the stamina for a four-day tournament. The atmospheres were friendly but competitive, and though some of our newer players did not own whites, they were not barred from playing and were not made to feel embarrassed, but instead welcomed. The effect that this and other similar events have had on the St. John’s program is noticeable. Over the last two decades, a handful of SJC alumni have pursued croquet after graduation, but this year alone, our team had three of its new members express interest in tournaments and seek out USCA clubs in their local areas to join. Interest in competitive play is increasing.

These tournaments planted more interest in our members than we could have done on our own.

I encourage all members of the USCA to consider a couple of thoughts. The first: of the top five players in the US today, four of them are under the age of 40. The US is becoming more and more dominant in international tournaments, and thanks to social media, we are putting ourselves in front of more people than ever before.

The sport is already growing, and it is becoming younger. While we have all heard the reports about how croquet is dying, I do not believe that is true for America. Do not be discouraged by the small number of young players in the game, rather be encouraged that not too long ago there were even fewer of them, and the ones that are here now keep getting better.

Second, and perhaps most importantly: I have had the privilege to speak to hundreds of people in this community. Many USCA members have insightful ideas and thoughts on how they think croquetamerica.com | 15

the sport could be improved and how to attract more young players. What saddens me is that almost all of them begin or end these thoughts with “someone should...” or “if somebody just…”, and they don’t believe that they have the ability to make these improvements. I have said those words countless times myself, and still do, but I also know that those words mean defeat. We all are responsible, in part, for how far the sport has come, and we will all be equally responsible for getting the sport as far as it can go moving forward. Let this be a call to arms for every member of the USCA. We are a small community, where everyone knows everyone else, and if we can begin to realize that we all possess some ability to affect these changes, then we will see fantastic growth in youth participation over the coming years.

SHANE HETTLER

When it comes to growing croquet in the US and, in particular, attracting more young players to the game, a number of considerations would be worthwhile for the USCA. It is undeniable that the US lags behind the other Tier 1 croquet countries (Australia, New Zealand, England) in this respect.

Australia and New Zealand even have their own under 21 championships in GC (separate from the Worlds). These U21 tournaments signify something important: these countries have enough young players to support hosting such a tournament. The same cannot be said of the US. Outside of St. John’s College, one could count on one hand the number of under 21 players that play croquet competitively; I think one hand is more than enough because Blake Fields is literally the only one that comes to mind.

Croquet lawns are often concealed behind a very literal barrier to entry: gated clubs, tall hedges and memberships. Without more public venues available to try the game, nothing the USCA does to attract more players is going to yield a younger crowd. If the USCA can support, with funding or organizational backing, proposals for using public land for croquet lawns, that might be one of the best ways to grow the game. Getting croquet lawns into public recreation spaces would be fantastic, but one should also be mindful of moving into the right areas.

Croquet has almost no representation in major cities across the country. Looking at a list of the top 100 most populated cities in the US, less than a dozen have croquet lawns and even fewer of those lawns are public with the majority being attached to private clubs.

If the USCA wants younger players, croquet needs to be introduced to areas with younger people and they will need facilities for playing.

Ten croquet clubs are listed in Palm Beach County, where the average age of its residents is 45, which is more than a decade older than the average age of the 10 most populous cities in the United States; only two croquet clubs exist in all 10 of those cities combined. By contrast, in Australia’s two most populated cities, Sydney and Melbourne, close to 30 croquet clubs exist. In New Zealand, Auckland has six croquet clubs and Christchurch has more than 10. When you look at where croquet is available in the US, it should not be a surprise to anyone that young people here aren’t playing.

Growing croquet among young players might very well benefit from relaxing some traditions, but without a doubt, it will require expanding access to croquet facilities and bringing croquet to new areas. If the USCA really wants to grow its player base and increase the number of young players, getting public lawns built in major Possibly the two biggest factors holding back the growth of croquet cities seems like the way to go. These public lawns not only provide in America are the image and the availability of the game. Everyone a place to attract new players, but also allow croquet to be played in I have met through croquet has been incredibly friendly and welcoming. I have been trying to get more young players in New York a more informal setting where the image of the game can gradually change in the minds of other young people. No one is going to get for the last two years and the image of croquet has consistently been hooked on croquet after an hour; you need people to be informal, a reason to not try the game. The image many young people seem to having fun so they come back for the social element and over time it have of croquet does not accurately reflect the croquet community. will become the actual game of croquet that keeps them returning.

This issue might not have an easy fix; you cannot make it seem like a If I hadn’t started playing croquet with a group of friends my age young person’s game until young people are out playing en masse, so how might you start to get some younger players involved? One aspect in the sun with a grill going on the side of the court, drinking beer, blasting music on a speaker, wearing my denim jeans, a t-shirt and of this image that would be an easy change is the dress code. no shoes, I probably wouldn’t be playing croquet today at all.

The all-white dress code can be off-putting for a few reasons. Most young people who are not yet invested in the game are unlikely to purchase all-white clothing just to go out and give it a chance.

Further, the dress code does not project out to the uninitiated an image that they are welcome in a few ways: (1) the all-white clothing has an ‘elite’ or ‘upper crust’ air about it to people who aren’t familiar with croquet and (2) it can be viewed as exclusive when all the players have their uniforms on, giving the clear message they belong on those lawns and that those outside peaking over the fence, do not. It is of note that neither Australia nor New Zealand require white clothing for play in their rule book/tournament regulations except for matches where Australians represent their country against others (MacRob, WCF tournaments, etc.).

The other major issue holding back the growth of croquet in America that the USCA could work on is the lack of public lawns.

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On

November 13, 2020, the Croquet Foundation of America (CFA), in conjunction with the United States Croquet Association (USCA), will induct Sherif Mohamed Abdelwahab and Rory J. Kelley into the United States Croquet Hall of Fame.

The Induction Ceremony, to be followed by an elegant Dinner Party, will take place during the week of the Seniors Masters Nationals at the Charles P. Steuber National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach, Fla. The directors of the CFA and USCA encourage their friends, guests and all croquet enthusiasts to join them in paying tribute to these esteemed members

of our croquet family, Abdelwahab and Kelley, as we acknowledge their accomplishments in great style and with high enthusiasm. Biographies of the inductees follow.

Invitations to the dinner will be emailed to all USCA members in early fall when there is more clarity about what restrictions may apply to large gatherings.

Rigorous precautions will be taken to help insure a safe gathering of our friends, and all governmental health guidelines will be followed. For information or to make reservations for the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Gala, call Marie Sweetser at (561) 478-2300, Ext. 3.

SPONSORED CONTENT – The Croquet Foundation of America, a separate 501(c)(3), not-for-profit corporation, is a contributing sponsor of the USCA and Croquet News.

croquetamerica.com | 17

SHERIF MOHAMED ABDELWAHAB Sherif Abdelwahab is one of the most well-known and talented croquet players in the United States.

He does it all: Golf Croquet, American Rules and Association ... and he does it exceptionally well.

While he has long been a GC expert and champion, he has found a way to master whatever version of the game was thrown his way. His titles, within both the US and abroad, speak for themselves. And yet, while titles alone are enough to prove why he deserves to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, it is his personal attitude and assistance he offers others must really be celebrated as well. His sportsmanship has been an example all might strive to match. His support of the USCA, his promotion of croquet in general and, perhaps most importantly, his willingness to help any player on court or answer any questions asked at any venue, all without any thought of payment or personal reciprocation, speaks volumes of his character. It is rare to find someone who loves the game so passionately and wishes to share that love with the world. His accomplishments are impressive and we especially celebrate his spirit. in 2017 and doubles title in 2019 with partner Morgan. And finally, to put an exclamation point on Abdelwahab was born in Alexandria, Egypt, where he graduated from Al-azhar University with a degree 2019, he won the USCA American Rules Nationals Doubles, Association Laws Nationals Doubles and in accounting. He has been playing golf croquet, Golf Croquet Nationals singles and doubles. Wow! with great success, since the age of 10. When he moved to Newport, R.I., in 1987, he discovered the His accomplishments are even more notable because they include national championships in all three American Rules game being played at the Tennis major forms of croquet.

Hall of Fame. As he learned American Rules, in turn, he introduced the game of golf croquet (GC).

Internationally, Abdelwahab has represented the US In a sense, he was the “father” of that now popular team in 10 GC World Championships, two Association game in the US. He went on to become the most Laws Worlds and one GC “Over 50” tournament. He accomplished GC player in USCA Nationals history, has also been a member of three US teams at the GC winning every USCA Golf Croquet Nationals World Team Championship. He notes that one of his Doubles title since 2012, with a number of different most memorable experiences was when he was selected partners including Ben Rothman, David Maloof, to represent the best of the world teams with croquet Stephen Morgan and Blake Fields, who was only legends such as Reg Bamford and Robert Fulford 11 years old when they won in 2018. Abdelwahab playing against Egypt. They prevailed and this was the expresses great appreciation to those partners. He first time the Egyptians suffered a loss on the world won the USCA GC Nationals Singles title in 2017, stage. He is proud to have been selected as US team 2018 and 2019. Between 1999 and 2019, he was captain several times and having played in the Solomon runner-up in 12 other Nationals in which he faced Trophy competition. Recently, he was the flag holder in off with such heavyweights as Rothman, Randy the 2019 Worlds in England. With more than 700 GC Cardo, Mohammad Kamal, Leo McBride and games under his belt, Abdelwahab is the most active Chester Drake. He comes third on the list of the croquet player nationally. He also traveled in support most accomplished GC players in the United States of the US women’s team in New Zealand in 2019. after Rothman and Jeff Soo. Clearly Abdelwahab has immense talent on the In addition to his GC success, Abdelwahab has croquet lawn, as well as being a consummate enjoyed two USCA Association Laws Nationals gentleman and great ambassador for our sport. A Doubles titles in 2014 and 2019 (with Paul Bennett mentor and great role model, he carries himself and Stephen Morgan, respectively). In the USCA with great dignity and integrity. Always outgoing, American Rules Nationals, he won the singles title he acknowledges and encourages all players in his

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SPONSORED CONTENT – The Croquet Foundation of America, a separate 501(c)(3), not-for-profit corporation, is a contributing sponsor of the USCA and Croquet News.

universe. He is quick to offer support, suggestions or pointers to those who seek it and has a smile and friendly word for everyone. He continues to be a key figure in the mountains of North Carolina. He conducted many exhibitions and lessons there to assist Gene Young in his early efforts to popularize GC ... with great success.

He has been an advocate for the Newport Croquet Club at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I. (his home club), where he is the croquet teaching professional. In 2018, he was instrumental in bringing the USCA Northeast Regional back there after many years of its absence.

That same year he was also honored by the USCA as Professional of the Year.

As his admirers will attest, Sherif Abdelwahab is a force of nature on the croquet lawns. He can play for eight hours in a tournament and still go out on the lawn to hit balls until dark. He can hit a croquet ball harder and faster than any of the rest of us, once topping 35 mph on a radar gun. He is immensely skilled and lives to play and promote the sport.

Abdelwahab is indeed deserving of being inducted in 2020 to the United States Croquet Hall of Fame.

RORY J. KELLEY Rory Kelley’s accomplishments on the court are numerous, but his off-court contributions to croquet are what truly set him apart from the crowd. He has greatly enhanced the sport through his hard work as a club builder, years of tournament management, support of beginning and advanced players and ongoing work at some of the best tournaments in the Western region. His performance and leadership as part of several American teams competing internationally has helped set the tone for future American acceptance and prestige in the croquet world. He has continued to serve the sport as the current USCA Western Regional Vice President since 1994.

treasurer 1985-1994 and being honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Fiesta Bowl 1995-1996.

Kelley has been playing in major tournaments throughout the United States since 1985—more than 34 years of top-level competition. He has been involved in all aspects of croquet and has served as Captain of the Solomon Trophy and Carter Cup teams. His years as the driving force behind the Arizona Croquet Club are notable for the legendary amount of work he has done in support of all Club activities. While managing his first tournament at the Club in 1988, he coined the still popular phrase “Toast and Tally” for croquet. One enthusiastic supporter opined “Whether he’s in a tux hosting a croquet event or spreading fertilizer on a court in hot July (because no one else was available to do it) he does it all!”

The Arizona Croquet Club was the seedbed for Association laws croquet in the US and Kelley has been at the center of all that positive momentum since 1988. Additionally, the Arizona Club nurtured and then blossomed USCA rules croquet under his direction and leadership of the Arizona Open, the leading American rules tournament in the years in which it was held.

The US Open Tournament, created by Hall-ofFamer Stan Patmor and Kelley, has been sustained

by Kelley’s unfailing energy as Assistant Tournament

Born September 22, 1943, in Santa Monica, Calif., Kelley moved the next year to Phoenix, Ariz., where he spent his entire youth and was educated in the Phoenix school system. He earned a BS degree in Advertising from Arizona State University in 1969 and served in the US Coast Guard from 1961-1969. He and Cynthia C. Kelley married in 1977, and they have two daughters, Simone and Lindsay. He now also has five grandsons, one greatgranddaughter and one great-grandson. Kelley’s non-croquet community involvement has been extensive including membership in the Phoenix Boys and Girls Club since 1975, Arizona Outdoor Advertising Association Board member and state SPONSORED CONTENT – The Croquet Foundation of America, a separate 501(c)(3), not-for-profit corporation, is a contributing sponsor of the USCA and Croquet News.

croquetamerica.com | 19

Director (TD) since 2010. This tournament is now one of the most prestigious in the world and has been the instrument for the development of American international competition. Conceivably, without the Open, the United States might not have become a participant in the MacRobertson Shield. His dedication to the sport has continued unabated through the years, most recently demonstrated at the US Open as it celebrated its 31 st anniversary, with Kelley having been involved in the management of each one.

Kelley has been actively involved in the management and operation of the USCA for many years.

Since 1999, he has been a member of the USCA International Committee and served as Chairman from 2001-2005. He was also a member of the 1988 Nominating Committee, Management Committee 1990-94 and Bisque Committee 1995-97.

Kelley’s success on the court has been steady, highlighted by his victory in the 2011 USCA National Doubles Championship with Britt Ruby as his

partner. Other notable achievements include titles in the Arizona Open Championship, San Francisco Open, USCA Western Regionals, Texas Croquet Classic and the Meadowood Classic. He remains an active contestant at major tournaments and is certified as a USCA Class I referee. Along with Hall-of-Famers Jerry Stark and Rhys Thomas, Kelley was instrumental in the development of the Selection Eights. Those who have played in dozens of tournaments with and against Kelley can attest to his sportsmanship and professionalism. Whether as an early Assistant Tournament Director at the US Open or as a tournament worker at many Arizona tournaments, he has set the standard for balancing fair play and fun.

He is a joy to work with and a great friend to all … an excellent tournament director, host, teacher and longstanding ambassador for croquet.

Croquet Hall of Fame members represent the best of players, organizers, contributors and officials of our great game. In 2020, we welcome Rory J. Kelley, as an excellent addition to its roster of Hall of Fame Croquet greats!

SPONSORED CONTENT – The Croquet Foundation of America, a separate 501(c)(3), not-for-profit corporation, is a contributing sponsor of the USCA and Croquet News.

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| croquetamerica.com | croquetamerica.com 220

UNITED STATES CROQUET HALL OF FAME The Croquet Foundation of America (CFA) is now accepting nominations for the 2021 United States Croquet Hall of Fame. The deadline for filing a nomination is December 31, 2020.

POLICY AND NOMINATING GUIDELINES FOR ELECTION TO THE UNITED STATES CROQUET HALL OF FAME The Croquet Foundation of America, Inc. (CFA), in coordination with the United States Croquet Association, Inc. (USCA), seeks to honor individuals who have made prolonged, outstanding contributions to the sport of croquet. Such contributions may take the form of either extraordinary skill and achievement in the sport at the highest level over an extended period; or other personal actions having a widely-recognized, lasting impact on the sport; or very extensive service in developing, managing or promoting the sport of croquet, or its charitable and educational croquet programs, in America.

This document gives guidance as to the qualifications that will be considered for election to the United States Croquet Hall of Fame.

This process is designed to maintain election to the Hall of Fame as a high honor for the inductees and one which reflects credit on the individuals involved in electing them.

I. NOMINATING PROCEDURE A. A notice shall be published yearly in the Summer/Fall edition of the USCA’s Croquet News stating that the Foundation will accept nominations to the United States Croquet Hall of Fame until December 31 of the current year, for induction in the following calendar year.

B. CONTRIBUTIONS are defined as actions off of the croquet court, which have promoted or enhanced the sport.

Contributions at the core are volunteer efforts. Contributions are not limited to but may include: 1. Introducing others to the game; 2. Starting, leading or sustaining a local club or clubs; 3. Promoting clubs and events regionally or nationally; 4. Working with an organizational division of the USCA as established on the state, regional and national levels either as an officer or other capacity; 5. Creating favorable media recognition or otherwise promoting the game through such efforts as writing or instruction; 6. Contributing significant financial or in-kind resources in a way that enables the CFA and the USCA to pursue their missions; 7. Promoting the game through social affairs resulting in new friendships and greater camaraderie among players.

The published notice shall state that (i.) any USCA member in good standing may nominate an individual, (ii.) nominees are considered on an individual basis only, and (iii.) the nominee does not have to be a member of the USCA. B. The nominator must submit a completed application on or before the December 31 deadline.

It must include the following: 1. Nominator’s name and relationship, if any, to the nominee – business, friendship, etc.; 2. Written permission of the individual to be nominated and their agreement to participate in the induction ceremony (or family permission for posthumous recognition); 3. Brief biographical sketch of the nominee, including age, family status, address; highlights of past or present occupation(s); charitable and civic involvements; and other matters of general interest unrelated to croquet; and 4. Detailed croquet biography, including number of years of participation, the croquet clubs of which the nominee is or has been a member, the year the nominee joined the USCA and whether still active, and details of all croquet-related achievements.

5. There is no official application form. Plain 8 ½” x 11” letter size paper should be used. The completed application, including any and all supporting letters, must be emailed as an attachment to HOF Chair of Nominations at Beachtwobeach@yahoo.com.

II. QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES Above all, candidates must display personal behavior that demonstrates high regard for the spirit and etiquette of the game which results in greater enjoyment for all – actions that would entitle the nominee to be considered an “ambassador” for croquet, as well as a Hall of Fame member. They should be further evaluated, based on their achievements and contributions to the sport as follows:

Nota Bene 1. The above portion of the application is the advocacy section.

The nominator must make the case as convincingly and compelling as possible. Board members are not responsible for seconding a nomination nor adding favorable material, and may in fact introduce or request information which may disqualify a candidate.

2. A nominee may earn income from the game as a professional or some other paid capacity, but his or her financial ties to the game must be stated on the application.

3. Achievements and contributions must be over an extended period time.

III. ANNUAL LIMITATION ON INDUCTIONS Given the desire to maintain the highest standards for election to The United States Croquet Hall of Fame, and given the relatively limited size of the croquet-player population, the number of living inductees shall be limited to two per year. Posthumous inductees are similarly limited to two inductees per year. This limitation is subject to upward revision to no more than three inductees in either or both categories if at least three quarters of those entitled to vote decide that circumstances in a given year warrant revising this important limitation.

A. ACHIEVEMENTS are defined as outstanding performances in sanctioned or titled USCA events; and/or international competitions, sponsored by a member association of the WCF (World Croquet Federation), including six wicket, nine wicket and golf croquet.

SPONSORED CONTENT – The Croquet Foundation of America, a separate 501(c)(3), not-for-profit corporation, is a contributing sponsor of the USCA and Croquet News.

croquetamerica.com | 21

clubprofile

Ponte Vedra Croquet Club Year founded: The Ponte Vedra Croquet Club was founded in 2014.

Location: Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Number of members: 30 members Number of courts: The club has seven courts; four three-quarter size and three regulation courts.

Type of grass: Bermuda tif-ground.

Overview of club schedule: The club has organized play on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Members can schedule their own games, as they choose, on other days.

Open tournaments: The next open title tournament will be the Florida Regional Golf Croquet Championships. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, other tournament play has been postponed.Â

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Photo by Michelle Cencich on Unsplash

Website: www.pontevedracroquetclub.com.

Are USCA members welcome? USCA members are welcome.

We have a $25 per day fee.

Do you use social media? Facebook and Instagram (@pontevedracroquetclub for both).

Best restaurants to visit in the area: Currently most restaurants are closed.

What makes this club special? The club is special because it is one of very few purpose-built, dedicated croquet clubs in the country.

Best places to stay: Hampton Inn, Marriott, Pontevedra Inn and Club are a few of the hotels in the area.

Approach to growing membership: Growing the membership is a challenge.

Other than the club, what do you have to go see in Ponte Vedra?

We are less than a half mile from the ocean with beautiful, white sand beaches.

croquetamerica.com | 23

memberprofile

Bob Kroeger Age: 68

Favorite croquet venue: NCC

Home base: Cape Cod, Mass.

Favorite tournament: Selection Eights Association Croquet

Home club: My closest club is the Sandwich Croquet in Sandwich, Mass. (not a member)

How did you get into the game? My family played very serious backyard croquet while growing up. I started at age 11.

Grip: Standard

Croquet Highlights/Tourney Wins? I won the very first USCA AC National Singles in 1987, won the USCA American Rules National Doubles with Jim Hughes in 1993, won the Palm Beach Invitational singles twice (1988 and 1992), won the Canadian National Singles

Mallet: Oakley Predator 36� overall length, 3 lb. 3 oz.

Years playing croquet: Croquet in general: 57 years; 43 years playing 6-wicket

24 | croquetamerica.com

and Doubles in the early 90s, represented the USCA National Croquet Team from 1988 to 1993 (includes four Solomon Trophy teams, the 1992 WCF AC World Championship and the very first USCA MacRobertson Shield in 1993, where I won the first best-ofthree match of the whole event). It was downhill from there.

Do you play other sports? Swim and bike.

Favorite sports teams: Yankees (Red Sox when the Yankees don’t make it), Celtics and Patriots.

Pop culture favorites: “Joe Pera Talks With You,” an online video.

What is the best thing the USCA has done for croquet? Makes people aware of organized croquet.

What is the USCA’s greatest weakness? I don’t want to offer any criticism to an organization that is, for the most part, volunteer. I feel fortunate it exists!

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

Make it available to everyone; we need diversity in all respects.

What have you learned from croquet? That it’s a team sport even when you’re the only team member.

Quick croquet tip: Don’t succumb to pressure from others to practice.

You should only practice when the alternative (not practicing) is an unacceptable choice.

"This photo was taken in 1966 is the only known image of me with a croquet mallet in my hand after I started playing in 1963 and before joining the USCA its founding year in 1977.

This is in our backyard in Central New York State. That is my sister Mary in the foreground.

The image was taken by her then husband Sherwood Harrington."

—Bob Kroeger

croquetamerica.com | 25

clubmanagement

“O Say Can You See‌ Start to Finish: Court Lighting Project

By Macey White

It is amazing how few croquet courts in the US have lights. Night play is a delight in the hot summer months and sometimes a necessity in the fall and winter when days are short, especially for those who work. Have you thought about installing lights on your courts? It is not as hard or expensive as one might think.

LED lighting has revolutionized lighting. LEDs are inexpensive, use little power and come on instantly. Of course, lights are only one part of the project. The Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club (CBCC) recently installed lights on courts 1 and 5. The total cost of the project was about $6,000. Except for some work in the panel and final connections by an electrician, CBCC volunteers did all the remaining work.

Here is the cost breakdown for the CBCC project: Lights (for two courts) Poles (5) and pole installation Trenching Wire and electrical supplies Electrician TOTAL

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$1,820 $1,695 $250 $1,840 $480 $6,085

The work took three days with a volunteer crew of four. After procuring the materials, holes were dug for the poles on the first workday (four feet deep and one foot in diameter) and a rental trencher was used to trench from the electrical panel at the clubhouse to each pole. On day one, 1000 feet of 8-gauge wire was run (8/3 UF-B) and the trench was covered using a grader box on a tractor. On the second day, the lights were attached to the poles, holes were cut in the poles for cabling and wire was strung from the lights to the holes at the bottom inside the poles. The poles were also set in the holes, plumbed (made vertical using a level) and the holes were filled with secrete. At that point, an electrician was hired to make all the connections, and the lights worked. On the third day, a manlift was rented, the lights were adjusted (aimed) and the poles were filled about 1/3 of the way up with rebar and sand/cement mix, and then a beer or two were drank.

If a contractor were hired to follow the plan, it probably would have cost twice as much ($12,000); if a lighting specialist was hired to design and install the lights, it would have cost four- to six-times as much, or $25,000-$35,000.

The lights installed work great. They illuminate two courts well (comparable to the lights at the National Croquet Center) and

throw enough light onto two adjacent courts that can be played on those so-so. With two more poles, enough light can be added to light four courts.

If $35,000 is not a big deal for a club, write a check and get some lights. If one would rather do it for $6,000 and have a few members who know how to get things done, read on.

Here is what was purchased for this project:

LIGHTS Viugruem LED lights were used. Each pole has seven LED bars. Each LED bar has 232 LED chips and draws 100 watts. The LEDs run a 6000K spectrum (bright white). With five poles, each pole has seven 100-watt bars for a total of 3500 watts, or 3.5 kilowatts (29 amps).

Virginia Dominion Power charges 11.1 cents per kilowatt hour, so it costs about 40 cents per hour to run the lights for two courts.

POLES Poles can be a surprisingly expensive part of the project. The CBCC decided it wanted the lights to be at least 20 feet above ground.

Generally, the higher the better, but after 20 feet, the width of the pole increases a lot and the cost of taller poles goes up exponentially.

Also, the cost of maintenance on taller poles goes up, so the club opted for 20 feet. The club researched online for commercially available light poles and found a good pole for its use was a 4-inch square, 11-gauge steel pole. Consideration was taken for the wind loading on the current lights. Charts are available online. Everything was double checked with multiple online sources and the 4-inch, 11-gauge steel pole was determined to give a 90-mph wind loading.

These poles were expensive (about $1,000 each online) so 4x4 steel tubing was purchased (24-foot long) from a steel supplier and paid to have them galvanized for a total cost of $275 each.

Light poles are usually bolted to concrete pedestals. A pedestal is poured in a mold in the ground and a set of bolts are precisely potted into the top. After the pedestal cures, the pole is lowered by crane onto the bolts and fastened and plumbed. The club decided there had to be a simpler way, so holes were dug, a skid steer was used to push the poles upright and the holes were filled with concrete. It made for a simple and neat construction. The poles will be susceptible to corrosion at the concrete/air interface, but they are galvanized and reinforced with rebar. The club’s in-house construction expert estimates the poles will be functional for at least 40 years.

WIRE An 8-gauge copper wire (UF rated) was used. Enough conductors were used in the trench so that there is power to all the courtside pavilions and enough wire to support the addition of lights on the remaining six courts. When sizing wire, it is important to take voltage drop into consideration. The farther one is away from the original source of power (panel), the less current one can use before the voltage drops to an unusably low level (by definition, five percent below normal). Charts online can give voltage drop per distance for various wire sizes (gauges). With the eight-gauge wire, more than 45 amps are available at court 1, 35 amps at court 2, 25 amps at court 3 and 15 amps at the farthest court pavilion, court 4. This gives enough power to light all eight courts with power to spare.

Questions can be sent to Macey White at maceywhite@gmail.com.

Online research was conducted on the failure mode of the poles and it was learned that they fail by crushing inward at the point they are fastened to the pedestal or potted into concrete. Several articles were found about strengthening poles by filling them with cement.

Research showed that filling a pole with cement would almost triple the strength of the pole. So, the last thing done in the project was to put three 8-foot sections of rebar and 120 pounds of sand-cement mix in each pole. It was determined that the wind loading of the poles at least doubled. croquetamerica.com | 27

let’stalktactics

On the Clock: Keeping Red Dead

By Bob Kroeger and John C. Osborn

In this column we are presenting a scenario that may be potentially fun to ponder. A player might think about this situation while drifting off to bed, using a pencil and a piece of paper, or, better still, using a game board. To set the stage: Black is to play and the clips and deadness board are correct as shown. The simple question offered: is there a play here worth making?

As one examines the diagram, perhaps one of the first things noticed is that Red is dead on Yellow. And wouldn’t life be great if it could stay that way? Sure, but … Red, for many, has become the shiny object, and so often players become so obsessed with the opponent’s deadness that they jump to an unproductive response, ending with more deadness than the opponent itself had.

So, in the form of a hint, it is best to ask this important question: To keep the opponent dead, and because one will have to get dead on the partner to do so, one can either get clean or, at least, finish the turn safely in position at the wicket? Again, Black to play, and the shot-clock is running. Think quick, and once the tactics have been determined, continue below to see the solution. *** OUR SOLUTION: Black's goal in this turn, which is defensive in nature, is to take Red out of position at the fourth wicket. Will a wicket be scored on this turn? Probably not. But can the turn be finished safely in front of the wicket? The most important consideration is that

at the end of the turn Yellow does not have an easy roquet on Red; or ideally one that would be foolish to even attempt! That having been said, with Red being dead on Yellow, Black hopefully realizes that it simply needs to put Red far from any ball it is alive on. This will allow Black to end its turn in position at the second wicket. Sure, there is always a chance the opponents can make a long roquet, but that is a chance most croquet players would be willing to take.

If a player feels capable of the shots needed in the response below, go for it because most of the time it will result in a genuinely nice advantage.

If one’s hands start shaking with the thought of such a play, it may be best to just give Blue a rush … no harm there. Most deadness is created by trying to keep someone else dead, and unless there is a known safe way to do that, gain position at the wicket, or if there is little time left in the match, don’t do it! So here is the play shot-by-shot: Black begins by roqueting Blue. No need for a rush, so a tap is fine. Black now takes off to Red (watch out for the draw!), roquet Red and do a thick-ish takeoff to Wicket 2. (If Black finished in a position where it might have been able to rush Red, all the better.) The takeoff accomplishes two things: 1) puts greater and unattractive distance between Red and Yellow and 2) allows Black to land near enough by Wicket 2 that the continuation shot can be used to carefully end up in position.

Now, if one has come to this solution without thought and has found the answer to be way too easy and thus still awake, think about this: what if Black were dead on Blue? (Insert dramatic music here.) But that is for another article. Camp Bob and John hope that everyone is doing well in these crazy times and we both miss seeing all our friends on the lawns! Be safe!

To see an animation of this on YouTube, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Xwgg7auhvg or type “July 2020 Bob and John Croquet Tactics” into the YouTube search box.

Visit https://bobcroquet.com/strategy_info to learn about Bob Kroeger's 6-Wicket American Rules Croquet Strategy Video Series.

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2020 Volume 4 Winter Issue: October 30, 2020 For a full 2020 Croquet News media kit, contact Dylan Goodwin at uscacroquetnews@yahoo.com croquetamerica.com | 29

gcamerica

USCA Unveils Golf Croquet Handicap System

By Johnny Mitchell The popularity of Golf Croquet (GC) has grown by leaps and bounds over the past decade to become the preferred social game in many croquet clubs. As most GC players know, when they play in a sanctioned tournament, grades are given for their rankings, but that does little for the social players who play locally and would like some way to rank themselves.

The USCA has answered this call and will be rolling out its GC Handicap System beginning September 1, 2020, and expect it to be fully implemented by January 1, 2021.

So how will the system work? This is designed to be a player-maintained system and is based on the systems used in other countries. To begin, a player will first need to establish an initial handicap. This can be done in two ways. For most social players, a skills test can be taken under the supervision of a club handicapper or whoever oversees assigning handicaps for the club. If a player doesn’t belong to a club, designated National Handicappers throughout the country can perform the test. Once an initial handicap is determined, players will then track their own games. When a game is played, points will either be gained or lost, depending on the outcome. “Trigger Points” are based on grades and are the indicators of when a player’s handicap may change. Players will keep track of their points with a handicap card that they can download from the USCA website. Other options are being pursued, but this is the preferred method at this time. For players who may already have a grade from playing in a tournament but need a handicap in order to play a social game, they can find their handicaps by comparing their grades to the trigger points and finding the related handicaps. These tables and instructions will be detailed on the USCA website once everything is up and running.

When a player reaches a trigger point, they should contact their local handicapper who can verify the point change and will then report the change to the USCA office. ALM members without a club will need to report changes to the USCA themselves with verification of games played. The USCA will maintain a list of all handicaps in its database and GC handicaps will be added to membership cards as well as listed on the website.

The USCA is continuously working to improve the croquet experience of all its members. A GC handicap system will provide a great new benefit for all the social members and help to provide uniformity in accessing the skills of players throughout the country. We hope and encourage all members to take advantage of this new system. istockphoto/Bobtokyoharris

30 | croquetamerica.com

eventreports 2020 Woodlawn Invitational July 9-12, 2020 | Woodlawn Croquet Club Ellsworth, Maine Championship Singles 01. Carleton Mabee 02. Perry Mattson 03. Don Parker 04. Bob Worrell First Flight Singles 01. Chad Goodwin 02. Lloyd Hadden 03. Oakley Johnson 04. Timothy McCormick Second Flight Singles 01. Frederick Beck 02. Bettina Hinckley 03. Barbara Entzminger 04. Penny Curtis

NC Open June 4-7, 2020 | Pinehurst Country Club Pinehurst, North Carolina

By Elaine Moody As y’all know, Pinehurst held the 26 NC Open, June 4-7. In normal times, 28+ players compete. This tournament had 10 (three dropped out due to illness, not COVID-19 related) competitors from N.Y., Conn., S.C., Va., Fla., W.V. and N.C. The champion was Tom Balding, who recently graduated from St. John’s College in Annapolis, Md. He has spent three years here every early spring with the SJC croquet team. We’re taking credit for his th

expertise. The finalist is Randy Cardo from Westhampton Mallet Club and the National Croquet Center. The Plate winners were Paul Neubecker from N.Y. and Merle Berkshire from W.V. Berkshire was the 2019 Rookie of the Year. Everyone was thrilled to dust the rust off and play in a tournament. Balding has become an amazing player! Watching his accurate shooting and strategy is fun.

In association rules the competitor’s goal is to peel the partner ball through the last three wickets for the perfect score of 26. It is common to see players lay down and eyeball the perfect peel. On Saturday, Balding did just that. A golfer walked by, stopped and looked, concerned he came out onto the court and asked Balding if he was okay.

Never a dull moment! Come out and play … fresh air and camaraderie are fun.

Chesapeake Bay One-Day Tournaments May 30-31, 2020 | Chesapeake Bay CC Hartfield, Virginia

By Macey White Like the great 1960’s song “What Difference a Day Makes,” performed by Dinah Washington ( https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=OmBxVfQTuvI ), what a difference a day of croquet made to the 28 players who participated in the May 30-31 oneday events at the Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club. The late-May weather in Virginia was wonderful and these “24 little hours, brought the sun and the flowers, where there used to be rain” and six of the 28 players chose to camp out. Tyler Hathaway even

flew to the tournament in a gyroplane. The biggest difference this day made for most is that they had not been playing much and this was a great opportunity to get out in the sun and have some croquet fun!

Saturday was one full day of American 6-Wicket croquet. Two flights were played with 12 players in Championship Flight and nine players in First Flight. Both flights were played by the Swiss format (see the article about the Swiss format in the most recent issue of Croquet News magazine).

All participants played four games and the championship flight was dominated by former National Champion Doug Grimsley.

Grimsley was challenged by top-notch player Adam Lassiter in a great dualling finish.

Lassiter is an example of a good player who benefits well from the one-day format. He works a full-time job while also raising a family, so it is harder for him to find time to get away for longer tournaments. Results of all games of the American 6-Wicket tournament can be found on croquetscores. com. Championship Flight results are listed at the end of this report.

First Flight on Saturday had a wide variety of skill levels. Experienced player Bo Prillaman was the highest ranked player. Several players were playing in their first tournament ever.

Good sportsmanship prevailed and when a big mismatch in experience occurred, the more experienced players coached the less experienced opponents and the games became educational. Prillaman won the flight in an exciting final game against Doug Murphy.

On Sunday, May 31, all 22 participants played golf croquet and all played in the Championship Flight. Half the players were playing in their first ever sanctioned GC tournament. Everyone played five games and the results can be found on croquetscores.com. A few new stars rose to the top during these matches. The favorites going into the tournament were Charles Fleming, a St. John’s grad with a 2400 Dynamic Grade (d-grade) who had never lost a tournament GC game, and Macey White with a 2240 d-grade, who made the US team last year. White was bumped out of contention in a close 7-6 match with Fleming while he was then bumped out in the next-to-last round by the tournament winner Rick Darnell. Darnell won several games 7-6, including the finals match against up and coming star Bill Simmons.

Like a group of masked marauders, the participants in the May 30/31 one-day events at Chesapeake Bay pose before the action with their fellow compadres.

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eventreports American 6-Wicket Championship Flight 01. Doug Grimsley 02. Adam Lassiter 03. John Priest 04. Lee Jorde 05. Rich Laging 06. Rick Darnell 07. Gil Rocha 08. Peter Woolley 09. Tyler Hathaway 10. Rodney Lassiter 11. Steve Thurston 12. Macey White American 6-Wicket First Flight 01. Bo Prillaman 02. Doug Murphy 03. Linda Bowers 04. Peter Bowers 05. Bill Simmons 06. Russ Brudnicki 07. Sheryl Phillips 08. Suzanne Laging 09. Kate Foster Golf Croquet Championship Flight 01. Rick Darnell 02. Bill Simmons 03. Macey White 04. John Priest 05. Steve Thurston 06. Rich Laging 07. Leo Viens 08. Lyle Browning 09. Charles Fleming 10. Doug Murphy 11. Bo Prillaman 12. Mike Moore 13. Linda Bowers 14. Pete Bowers 15. Pam Viens 16. Peter Woolley 17. Suzanne Laging 18. Russ Brudnicki 19. Penn Pendleton 20. Kate Foster 21. Dot Simmons 22. AB Gravatt

Chesapeake Bay One-Day Tournaments May 16-17, 2020 | Chesapeake Bay CC Hartfield, Virginia

By Macey White The Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club (CBCC) in Hartfield, Va., held the first two of four “One-Day” tournaments on May 16-17.

On Saturday, 10 hardy souls came out to play Association Croquet. Players had a wide distribution of skill levels, from up-

32 | croquetamerica.com

Players in the AC One-Day at Chesapeake Baypose like a bunch of western outlaws with their cloth face coverings.

and-coming hotshot Tom Balding with a World Croquet Federation 2087 d-grade (ranked 106th in the world) to 75-year-old AB Gravatt, who was playing in his first AC games ever. The Swiss format was used, and, after the first round, players quickly started being matched with others of their own skill levels. Everyone played four 135-minute games with each round pairing players of similar win-loss records.

rank.php. AC tournament results are always sent to Chris Williams, from England, who uploads the AC results on the World Croquet Federation website. Williams says these were the first AC scores entered into the worldwide system in almost two months.

On Sunday, six players came out to compete in 9-Wicket. Two lawns were used, and each had pretty uniform and thick 1.5-inch tall zoysia grass with a few undulations and Gravatt was the bottom seed and started just enough other anomalies to make play by playing the top-seeded Balding. interesting and occasionally foil perfect Understanding the miss-match and being a break play by the better players. All players fair sport, Balding coached Gravatt, which in Sunday’s 9W event played each opponent let to Gravatt scoring a couple of hoops once for a true round-robin of five games before Balding finally got rolling and ran a each. Everyone played well, and the surprise few long breaks with good leaves. Gravatt of the day was the great second-place finish went on to win one of his four games, which by new-comer Steve Thurston. The Sunday was quite an accomplishment for someone of 9W One-Day was won by Macey White, his experience level. who went undefeated but had to play well to get by Thurston and Doug Murphy. One In the end, first-seed Balding met secondcould argue that lady luck looked favorably seed Macey White in the finals. White on White that day with a few shots, such as played his best game of the tournament and one where the shot originally aimed at Red won 22-17. went off the side of the mallet and through In all, four of the 10 players were playing an a hoop to make a critical roquet on Yellow 60 feet away (playing against Murphy).

AC tournament for the first time. Each of these new players now has a World Croquet White claimed the shot was planned, but it’s guessed that everyone else knows better.

Federation Dynamic Grade (d-grade) and World Ranking. Individual game scores Chesapeake Bay is proud to be able to can be found on croquetscores.com and give people a safe and healthy way to get the world rankings and WCF grades can outdoors and have fun and exercise. be found at http://butedock.plus.com/cgs/

Saturday AC One-Day 01. Macey White 02. Tom Balding 03. Rodney Lassiter 04. Gil Rocha 05. Steve Thurston 06. Lee Jorde 07. John Priest 08. Rick Darnell 09. AB Gravatt 10. Mike Moore Sunday 9-Wicket One-Day 01. Macey White 02. Steve Thurston 03. Doug Murphy 03. John Priest 05. Jill Murphy 05. Lyle Browning

Ponte Vedra Invitational (GC) April 24-26, 2020 | Ponte Vedra Croquet Club Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida 01. Helen Covington 02. John Curington 03. Billy Joe Simmons 04. Bobby Greene 05. Marc Stearns 06. Lloyd Hager 07. Mary Collany

03. Arthur Olsen/Ed Erlich 03. Judy Dahlstrom/Tracey Roche 05. Peter Bach/Jane Helms 05. Conner Helms/Anne Kukla 05. Michael Kukla/Carl Archiniaco 05. Donna Dixon/Ted Thelin 09. Steve Mossbrook/Michael Campbell 09. Patrick Sweeney/Curtis Toops 09. Rick Sheely/A.N. Other

2020 Blaine Davis Invitational March 5–8, 2020 | Gasparilla Mallet Club Boca Grande, Florida Championship Singles 01. Matthew Griffith 02. David Ekstrom 03. Jodie Rugart 04. Bob Worrell 05. Colin Irwin 05. Russ Cuccia 07. Webster Bull 07. Kelley Newton First Flight Singles

2020 Mission Hills Invitational March 25-29, 2020 | Mission Hills Country Club Rancho Mirage, California

01. Steve Grassbaugh 02. Bob Bake 03. Scott Kennedy 04. Merle Berkshire 05. Oakley Johnson 05. Martie Ekstrom 07. Tyler Thomas 07. Shella Davis

Championship Singles

Second Flight Singles

01. Peter Bach 02. Rick Sheely 03. Patrick Sweeney 03. Mark Fields 05. Steve Mossbrook 06. Arthur Olsen 07. Conner Helms 08. Donna Dixon 09. Mary Rodeberg

01. Arlene Stevens 02. Christine Smith 03. Rita McNamera 04. Katie Bull 05. Jeanette Hodgkins 05. Skip Russo 07. Jim McLaughlin 07. Laurien Trowell

First Flight Singles 01. Ed Erlich 02. Ted Thelin 03. Nick Gray 03. Michael Kukla 05. Linda Trifone 06. Curtis Toops Second Flight Singles 01. Jane Helms 02. Judy Dahlstrom 03. Carl Archiniaco 03. Anne Kukla 05. Michael Campbell Doubles 01. Mark Fields/Linda Trifone 02. Mary Rodeberg/Mark Fields

Sarasota Country Croquet Club Doubles February 27 – March 1, 2020 Sarasota Country Croquet Club Venice, Florida Championship Flight 01. Webster Bull/Gene Raymond 02. Matt Griffith/Paul Phoenix 02, Allan Cottle/Avril Rangoni-Machiavelli 03. Jackie Jones/Colin Irwin 04. Bob Worrell/Russ Cuccia 05. Ken Northrop/Jim Coling 06. Bill Trower/Merle Berkshire 07. Sheila Davis/Roger Vorraber First Flight 01. Nancy Hart/Bob Lentz 02. Lee Anderson/Doug Ledgett 03. Dick Schleiter/Arlene Stevens

04. Chris Smith/Ellen Griffith 05. Camelia Monteforte/Jon Ayers 06. Rita McNamara/Connie Coling Second Flight 01. Russell Rose/Nancy Wonson 02. Christof and Karen Weihs 03. Bob and Gillian Merritt 04. Patricia Cunnington/Sidna Mitchell 05. Linda Orff/Nona McGinnis 06. Harry Brown/Nora Rainone

The 2020 Steuber Classic February 19-23, 2020 | National Croquet Center West Palm Beach, Florida Golf Croquet Singles 01. Webster Bull 02. James Creasey 03. Caryl Firth 03. Billy Harper 05. Hal Denton 05. Lynda Sudderberg 05. Priscilla Flowers 05. Tamer Hatata 09. Thomas Howell 10. Sam Orleans Hansley 11. Cami Russack 11. Chris Spiller 13. Gill Spiller 13. Cindy Howell Championship Flight Singles 01. Macey White 02. Dick Sullivan 03. Randy Cardo 03. Tom Cooper 05. Dick Scherf 05. Kevin Hansley 05. David Ekstrom 05. Beverly Cardo 09. Preston Stuart 09. Bill Hartmann 09. Mike Todorovich 09. John Warlick 13. Pat Colt 13. Calvert Chaney 15. David McCoy 15. Loretta Cooper 17. Mike Gibbons First Flight Singles 01. Ron Eccles 02. Mark Ski 03. Dick Carlson 03. Pat Spratt 05. Tom Tribby 05. Quinn Reinhardt 05. Clint Fowlkes 05. Randy Reid

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eventreports Second Flight Singles 01. Chad Goodwin 02. Carla Rueck 03. Anne Licursi 03. Jennifer Williams 05. Alan Lazarescu 05. Mary Cassidy 05. David Kepner 05. Oliver Reinhardt 09. Eugenia Wilkie 09. Diane Fitzsimons 09. Terry Cassidy 09. Patricia Richmond Golf Croquet Doubles (Waterford) 01. Lynda Sudderberg 02. Billy Harper 03. Cindy Howell 04. Preston Stuart 05. Tamer Hatata 06. Priscilla Flowers 07. Thomas Howell 08. Tom Cooper 09. Bob Williams 10. Webster Bull 11. James Creasey 12. Sam Orleans Hansley 13. Carla Rueck

14. Grete Scott 15. John Warlick 16. Robyn Osborn Championship Doubles (Waterford) 01. Macey White 02. Loretta Cooper 03. David McCoy 04. Beverly Cardo 05. Ron Eccles 06. Steve Grassbaugh 07. Vickie Johnston 08. Ruth Summers 09. Pat Colt 10. Dick Sullivan 11. Bill Hartmann 12. Kevin Hansley First Flight Doubles (Waterford) 01. Oliver Reinhardt 02. Martie Ekstrom 03. Mary Cassidy 04. Gail Warlick 05. Pat Spratt 06. Diane Fitzsimons 07. Carol Johnson 08. Patricia Richmond 09. Quinn Reinhardt 10. Dick Carlson

11. Mark Ski 12. Hildegard Jones 13. David Kepner 14. Clint Fowlkes 15. Geoffrey Mintz 16. Jeanette Tribby

2020 PGA Peyton Ballenger Invititaional February 4-8, 2020 | PGA National Resort & Spa Palm Beach Gardens, Florida Championship Singles 01. Dick Sullivan 02. Arthur Olsen 03. Randy Cardo 03. Scott Spradling 05. Ron Huxtable 05. Preston Stuart 05. David Ekstrom 05. Linda Huxtable 09. Bob Chilton 09. Michael Todorovich 09. Lynda Sudderberg 12. David McCoy

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34 | croquetamerica.com

Championship Doubles (Waterford)

Second Flight Doubles (Waterford)

Championship B Singles

01. Randy Cardo 02. David Ekstrom 03. Calvert Chaney 04. Bill Hartmann 05. Beverly Cardo 06. Dick Sullivan 07. Mary Rodeberg 08. Scott Spradling 09. Linda Huxtable 10. Michael Todorovich 11. Preston Stuart 12. David McCoy 13. Ron Huxtable 14. Lynda Sudderberg 15. Arthur Olsen 16. Bob Chilton

01. Terry Cassidy 02. Mary Cassidy 03. Liddy Chaney 04. Carl Archiniaco 04. Alan Lazarescu 06. Randy Reid 07. Carol Johnson 08. Susan Wagner 09. John McGrath 10. Eugenia Wilkie 11. Andrew Parsons 12. Robert Lankford 13. Sheila McCauley 14. Freear Pollard 15. Pam Walker 16. Jim McLaughlin

01. Linda Dos Santos 02. Mary Rodeberg 03. Brian Hovis 04. Jim Coling 05. John Donohue 05. Bob Crouch 07. Brett Stovall 07. Ted Thelin 09. Oakley Johnson 09. Merle Berkshire 09. Rick Alderson 09. Rich Watson

First Flight Singles

Third Flight Singles

01. Bill Trower 02. Beverly Cardo 03. Mary Rodeberg 04. Bill Hartmann 05. Calvert Chaney 06. Victoria Albrecht 07. Dale Poszgai (DNF): Casey Knoll

01. Carl Archiniaco 02. Randy Reid 03. Missy Chilton 03. Carla Rueck 05. Jim McLaughlin 06. Sheila McCauley 07. Terry Cassidy

First Flight Doubles (Waterford)

01. Mary Cassidy 02. Andrew Parsons 03. Liddy Chaney 03. John McGrath 05. Freear Pollard 05. Carol Johnson

01. Penny Ferraro 02. Bill Trower 03. Missy Chilton 04. Harvey Geiger 05. Dale Poszgai 06. Suzanne Spradling 07. Martie Ekstrom 08. Casey Knoll 09. Steve Grassbaugh 10. Mark Ski 11. Yen Sullivan 12. Roni Brazell 13. Sally McGrath 14. Victoria Albrecht 15. Lucille Maresca 16. Pam Johnston Second Flight Singles 01. Pam Johnston 02. Mark Ski 03. Roni Brazell 03. Martie Ekstrom 05. Yen Sullivan 05. Sally McGrath 05. Penny Ferraro 05. Suzanne Spradling

Fourth Flight Singles

2020 SCCC Jones Invitational January 30 – February 2, 2020 PGA National Resort & Spa Venice, Florida Championship Singles 01. Macey White 02. Webster Bull 03. Rob Byrd 04. Colin Irwin 05. Chris Barley 05. Matt Griffith 07. Rich Schiller 07. Lynda Sudderberg 09. Bob Worrell 09. David Ekstrom 09. Tom Hughes 09. Russ Cuccia

First Flight Singles 01. Nancy Crouch 02. Ron Eccles 03. Tom Schick 04. Rita McNamara 05. Sally McGrath 05. Tony Dos Santos 07. Joe Zilligen 07. John Fitterman 09. Martie Ekstrom 09. Lee Anderson 09. Thelma Lyle 09. Sheila Davis Second Flight Singles 01. Bill Todd 02. Ellie Griffith 03. Jim Watrous 04. Mark Claff 05. Valerie Terry 05. John Goldener 07. Jim McLaughlin 07. Jon Ayers 09. Christine Smith 09. Arlene Stevens 09. Peter Bowers 09. Jeanette Hodgkins Third Flight Singles 01. Brian Zindel 02. Rusty Rose 03. Mary Cassidy 04. Terry Cassidy 05. Anne Schick 06. Linda Bowers

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eventreports 2020 Beach Club Invitational January 22-26, 2020 | National Croquet Club West Palm Beach, Florida Championship Singles 01. Randy Cardo 02. David Isaacs 03. Thomas Balding 03. Richard Curtis 05. Tim Bitting 05. Beverly Cardo 05. Bob Chilton 05. Doug Grimsley 09. Webster Bull 09. Mark Fields 09. Bill Hartmann 09. David McCoy 09. Chris Patmore 09. Jodie Rugart 09. Preston Stuart 09. Macey White 17. Calvert Chaney 17. Linda Huxtable 17. Ron Huxtable 17. Michael Todorovich 21. John Curington 21. David Ekstrom 21. Tom Hughes 21. Conrad Rugart 25. Kevin Hansley Championship Doubles (Waterford) 01. Tim Bitting 02. Beverly Cardo 03. Macey White 04. Calvert Chaney 05. Bob Chilton 06. Thomas Balding 07. Mark Fields 08. David Ekstrom 09. David Isaacs 10. David McCoy 11. Michael Todorovich 12. Tom Hughes 13. Bill Hartmann 14. Chris Patmore 15. Doug Grimsley 16. Josie Jackson 17. Webster Bull 18. Ron Huxtable 19. Linda Huxtable 20. Kevin Hansley 21. Randy Cardo 22. Harvey Geiger 23. Jodie Rugart 24. Preston Stuart 25. Richard Curtis 26. John Curington

36 | croquetamerica.com

First Flight Singles

Third Flight Singles

01. Vickie Johnston 02. Merle Berkshire 03. Victoria Albrecht 03. Patrick Foy 05. Reine Bitting 05. Jeanne Branthover 05. Ron Eccles 05. Josie Jackson 09. Richard Carlson 09. Yen Sullivan

01. Randy Reid 02. Christine Smith 03. Richard Brickley 03. Mary Cassidy 05. Terry Cassidy 05. Bob Duryea 05. Sam Orleans Hansley 05. David Kepner 09. Anne Carr

First Flight Doubles (Waterford)

01. Terry Cassidy 02. Sally Ohrstrom 03. Nancy Geneiser 04. Tony Sessa 05. Mary Cassidy 06 John McGrath 07. Katie Bull 08. Donna Sessa 09. Bob Williams 10. Carol Johnson 11. Sam Orleans Hansley 12. Jessica Beccia 13. Gerald Geddes 14. David Beccia

01. Victoria Albrecht 02. Linda Trifone 03. Merle Berkshire 04. Missy Chilton 05. Vickie Johnston 06. Karen Heckman 07. Jeanne Branthover 08. Sally McGrath 09. Ron Eccles 10. Danna Huneycutt 11. Yen Sullivan 12. Nancy Reynolds 13. Richard Carlson 14. Martie Ekstrom Second Flight Singles 01. Bo Prillaman 02. Sally McGrath 03. Karen Heckman 03. Myron McCumber 05. Carl Archiniaco 05. Martie Ekstrom 05. Danna Huneycutt 05. Nancy Reynolds 09. Missy Chilton 09. Jane Helms 11. Linda Trifone Second Flight Doubles (Waterford) 01. Bo Prillaman 02. Eileen Fell 03. Jane Helms 04. Richard Brickley 05. Randy Reid 06. David Kepner 07. Jennifer Williams 08. Eugenia Wilkie 09. Carl Archiniaco 10. Hildegard Jones 11. Lovejoy Duryea 12. Bob Duryea 13. Anne Carr 14. Christine Smith

Third Flight Doubles (Waterford)

Fourth Flight Singles 01. Katie Bull 02. David Beccia 03. Carol Johnson 04. John McGrath 05. Claude Lourie 06. Sally Ohrstrom 07. Jessica Beccia

2020 NCC Singles Championship January 17-19, 2020 | National Croquet Club West Palm Beach, Florida Championship Flight 01. Derek Wassink 02. David Ekstrom 03. Bill Trower 03. Bob Chilton 05. Chris Patmore 05. Michael Todorovich 05. John Warlick 05. Ron Huxtable 09. Beverly Cardo 09. Kevin Hansley 09. Missy Ramey 09. David McCoy 09. Linda Huxtable 14. Preston Stuart 15. Pat Colt 16. John Blamire

First Flight

Third Flight

First Flight

01. Charles Alexander 02. David Spivey 03. Mark Ski 03. Myron McCumber 05. Clint Fowlkes 05. Martie Ekstrom 05. Geraldine McCauley 08. Yen Sullivan

01. Larry Lynch 02. Sam Orleans Hansley 03. Gerald Kagan 03. Rosemarie Maccario 05. John Bannister 05. Liddy Chaney 05. Freear Pollard 05. Rita Ginsky 09. Lois Sales 10. Carol Johnson

01. Karl Heinz Kempfer 02. Donna Dixon 03. Nick Gray 03. Mary Rodeberg 05. Justin Fields 05. Ronald Eccles 05. Michael Orgill 05. Tracey Roche 09. Bill Fraser 10. Patrick Dugan 11. Bob Morford/Judy Dahlstrom 12. Barbara Wills

Second Flight 01. Gerry Eubank 02. Barry Sales 03. Chad Goodwin 03. Missy Chilton 05. Brian Mitchell 05. David Kepner 05. Sheila McCauley 05. Lovejoy Duryea 09. Tim McCormick 09. Tom O’Laughlin 09. Bob Duryea 12. Anne Licursi

2020 Desert Classic January 14-18, 2020 Mission Hills Country Club Rancho Mirage, California Championship Flight 01. Brian Cumming 02. Sherif Abdelwahab 03. Dan Pailas 03. Peter Bach 05. Simon Jenkins 05. Blake Fields 07. Rich Lamm 08. Steve Mossbrook 08. Shane Hettler 10. Patrick Sweeney

istockphoto/slovegrove

croquetamerica.com | 37

newmembers

SHOP

USCA

NEW CLUB QUOGUE FIELD CLUB—QUOGUE, NY The Quogue Field Club, founded in 1887, is a private club with a nine-hole golf course, 15 tennis courts, two paddle tennis courts and a very active junior sports program.

This past winter, we built a full-size croquet court, which is now set up as two half courts. The club has hired Rick Landry as a tennis/ croquet pro to introduce the program, and so far the interest and participation has far exceeded our expectations.

NEW MEMBERS CALIFORNIA

Rohnert Park–Sonoma Croquet Club

Marielle Blais Mike Gallagher Patricia Krickl Echo Lent Ray Lent

CONNECTICUT

Greenwich–Greenwich Croquet Club

Martin Jacobson

FLORIDA

Atlantic Beach–Fleet Landing Croquet Club

Geraldine Nogelo Belleair–Belleair Country Club Croquet

Carol Ann Albertini Tom Albertini Ulf Ambjornson Tom Cleary Donald Kent Ann Schroederheim Hillsboro Beach–Hillsboro Club, The

Pamela Wilson Naples–At Large Member

Kristina Boykin John Clark Ocean Ridge–At Large Member

GEORGIA

Atlanta–At Large Member

Susan LeCraw Scott McGregor Carrollton–Carroll County Croquet Players

Dave Crawford John Reaves John Scudder Lynton Smith

MARYLAND

Galesville–West River Wickets

Neil Wilkie

NORTH CAROLINA

Cashiers–Trilliam Links and Lake Club

Cathy F. Korotkin Jeffrey Korotkin Pinehurst–Pinehurst Croquet Club

Paul Davis Agnes Gioconda Patti Molloy

SOUTH CAROLINA

Dataw Island–Croquet Club of Dataw Island

Gretchen Bretsch Lyman Edds Claudia Peebles Karlyn Wilson Robert Wilson

Bruce Hindin Anita McSharry

TEXAS

Palm Beach-Everglades Club, Inc.

Palm Coast–Grand Haven Croquet Club

Carol Crawford Carmen M. Knapp John Knapp Jr. Sharyn Weaver Donna Wilson

Jane McLain

VERMONT

Nancy Roe Randall Roe Mary Francis Walde

Ponte Vedra Beach– Plantation of Ponte Vedra, The

Sandra Catallo Ponte Vedra Beach–Ponte Vedra Croquet Club

Marycarol Stearns Marcus Stearns

Houston–Houston Croquet Association

Dorset–Dorset Field Club

Bebbins Yudes James Yudes

VIRGINIA

Hartfield–Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club

Lynn Pendleton George Pendleton

Whatever the occasion think USCA for those special gifts Books

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Clothing USCA Logo Hats - Brim: S/M L/XL Baseball: One Size...........................$20.00 USCA Jacket with Logo on front..................................................................$80.00 USCA Shirts (USCA Logo or Croquet Week)............................................$40.00 USCA Logo Long-Sleeve Shirts..................................................................$50.00 USCA logo Ladies Sweater..........................................................................$70.00

Misc.

Large Mallet Cover with USCA Logo.................Up to 12” mallet head – $52.95 Small Mallet Cover with USCA Logo....................Up to 9” mallet head – $49.95 Note Cards or Croquet Party Invitations (10/pk).......................................... $5.00 Croquet Paper Placemats (24/pk)...............................................................$10.00 USCA Patch Small.......................................................................................... $5.00 USCA Ballmarkers (dozen)............................................................................ $1.00 USCA Cufflinks (USCA shield).....................................................................$29.95

Prices subject to change

Contact the USCA at 561-478-0760; fax: 561-686-5507; email usca@msn.com or mail to

USCA, 700 Florida Mango Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406

38 | croquetamerica.com

grandprixstandings 2020 US OVERALL GRAND PRIX TOP 30 # Player Handicap Singles 01 Macey W. White -2.5 7870 02 David Ekstrom -1.5 6900 03 Randy Cardo -3 8100 04 Beverley Cardo -0.5 4900 05 Richard Sullivan -2 6200 06 Webster Bull -1.5 3600 07 Bob Chilton -1.5 4300 08 Calvert Chaney 1 1050 09 Matthew Griffith -2 3900 10 Thomas C. Balding -0.5 3700 11 Tim Bitting -1.5 1900 12 William B. Trower 1 4300 13 Bill Hartmann 0.5 2000 14 Mark Fields 0 2000 15 David Isaacs -1.5 3400 16 David McCoy -0.5 1600 17 Michael Todorovich -1 2300 18 Doug Grimsley -3 3090 19 Arthur Olsen -1 3000 20 Derek Wassink -3 3600 21 Mary Rodeberg 0.5 2005 22 Peter Bach -0.5 3000 23 Richard G. Curtis -1.5 2800 24 Ron Huxtable -0.5 2300 25 Preston Stuart -0.5 2200 26 Chris Patmore -2.5 2000 27 Colin Irwin -1.5 1900 28 Gene Raymond 0 0 29 Scott Spradling -1 1700 30 Linda Huxtable -0.5 1500

Doubles 4420 4800 3200 5580 1340 2950 2000 4600 1700 1800 3400 920 2840 2820 1100 2480 1700 700 650 0 1520 150 200 600 600 700 680 2550 800 1000

2020 US MEN'S GRAND PRIX TOP 10 # Player Handicap Singles 01 Macey W. White -2.5 7870 02 David Ekstrom -1.5 6900 03 Randy Cardo -3 8100 04 Richard Sullivan -2 6200 05 Webster Bull -1.5 3600 06 Bob Chilton -1.5 4300 07 Calvert Chaney 1 1050 08 Matthew Griffith -2 3900 09 Thomas C. Balding -0.5 3700 10 Tim Bitting -1.5 1900

Doubles Total 4420 12290 4800 11700 3200 11300 1340 7540 2950 6550 2000 6300 4600 5650 1700 5600 1800 5500 3400 5300

2020 US WOMEN'S GRAND PRIX TOP 10 # Player Handicap Singles 01 Beverley Cardo -0.5 4900 02 Mary Rodeberg 0.5 2005 03 Linda Huxtable -0.5 1500 04 Jodie Rugart -1 2000 05 Loretta Cooper 2 200 06 Linda Trifone 6 65 07 Linda R. Dos Santos 1.5 1445 08 Vickie Johnston 3 800 09 Victoria Albrecht 3 700 10 Avril Rangoni-Machiavelli 1 0 Updated July 20, 2020

Total 12290 11700 11300 10480 7540 6550 6300 5650 5600 5500 5300 5220 4840 4820 4500 4080 4000 3790 3650 3600 3525 3150 3000 2900 2800 2700 2580 2550 2500 2500

Doubles Points 5580 10480 1520 3525 1000 2500 200 2200 1820 2020 1468 1533 0 1445 440 1240 498 1198 1020 1020

2020 US GP CHAMPIONSHIP B TOP 15 (3-5H) # Player Handicap Singles Doubles 01 Ronald L. Eccles 4 1021 624 02 Stephen P. Grassbaugh 3 900 710 03 Merle Berkshire 3 875 426 04 Vickie Johnston 3 800 440 05 Victoria Albrecht 3 700 498 06 Mark Ski 4.5 800 174 07 Edward Erlich 3.5 520 450 08 John L. Priest 5 900 0 09 Martie Ekstrom 5 468 412 10 Brian D. Hovis 3 850 0 11 Nicholas Gray 4.5 120 720 12 Josie Jackson 3 125 700 13 Theodore J. Thelin 3 492 150 14 Sally McGrath 5 492 146 15 Chad Goodwin 5 575 0

2020 US GP FIRST FLIGHT TOP 15 (6-9H) # Player Handicap Singles Doubles 01 Linda Trifone 6 65 1468 02 Missy Chilton 7 175 756 03 Penny Ferraro 6 48 750 04 Bo Prillaman 7 515 168 05 Judy Dahlstrom 8 72 450 06 Carl A. Archiniaco 6 254 234 07 Jane C. Helms 7 157 246 08 Mary Cassidy 9 154 225 09 Randy W. Reid 6 279 96 10 Jared Bassmann 6 350 0 11 Suzanne Spradling 7 48 300 12 Karen Heckman 7 188 160 13 Myron A. McCumber 6 348 0 14 Rita McNamara 6 260 18 15 Nancy Hart 6 0 234 2020 US GP SECOND FLIGHT TOP 15 (10-13H) # Player Handicap Singles Doubles 01 Tracey Roche 13 0 450 02 Terry Cassidy 10 47 132 03 Eileen Fell 10 0 168 04 Carol E. Johnson 12 20 78 05 Liddy Chaney 11 22 60 06 Diane Fitzsimons 13 9 72 07 Rusty Rose 10 28 52 08 Katie Bull 10 66 9 09 Sam Orleans Hansley 10 62 3 10 Larry A. Lynch 11 64 0 11 Pat Richmond 11 9 48 12 John McGrath 12 24 33 13 Nancy Wonson 12 0 52 14 Linda Bowers 10 46 0 15 Andrew J. Parsons 11 28 12

2020 US GP THIRD FLIGHT (14-20H) # Player Handicap Singles Doubles 01 Karen M. Weihs 14 0 28 02 Skip Russo 20 15 0 03 Kate Foster 14 6 0 04 Jessica Beccia 14 3 3 Updated July 20, 2020

Total 1645 1610 1301 1240 1198 974 970 900 880 850 840 825 642 638 575 Total 1533 931 798 683 522 488 403 379 375 350 348 348 348 278 234 Total 450 179 168 98 82 81 80 75 65 64 57 57 52 46 40 Total 28 15 6 6

croquetamerica.com | 39

grandprixstandings 2020 GOLF CROQUET OVERALL GRAND PRIX TOP 30 # Player Singles Doubles 01 Macey W. White 1621 432 02 Rick Darnell 1419 0 03 Bill Simmons 999 109 04 Rich Dell 911 193 05 Matthew Griffith 356 698 06 John L. Priest 1008 0 07 Priscilla M. Flowers 610 394 08 J. Billie Ray 443 552 09 Webster Bull 750 202 10 Lynda P. Sudderberg 215 648 11 Stephen Jackson 147 698 12 Amr Hamdy 518 321 13 Ellie Griffith 622 210 14 Leo Viens 815 0 15 Cheryl Bromley 356 432 16 Clint Dawkins 395 365 17 James C Potts 649 109 18 Billy E Harper 292 438 19 Thomas C. Balding 720 0 20 Robert V. Clark 395 321 21 Colin Irwin 663 0 22 Jim Teel 518 144 23 Dennis Howard 282 365 24 Debbie Davidoff 511 131 25 Jim Coling 511 100 26 Caryl Firth 437 155 27 Ray A. Liberti 282 291 28 Douglas B. Murphy 559 0 29 Donald R. Eastman 0 552 30 Gil Flowers 356 193

Total 2053 1419 1108 1104 1054 1008 1004 995 952 863 845 839 832 815 788 760 758 730 720 716 663 662 647 642 611 592 573 559 552 549

2020 GOLF CROQUET MEN'S GRAND PRIX TOP 10 # Player Singles Doubles 01 Macey W. White 1621 432 02 Rick Darnell 1419 0 03 Bill Simmons 999 109 04 Rich Dell 911 193 05 Matthew Griffith 356 698 06 John L. Priest 1008 0 07 J. Billie Ray 443 552 08 Webster Bull 750 202 09 Stephen Jackson 147 698 10 Amr Hamdy 518 321

Total 2053 1419 1108 1104 1054 1008 995 952 845 839

2020 GOLF CROQUET WOMEN'S GRAND PRIX TOP 10 # Player Singles Doubles 01 Priscilla M. Flowers 610 394 02 Lynda P. Sudderberg 215 648 03 Ellie Griffith 622 210 04 Cheryl Bromley 356 432 05 Debbie Davidoff 511 131 06 Caryl Firth 437 155 07 Gail Warlick 259 210 08 Linda Schiesel 145 291 09 Karen M. Weihs 185 245 10 Helen Covington 408 0 Updated July 20, 2020

40 | croquetamerica.com

Points 1004 863 832 788 642 592 469 436 430 408

2020 AC OVERALL GRAND PRIX TOP 20 # Player Singles 01 Brian Cumming 1004 02 Sherif Abdelwahab 643 03 Daniel W. Pailas 495 04 Peter Bach 495 05 Karl-Heinz Kempfer 404 06 Blake Fields 329 07 Simon Jenkins 329 08 Donna Dixon 265 09 Rich Lamm 212 10 Nicholas Gray 209 11 Mary Rodeberg 209 12 Shane Hettler 161 13 Steve Mossbrook 161 14 Justin Fields 148 15 Ronald L. Eccles 148 16 Michael Orgill 148 17 Tracey Roche 148 18 Bill Fraser 70 19 Patrick Sweeney 64 20 Patrick Dugan 53

2020 AC MEN'S GRAND PRIX TOP 15 # Player Singles 01 Brian Cumming 1004 02 Sherif Abdelwahab 643 03 Daniel W. Pailas 495 04 Peter Bach 495 05 Karl-Heinz Kempfer 404 06 Blake Fields 329 07 Simon Jenkins 329 08 Rich Lamm 212 09 Nicholas Gray 209 10 Shane Hettler 161 11 Steve Mossbrook 161 12 Justin Fields 148 13 Ronald L. Eccles 148 14 Michael Orgill 148 15 Bill Fraser 70 2020 AC WOMEN'S GRAND PRIX # Player Singles 01 Donna Dixon 265 02 Mary Rodeberg 209 03 Tracey Roche 148 04 Judy Dahlstrom 37 05 Barbara Wills 21 Updated April 27, 2020

Doubles 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Total 1004 643 495 495 404 329 329 265 212 209 209 161 161 148 148 148 148 70 64 53

Doubles 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Total 1004 643 495 495 404 329 329 212 209 161 161 148 148 148 70

Doubles 0 0 0 0 0

Total 265 209 148 37 21

USCA 2020-21 Sanctioned Events DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, the tournment calendar is rapidly changing. For the most up-to-date event listings, please check www.croquetamerica.com/calendar/tournaments/ Entry forms to USCA events will now be emailed to members and can also be found on the USCA website at: www.croquetamerica.com/members/forms/ or call the USCA office (561) 478-0760 for a copy.

August 8/14/20 - 8/16/20

Rochester Croquet Club Invitational | US

Rochester Croquet Club | Rochester, NY Sue Ellen Sherer | 585-474-3753 | sue.e.sherer@gmail.com

8/21/20 - 8/23/20

USCA Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship AC | AC & US

10/1/20 - 10/4/20

USCA Southeast Regional AC Tournament | AC

Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club | Hartfield, VA Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com

10/3/20 - 10/4/20

New Jersey State Championship | US

Rumson Country Club | Rumson, NJ Tom Cooper | 212-696-2512 | tom@coopergroupnj.com

Green Gables Croquet Club | Sea Girt, NJ Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com

10/7/20 - 10/9/20

8/26/20 - 8/30/20

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com

Berkshire Invitational - 25th Anniversary | AC & US

USCA American Rules School | US

Lenox Croquet Club | Lenox, MA David Ekstrom | 413-230-6122 | drekstrom@hotmail.com

10/7/20 - 10/9/20

September

Pinehurst Country Club | Pinehurst, NC Elaine Moody | 910-986-3343 | haliburton_2@msn.com

PCC Club Singles Championship | US

9/10/20 - 9/13/20

10/11/20 - 10/17/20

Pinehurst Country Club | Pinehurst, NC Mike Taylor | 910-986-3343 | mrtaylor1022@msn.com

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com

NC State Singles Championship | US

USCA National American Rules Championship | US

9/10/20 - 9/13/20

10/16/20 - 10/18/20

Woodlawn Mini Lobster Tournament | US

The Plantation Foundation of Ponte Vedra GC Benefit Open | GC

9/15/20 - 9/20/20

10/22/20 - 10/25/20

Woodlawn Croquet Club | Ellsworth, ME Perry Mattson | 207-664-4822 | newburyneckshore@gmail.com

USCA Association Laws National Championship| AC Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club | Hartfield, VA Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com

9/17/20 - 9/20/20

The Osborn Cup | US

New York Croquet Club | New York, NY Peter Timmons | 646-642-6601 | nycroquetclub@yahoo.com

The Plantation of Ponte Vedra | Ponte Vedra Beach, FL Bill Simmons | 908-625-9189 | nefloridacroquetclubllc@gmail.com

2020 Women's GC Open | GC

Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club | Hartfield, VA Macey White, Cheryl Bromley | 804-694-9771 | maceywhite@gmail.com Women Only

10/27/20- 10/28/20

USCA Association Laws School | AC

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com

9/17/20 - 9/20/20

10/29/20- 11/1/20

Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club | Nichols Hill, OK Suzanne Spradling | 405-590-7264 | sshawaprad@cox.net

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com

The Scissor Tail Oklahoma Championship | US 9/19/20 - 9/20/20

Croquet Invitational | US & GC

USCA Selection Eights | AC

November

Merion Cricket Club | Haverford, PA Whitney Thain | 610-642-5800 | wthain@merioncricket.com

11/3/20 - 11/7/20

9/24/20 - 9/27/20

Mission Hills Country Club | Rancho Mirage, CA Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com

30th Pinehurst Croquet Club Invitational | US

USCA Golf Croquet National Championship | GC

Pinehurst Country Club | Pinehurst, NC Elaine Moody | 910-986-3343 | haliburton_2@msn.com

11/6/20 - 11/8/20

9/25/20 - 9/27/20

Country Club of Jackson | Jackson, MS Mark Fields | 601-918-2704 | mfields5@gmail.com

2020 Maryland Senior Olympics | US

Ginger Cove CC/West River Wickets CC | Annapolis/Galesville, MD Frankie Hall | 410-266-8309 | fhall8@me.com Waterford Doubles | Maryland Residents Only | 50 & up

October

Country Club of Jackson 6W Invitational | US 11/11/20 - 11/15/20

USCA American Rules School | US

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com

11/18/20 - 11/20/20

10/1/20 - 10/4/20

USCA Seniors Masters Championships | US

Bald Head Island Country Club | Bald Head Island, NC Mike Taylor | 910-986-3343 | mrtaylor1022@gmail.com

11/19/20 - 11/20/20

NC State Golf Croquet Championship | GC

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com

USCA Golf Croquet School | GC

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com

croquetamerica.com | 41

December 12/4/20 - 12/6/20

NCC Club Doubles Championship | US

Natoional Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL Tim McCormick | 207-329-5343 | tmccorm1@gmail.com

12/7/20 - 12/7/20

USCA Golf Croquet Tournament Play School | GC National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com

12/8/20 - 12/10/20

USCA Golf Croquet Club Teams | GC

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com Doubles Only

3/15/20 - 3/17/20

USCA American Rules Tournament Play School | US National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com

3/18/20 - 3/21/20

USCA Club Teams Championship | US

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com

April 4/6/20 - 4/8/20

USCA American Rules School | US

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com

12/10/20 - 12/13/20

USCA American Rules Club Teams | US

June

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com

6/10/21 - 6/13/21

Doubles Only

Southeast 6W Regional Championship | US

2021 January 1/5/20 - 1/6/20

USCA Golf Croquet School | GC

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com

Pinehurst Country Club | Pinehurst, NC Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com

November 11/10/21 - 11/14/21

USCA Seniors Masters Championship | US

Pinehurst Country Club | Pinehurst, NC Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com

1/7/20 - 1/10/20

USCA Florida Regional Golf Croquet | GC

Ponte Vedra Croquet Club | Ponte Vedra Beach, FL Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com

1/8/21 - 1/10/21

National Croquet Club Singles Championship | US National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL Tim McCormick | 207-329-5343 | tmccorm1@gmail.com

1/27/20 - 1/29/20

USCA American Rules School | US

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com

February 2/2/21 - 2/6/21

Peyton Ballenger Invitational | US

Croquet Club at PGA National | Palm Beach Gardens, FL Ann Licursi | 516-353-3311 | annelicursi@gmail.com

2/17/21 - 2/21/21

Steuber Classic | US & GC

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL Marie Sweetser | 561-478-2300 | generalmanager@croquetnational.com

March 3/9/20 - 3/11/20

USCA American Rules School | US

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com

3/10/20 - 3/11/20

USCA Golf Croquet School | GC

National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, FL Johnny Mitchell | 561-478-0760 | tournament@uscroquet.com

42 | croquetamerica.com

Have you ever walked on the croquet court and wondered what to do?! It’s not uncommon! Over the years, as a Croquet Tournament Director and Instructor, I have watched many games which have informed me what to teach when working with aspiring players.

PLEASE CHECK IT OUT AT:

HTTPS://BOBCROQUET.COM/STRATEGY_INFO.HTM

HERE YOU CAN DOWNLOAD FOR FREE (YOU BET - FREE!) TWO OF THE 12 VIDEOS IN THE SERIES IN ADDITION TO THE FREE PDF USER GUIDE WHICH SHOWS THE SETUP FOR EACH VIDEO.

USCA CROQUET SCHOOLS Whether you are new to the game or just want to perfect some of the finer points - a USCA school may be just the ticket

Learn with USCA Certified Instructors

Our instructors are hand picked based on their experience and ability to teach others

5 hours/day of on-court instruction Official USCA Rulebook (for new American Rules or Golf Croquet members) USCA Shot Making Manual (for first time students only) Daily Contenental Breakfast and Lunches Certificate of Completion and Class Photograph Wine and Cheese Party on last day of school

UPCOMING DATES

AMERICAN RULES GOLF CROQUET October 7-9, 2020 November 19-20, 2020 November 18-20, 2020 December 7, 2020 TPS January 27-29, 2021 January 5-6, 2021 March 9-11, 2021 March 10-11, 2021 March 14-17, 2021 TPS April 6-8, 2021 ASSOCIATION LAWS October 27-28, 2020

PRIVATE GROUP PROGRAM Groups of 6 or more players (of the same skill level) may arrange for a date (dependent on court and instructor availability) that is convenient for group’s participants with special group rates USCA Schools are held at the National Croquet Center West Palm Beach, Florida

Contact the USCA office for more information 561-478-0760 or email tournament@uscroquet.com croquetamerica.com | 43

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