Congratulations to new World Champion – Blake Fields
In a stunning display of power croquet, 18-year-old American Blake Fields claimed the 2024 WCF Golf Croquet World Championship with a 7-5, 7-5, 3-7, 5-7, 7-0 finals victory over Australia’s Robert Fletcher. The event was held at the Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club (CBCC) near Hartfield, Virginia.
For full details, visit: 2024 Golf Croquet World Championship
Upcoming Events
Starting soon .... the WCF PFC Mallets Golf Croquet Team Championship : The Openshaw Shield will be held between Monday, 17th to Sunday 23rd February 2025 at the Northern Tasmanian Croquet Centre, St Leonards, Tasmania.
The teams are announced, the flags and trophies are waiting, and the organising team are getting ready.
The link for the livestream is 🎯 PFC Mallets WCF GC World Teams Championship 🎯
The 8 teams competing are: Australia, England, Egypt, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain and the USA.
Spotlight on…. "Play Croquet - A Quick Guide"
Download this new handy leaflet "Play Croquet - A Quick Guide"
This A4 tri-fold leaflet includes brief instructions of how to play both Association Croquet and Golf Croquet. It was recently created by Croquet England who have kindly produced a version for the WCF to share with all our Members.
The leaflet is suitable for use by all beginners. It will give them an idea of how to play, whether in their local park, sports club or schools. We hope Clubs can use it as a hand-out.
Also available in Spanish: Jugar al Croquet Una Guia Rápida
Sharing best practice…. Make AC Coaching Fun
Association Croquet is reportedly struggling despite more people playing croquet now than ever before. The growth of GC is encouraging and new clubs are starting up in many places. However, very few new GC players are being introduced to AC as well. The WCF AC Regeneration Group are investigating ways that we can support growth in AC and research is planned. Here are a few initial thoughts from the group.
AC is often spoken about as if it is a complex game and difficult to learn. However, it is actually quite a simple game at its most basic level. The terminology can confuse, so instead of telling people to roquet, croquet and continuation shot, try “hit another ball and get two extra shots”.
We encourage those introducing AC to others to examine their teaching styles. Ask yourself: Am I boring people with technical details? Does it matter if they understand break play already?
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- Make it fun: don't bore the beginner with complex rules, get them playing straight away. Consider fun variants, such as One Ball or Pirates.
Make it quick: 14pt games or even fewer points to start them off. Games for beginners should be short, around 1 to 1.5 hours.- Make it easy: try Short Croquet which uses smaller, half size lawns, and set the hoops nice and wide.
EUROPE NEWS - 2025 European Club League
The Heats have been drawn for the 2025 European Club League.
Who will make it through to the Grand Final at Sussex County Croquet Club, England between 10-12 October 2025.
mittee, and has held many posts with Croquet New Zealand. He was a huge contributor to croquet and will be sorely missed.
The MC are pleased to report that Jim Nicholls has been elected to the Management Committee, effective 1st January 2025. We look forward to welcoming Jim to the committee next year.
Ian has been a top class welsh international player since the 1990's, representing Wales at both AC and GC. In 1996 he was part of the winning Great Britain MacRobertson Shield team. He has also devoted a huge amount of his time to administering our sport.