CroquetPro

USCA American National Championships

2011-11-23T15:00:00.000-08:00

Rancho Mirage, California

Hidden in a sunny valley beneath the San Jacinto Mountains is a secluded set of fantastic croquet lawns. For the winter croquet season this year the Mission Hills Croquet Club might as well be called the National Championship Center. The first of three national championships to be held in the desert this year was the American Rules contest in November. Over 40 players from all over the United States and Canada fought through nagging deadness and tight wickets to claim the 35^th USCA title.

Defending the championship singles and doubles crown was a tall task for Ben Rothman, now directing and playing. Last year's runner-up David Maloof was entering the tournament on a 26-game winning streak after his Selection Eights performance and the North Carolina Club Teams. North Carolina was well-represented with the 11-time champion Jeff Soo and the lowest handicapped player in the American game, Danny Huneycutt. Doug Grimsley brought his six-month-old daughter, Anna, along with wife Stephanie out to enjoy one of the few tournaments he has played this year – while he dragged Rich Curtis around the court, as usual, in doubles. With reliable lawns and nearly 20 players with a zero or lower handicap, the title was up for grabs.

Jeff Soo emerged as the early favorite for the championship as the only undefeated player through the six block games. Soo beat Grimsley and Maloof (ending his win streak at 32) while Huneycutt beat the defending champion with the first half-Spooner of the tournament 26-1 to redeem his early loss to Paul Bennett 20-19. The prodigal son of the game, also known as Oz, had already scored a half-Spooner against Charlie Smith while Ben Rothman attempted to be unique by completing a triple peel against Johnny Mitchell. Jeff Soo noted that the triple has been completed in the American nationals “like, a million times” before. Rich Lamm scored all three peels (in the only other attempted triple peel) against Charlie Smith but failed to peg out, finishing 25-19.

Steve Mossbrook took undefeated honors in the first flight singles while Sandy Knuth only faltered in her last block game. Dr. Knuth earned the third seed behind Chris Mondt who was also on five wins. The final spot in the eight-player ladder was a dead heat. Cindy Bagby and New Paltz alumnus Dave Cohen were both on the bubble with two wins. The tiebreaker for the eighth seed in the playoffs was an uncommon but extremely fair test: they would play for it. The play-in game came down to one stupendous 11 point run including a difficult rush-peel towards the end of regulation, which put Dave ahead 16-11. Dave would continue his run into the playoffs securing fourth place in singles. Cindy was dropped into a cross-block between the four first flight players that failed to make the playoffs and our four high-handicapped players who began in the second flight block.

Second/third flight was the story of a new Mission Hills player Cameron Evans. Cameron has been knocking balls around for a year during social golf croquet days but only picked up American Rules over the summer. The practice paid off as Cameron defeated all of the second flight and all but one of the first flight cross-over players to achieve an 11-1 record. Cameron went on to win the third flight singles trophy against San Diego player, Val Terry. The four players who missed out on first flight honors became their own playoff ladder for second flight. Don Oakley, responsible for Cameron's sole defeat, took the American title back to Canada with victories over Karen Comeau and Jean Engebretson in the “second” flight ladder.

Cameron Evans and Don Oakley with TD Ben Rothman and USCA Rep. Johnny Mitchell

First flight doubles was very well-matched as most teams were 4-2 or 3-3. Oddly enough, the two teams with four wins lost in the semi-finals leaving Steve Mossbrook and Lee Hamel to play Dave Cohen and local Mary Rodeberg in the finals. Dave was unable to repeat his brilliant break running and missed hoop four with a game-winning break all lined up. Mossbrook was not done as his undefeated streak had continued all the way to the final of the double elimination singles ladder. Steve returned to form after a few seasons back from his long hiatus from the championship game. With convincing peg-out victories in two of his playoff games and the position as “holder” in the final game(s), the trophy seemed destined for Wyoming. But Mary Rodeberg had other plans. On the heels of her last turn victory over Chris Mondt in the loser's bracket final, Mary was ready for a battle. Steve could not organize his breaks as he had against Mary in the semi-final, but he held a slight lead all game. Bending her body to direct difficult shots, Mary gave it her best but the fickle fate of tight games finally failed our femme fatale. Steve Mossbrook took both titles in what he hopes is his final first flight tournament.

Recent winners of both first flight singles and doubles national championships Peter Bach (2010) and Ron Hendry (2004)

Championship doubles was riddled with strong teams. Jeff Soo and Rich Lamm took the top seed with an undefeated block performance only to be matched by the five wins from the underdog team of Charlie Smith and Steve Johnston who celebrated courtside with some of the finest wines from Charlie's Smith-Madrone vineyard. 2010 champions Rothman and Cumming took the second seed from the block while 2009 champs Grimsley and Curtis took the third spot. A well-deserved wild card went to the Bennett brothers' team and the final spot was a close shave where Britt Ruby and Rory Kelley edged out Jim Turner and Sherif Abdelwahab by net points for the final spot in the ladder with just two wins. As many players know, when the playoffs begin it is a whole new tournament.

The high-octane winos couldn't continue their winning ways against Ruby and Kelley and returned to the winery after the first round of the loser's bracket to Huneycutt and Maloof. The last wild card team went on to beat Grimsley and Curtis as well as Soo and Lamm by one point each thanks to clutch hit-ins by Ruby. Rothman and Cumming were knocked down by Soo and Lamm but relished their roles as knockout artists on their way back to the finals. This was Rothman's fourth consecutive doubles finals appearance (second with Cumming), but the true double elimination format gave Ruby and Kelley a nice advantage. Ben faltered in the first game, knocking a line ball out of bounds on the attack, but Brian recovered after an unintended cross-wire by Britt. The 26-8 victory was just the set up for the second, winners-take-all game. Game two was an ugly affair as each player put down a break or two and limped through lots of deadness. Ruby and Kelley continued their “good American tactics” and kept at least one ball alive while Rothman and Cumming grasped at straws. Eventually both Ben and Brian failed costly line rushes to cement their deadness situation while Rory, now a rover, loomed large as the enforcer. Britt Ruby and Rory Kelley kept the lead without having to score one-back a second time and won 19-10. This was Rory Kelley's first national title and Britt Ruby's first doubles title. While Britt was very happy, he was no longer “just happy to be here.”

Rory Kelley and Britt Ruby Celebrating

The championship singles knockout followed last year's format with a double elimination ladder with redemption in the semi-finals followed by a best-of-three final match. With nearly every game rewarding early attackers with lop-sided victories, the more reliable format was very popular. Lamm scored an early upset over Osborn 24-22 while the other Johnny (Mitchell) handed David Maloof a free pass to the loser's bracket 26-12. Doug beat Danny 26-4 and made his daughter proud enough to warrant a diaper change in the process. Jeff Soo continued his streak without allowing more than five points in a game and cruised into the finals with victories over Butts, Bennett, Rothman and Cumming. Danny recovered from his second round loss and took out Maloof, Rothman and Grimsley twice in a row for a chance at his first American rules national championship. The only obstacle: the man with the most USCA national championships.

USCA National Champion 2032

The match was one of the best national championship finals ever with two nearly perfect games followed by one of the most dramatic back-and-forth battles of the tournament – or any tournament. Danny drew first blood 26-2 and showed that Jeff was human after all. Jeff returned to form after patiently waiting for Danny to bring both balls in and attack. The attack worked, but Jeff hit a heroic long shot and stole the break(s) to level the match with another 26-2 victory. Game three started cleanly, but both players lost control with missed roquets and stuffed hoops leading spectators to wrongly declare the inevitability of a two break finish. Danny was more productive before he relinquished control, but Jeff still had a chance at the end. A lengthy takeoff to hoop three left Jeff with a knee-knocking twelve-foot hoop shot in last turns, but it would give him a game-tying break.

The crowd was hushed enough for all to hear the ball gently nudge the stanchions as it sailed through the hoop and down court. Jeff had two balls on court and a good chance to win if he could get the break together. Sadly, the drama ended as quickly as it began when the ten yard return roquet was too long for Jeff's medium paced shot to stay on target. Danny took the title 26-2, 2-26, 20-10 and all the spoils along with it. The USA team captain collected enough tracking points to become the first -4 handicap in USCA history and his lead in the grand prix should be enough (ask Rich Curtis) to secure the “Player of the Year” award for 2011. Jeff Soo may have lost, but the best-of-three match is much preferable to years past when several times he lost a single game in the tournament and took second.

Players and guests stayed fixed under the canopies during the finals as they witnessed a rare rainy day in the desert. The courtside bloody mary bar was enough to keep spectators happy despite the realization that the wonderfully-catered lunches were now a thing of the past. Special thanks were given to the tournament manager Ron Hendry and his thoughtful wife Genie who brought lunches every day and ran a profitable “Mallet Makers Mania” auction and raffle featuring eight different brands of North American croquet mallets. While the end of the tournament was bittersweet, some took comfort in the unavoidable déjá vu of two more national championships in the desert this year!

2011 Delaware Invitational at Wilmington Country Club

2011-07-05T08:24:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful weekend in Wilmington, Delaware, greeted the twenty-four participants in this year's Delaware Invitational. Tom and Joan Hughes were kind enough to open up their home for the welcoming reception again this year and provide shelter from the heavy heat that weighed down the practice day. Barry Gibson, the tournament co-host, welcomed a few select players to compete at the DuPont Country Club to alleviate the double banking concerns of tournament Director, Ben Rothman. The heat held back during the actual competition but the players left it all on the court. Handicaps were lower than last year, players were better and there were several games that went to the peg compared to zero last year.

The field was split into three flights of singles and two flights of doubles with assigned partners. While Jim Hughes aimed to repeat his championship victory, he would have more than the usual Delaware players to contend with as former rookies-of-the-year Micah Beck and Justin Berbig made their Delaware debut in the Championship flight. Peter Woolley faced his own challenges repeating as several 4 handicaps ventured into the first flight and last year's second flight champion, Robert Lankford, threw his hat in the ring. This year's second flight featured some newcomers as well as Carla Rueck who seems to have won just about every trophy in Florida before migrating North for the summer circuit.

The Y.A.C.H.T. crew in Wilmington.

In the top flight the late entry of David Lyon, heralded by Tom Hughes as “most likely, the strongest player in the tournament”, made life tough for Rufus Bayard and John Warlick. David was uncatchable until the last round of block play when he lost by one point to Tom Hughes. Tom desperately needed that win to sneak out of the block at two and two along with Justin Berbig, leaving Rufus behind by a few net points. In the other block Barry Gibson was able to defeat Jim Hughes in a rematch of last year's final and rise to the top of the ladder with four wins while Jim took second and Micah Beck took the last spot in the playoffs.
Incredibly close competition in the first flight nearly came to the Rock-Paper-Scissors tie-breaker as an entire block finished with two wins and two losses. Net points would suffice for Kevin Betz and Peter Woolley while a frustrated Jodie Rugart and elated Whickey Knight were left to watch the playoffs from the sidelines. Jodie was able to salvage her tournament with a wonderful doubles performance as she and Barry Gibson claimed the top spot in the ladder at three and one with solid net points. Ken Northrop dominated the other block with four wins leaving room for Conrad Rugart to take the second playoff berth with three wins.
Third flight had a friendly round robin that was very instructive for newcomer Wink Del Duca and showed that while Gail Ruben was playing in her first Invitational, she was no slouch. When the knock-out ladder began, good friends and doubles partners Cody Aichele and Carla Rueck had to face off. Cody played above and beyond while Carla couldn't muster the mojo required for a comeback and exited the tournament without a trophy for the first time this season. Gail was able to handily defeat Wink in the semi-final and put together an astounding display of control in the final including a three wicket break and cagey deadness management. Cody could not get clean and Gail went on to win the flight!

Second Flight finalists Gail Ruben and Cody Aichele

Sadly, a puppy problem resulted in a broken leg for the usual tournament dinner hostess, Linda Prickett, but Craig and Amy Smith (Tom's daughter) gallantly stepped in and made a feast for all. Guests were left with such satisfied taste buds that they were blissfully ignorant of the dueling piano show they were missing this year. Craig followed up his feast with a stunning performance in the doubles playoffs the morning after. With an aggressive partner in Micah Beck, Craig picked up any and all attacks and ran his breaks around to win 26-21 in the semi-finals against the solid team of David Lyon and Conrad Rugart. Craig limited Micah's role to point guard in the final as he played the deadness game and ran around to stifle Greg Shaffer and Kevin Betz to no end. With Craig succeeding in all he attempted Micah set rushes, collected the occasional spent ball and enjoyed watching his partner and gracious host carry him to the doubles podium.

Championship Doubles Champions Craig Smith and Micah Beck

Timing is everything. That became crystal clear as the knock-out ladder did not bode well for the undefeated players. Both Barry Gibson and Ken Northrop ended up in the third place match after losing their first game in the semi-finals. Ken lost to last year's champion Peter Woolley 14-13 in a barn-burner while Barry lost to his constant adversary, Tom Hughes. Brothers Tom and Jim were of similar mind, for once, keeping the young'ns at bay in the knockout. Tom defeated Micah Beck 17-15 with solid attacks and Jim was able to keep Justin just dead enough to win 15-14. Jim's canny play could not keep pace with the mighty David Lyon who ended the chance of a repeat and earned a spot against Tom Hughes, the only player so far to beat him, in the final.

Gail Ruben came prepared for the finals day.

While they didn't shine in the block, the two and two boys were able to polish their game for the ladder. After Peter knocked out the undefeated Ken Northrop, Kevin Betz got revenge on Conrad Rugart who defeated Kevin 19-18 in the cross-block game. Kevin took no prisoners and ran clean breaks which did not leave Peter many options. The repeat was not to be and while he missed the doubles championship, Kevin did take home the top prize for singles in his flight. To his credit, Peter did manage to control the doubles final with the helpful shooting of Gail Ruben taking the title over Mary Tatnall and Lindsey Grigsby.

First Flight Doubles Champions Gail Ruben and Peter Woolley

In the main event both David and Tom managed treacherous attacks near the violently rolling north boundary. The breaks were had but the difference was clear as Tom averaged six to eight hoops per break chance while David masterfully built break after break for a scant average of two or three hoops. The golf croquet aficionado was undone by the firm hoops at moderate distances allowing Tom easier attacks and great deadness advantages. After all his hard work managing and organizing the tournament, Tom was rewarded with a convincing victory as the only player to beat the well composed David Lyon.

Championship Finalists David Lyon and Tom Hughes

Championship Singles:
1. Tom Hughes
2. David Lyon
3. Jim Hughes
3. Barry Gibson
5. Micah Beck
5. Justin Berbig
7. Rufus Bayard
7. John Warlick
7. Greg Shaffer
7. Craig Smith

First Flight Singles:
1. Kevin Betz
2. Peter Wooley
3. Ken Northrop
4. Conrad Rugart
5. Jodie Rugart
5. Whickey Knight
5. Mary Tatnall
5. Robert Lankford

Second Flight Singles
1. Gail Ruben
2. Cody Aichele
3. Carla Rueck
4. Wink Del Duca

Championship Doubles:
1. Craig Smith + Micah Beck
2. Greg Shaffer + Kevin Betz
3. Barry Gibson + Jodie Rugart
3.David Lyon + Conrad Rugart
5. John Warlick + Justin Berbig
5. Rufus Bayard + Ken Northrop

First Flight Singles
1. Peter Woolley + Gail Ruben
2. Mary Tatnall + Lindsey Grigsby
3. Whickey Knight + Sidna Mitchell
3. Robert Lankford + Wink Del Duca
3. Carla Rueck + Cody Aichele

USCA Western Region Championships

2011-04-26T08:34:00.000-07:00

It has been a banner year for Mission Hills Croquet Club. During the 2010-2011 season Mission Hills hosted a well attended Golf Croquet Nationals, had several members score USCA awards (district president of the year, volunteer of the year, and two players of the year in their respective flights) and took the honor of USCA Club of the Year. As club ladders wound down and snow birds migrated North to more familiar territory the Western Regionals became the ultimate contest for many players in the desert. Twenty-two players, many of whom are Mission Hills members, took part in the regionals with a few visitors from other areas of California, Oregon and Idaho. The groups were divided into two familiar groups for singles and the field of seven doubles teams were left in an all-play block until the playoffs.

Block play had several undefeated players, but the cross-block games took care of that. Three of the four singles blocks had an undefeated player; Ben Rothman in Championship flight and Sheri Foroughi and Mary Rodeberg in First Flight. Since these were also the top seeds in their respective groups, they faced off against each other in the crossover games. Mary and Sheri had an all out battle with Sheri holding her edge for a 20-15 victory and the number one playoff spot. Ben and Jim Butts traded breaks and Jim put down the winning break to let Ben back in for a 26-22 nail-biter.

Traveling players had a tough time warming up to the lawn speed and faltered early. Steve Scalpone underperformed in the block allowing Jim Turner and Aviv Katz to score big upsets while Len Lyon, a long time desert player, showed his touch and deadness control with giant wins over the two Jims, Butts and Turner to be exact. In some games, the wind became a major factor. Players had to wait for still winds or suffer the swaying sensation of the mallet mid-swing. But the wind did allow for a convenient scapegoat for missed shots and “lucky” hit ins.

When all the scores were in the books, players congregated at Hope Harmon's court-side condo for a Toast and Tally. Mission Hills Croquet Club was very generous in providing lunches throughout the tournament and a wonderful cocktail party where players donated to the Y.A.C.H.T. (Young American Croquet Homage Tour) Fund. The Y.A.C.H.T. has been gaining momentum during the Winter months and will be working towards its goals of promotion, education, and support throughout the Summer and Fall this year (for more information email CroquetPro@gmail.com). Ben and Sheri took the top seeds with perfect records and while most blocks went to seed Karen Comeau and Toni Kemp surprised their block and jumped up a few spots for the playoffs. Doubles was dominated two teams: Bob Van Tassell and Steve Scalpone and the only team to beat them, Ben Rothman and Bob Morford (of Morford Mallets). Peter Bach and Jim Turner took the third seed but the next three teams ended up in a tie for the fourth and final spot in the championship playoffs. With head-to-head as the first tie-breaker, Mike Orgill and Nick Gray moved on while Jim Butts and Aviv Katz along with Ron Hendry and Marty Foroughi dropped into the first flight doubles playoff with Mary Rodeberg and Rich Schiller.

Steve Scalpone and Bob Van Tassell celebrate a doubles victory.

In the single elimination playoffs, early upsets were in vogue. The undefeated Sheri Foroughi fell to a warmed up Dick Engebretson (18-13) after Dick beat Bob Morford (16-4) in the play-in game. Dick soon ran out of gas against his croquet rival Marvin Salles who returned to form in the playoffs with convincing wins over Toni Kemp (20-12) and Dick (16-4). Karen Comeau survived a scare against Nick Gray (14-13) while Judy eeked out a win over Jean Engebretson (15-14) only to lose to Mary Rodeberg by the same score. Mary's hard work in understanding the end game paid off as she moved past Karen (13-10) and into the finals with Marvin.

The biggest upset in championship flight proved the value of a play in game and the detriment of a top seed. Jim Butts waited for his opponent as Peter Bach battled with Len Lyon (23-11 for Bach). Jim was unable to get in the groove against his confident opponent and watched as Peter demonstrated his newfound championship-level play in a long-awaited victory (22-14). While Rich Schiller hoped the same fate lay in store for him after defeating Aviv Katz (22-7) in the play-in round, he was not as lucky. Ben Rothman used his quarter-final game as an experiment and laid a trap giving himelf a standard triple peel for a 26-10 victory. Ben remained in form but decided against tripling in the semi-final with Steve Scalpone who will not be putting his name on the John Taylor trophy this year (26-4). Bob Van Tassell found his game after a brief hiatus this winter and beat Jim Turner (24-14) as well as the giant-killer Peter Bach (23-18). Could “Sandy” Bob repeat his perfect game and defeat Rothman in the finals?

In a word, no. The championship final was a rather boring game in which Rothman failed an aggressive attack, giving Van Tassell a break. Bob made one error (a missed return roquet after hoop five) and Rothman turned it into two breaks to complete the snooze-fest. The good news was, this freed up spectators to watch the truly exciting finishes in the first flight finals and the championship third place game.

Ben and "Sandy" Bob continue their friendly rivalry in the desert.

In doubles, the two dominant teams remained so as they cruised to the finals. Ben and Bob managed a nice attack, but one stuffed hoop was all it took for Bob Van Tassell and Steve Scalpone to run their breaks and seal the deal. In the “first flight” doubles final, Marty Foroughi and Aviv Katz battled the out game for over an hour as Jim and Ron made risk-free hoops. After the in-balls got around to rover and penult, the out-balls joined the game. There was some anxious two-balling until finally Marty ran a nice break to take a comfortable lead and seal the victory (20-16).

Aviv Katz and Jim Butts after losing to Ron Hendry and Marty Foroughi

The two most exciting games of the day were saved for last. The first flight final pitted wily veteran Mary Rodeberg against the sharp shooting cowboy, Marvin Salles. Mary had the lead, but could never feel secure as Marvin is an avid break runner. With a small lead in the final minutes, Mary had a chance to take Marvin out of the jaws of his hoop (see below) and keep him double partner dead. Mary had to assume a fair amount of deadness for this opportunity and when the critical shot came, she missed the ball in the jaws! With the necessary balls on the court, Marvin ran a game-tying break, but when he realized that he was near the go ahead hoop, his shots began to falter. With a bad pioneer and a bad approach, Marvin took a desperation angled shot and bounced back from the hoop, leaving a tied ball game. At this point, it was anyone's game. Mary forgot to use her clearing, which could have sealed the victory, but from corner three, she shot her rover ball at the peg and hit! This put Mary up by one point leaving Marvin the hoop shot from nearly the same spot as before. With the game on the line, Marvin proved that the angle was just too much to contend with and Mary won the first flight (17-16).

Mary's missed shot (black) at Red to allow Marvin a chance for the title.

In the rough and tumble battle for third place Steve Scalpone fell way behind the up and comer Peter Bach. Peter had a finishing break, but missed a shot after one-back. With very little time left Steve got around to peg while his back ball was still for hoop three. With the game nearly in hand, Peter used up the remaining clock and pegged out his rover ball. Behind by six points in last turns Steve hit his partner and rolled both balls down to hoop three leaving a nice rush and a desperation turn. Spectators nearly turned away as Scalpone managed to get rushes and make a few tough roll-ups and as the crowd buzzed with recognition, Steve made a bad rush to one-back. Still behind by two, Steve dribbled the take-off from the middle of the court just past one-back. After a sweaty six yard roquet, Steve faced another long take-off to two-back and came up about ten feet short. With the crowd enraptured and Peter staring daggers, Steve hit both stanchions and wiggled through for the tie! The second rotation saw a heroic shot just missed by Mr. Bach and Scalpone sent his rover ball to the peg for one of the most clutch finishes of 2011, and it was for third place (21-20).

2011 Trophy Recipients (Less Marvin Salles)

Championship Singles:
1. Ben Rothman
2. Bob Van Tassell
3. Steve Scalpone
4. Peter Bach
5. Jim Butts
5. Jim Turner
5. Ron Hendry
5. Rich Schiller
9. Aviv Katz
9. Len Lyon

Steve Scalpone presents the John Taylor Award to the Tournament Champion

First Flight Singles:
1. Mary Rodeberg
2. Marvin Salles
3. Karen Comeau
3. Dick Engebretson
5. Sheri Foroughi
5. Toni Kemp
5. Nick Gray
5. Judy Dahlstrom
9. Jean Engebretson
9. Bob Morford

Championship Doubles:
1. Bob Van Tassell + Steve Scalpone
2. Ben Rothman + Bob Morford
3. Peter Bach + Jim Turner
3. Mike Orgill + Nick Gray

"First Flight" Doubles:
1. Ron Hendry + Marty Foroughi
2. Jim Butts + Aviv Katz
3. Rich Schiller + Mary Rodeberg

Jim Butts scores the Three-peat victory in the 2011 Bob Riddell Golf Croquet Tournament.

2011-03-25T14:48:00.001-07:00

40 players and dozens of spectators gathered to watch an exciting final for the Bob Riddell Golf Croquet Tournament at Mission Hills Country Club. After a 6-3 lead, Jim Butts held off a tremendous comeback from Aviv Katz, and made a tricky 30 degree jump shot at rover to win 7-5. Bob Van Tassell took Third place by defeating Ron Hendry, who's long hoop shots failed him on the final day.

Mike and Helen Orgill won the doubles making it two finals appearances in a row for Mike, with his partner of choice this time. Mike and Helen played marathon games and took down the astonishing newcomer Jim Okey and his clutch shooting partner Louann Evans. Louann has "the straightest shot in the entire tournament" according to Mike Orgill. The Orgills sealed the victory with a handshake at penultimate in a hard fought 7-4 battle.

Karen Comeau continued her hot streak and defeated Toni Kemp in the First Flight final 7-5. Karen took out number one seed David Cartwright and the incredible rookie sensation Jim Okey on her way to the top. Jean Engebretson took home yet another trophy defeating Jim Okey, who learned the game last December, in the game for third place.

The Second flight final posed a familiar question to married couples, “Is it better to be right or to be happy?” Given the choice, Mike Corrigan decided, “Winning, duh.” After a 10-0 streak, Brenda lost to her loving husband 7-3 in the final. Brenda had an amazing run but, like the 2007 Patriots, missed the big game. Former marathoner and recent birthday boy David Pollock finished in third at the tender age of 95, proving that one can be competitive at any stage of life.

Each winner enjoyed a unique hand-made trophy comprised of wire croquet players in various stages of a game on a green tile and a commemorative hat. Bob Riddell celebrated the victories of his good friends with merriment and the occasional stiff drink in another well attended golf croquet tournament in croquet heaven.

And the winners are...

Championship Flight:
1. Jim Butts
2. Aviv Katz
3. Bob Van Tassell
4. Ron Hendry
5. Leo Nikora
5. Nick Gray
5. Mike Orgill
5. Bob Kays
5. Bob Riddell
DNF Gordon Milse

First Flight:
1. Karen Comeau
2. Toni Kemp
3. Jean Engebretson
4. Jim Okey
5. David Cartwright
5. Pat Dugan
5. Paul Christy
5. Jerry Phillips
9. Bob Morford
9. Marylin Estenson
9. Bernie Rubien
DNF Welles Farago

Second Flight:

1. Mike Corrigan
2. Brenda Corrigan
3. David Pollock
4. Jerry Brault
5. Jerry Evans
5. Phil Arenson
5. John Pearson
5. Mary Brault
5. Jackie Ackerman
DNF Marc Clausen

Doubles:
1. Mike + Helen Orgill
2. Jom Okey + Louann Evans
3. Karen Comeau + Scott Smith
4. Bob Morford + Marylin Estenson
5. Bob Riddell + Elaine Kennedy
5. Kory + Betty Teoman
5. Rob + Susan Stiff
5. Nick Gray + Ruth Pollock
5. Pat Dugan + Bernie Rubien
DNF Welles Farago + Marc Clausen

Special Thanks to:

Bill Roche

Marge Okey

Aviv Katz

John Pearson

Nancy Deupree

Mick Greagsby

Judy Dahlstrom

Rob Stiff

2011 Mission Hills Invitational

2011-03-24T13:28:00.001-07:00

The 15th annual Mission Hills Invitational croquet tournament was held March 1-5 and the weather could not have been better. The 25 participants played in two flights with doubles in the mornings and singles in the lazy afternoons. After a few years of waterford doubles, the new officers of the club have brought back self-selected partnerships which did wonders for team dynamics and the overall enjoyment of the doubles experience. Visiting players represented just about every region in North America: Louisiana, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Maine, Wyoming, Idaho, and British Columbia. With the 2010 champion Bob Van Tassell taking the week off, the title was up for grabs. Ninety minute games and limited double banking set up yet another luxurious tournament at the USCA's “2010 Club of the Year."

Early round play with the spectacular San Jacinto Mountain Range as a backdrop.

In early doubles play, the local duo of Mary Rodeberg and Dick Engebretson that barely made it into the championship flight doubles beat the big dogs of Ben Rothman and “Uncle” Larry Stettner! Mary, the recent USCA Grand Prix winner, ran a seven hoop break going into last turns to get within one point, but she made 4-back out of bounds. Dick followed up with a spectacular 10-foot roquet of Mary's ball and a 60-foot take off to the attack. He created a rush to his hoop and two-balled his way to a 15-14 victory.

Rich Schiller and Val Terry went undefeated in first flight and snagged the top spot in the playoffs. A two-way tie at 2-2 will put veterans Karen Comeau and Jean Engebretson against rookies Bob Morford and Nick Gray in one semi-final. The last spot came down to the very last game as the Vancouver duo of John Destry and Keith Sjostrom narrowly defeated Carl Myer (Massachussetts) and Rob Franks (Louisiana) to sneak in the semi-finals 14-12.

Championship flight pitted the top two teams against each other in the final round of block play. A desperate attack by Stettner gave Rothman the game winning break in last turns to defeat Jim Butts and Aviv Katz for the number one seed. Ron Hendry and Chris Christian ended Mike Orgill and Robert Coleman's playoff hopes while securing the number two spot 20-16. The last semi-final spot was awarded to Peter Bach and Steve Mossbrook thanks to their 15-9 defeat of Dick Engebretson and Mary Rodeberg.

“By the skin of my teeth.” That is the margin by which Steve Mossbrook made his first Championship knock-out in the last 14 years. The championship flight featured a play-in round to determine seeding in two-way ties. That is to say, if two of the eleven players finished with the same total number of wins, they had a full 90-minute game to decide who deserved to be ranked above the other in the 8-player knock-out ladder. The top two players, Rothman and Butts, played off while the third and fourth seed, Peter Bach and Rich Schiller, battled it out. But most importantly, the eighth spot in the ladder was played out between Steve Mossbrook and Mary Rodeberg.

Having just broken into the top flight, Mary Rodeberg has shown tremendous poise in her play while stepping her tactics up several notches to compete with the best. Mary, having lost two games by two or fewer points in last turns, decided she would put the tied game on her mallet with under five minutes remaining. With balls for one-back and two-back, Mary took-off from the West boundary near two-back all the way to Steve's balls on the East boundary near 4-back. The 100-foot shot fell short and left Mary with a daunting 18-foot roquet of a ball just two feet from the boundary, but she hit! Now for the easy part, or so she thought. Mary just needed to set up her partner and/or split up the opponents, but the danger ball was so close that it interfered with her stroke. With a shortened backswing and a difficult angle, Mary committed a fault. Mary called the fault on herself and replaced the balls leaving Steve an easy go ahead play. The honorable defeat was hard to swallow, but it was the correct call. Hopefully all will remember Mary's shining integrity as she continues to make strides in the top flight.

With some blowouts and a few close shaves, almost everything went to seed in the various singles ladders. The third and fourth seed captured third and fourth in the playoffs while all three finals pairings are the number one seed versus the number two seed. The only upsets came in the fifth place ladder as seven and eight seeds Cindy Bagby and Jean Engebretson worked their way into the decider for who makes the top five in first flight. In a tight match filled with two-ball scenarios, Jean overran position in the final two minutes to give Cindy the chance she was waiting for culminating in a one point double overtime victory. After a one point loss to Karen Comeau, Judy Dahlstrom captured third place by defeating the wily Rob Franks and Bob Morford took third in the second flight with his second victory over newcomer Val Terry.

Club President, Ron Hendry awards Bob Morford (center) 3rd place in the Second Flight.

In Championship flight Jim Butts slipped up on a finishing break against his doubles partner, Aviv Katz, but recovered for a 21-11 win and had to play the red hot Peter Bach. Since winning both the singles and doubles at USCA Nationals in first flight, the pilot from Idaho has brought his game to a new level. Thanks in part to his forays into association rules, Peter's aggressive shooting and consistent break play led him to two upsets over Mike Orgill, a solid play-in win over Rich Schiller and a spot in the semi-finals.

Peter Bach, always playing games, with Steve Mossbrook enjoying the show.

The limit to Mr. Bach's well-orchestrated play seemed to be the negative handicaps. In block play, the national champion match-up between Rothman and Bach was an entertaining exhibition in exceptional efficiency. Rothman ran an eight hoop two-ball break that included a cannon at 2-back leaving Peter no opportunities. Peter lost 26-1 and his match against Jim Butts didn't go much better. Attempting an early attack, Peter collected deadness and got to watch Jim Butts at his best. After two breaks and a near perfect leave, Peter was eliminated 26-3. Peter went on to take third place over Rich Schiller in a tight match (18-16) with deadness traps and aggressive rover play by Mr. Bach. Ben Rothman cruised to the final with two 26-3 games over Steve Mossbrook and Rich Schiller.

The finals day featured the familiar Bloody Mary and Mimosa bar courtside with a cloudless view of the snow-topped mountains composing the beautiful backdrop for the doubles and singles finals. A surprised Carl Myer and Rob Franks won the second flight doubles over rookie players Bob Morford and Nick Gray, while John Destry defeated his fellow Vancouver resident Keith Sjostrom for the singles title. The high-low team of Rich Schiller and Val Terry wore out their welcome in first flight by defeating the scrappy Karen Comeau and Jean Engebretson (16-12) in the doubles final. Jean's husband (and unwilling opponent) Dick completed his perfect record with a convincing victory (14-8) over Karen Comeau in the final. Dick's stunning achievement was only overshadowed by Karen defeating several of the low handicapped players and making the final as a 9 handicap in her first flight debut!

Karen Comeau and Jean Engebretson after an excellent showing in First Flight Doubles.

The championship doubles was a great meeting of the minds as Croquet Puzzler Book author Larry Stettner and his protege Ben Rothman vociferously discussed tactics on when to enter the game and how to set leaves against club President Ron Hendry and Chris Christian of Pinehurst, North Carolina. All that mental acuity was derailed when Ron Hendry hit in on several leaves only to run into hoop trouble as soon as the break was in hand. The last narrow window of opportunity came when Larry had a three-ball break for the final three hoops and a peg out, but missed the return roquet after four-back! Ron once again hit in and built a break, but hoop five was blocked by two pesky stanchions. Rothman and Stettner won their first doubles title (ever) 22-9 with Rothman's parents (Stettner's cousins) Al and Arlyss enjoying the family circus.

(From Left to Right) Larry Stettner, Ben, Arlyss and Al Rothman reunited during the tourney.

The club pro quickly shifted into singles mode to meet Jim Butts in the main event. Rothman took an early attack and attempted a difficult break only to miss a tough angled shot at hoop three. Jim took a break around and watched with wide eyes as Rothman missed the 60-foot hit in. The more Luis the bartender poured, the more the crowd roared and Rothman retreated to the far side of the lawn to watch the championship slip through his fingers for the third year in a row. Having just run a nice break for eleven hoops it came as a big surprise when Jim failed hoop six. Ben realized the fleeting nature of this opportunity and managed to make the most out of it. Two boring breaks and several bottles of champagne later, Ben pegged out for the clean sweep and the title (26-17). With the tournament out of the way, pick-up golf croquet games kept the crowd satisfied and the atmosphere jovial well into the afternoon. The croquet never ends here in Mission Hills.

2011 Mission Hills Invitational Winners
Back Row:
Rob Franks, Carl Myer, Keith Sjostrom, John Destry, Bob Morford, Nick Gray, Chris Christian, Dick Engebretson and Ron Hendry.
Front Row:
Karen Comeau, Val Terry, Rich Schiller, Jean Engebretson, Judy Dahlstrom, Ben Rothman, Larry Stettner, Peter Bach and Jim Butts.

2011 Desert Classic

2011-02-04T11:41:00.000-08:00

Rothman Three-peats at the 2011 Desert Classic

Rancho Mirage, CA

While snowstorms were building and ravaging the higher latitudes and rain soaked our Floridian friends, Rancho Mirage, California, proved to be the idyllic setting for the Desert Classic. Mission Hills Country Club hosted the fifth annual Association Laws purse tournament, attracting some of the best players in North America. Team USA members Jim Bast, Danny Huneycutt and Ben Rothman were favored by Vegas oddsmakers despite players from New York, Wyoming, Idaho, Hawaii and Canada entering the fray. Some were escaping the cold, while others made the trip for the challenge of a high-level money tournament. A portion of each player's entry fee and a generous donation from Leeds & Sons Jewelers of Palm Desert, California, contributed to the more than $3,000 in prize money.

Early block play showed that while many players in the Challenger Flight were scraping out single digit victories (5-1 after two hours), Peter Bach was not messing around. In his perfect block performance (7-0), Peter averaged over 22 points per game and pegged out in five of his victories. Championship Flight lacked luster; with only seven completed peeling turns (triples or better) in the 30 initial block games. Top-ranked players Rothman and Huneycutt were attempting something more difficult -- the elusive sextuple. While both claimed the sextuple peel was only a winning tactic for three or four players in the world (and admittedly, not a winning play for themselves), the top players were striving to improve through experiencing difficult and interesting scenarios of failing peeling turns and the repercussions.

Only one sextuple was completed in block play by the “savant” Ben Rothman on day one. Ben's sextuple began the easy way, with the peelee ball already jawsed in the one-back hoop, allowing for two quick peels before the break was under way. The difficult attempts did take their toll; Ben lost a game to Mike Orgill and Danny fell to Stuart Lawrence and Brian Cumming (otp). The top three players from each Championship block progressed to the Medalist block for three cross-block games to determine seeding in the knock-out ladder. With a 3-2 record, Danny was cast into the bubble block, a three game cross-block from which only two players emerged into the best-of-three playoffs.

Jim Butts, Aviv Katz, and Phyllis Butts watch Ron Hendry play on a perfect day.

As the players prepared to get down to business in the playoffs, the tournament director focused on the business of getting down. The mid-week toast and tally party was held in Rothman's courtside condo. Thanks to the generous help from Genie Hendry, Susan Stiff, Susi Wall and the Mission Hills Croquet Club, the party went off without a hitch. Players schmoozed and retold tales of glory from the lawns while enjoying heavy hors d'oeuvres and the occasional glass of wine. After the playoff pairings were announced and lamented (as in the case of the first round match-up between Bast and Huneycutt), Ben Rothman urged any generous parties to donate to the Y.A.C.H.T. fund.

This was not a fund for Rothman's own croquet yacht, but a tax-exempt non-profit branch of the Denver Croquet Club (thanks to Rich Lamm) that will support the Young American Croquet Homage Tour (YACHT). The fund will subsidize some travel, lodging and tournament entry fees for young croquet players attempting to play on the USCA circuit while in the awkward fiscal situation so common to young croquet players during and after receiving their higher education. The small committee of young players (including several rookies of the year and recent national champions) hope the 2011 tour will take place in May and June around New England and possibly the Carolinas. Generous donations from the Mission Hills Croquet Club members and participants in the Desert Classic have started the ball rolling. Future donations may be sent to the Denver Croquet Club, contact Croquetpro@gmail.com for more information.

In the last stretch before the playoff ladders, the field was separated between clutch players and those who had experienced some early tournament good fortune. Danny Huneycutt went 3-0 through the bubble block with two triples in preparation for his difficult draw in the knock-out. The final spot in the playoffs was determined by the last game between local champions Ron Hendry and Mike Orgill. The back-and-forth opening faded in the dust of Ron Hendry's speedy break play as Mike could only watch his playoff hopes drift away in the calm breeze. After seven rounds of play, there was a three-way tie for third place in one of the Challenger blocks. With only four players making the playoffs from each block, Toni Kemp got the nod with her gross point total (thanks to her final round romp against good friend, Elaine Kennedy) and left her rival Karen Comeau to compete in the Challenger plate event.

Each flight featured a single elimination plate event. While the Championship plate started with four players and inserted four more defeated quarter-finalists, the Challenger plate was a simple eight player ladder with no drop-ins or byes. The slighted Karen Comeau was the top seed in the Challenger plate, but to no avail as she lost to visiting Bayfield Croquet Club member Patrick Waters from Ontario, Canada. But even Patrick could not survive the late-blooming Karl-Heinz Kempfer. The Oakland, California, based Kempfer enjoyed renown in Rancho Mirage at the Golf Croquet National Championships last November, yet he has had little time to practice during the San Francisco bay area's rainy season. After a mediocre block experience, Karl-Heinz began playing to his ability in defeating Cindy Bagby, Jean Engebretson and eventually Patrick Waters in the plate final.

President Ron Hendry and TD Ben Rothman present Karl-Heinz Kempfer with the plate.

The Championship plate was a series of hurdles for the four players who missed out on the best-of-three knock-out ladder. Sonoma-Cutrer alumni Mike Orgill and “Sandy” Bob Van Tassell beat out Arthur Bagby and Bruno Amby, respectively, and continued to knock out all four of the drop-in players from the quarter finals! Most notably, “Bad Bob” Van Tassell knocked Jim Bast out of the tournament with a fifth-turn triple peel. Lady Luck was just not on Jim's side this week. In the plate final, it was the master beating the precocious pupil as Mike Orgill showed “Sandy” Bob that there are still a few tricks up his sleeve.

The Challenger ladder moved along according to seed for the most part. The only exception was the tenacious eighth seed, Mary Rodeberg. The display of control was impressive as Mary scored an average of seven points in her five block wins. Much like a cold weather football team plays the field position game and relies on defense, Minnesota Mary was the Queen of ball control as she separated opponents and managed risk in every game. Undaunted after drawing the perfect Peter Bach in the first round, Mary stuck to her game plan and watched as the number one seed squandered his opportunities with missed hoop shots and roquets. After two hours, Mary moved on with her fifth win with ten or fewer points defeating Peter 9-6. Fellow Minnesotan Dick Engebretson shared success by defeating the feverish Steve Mossbrook 12-8, but the third game of the day was too much for Dick. Mary broke another break player with her defensive game and earned a spot in the finals.

Rich Schiller playing against Mary Rodeberg with Cindy Bagby, Bev & Leo Nikora, and Judy Dahlstrom watching.

The lower half of the ladder went entirely according to seed. Marvin Salles showed he has made great strides by defeating Sheri Foroughi, but he could not outplay the number two-seed Rich Schiller. The San Diegan turned up the offense in the playoffs with his two highest scoring games (19 and 20 points) but could he get the upper hand against marvelous Mary? In the Challenger final, both players played for control. Rich managed a few more hoops than Mary, but it was only 7-4 after one hour and 45 minutes. Mary recognized the dire situation and built a break starting at hoop four. The rare break chance did not last long, but having stuffed hoop 5 with partner nearby lessened the damage. Rich chose to shoot into the fray at hoop five from corner three and hit the 80-foot shot! In the remaining time, Rich beat Mary at her own game with defensive spreads and great ball control to win 7-5.

The best-of-three Championship ladder was a much higher level of play than the previous blocks would indicate. In 20 games, there were 11 triple peels and a quad peel (Huneycutt). Danny's quad came after a +26tp effort in round one against Jim Bast. The opportunity for the quadruple peel presented itself after a failed sextuple peel and a wrestle for control between the team USA doubles pair. Rothman scored a couple of politically incorrect triples to defeat club president (and Ben's de facto boss) Ron Hendry in round one. Stuart Lawrence showed his mettle with a +25tp effort in the rubber match against Leo Nikora. Brian Cumming followed a 26-22 scare with a +26tp game against Jim Butts. Rothman and Lawrence endured a three game battle in the semi-finals. Ben took game one +26tp, but lost a drawn out ending (-5) caused by Stuart's missed 5-yard peg out after completing all three peels. Game three had its hiccups as well with a failed triple (Rothman) and difficulties with hoop one (Lawrence) leading to a messy +10 finish for the young pro. The Huneycutt-Cumming match-up was a much cleaner match after Brian took game one 26-8 and Danny rallied with two spectacular +26tp finishes in which Brian failed to take croquet! The third place match would be a novel scenario as Stuart Lawrence broke into the top of the ranks, but the final match was a familiar one.

Danny Huneycutt and Ben Rothman have been the two most active and accomplished players in North America over the last three years. While they have been teammates and roommates during most team USA matches, they have battled it out in the finals of many tournaments in that time. The 2010 Association Laws National Championship came down to the two of them, as did the Peachwood Classic, the Arizona Open and the 2009 Desert Classic. Pushing each other to new heights has become a staple of the duo’s dynamic while pursuing a friendly rivalry that will hopefully usher in a new level of play in North America. For all of their accomplishments, neither could hit on the opening rotation of the finals. Danny took the first break around on fifth turn with a nice diagonal spread leave. Ben took the short shot, from A-baulk, and hit in. Rarely one to triple the opponent, Ben's only peel was to put Danny through hoop one and set a nice diagonal spread with the forward ball tight to the peg, so it could not be rushed to hoop 2 (now Danny's hoop). The balls on the East boundary were carefully placed so they were wired from the edge of A-baulk, leaving Danny a 70-foot hit in. Danny took his time and cried out in agony as his stupendous hit hilled off and missed by less than an inch. Ben played cleanly and finished game one +16tp.

One court away, the croquet gods manifested a familiar fate as Stuart watched Brian miss a trivial peg out in game one. Just as before, all three peels were finished; only this time, the missed shot benefitted Mr. Lawrence. It seemed too little too late as Brian pegged out from a distance a few turns later and took game one 26-2. Game two was an entertainingly interactive battle with great hit ins and spectacular misses to keep it close. Stuart was able to even things up 26-19 and setup an exciting game three, but Brian had other plans. Sometimes the biggest compliment a croquet player can get is that their play is boring and Brian made game three very boring. The +25tp went beautifully and assured that Brian would have to make a large currency exchange before he went back up North.

Brian is presented with his spoils, which he promptly stowed in my freezer (but he took the check).

Game two of the finals started out sputtering, just like game one. Both games consisted of super shot openings, on court responses, and a laughable series of third and fourth turn misses. This time Ben took the break around on fifth turn, but he had trouble digging out the fourth ball. No peeling of the opponent or sextuple leaves came about and Ben set a new standard leave with the East boundary balls in that same wired position from A-baulk. Danny knew his fate was on the sixth turn shot, and he knew exactly how the court would roll. He lined up another 70-footer and this time he played the break and hit in.

Having practiced sextuples all week, Danny set the standard sextuple leave near corner three with Ben cross-wired at hoop one. Ben took the 90-footer and watched closely as he missed by less than an inch. Danny's sextuple started with a flurry of shots that would make Fulford blush with envy. After rushing to 12-foot position at one-back, Danny rolled his partner through the hoop and halfway down to the next while getting a perfect rush to hoop one. Danny proceeded to make hoop one with pace and get a 6-foot rush on his partner back to two-back! With an easy peel attempt at two-back before making hoop two, Danny was on pace for a standard quad (which he already completed once this tournament) and a delayed triple finish. Sadly, the simple peel wound up in a tough position and Danny was lucky to rush it through two-back after making hoop two. Some careful break management later and Danny had made one-back with only two peels left. The audience was buzzing as the sextuple neared completion, but the crowd nearly lost it when they saw what happened next.

Danny makes an awesome full-roll peel at one-back.

Unsure whether to cut rush his 10-foot roquet or not, Danny swang before he had finished considering his strategic options. Mid-swing the National Champion knew it would be bad, but tightening his grip in response only made it worse and he missed. With all the balls on the North end of the court Rothman's only difficulty was rushing to hoop one. With a longer take-off than expected, Ben was through hoop one and away on a rather boring seventh-turn triple. This was Rothman's third consecutive Desert Classic Championship and his second against Danny Huneycutt.

With the tournament matches finished and a wonderful court side brunch buffet at the ready, the Desert Classic participants celebrated the fortunate weather and wonderful venue at the Mission Hills Country Club. The Hawaiian tag team of Leo and Bruno began taking all comers in golf croquet to entertain the crowd and Bruno graciously made keepsakes out of imported coconut palm fronds for the victors. The wine flowed and the music picked up as the drinking club with a croquet problem got into full post-tournament party mode.

Pat Apple November 2010

2010-12-22T10:02:00.000-08:00

Mission Hills Country Club hosted 23 players from its illustrious croquet club for a rare Association Laws handicap tournament November 16-20, 2010. Most Association tournaments in North America are advanced play with lifts but no bisques to help newer players. As one of the founding members of the Mission Hills Croquet Club, Pat Apple decided to make this competition an opportunity for beginner players to get into the more complicated versions of croquet. There were 8 doubles games to decide the champions in each of the two groups (high and low) and there were 8 singles games before the semi-finals began on Saturday.

The doubles format was high-low waterford, in which the weaker players get one bisque per game and the weaker team receives extra bisques based on the handicaps of the players involved. With 16 competitors, each high-handicapper was able to play with every one of the low-handicappers and vice versa. No games went to the peg despite 2 hour time limits. The drawn out battles were thanks to defensive tactics necessary when the opposition has a bisque. In Association Laws, bisques may be exchanged for a brand new turn with the ball that just played. This allows for a player to hit all three of the other balls, position them, and then use a bisque to begin a new turn in which they are live and hit each ball again and hopefully make a few hoops. A conniving tactician may also use a bisque after missing a long roquet to hit the nearby ball that they just missed. In this way a bisque can act as a hit in; thus justifying extremely defensive tactics. Players may use multiple bisques in a row to gain an impressive lead without letting the opponents on court at all.

The beautifully crafted prizes were awarded to the top finishers in the high and low groups. The top finishing high handicappers exhibited great shooting and control while being coached by their varying partners. Phyllis Butts and Herb Mills tied with five wins, but Herb snuck into the number two spot by two gross points. The top finisher was Toni Kemp with six wins, five of which were within two points! Toni's clutch play in both singles and doubles proved her handicap was higher than it should be (despite her pre-tournament pleading that it was too low).

The competitors in the low handicap group thrived when they accurately assessed their partners' skills and coached appropriate bisque use. On the other hand, running to the peg whenever possible did not hurt their cause. After breaking into the top flight, Mary Rodeberg found herself playing with her old peer group. The same familiarity that allowed Mary to defeat the high handicappers proved paramount when playing with them in doubles. Mary's five wins put her on the podium, but she fell just shy on net points. Tying Mary's five wins was Bob Riddell despite his distaste for using bisques (he had no problem with his partners using them). The doubles crown went to the top ranked “Sandy” Bob Van Tassell. Bob effectively coached his partners and managed to run to the peg in critical moments and remained ahead of the pack with six wins.

In the bisque heavy Britemac singles block handicaps ranged from 5 to 10 with each player starting with two bisques in every game. Top seeded Donna Dixon, a travelling Mission Hills member based out of Houston, outlasted her opponents' extra turns and emerged with six wins. Former first lady of Mission Hills, Phyllis Butts, followed her doubles success with strong block play but her six wins only earned her the second spot against a resourceful Toni Kemp. Toni managed to qualify in third place as the highest handicap in the singles tournament, using her bisques to thwart her adversaries. The last spot in the playoffs was claimed by Bob Kays with five wins and his work cut out for him against Donna. Phyllis and Bob had their fates intertwined as they made three points each in their semi-final losses. Phyllis graciously let Bob keep the bronze apple award for third place.

In the final, Donna took control at the coin flip. On the fifth turn Donna made hoop one but had trouble at two. Toni chose to join her partner ball near corner two but left the appropriate amount of space to parallel park a stretch limo between the two. Donna managed to build a break on seventh turn and took it for 10 hoops! After three very difficult angled hoops, Donna stuffed rover and used her only bisque to remedy the situation. Toni began the second act with a 14 yard hit in and ran 11 hoops (albeit with the help of three of her bisques) but chose to not make rover. Later Toni remarked that she did not want to be pegged out by Donna and that pegging out Donna's ball did not occur to her. Toni set a leave but failed to make any hoops off of it. Donna eventually hit in and added to her lead, but Toni got the innings, had control of all four balls and used her final bisque with only 15 minutes left and amazing break potential to... set a leave. Donna hit the leave again and pushed the lead to six points before she missed a difficult hoop six. With the balls spread all over the court and time running low, a few missed roquets left Toni in control in last turns with nothing close to her hoop. Toni took off to the attack and got a rush which she took 70 feet to hoop one. Donna began to worry. Could a six hoop lead last? Toni lined up an easy shot at hoop one with lots of work ahead of her, but it was not meant to be. The friendly stanchions collected their toll and brought the final to a close. Donna Dixon took her first Association Laws tournament victory 18-11 with a big smile.

In the Braeburn block, the bisques were necessary to take out the top dogs. Four very strong players: Van Tassell, Butts, Nikora and Hendry had their hands full as they gave up bisques across the board and only got to use one or two themselves. Making the most out of the opportunity, Arthur Bagby, Mick Greagsby, and Mary Rodeberg gave the big four a run for their money. Arthur Managed to defeat two of his most frequent foes in Nikora and Hendry while coming within one point of “Sandy” Bob. The do-over deficit proved too much to handle for one of the best players in Mission Hills. Bob Van Tassell had an amazing 2010 season, but he could not stay on top with the target on his back. The five contenders for the playoffs set themselves apart by beating the big, bad Bob. Leo, Ron and Jim managed to allow Bob only two points in three games while Jim slammed the door shut with a double peel to boot. The lone Briton in the field, Mick managed a two point victory over Bob but his loss to Mary opened the door to the newest championship player in Mission Hills. Mary scored several upsets and managed to will her way into the playoffs with 4 wins and the critical 19-4 victory over Mick Greagsby.

The playoff match-ups pitted the officers of the club against each other with the new kids on the block fighting for a final spot. Ron made the administration change permanent with a 26-0 thrashing. Mary came close, but fell short of the mark 16-15 to Leo Nikora in last turns. Her last minute woes continued against Jim Butts 20-19 in the third place game. In block play, Mary lost to Ron 16-14 in another barn-burner. While just two points kept Mary off of the podium, her incredibly close games against the best in the desert will raise some eyebrows this season.

The new croquet club President, Ron Hendry, was inaugurated at the pre-tournament party and he used his new title to intimidate and dominate. With three wins by 25 or more points, including the semi-final drubbing of the former president, Ron was ready to compete. Having placed third and second in the last two Pat Apple tournaments, he felt his time was at hand. The difference this year – Leo Nikora.

Leo and his wife Beverly moved to Mission Hills last season to get closer to family and more involved in croquet. Leo has served as the president and all around life force behind the Maui Croquet Club as well as webmastering for the USCA website (croquetamerica.com) for many years. When asked about his arrival in the desert after moving from a tropical paradise Leo said, “this is heaven.” With his croquet scores, who can argue? Leo had six block wins (four by 20 or more points) and qualified first in the playoff ladder. One of his few defeats was, however, at the capable hands of Ron Hendry. After a scare from Mary Rodeberg 16-15, Leo readied himself for a rematch against the new President.

No bisques were involved in the final match, but basic handicap rules still played a part. There were no lifts in the match and players were limited as to when they could peg out the striker ball. Both players started out shakily and no hoops were made until the 9^th turn. Ron struck first, but jawsed hoop three leaving Leo control of the balls. Leo took advantage of the lift-less game and ran 11 hoops with a very nice leave. Ron's balls were at hoops one and two with Leo far away on the East boundary. Ron trusted Leo to finish after a miss, so he calmed his nerves, took the 60 foot shot at Leo, and HIT! The crowd delighted in the triumphant grunt familiar to Ron's victims. Most expected that this would even the game, but Ron's triumph turned to terror as he just missed position at hoop one. Knowing that the Mission Hills hoops err on the side of generosity, Ron took a chance and stuffed it. Leo was forced to play his ball that had already run a break, so he set a familiar leave. Looking at slightly longer shots than the last hit in, Ron gulped as he still faced elimination if this shot missed.

“The death shot” is Reg Bamford's term for a final hit in that, if missed, will result in a game ending turn by the opponent. Looking at his second death shot in a row, Ron chose to shoot at his partner ball 65 feet away. Thinking he was out of miracles the crowd went silent until the crack of the ball put them on edge. Two in a row! Leo was squirming. What more could he do but wait? Ron's work was not over. Proving luck has two sides, Ron tried to take-off close to Leo's position. The adrenaline was rushing; he felt that he could not miss. Alas, while his accuracy was unfailing, the excitement may have gotten the better of Ron's touch. The elated fans watched helplessly as Ron's ball got closer and closer to Leo's, but it would not stop. Leo took control and built a break out of very difficult circumstances. Precise rushes and a clutch peel through the rover hoop confirmed Ron's desperation.

With 14 points on his final turn, Leo took the Pat Apple Championship. The difference proved to be Ron's big hits against Leo's crafty leaves. The final game was Leo's fifth win of 20 or more points in just his first Pat Apple tournament. Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to Pat Apple, without whom there would be no Mission Hills Croquet Club.

2010 Golf Croquet National Championships

2010-11-29T19:37:00.000-08:00

2010 Golf Croquet National Championships

Rancho Mirage, CA

Forty of America's best golf croquet players reinvigorated the 12th installment of the National Championships. Mission Hills Croquet Club played host to players from Rhode Island, North Carolina, Colorado and Arizona, making this one of the most competitive golf croquet tournaments in North America since the World Championships in 2002.

Many thanks and credit for the attendance spike go to the USCA exhibition series featuring showcase matches on both coasts. In July, association rules national champion, Danny Huneycutt, took on seven-time US representative in the world championships, Sherif Abdelwahab, at Lake Toxaway Croquet Club in North Carolina. Danny narrowly won the event and the duo decided to team up for the doubles competition with much success. In early November the American rules champion, Ben Rothman, took on the current golf croquet champion, Dr. Mohammad Kamal, in Pasadena. Ben managed to win convincingly as Mohammad was having back problems which would return to haunt him; carrying the sport on his back for so many years has taken its toll. Both exhibitions were well-attended and attracted spectators and many players who have yet to play in a major golf croquet event. Those who would dismiss this variation of croquet as a “shooter's game without tactics” were shown the true complexity of the sport by the best in the country.

While many croquet clubs were closing up shop for winter, the players in Mission Hills were just getting started. For those who took the summer off, a notable improvement was evident as the tournament progressed. The most progressive player was the second flight's Welles Farago. Not to be mistaken with the popular financial institution, Welles began playing croquet last December in one of the Mission Hills beginner clinics with his partner, Marc Clausen. The dynamic duo worked their way through the block with their tactics and shooting becoming more refined as the competition continued. Welles only lost one game in the block (7-6) to Jerry Phillips and took the #2 spot in the playoff ladder.

While Championship flight stuck to best-of-three matches, the first and second flights played double elimination until the best-of-three final. Jerry Phillips took the #1 seed but his sharp shooting caused him to bite off a bit more than he could chew. After attempting long clearances and difficult hoop shots with fair success, Jerry found his risky play was not consistent enough to beat the bottom-seeded Betty Teoman. The result was no fluke as Betty went on to take third place in the competition. Welles ran into an upset as Ruth Stotter's sublime touch forced him into the loser's bracket. Welles took no prisoners as he got revenge on Jerry and even knocked out his own doubles partner, Marc Clausen. After defeating Betty, Welles dominated Ruth in the best-of-three final to take the championship 7-1, 7-2.

Fans who were disappointed with the one-sided singles enjoyed the most interactive match of the tournament in the doubles final. Top seeded Jerry Phillips and his partner Paul Christy went undefeated into the final against Welles and Marc for an all Mission Hills championship. Neither team held more than a two-point lead during the match and every game went to the playoff hoop. When the dust settled, Welles and Marc emerged from the battlefield as experienced veterans and doubles national champions (7-6, 6-7, 7-6)!

Marc Clausen, Paul Christy, Welles Farago, Jerry Phillips and a mid-air Ben Rothman

First flight marathoners broke the four-hour mark; not under four hours, but over! The doubles final of block winners Mary Rodeberg and Bob Riddell against Pasadena's best Eric and Caren Sawyer went 280 minutes for just two games! With their patient play, the happy couple outplayed and outlasted the local favorites at the playoff hoop for the title (7-3, 7-6). In an impressively civil union, Mr. Sawyer shared the doubles victory with his loving wife, Caren. Or did she share it with him...?

There was no rest for the victor as Eric Sawyer rushed across the lawns to play the singles final. Eric trudged his way through the contentious ladder against three of Mission Hills fantastic femme fatales. After a playoff point victory over Mary Rodeberg, Eric made sure to beat block-winner Sheri Foroughi nice and early... at the rover hoop. On the other side of the ladder, Jean Engebretson knocked top qualifier Bob Riddell down to the losers' bracket but fell just short of the finals and into third place.

Mary Rodeberg's Armadillo Jump

The loser's bracket was the story of a dark horse, wild card qualifier who snuck into the playoff ladder by three net points and lost his first round game. Karl-Heinz Kempfer of the Oakland Croquet Club had his back against the wall and managed to beat both block winners (Riddell and Foroughi) on his way to the final. When the doubles final drew to a close, Karl-Heinz ceased pacing the sidelines, smoked one last cigarette and got down to business. Matching shots with Eric was a daunting task after sitting out for so long, but the bushy-haired Kempfer kept Eric at bay. That is, at least, until rover hoop in game three. After seven hours and nearly 60 well-contested hoops, Eric Sawyer emerged with his first and second golf croquet national championships.

A rare sight was seen in the Championship flight as a phoenix from Phoenix returned to the game after a long absence. World champion and British Open finalist in 1999, Jacques Fournier has been away from competition since 2003. Players were happy to see the return of the Prince of Croquet, until they saw him play.

Jacques won his singles block with formidable tactics and impressive shooting while he and fellow Phoenician Paul Bennett methodically dismantled doubles opponents. The Arizona tag team decimated the best in the business, winning all four block matches with only two game losses. 2009 singles champion Mohammad Kamal and doubles partner Rich Lamm struggled at 1-2 and eventually had to withdraw from contention to save what was left Mohammad's back for singles. Ron Hendry and Jim Butts managed to shoot very well, but never at the same time, falling just short of the playoffs after an impressive victory over Rothman and Van Tassell. The sharp shooting team of Ron Eccles and Leo Nikora gave opponents fits as they managed to fight for hoops after being cleared great distances. After a successful block, Leo and Ron hit a cold patch and their inconsistent mid-range shots gave Paul and Jacques a spot in the finals. The aforementioned team from the Lake Toxaway exhibition rolled through the block with one bump, Paul and Jacques. Danny and the hard-hitting Sherif divided and conquered the local duo of Rothman and Van Tassell (7-3, 7-5) to reach the finals.

In the long awaited rematch, Danny and Sherif came from behind 6-4 to take the penultimate point and control of the rover hoop. With two balls in front of the hoop against two boundary balls, the game seemed destined for a playoff at hoop 13. Paul attempted to clear the danger ball from the West boundary but missed the 40-foot shot. Then it happened. The clouds parted, an earthquake struck, and the croquet gods redirected Paul's ball off of the spent ball (a full yard away from the intended target) and THROUGH THE HOOP! To Paul's credit: upon seeing the missed shot he called to the gods for his ball to “carom off of it!” The best missed shot this writer has ever seen gave game one to Paul and Jacques and took all momentum away from Danny and Sherif.

Team Miracle took control of game two 5-3 until Sherif and Danny battled back to an even 5-5 and the game paused. A quick photo was taken of all players (as some had to leave) and the game continued. While some momentum was lost, the first few shots went perfectly on target and a similar situation unfolded. At 6-5, Jacques took a difficult hoop shot instead of a clearance and jawsed his ball. Sherif had a three foot jump attempt and while most spectators were braced for the hoop 13 showdown, it was not meant to be. The croquet gods were still hanging around rover as Sherif missed the jump and conceded the point and the match to the Prince and the Pilot (7-5, 7-5).

The jump

The entire championship singles field played a best-of-three knockout after four small blocks determined seeding for the eclectic group of contenders. “Sandy” Bob Van Tassel managed to win his block after a battle in the twilight with Mohammad. Meanwhile, Jacques took the top spot from Sherif. The accomplished Egyptian-Americans had a tough draw ahead. In round one, it was Paul who broke Kamal's back and allowed the good doctor time to recuperate at home. The glory could not last as Mr. Bennett ran into a very consistent club pro, Rothman, and lost (7-3, 7-1). The upsets continued as Leo Nikora shot the lights out and dethroned the Prince in a hotly contested match (7-5, 7-6). The Maui man beat Ben in game one but eventually took third after a late Rothman rally (5-7, 7-1, 7-5). Partners Huneycutt and Abdelwahab met in the second round and replayed the exhibition with the same result; Danny won in the third game. Danny followed up by beating his MacRob teammate Rich Lamm on his way to the final against Rothman.

As the most accomplished American players in recent years, Ben and Danny are frequent opponents. Danny won the Association Nationals against Ben this April in Mission Hills while Ben won the North Carolina Open against Danny in Pinehurst. The two players have leapfrogged each other for the top rank in North America, currently sitting at numbers 8 (Rothman) and 10 (Huneycutt) in the world. They were teammates and even roommates for the MacRobertson Shield and they split games at the recent Selection Eights competition.

Danny started strong by making hoop one all the way down to position at hoop two and a quick lead 2-0. Ben had a chance to come back but missed some very rudimentary clearances and an easy hoop 6 to stay behind 4-2. We know (from a very reliable source) that at this point, Ben fundamentally changed his lineup procedure. With his new methods, the young pro began hitting his 6-yarders center ball and managed to tie the game at 4-4. Danny fired back to 6-4 and after a tough battle the game went to hoop 13. Danny missed an 18-foot hoop shot and eventually chose to jaws the hoop from 15 feet and a considerable angle while Ben was off to the side. The ill-fated attempt at the jaws became the perfect backboard for Ben. Both players looked and remarked at the (un)fortunate position just off of the right stanchion while Rothman was 12 feet off to the left. With a shrug and admission that it had to be tried, Ben banked in the difficult shot for game one. This was just not Danny's day for off-and-in shots.

The crowd that endured the long day got refills from the court side wet bar and moved to the warmer side as the sun began its quick descent behind the picturesque San Jacinto mountain range. Game two was all about endurance; Danny was playing his sixth game of the day and his accuracy faded as a result. Ben kept his hitting on line as it was only his fourth game of the day thanks to an early exit from the doubles competition. Every roll of the ball seemed to favor Ben and he ran away with the game and the title (7-6, 7-1). This is Rothman's sixth national championship and his fourth of the year.

Photos Courtesy of Genie Hendry and Sherif Abdelwahab.

S.H.A.F.T.

2010-11-29T19:30:00.000-08:00

SHAFT

An easy way to a good swing.

S. Stalk the Ball:

Walk behind the ball and stalk it like a HUNTER stalking its prey. The line-up begins here. Most of your accuracy comes from a taking a good look at the shot. Back up enough to get a better perspective. When you have the line, walk up to your ball at a normal pace with your normal walk.

H. Head Down:

Your ability to strike the ball well relies on watching the ball. Focus on hitting the ball, not on hitting the target. Make sure you are perfectly centered around the ball. Your mallet shaft should be pointing at your nose and the mallet should be in the center of your stance. When you swing, you need to keep your head down to watch the mallet swing through the center of the ball.

A. Aim and Adjust:

Once you are settled in position, start your practice swing. Use the natural pendulum to aim and adjust your stance to get the swing more precisely on target. Try not to make any major changes to your stance without re-stalking the shot.

F. Follow Through:

It is necessary for the mallet to strike through the ball and not slow down (too much) in order to hit the ball straight. This is true for most ball striking sports (golf, racquet sports, bat sports). Be sure to keep your head down until you are well into this follow through.

T. Take a Bow:

A job well done should be appreciated, even if you miss the target.

The Month of May

2010-06-29T08:20:00.000-07:00

The Peachwood was great fun. I got to smoke cigars with some of my favorite croquet players and hang out with great friends. It's always fun to hang out with John Young and Charlie, even if Charlie had homework.

I returned to the desert and had the bittersweet goodbye. It was an amazing winter in Mission Hills and it was difficult to part with so many great people. After I said too few goodbyes I began my trip north back to the bay; back to my family; back home. Regrettably, I was not able to meet with the general manager of the club to finish our negotiations about the 2011 season. There seemed no reason to worry, except that I still have not heard a word from the man I can only hope will be my boss over the winter.

On my way back I called my friends and family in the bay and was able to squeeze into a concert in San Francisco that very night, schedule great family time with my one year old niece and secure my housing with my cousins for the North American Open. I really enjoyed my time however short, in the bay. I was able to see my 101 year old grandmother who has had a setback making her only as spry as a 90 year old instead of her previous 70 year old disposition. She will outlive us all.

I began my trek up to Santa Rosa for the North American with a stop in the city to party with my friends. Well into our bender I was told that the tournament was rescheduled so we would not be playing on Mother's Day! I managed to call my sister and sneak into my family's brunch plans much to my mother and grandmother's delight. Sometimes everything falls into place.

The North American Open began with foreboding fog and light showers but we soldiered on as usual. The skies cleared and made for a wonderful week. I was able to see many Palm Springs transplants up in wine country and I enjoyed catching up with all the bay area croquet enthusiasts as well. The Sonoma-Cutrer club members pulled out all the stops with great lunches and cook outs as well as the frequent cocktail hour. In tournament play I began with a disappointing streak breaker. Through much of the nationals I had built up a peeling streak. For fifteen games my opponent or I had finished the game with a triple or better (I got my sextuple in there). In game one of the North American I failed to organize any peels and quit the streak.

I battled through the block losing both games to Rich Lamm and getting upset by Ron Hendry as he ran three controlled breaks. When I can't hit in, I have to work harder to grind out those victories. Ron went on to secure a spot in the top three with Rich and I before the final day of block play, a very impressive showing as 14 games produces reliable seeding. I experimented a bit and was able to complete a New Zealand TPO. The kiwi TPO involves peeling opponent through 4-back on your first break, setting a sextuple leave, and finishing the other two peels with a different ball. I was able to double peel out the opponent while peeling my partner through 1 and 2-back. I pegged out both my striker ball and the opponent leaving a one-ball game where I had an eight hoop lead, which I won. I also tried a few late triples and a sextuple. I managed three peels and a decent leave on the sextuple, but my opponent forgot his contact lift (or any lift at all, which was my justification for trying such an aggressive play).

While the top three were set, the final spot in the playoffs was a much tougher race. Paul Billings had a difficult time during block play. While adjusting to his new Pidcock mallet, Paul decided to change his grip. Over time I trust he will get back to his smooth swinging ways, but he had a tough month of may. Paul allowed just enough of an opportunity for Jim Butts to steal the final playoff spot.

Rich and I took out the presidency of Jim and Ron in straight games allowing a best of five final. We took a slight detour from the tournament to play an eight team pro-am golf croquet afternoon with winery personnel. I was paired with the general manager of Sonoma-Cutrer and we went undefeated to win the amazing glory and bragging rights at the winery. I was miffed to discover the next day that while I was to receive a magnum of wonderful Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay (Les Pierres) Jim Butts' second place bottle was signed by the band Journey! I nearly stopped believing right then and there.

Rich and I began the final match on Friday to ensure it finished before the Make-A-Wish craziness began on Saturday. Game one was very scrappy as I failed a standard triple by missing a three yard roquet around hoop four. I lost focus and casually shot a soft roquet, which was a big mistake. I got control and completed the last two peels but over rolled and missed 4-back! Luckily enough, Rich faulted during his break and I limped through the finish. Game two was a much cleaner endeavor as I finished a ninth turn TP after Rich missed a hampered shot from the peg at my two balls (from a diagonal spread leave). We stopped for the day to enjoy the festivities of the sponsors dinner.

It was a great experience to hear the story of one of the many kids who was granted a wish from the foundation. He was able to set his sights and do what he had dreamed of. The important message is that he had a dream that helped him get through hell. Having a goal and a motivation makes a huge difference in one's outlook and attitude. Hearing some morbid tales hit particularly close to home as we had all been thinking of Jerry often and hoping and praying that he could perservere through his terrible illness and resulting infection.

Saturday we rekindled our rivalry as Rich and I were even 2-2 on the tournament. I did my best to remain ferocious knowing full well that Rich could (and had) beat me three times in-a-row. My parents were able to come and watch the final while the rest of my family came a bit later. Game three was my best of the tournament as I hit in on fourth turn and finished a sixth turn triple. The champagne was flowing and the day improved as the sun got higher. I got to show my grandma how to swing a mallet, carry around my niece and even win a great golf croquet exhibition with a Sonoma vintner.

As a celebratory measure, I ventured back to the city of San Francisco and got to see the bay to breakers with many of my friends. By traveling up steam I crossed paths with many of my college friends who were at the “race”. For those of you who do not know, the bay to breakers is an annual race from the East (bay) side of the city to the West (ocean or breakers) side. While many hundreds of people race this 7 mile course, many thousands of people dress up (or down...) and walk the course in a giant mobile party. It was a lot of fun and a great day reconnecting with my friends in the bay.

Hughes Brothers Battle in Delaware

2010-06-02T10:39:00.000-07:00

The lazy river wound its way around the backyard in a scene meant for a lifetime movie. Players kibitzed on the balcony as the Brandywine River that once brought the DuPont family and prosperity to this corner of Delaware babbled in the background. So too the once mighty Delaware Invitational continued to babble on with a cozy group of 18 players. The competitive field was treated to lush courts and a new croquet pavilion as well as great cuisine at the Wilmington Country Club.

Block play singles and social waterford doubles made for four games in the warm summer weather each day. Early play highlighted Rodney Calver, a 12 handicap who scored two impressive upsets over Joy Bradford and Jean Geddes to earn a spot in the first flight ladder. Peter Woolley dominated the block with eight straight wins for a questionable eight handicap. North Carolina visitor Bob Whitmore hit just about everything on his way to a 6 – 1 record which put him at second seed behind Tom Hughes who had a higher margin of victory.

The doubles title was a run away in championship flight as Tom Hughes won each of his games by a comfortable margin. Craig Smith helped Tom with a five point victory that helped Craig's net points enough to secure second place; an impressive feat for the 2.5 handicapper. Hank Schilling managed two wins by one point to eek his way to a perfect record while 12 handicap Tom Stoner played a great second fiddle with enough net points to claim second place.

Contemplative Hank During a Game.

The singles playoffs began with upsets galore across the board. Jim Hughes and Joy Bradford each delivered as underdogs in the 4 versus 5 seed games in each flight. The number two seed was cursed as three seeds Hank Schilling and Tom Stoner won in the semi-finals. Tom's clutch hoop shots earned him the victory while Hank kept his pedal to the metal and never slowed down to win by ten and advance to the finals. The 7th seed in championship flight, Barry Gibson, scored the best upset as he found his touch and ran tough breaks in his victory over the number two seed and the three seed on his way to a war with one of the Hughes'.

Tom Hughes came out of the blocks firing with six wins and great attacks. The crafty veteran was unrelenting in his quest for the spent ball. Tom willingly took off to the attack from great distances to show his complete control on the pristine Wilmington lawns. In a tough game against his elder brother, Tom brought out the big guns and made a heroic 20 foot hoop shot at one-back. Short for time and three-ball-dead, the great shot was the difference as Tom won 14-13. As a side note: it didn't help that in his state of shock, Jim forgot to clear his deadness. The brothers would meet again in the semi-finals but Jim would not be as kind in the end. Tom's aggressive attacks got him the setups he wanted and time after time, Jim took them away. With shots of 50 and 60 feet, Jim took away Tom's costly setups and left him dead. The well dried up and Tom could not dredge up the hit in he needed as he fell 13-11.

The second flight final was a close game until Robert Lankford found the transcendent turn he needed and rand a two ball break for three hoops to take the lead. Tom Stoner managed to rally with several long hoop shots and difficult roquets, but he could never string the hoops together and lost 13-10.

Robert and Sherry Lankford Celebrate Together.

Hank Schilling held the lead on the yet undefeated Woolley and forced a tough attack. As the ball rolled out of bounds Peter collapsed to the ground. Was his perfect run coming to an end? Hank took the lead but a stuffed hoop gave Peter another chance. Peter attacked the ball at the hoop and rushed it away to one-back. Time elapsed as Peter made the go ahead hoop. Making the shrewd move, the undefeated champion took the lead and groomed the court to avoid tragedy. The 12-11 victory was Peter's tenth allowing for a share of the spoils and most of the tracking points in the flight.

Peter with a Roll Shot Approach.

In the finals Jim took a play out of brother Tom's book with a huge attack from corner to corner to take the early lead. Jim hit his long shots but Barry got the break anyway by running two ball breaks until he picked up whatever errant ball was left on the court. The game was tied in the final minutes and many clutch shots fell off line leaving spectators on the edge of their seats. Jim finally benefitted from Barry's deadness and broke the tie in the second round of overtime to win 19 – 18.

Betty Whitlow Runs a Break.

Hughes Brothers Win at Home

2010-06-02T10:09:00.001-07:00

"Chip" was our unofficial mascot.

18 players took part in the 2010 Delaware Invitational accentuating a wonderful lawn and a new croquet pavilion at the Wilmington Country Club. The weather played along with gentle warmth and a cool breeze delaying any rain until the evenings.

Two blocks eventually split into three playoff ladders for singles while social waterford doubles entertained the crowd at lunch time each day. Tom Hughes and Hank Schilling took the doubles titles undisputed with perfect records and help from a variety of partners.

Players were treated to a riverside opening party at the Hughes' overlooking the Brandywine River. The tournament dinner had top tier entertainment at Linda Prickett's beautiful home where she and the wonderfully talented Greg Shaffer dueled on twin pianos to everyone's delight.

Playoffs were anything but predictable as upsets were the norm. Robert Lankford and Peter Woolley took their number one seeds into the winners circle while number two seeds all fell early. Hank Schilling gave Peter a scare but Peter ran the go ahead break as time expired to win by one point with a perfect 10 - 0 record.

Peter Woolley sizes up opponent Jean Geddes in the block.

Tom Hughes as the number one seed survived a scare from his son-in-law Craig Smith in round one and was defeated by his brother Jim's long hit ins in the semi-final. The 6 – 1 Bob Whitmore was the unfortunate number two seed and fell victim to a break running bandit Barry Gibson. The british cowboy (Gibson) kept the breaks rolling as he beat number three seed Chuck Whitlow.

In the finals Jim took a play out of brother Tom's book with a huge attack from corner to corner to take the early lead. Jim hit his long shots but Barry got the break anyway by running two ball breaks until he picked up whatever errant ball was left on the court. The game was tied in the final minutes and many clutch shots fell off line leaving spectators on the edge of their seats. Jim finally benefitted from Barry's deadness and broke the tie in the second round of overtime to win 19 – 18.

Champion Jim Hughes (right) and Runner-Up Barry Gibson (left).

The 2010 Tour Begins with a Bang!

2010-05-25T07:23:00.000-07:00

Hello croquet fans!

I hope to make frequent updates this summer for all you Californians, Mainers, and assorted fans who want to hear about life as a Croquet Nomad.

After a wonderful season at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, CA (first of many, hopefully) I began my travels in late April with my third trip to the Peachwood Classic in Woodbine, Maryland.

The American Rules money tournament always attracts a highly skilled field and this year featured 16 players of 1.5 handicap or lower. Better still, most were good friends and great people which makes for an enjoyable tournament no matter the results.

The beautiful courts on Larriland Farms belonging to Larry and Polly Moore are the (closest to) home courts for my doubles partner Doug Grimsley and my good buddy, the young upstart, Charlie Gillmarten. We had our fair share of beers and laughs with the cigar crowd (Rich Curtis, Britt Ruby, David Ekstrom) and I truly enjoyed a visit from the Bermudian grandson of the game, John Young III (three strokes).

The courts have some character which kept play interesting and I was the unfortunate victim of a few bad rolls after having pegged one of Charlie's balls out. Charlie took the a convincing lead with a very controlled break to rover. As time put the pressure on me, Charlie decided to shoot rover from the line (33 feet) and he scored it to seal the victory in block play. I was the two-time defending champ, so I was working to get back into a position to win, and thankfully I made it into the playoffs.

The last two years I had played Danny Huneycutt and Leo McBride in the semis and finals. One year Leo in the semis, Danny in the final; the next year the opposite. I had never been in the same half of the draw as Douggie (who was always knocked out by one of those heavy hitters) until this year.

As I put together a nice game to pass Tommy Harrington, Douggie ran into a road block; his other doubles partner. Rich Curtis concocted various scrappy breaks but was able to finish them cleanly and let Doug focus on directing the tournament from the sidelines.

I ended up against Danny in the final and after I made a beautiful attack into a tough corner, I had the break all laid out. Danny was some 60 feet away from the only balls he could see, which were 3 feet away from corner 1. So what does Danny do? In a show of respect for my break potential and a devil may care attitude, Danny shot at the balls near the line. And hit!

Danny ran his break around but when he tried to groom, he fell victim to the roll off in that tricky corner (60 footer, no problem; 6 footer, uh oh). I followed suit and missed the same ball with an even closer shot. As Danny tried to make something of the situation, he wired himself and left me the break I needed. I went around and pegged out his ball. I learned my lesson from Charlie and played this 2 on 1 very conservatively in, what I felt was, a boring manner. Afterward spectators said they enjoyed the 2 on 1 much more than just watching breaks go round. Danny had some very close calls shooting at my line balls, but in the end his first 60 footer was the only long line shot he hit (out of 10 or so). I managed to win by 11 and secure the threepeat of the Peachwood Classic.

Much fun was had thanks to support from local members like Lee Hanna, Mark Goodwin, all the lunch providing volunteers, and of course Larry and Polly Moore.

It's All About Doug

2010-05-05T11:41:00.000-07:00

Mr. Grimsley compiled all of the USCA National Championship winners on a spreadsheet.
He included totals for each player.

Enjoy!

USCA National Championships 1977 - May 2010

Extreme Croquet

2010-04-11T11:28:00.001-07:00

And to think, I almost went to Boston University...

http://www.bu.edu/today/node/10761

Way to go hipsters playing croquet. Nice glove by the way...

The Hunter Mallet

2010-03-27T18:06:00.000-07:00

Master Craftsman and former Structural Engineer Robert Morford made me an amazing mallet:
The mallet plays very similar to my Dawson and it is beautiful.

Made with a beautiful and dense african padauk wood and brass end caps and weights.

The holes are meant to allow for more peripheral weighting (the brass) and the sight line is a thin brass rod which allows for easy alignment. No tools are ever needed to tighten the fixed shaft or change weights. The mallet does not require maintenance.

The Nerd and the Jock

2010-03-26T10:56:00.000-07:00

In this month's tactical column I would like to address the sticky subject of sports psychology. Croquet is an addictive game because of its complexity and confluence of different skills. A straight shooter can easily be undone with a few bad decisions, while a great strategist can often fail to execute her best laid plans. Conversely, a clever player can plan around his compromised accuracy and a fortunate player can shoot her way out of a bad line of play. It is this balance of tactics and technique that enthralls us.

But how do we reconcile these two different skills? How can we foster these twin processes and allow them to complement one another in a tense game situation? We must separate our single mindedness into two identities - we need to create a Nerd and a Jock.

The beginning of any turn involves an overall assessment of the situation. Our tactical nature must emerge and come up with a game plan involving an intricate understanding of risk versus reward; this is the Nerd.
The Nerd has memorized the shooting statistics, the pace of the game, the offensive opportunities, and even the wind shear. The Nerd will analyze the options and come up with plans A through Z in a dense decision tree based upon the success and failure of the next 27 shots. At this point, however, the Nerd needs to go sit down. All too often, players miss easy shots and say “I was just thinking about what to do next,” or “I was so worried about the danger ball, I was distracted.” This is a prime example of allowing the Nerd to take your shot. The Nerd is very good at tactical concerns, but it's a bench-warmer for a reason. After deciding on the appropriate line of play, the player must switch his or her concern to the execution and not the strategy. Now it is time to become the Jock.

The Nerd and the Jacques

The Jock is the designated hitter. All shooting practice and “in the zone” playing experiences are in the Jock's domain. When the player brings out the Jock, she does not think about why she must take this shot, only how to make it. The decision is made and the player must concentrate on aiming and producing that perfect swing that only the Jock can make. This produces an acceptance of the circumstances; the Jock trusts that the Nerd did its job, and executes without worrying about why.

This division of labor allows for a deeper concentration and improved focus on the task at hand. Separating the anxious, worrisome strategist from the pure shooter allows for a calmer state of mind. With this clarity of mind a player can bring on a “flow” state and begin to shoot more accurately and more precisely as if the shot selection was made by a coach. The designated hitter takes his or her signals from the batting coach, which allows the player to focus on swinging away.
When a decision needs to be made, step out of the batter's box and consult the Nerd. Once the choice has been made, swing for the fences.

Mission Hills Invitational 2010

2010-03-25T19:44:00.000-07:00

The sun smiled upon the field in an Invitational with nearly perfect weather and a perfect finish to the 2010 Mission Hills Invitational. The annual American Rules contest showcased the best in the west and many welcome visitors escaping blizzards and general wintery weather. The diverse field came from all over the country including Washington, New Hampshire, Florida, and a large contingent from Pinehurst, North Carolina. All players were wowed with the fabulous croquet facility and wonderful hospitality at the Mission Hills Country Club.
The Club provided two scrumptious tournament dinners where tournament hosts, Jim and Phyllis Butts, honored visiting hall of famers Bob Chilton as well as Bill and Margie Campbell. The finals courtside luncheon was complete with a bloody mary and mimosa bar which possibly led to spectators asking themselves one timely question: How can you sandbag the championship flight?

Saturday, March 6th, “Sandy” Bob Van Tassell won the event with a "perfect game" according to opponent and tournament director, Ben Rothman. All marveled as Bob took an error-free game by Rothman and turned it into a convincing 26-3 victory.

The best kept secret in the California desert is out: Bob Van Tassell has arrived. Jerry Stark knew it when he nick-named Bob Van Tassell the "Sandbagger" or "Sandy Bob"at the US Open. The handle is no longer appropriate as Bob will never again be allowed in the other flights, but it proved true time and time again as “Sandy” Bob escalated his game and made a home out of the winner's circle.

Mimosa connoisseurs and croquet fans alike then turned their attention to the presidential shootout on the next lawn. Club President, Jim Butts, was in a tight game with VP, Ron Hendry, for third place. After trading blows for 90 minutes, the board was smeared with deadness and the players worse for wear. In last turns each faced a daunting hoop shot for the lead. With nine feet and a slight angle in front of him, Jim missed the go ahead wicket. A hush fell as Ron approached his severely angled and four foot long shot. It was so quiet, you could hear a glass clink. And then, BANG! The ball sailed through and the game was won with authority. Hendry yelled a jubilant "Hooo-wuh!" as the feast was served.

The first flight of this years invitational featured a tight field of ten players in the narrow handicap range of 4-5. In the two blocks Peter Bach and Rich Schiller showed great form by going undefeated into the playoff ladder. Unfortunately, the single elimination ladder got the best of them as they were eliminated in the first round! The flight was up for grabs! With a return to form, Steve Mossbrook showed that he is back. Steve recovered from a mediocre block performance (3-2) and started to destroy playoff opponents. On the other side of the ladder Chris Christian was the only player winning by a larger margin than Mossbrook, until they met. After a long deadness battle, Mossbrook took the championship convincingly 17-9.
The second flight included many players with 6 or 7 handicaps; hardly deserving of the self inflicted “pond scum” label. Rising to the top of the pond were two locals who exhibited their break running skill despite their 9 handicaps. Dick Engebretson made the #1 seed in his block with a 4-1 record only falling to the #2 seed Cindy Bagby by one point. A similar situation evolved in the other block as Mary Rodeberg went undefeated including a one point victory over young Jonathan Andrews who took the #2 seed. The end game and overtime were all too important in this flight as six out of the eight playoff games were decided by three or less points. Marvin Salles' clutch play won him the top prize. Time and time again Marvin came back from a deficit against Mary Rodeberg in the semi-final and won by one point in the final over Dick Engebretson. Have no fear second flighters, Marvin and Dick will be tearing up the first flight from now on. Which they got a taste of in the doubles.
The waterford doubles gave locals a chance to get to know the many visitors as a single serving partner. The doubles went seven rounds allowing for many interesting match-ups. The well balanced opposition gave anyone a chance to win if they played above their handicap. Having won last years first flight doubles, Donna Dixon was ready for the challenge of Championship flight, but her opponents were not ready for her. Donna defended her doubles dominance with a 6-1 record; securing the championship without any tie breakers. In the first flight Dick and Marvin did very well. In fact Dick was first in wins and net points, but he wasn't alone. Idaho based pilot, Peter Bach, managed to equal Dick Engebretson with 6 wins and 34 net points. In the final game, Peter Bach's team accrued enough gross points for Peter to claim the top prize in doubles.

In the end it was close games and perfect performances that highlighted this year's tournament. Perfect weather and great food helped to make a memorable tournament for any spectator. It's a shame that they only have this tournament once a year.

All Photos courtesy of Richard Nuffer www.PalmSpringsPhotography.net

Private Clubs Magazine Blurb

2010-03-24T16:52:00.001-07:00

Mission Hills hosts croquet championship

Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, Calif., hosts the United States Croquet Association's Association Rules National Championship April 19-24. Home to the largest croquet facility west of the Mississippi, the club has 10 manicured lawns and internationally ranked Ben Rothman on staff as croquet instructor and tournament director. In 2009, the USCA also selected Mission Hills to host the American Rules National Championship. "Mission Hills' croquet facility is making a name for itself in the country, if not the world," Rothman says.

Seeing the Forest for the Trees

2010-03-23T20:27:00.000-07:00

Croquet can be a very confusing game. Without a great deal of experience, many players find themselves going through the motions during the course of a match; trying to make the most out of every situation, but with no real method for deciding what to do. If things fall into place, they may make wickets and when things fall apart, they will probably run away. When this happened to me, I had my uncle to guide me. During my first San Francisco Open tournament he gave me three simple priorities to try to fill every time I wondered what to do. Having learned at the Detroit Croquet Club he called these the “Detroit Rules.” I have since found an easy way to remember these rules. The three rules are:
1.Make Wickets
2.Setup Partner
3.Go Out of Bounds
MSG, like the easy way to a tasty meal, is the simple path towards good tactics.

Make Wickets: When spectators asked Ren Kraft what he would do against the best players in the country he responded, “Well, first thing I'm gonna do is score 26 points.” It is the goal of the game. He who ends with the most points wins. Whether you make one hoop on a turn or run a break around the entire court, it is important to see the opportunities as they arise. Many new players get caught up in oddly defensive thought patterns and fail to see when the way is clear and opportunities are abound.
On the other hand, one must not attempt to make wickets when there is great risk. In American Rules this means do not hit partner unless you have a 90% chance of making your wicket (do not hit the opponent unless you have a 50% chance). These percentages and qualifiers are all relative, as every player will have his or her own definition of a 90% chance, but the important factor is confidence. My uncle Larry “the Croquet Guru” likes to equate deadness to a poker game. If you have 20,000 chips, hitting partner is like making a 10,000 chip bet. You're not all in, but you're committed. Relative cost for danger ball deadness is around 6,000 while spent ball deadness is a little less (4,000). If a player does not have confidence in the play or the execution to make their hoop very soon, move on to another priority and avoid unnecessary deadness.

Setup Partner: Repeat this phrase 10 times, “spent ball to partner.” The ball that just played, or the spent ball, is the best tool for setting up the partner ball. Only the danger ball plays after the striker and before the partner ball (hence the name “danger” or “hot” ball). Every ball but the danger ball may be used to help your partner. With clever positioning of the striker and spent ball, it is possible to hand your partner a break for several hoops. It is always nice to start a turn with a three ball break and even better to begin without having to get dead on partner. If the opponent misses a shot with you nearby, it can be much simpler to set up partner with the spent ball than to make your own hoops. That is why we repeat “spent ball to partner” and let it become our mantra when we setup partner.
While leaving partner a break or a rush to the hoop are the best ways to accomplish this goal, it can be accomplished by simply joining. The important factor is to give your partner a chance to make hoops while leaving the danger ball a difficult shot. This can be a line rush or just a ball to hit near the hoop. When setting up for any future turn, the player must understand the next rotation and the deadness. Look down the road at what is coming next and make sure it will not ruin those best laid plans. Give the opponent the play that you yourself would not like to make and force the adversary to make a more difficult play than you.

Go Out of Bounds: When all else fails, or is too risky to attempt, the boundary is the safest place. Some beginners argue that rushing from the boundary to their wicket is difficult, but it is much easier to join up when partner is sitting on a boundary. When partners join up on court, they are a huge target for attack from even the most rudimentary attacker. It can also be very difficult to set a rush when the balls are joined on court. Sometimes the best strategic position on the boundary is near your partner's wicket, or a seemingly random spot behind a ball on court. This is often called “backing” the ball. The player shoots out of bounds behind the ball left on court so that if the opponent shoots and misses, they end up joining the boundary ball.

There is flexibility. In certain game situations, generally when the dead board looks more like a rainbow than a clean slate, a shrewd player will use more than one rotation to satisfy a priority. Making an attack to setup partner or getting dead on partner is much safer when the deadness allows for the striker ball to end the turn in position at their hoop.

Use MSG at the beginning of a turn, or after an unexpected shot. Often, while running a break, the balls begin to go wayward and the player can re-assess their tactical situation after making a hoop. Occasionally the opposition makes an error and the most efficient way to take advantage is to go through the list of priorities. This is not the end-all be all, but it can help you to come up with a plan without using a time-out.

"Sandy" Bob Van Tassell Perfects the Mission Hills Final

2010-03-07T13:59:00.000-08:00


The best kept secret in the California desert is out:
Bob Van Tassell has arrived. Jerry Stark knew it when
he nick-named Bob as the "Sandbagger" or "Sandy Bob"at
the US Open.

Bob has most recently exhibited his skill at the 2010
Mission Hills Classic; Saturday, March 6th, "Sandy Bob"
won the event with a "perfect game" according to
opponent and tournament director, Ben Rothman.

"There were no mistakes in that game" was a common
statement on the buzzing sideline. The game played out
in simple form:

After a short and boring Chernobyl, where Bob kept the
yellow ball out of the game; Bob eventually came in and
joined in corner one. Rothman, undefeated at this point,
took a cut rush to the attack from corner four. After a
few controlled boundary shots, the young pro sent Red
away towards hoop four while pass-rolling to position at
hoop two. The hoop was made and the leave was set when
Bob composed himself and hit a 55-foot roquet of a ball
that had only three feet to roll before going out of
bounds. The ball rolled and came to a rest with feet to
spare.

Van Tassell ran a crisp break with four balls around to
the peg and set a wonderful leave for his partner.
Facing the "Groom of Doom", Ben opted to corner rather
than shoot an 80-foot version of Bob's hit in.

The steady competitor took the second break to the end
and met outrageous applause from the crowd. After a
celebratory hug, the finalists compared notes and shook
hands of congratulations and commiseration. Bob's 26-3
win was his third championship in the desert this year.
Bob took the Pat Apple Bisque Tournament title in
January and the Scrambled Doubles victory in February.

The spectators soon recovered from their state of awe
and returned from the line at the Bloody Mary bar to
watch a tight battle between Club Officials, Jim Butts
(President) and Ron Hendry (Vice President) for third
place. After trading blows for 90 minutes, the board was
smeared with deadness and the players worse for wear. In
last turns each faced a daunting hoop shot for the lead.
With nine feet and a slight angle in front of him, Jim
missed the go ahead wicket. A hush fell as Ron
approached his severely angled and four foot long shot.
It was so quiet, you could hear a glass clink. And then
BANG! The ball sailed through and the game was won with
authority. Hendry yelled a jubilant "Hooo-wuh!" and the
crowd applauded as the chief hailed the victor.


CHAMPION FLIGHT SINGLES
NAME               HDCP
1. Bob Van Tassell  1
2. Ben Rothman     -3
3. Ron Hendry       0
4. Jim Butts       -1
5. Horace Hayworth 0.5
5. Mike Taylor     1.5
5. Mike Orgill     0.5
5. Bill Martin      0
9. Janet Hamilton  2.5
9. Bob Chilton       0
9. Len Lyon        3.5
9. Bill Hamilton    3

FIRST FLIGHT SINGLES
NAME               HDCP
1. Steve Mossbrook  5
2. Chris Christian 4.5
3. Bob Kays         4
4. Conrad Haas      5
5. Rich Schiller    4
5. Peter Bach       5
5. Donna Dixon      4
5. Russell Hanson   5
9. Alan Langley    4.5
9. Phyllis Butts    5

SECOND FLIGHT SINGLES
NAME               HDCP
1. Marvin Salles    9
2. Dick Engebretson 9
3. Jonathan Andrews 6
4. Mary Rodeberg    6
5. Cindy Bagby      6
5. Marie Haas       6
5. Jean Engebretson 10
5. Toni Kemp        10
9. Judy Dahlstrom   6
9. Pat Apple        7
9. Karen Comeau     10
9. Carie Shapiro    11

CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLES
NAME               HDCP
1. Donna Dixon      4
2. Horace Hayworth 0.5
3. Bob Chilton      0
4. Bob Van Tassell  1
5. Rich Schiller    4
6. Mike Orgill     0.5
7. Mike Taylor     1.5
8. Bill Martin      0
9. Jim Butts       -1
10. Ron Hendry     0.5
11. Arthur Bagby   0.5
12. Bill Hamilton   3

FIRST FLIGHT DOUBLES
NAME               HDCP
1. Peter Bach       5
2. Dick Engebretson 9
3. Marvin Salles    9
4. Marie Haas       6
5. Jonathan Andrews 6
6. Steve Mossbrook  5
7. Mary Rodeberg    6
8. Russell Hanson   5
9. Toni Kemp        10
10. Pat Apple       7
11. Judy Dahlstrom  6
12. Conrad Haas     5
13. Karen Christian 9
14. Phyllis Butts   5
15. Carie Shapiro   11
16. Alan Langley   4.5

Groundhog Day Golf Croquet

2010-02-03T21:04:00.000-08:00

Our one day tournament was a great success with 38 club members (more than any other club tournament in history) each playing four games of golf croquet doubles.

Winners were:
Arthur Bagby and Dick Engebretson in the Puxatawnee Phil block
Phyllis Butts and Rob Stiff in the Early Spring block
Dick Tucker and Jane McDonnell in the Long Winter block
Art Silber and Duffy Milse in the Shadow block

Happy Groundhog Day

2010-02-02T00:19:00.001-08:00

This is what we're up to in the desert... golf croquet...one day...40 people...a bit of stress.

Designs by Ben

2010-01-29T01:21:00.000-08:00

Here are some shirts I have had printed:

I only have the shirts in men's medium, large and extra large. They are $35 plus shipping.

Rothman Repeats at the Rain Ravaged 2010 Desert Classic

2010-01-29T00:35:00.000-08:00

The 4th annual Desert Classic took place on the pristine lawns of the Mission Hills Country Club January 19-23. The western center for croquet played host to snow birds from all areas of Canada and many Californians with false hopes of an arid temperate climate. The rains came early and they came hard. Players enjoyed a wonderful opening reception at the Mission Hills club house despite rains ruining most of the practice day. The exceptional food was thanks in no small part to the new sponsorship from the Doheny Eye Institute and continued support from Leed's & Son fine jewelers. Croquet club members supported the generous purse with sales of many shirts commemorating their 20th anniversary.

The 23 players were full of hope and aspirations for their share of the $5,000 purse, while others simply dreamed for clear skies. The field was separated into three blocks; the top ten in a full round robin with the remaining thirteen seeded into two blocks for round robins. But the weather had other plans.
Early play was highlighted by stellar play in the first flight with three players going undefeated. Dick Engebretson managed third with 40 gross points (the first tie-breaker) just a few behind Marvin Salles (43) who was just shy of Sheri Foroughi with 44. This three way tie was a consequence of an unprecedented cancellation due to weather. These three were only bested in gross points by a late-rallying Mary Rodeberg. On day one the Rancho Mirage resident had one victory and a total of 11 points. She was disheartened and wondered why she played so much worse in tournament than in practice. Mary came out on day two with the resolve of a proven champion. She managed to win both games by more than 11 points and accrue 34 gross points in eclipsing the undefeated players' totals with 45 gross points. Mary took the fourth seed in the playoffs..
For the first time in Palm Springs croquet history, rain caused cancellation of an entire day of play. This omitted the final rounds of block play so the top seeds did not face off against each other. But the two American MacRob team members and Canada's best did not escape block play undefeated. Rich Lamm was bested by local favorite and known sandbagger, Bob Van Tassell. “Sandy” Bob, as he is affectionately known, put together a beautiful triple to beat the heavily favored Coloradan 26-3. Rich did well to escape the likes of one Canadian dubbed “the Giant Killer.”

Vancouver based croquet enthusiast, Russell Uhler, started the new year with the biggest upset in North American history. Russell took down top seeded Ben Rothman with a well executed, if not easily organized, 12 hoop break leading into last turns. The 1100 point difference in index is unprecedented on this continent (and possibly worldwide).

Some will worry, has the wunderkind lost his edge? Is the pressure of being the top ranked player in the country getting to him? Has tournament directing sufficiently distracted him? Rothman went into the next game trying to tune out the whispers on the sideline and managed to not only complete the first triple peel of 2010 (for all of the northern hemisphere, at least), but he did all three peels before making hoop 6.

Russell Uhler and Ron Hendry in the rain.

Mr. Uhler went on to hit nearly every hit-in that day. Against compatriot, Brian Cumming, Russell hit several 20+ yarders including four in-a-row at one point. This lead him to an astounding 19-17 victory and one of the best croquet days of Russell's career.

In another three way tie, Brian Cumming took the top seed in the playoffs setting up an early match between Lamm and Rothman. Jim Butts, Bob Van Tassell and Russell Uhler rounded out the top six who got two lives in the playoffs.

Brian Cumming plays as the rain dies out and the sun shines.

To keep players busy, Rothman and Lamm, with the help of the Mission Hills Croquet Club, held a fundraising cocktail party for the United States MacRobertson Shield team. With a few inspirational speeches and great attendance in the rain, the party raised over $650 for the team. The USCA and Mission Hills have shown that they will fully support our team this August and the fundraising effort will be in full swing this season. Readers can always donate to the Lee Olsen fund with a tax deductible donation to the non-profit which will be supporting the American team this year and in years to come.

After the cancelled day, players were chomping at the bit for their playoff berths. The three undefeated players worked their way to the semi-finals along with the respectable redemption artist Mary Rodeberg. Dick Engebretson lost by one point in last turn to his consistent competitor, Marvin Salles, after leading the entire match. Sheri Foroughi dominated her semi-final 17-1 but was outplayed by the undefeated first flight champion, Marvin Salles. Marvin received $300 for his efforts.

Cindy Bagby takes off to the opponents.

The second flight went to Bayfield inn-keeper, Patrick Waters against the seed-breaking underdog, Jean Engebretson. The consolidated plate event was a local battle won by Judy Dahlstrom who already has a nice collection of trophies for 2010.

Championship flight was controlled by the top three seeds with “Sandy” Bob rounding out the semi finals. The sun finally broke free and unleashed the welcome warmth on the field as Bob went on to beat Jim Butts for the plate championship narrowly avoiding the rabid triple-peeling Ron Hendry. The final day of play had Rich Lamm sleeping in and watching Ben and Brian battle it out. Ben managed a fourth turn hit-in and an 8th turn triple (his 3rd consecutive) to get to the best of three final against the man who knocked him down, Rich Lamm.

In the first game, Rothman took control and even peeled Rich through hoop one. The subsequent leave was a diagonal spread with the peg ball unrushable to hoop 2. Rich missed the lift but Ben could not organize the peels. In a difficult straight peel Rothman tried a foolish drag-jump which rebounded straight back onto his mallet. Rich took control, but the previous pop left him disoriented and he failed to get position at his hoop (2). Ben was able to hit in and finish +25. Game two had Rothman in control until he failed to start his second break. Rich took nine hoops only to see a rare ranged Rothman roquet.

Rich Lamm amidst the storm.

Ben could not get organized and resigned himself to try the straight triple, complete with a bombard to penultimate. The peel through penultimate was short leaving Ben a shot to make the hoop while rushing to rover. Alas, it was not to be as his rush bounced off the peg and the 7 yard rover peel was wired from the hoop by a reception ball.

Ben's hoop-and-roquet through penultimate.

Ben set a decent diagonal spread, but failed to completely cross wire the opponent balls. With control of the match on his mallet, Rich took the 9 yard slightly wired shot at the peg ball but hit the peg squarely, leaving Rothman a $1,000 turn. Rothman calmed his nerves; winning the game and the $2,000 check. Rich Lamm walked away with $1,000 while Brian enjoyed the bloody mary bar with his $500 prize.

The finals day crown enjoying the sun.

All participants enjoyed the divine court side brunch during the final match and appreciated the presence of the tournament sponsors. With its annual rainfall average already met, Rancho Mirage promises to be a much more comfortable venue for the rest of the season. The club is looking forward to showing off the exceptional courts during the Mission Hills Invitational March 2-6 and welcoming back the best players in the country at the Association Rules Nationals April 19-23. Until then, stay dry.

Winners
Back Row: Brian Cumming, Bob Van Tassell, Patrick Waters, Rich Lamm
Middle Row: Mary Rodeberg, Jean Engebretson, Judy Dahlstrom, Sheri Foroughi, Toni Kemp
Down in Front: Ben Rothman

Championship Flight
1. Ben Rothman
2. Rich Lamm
3. Brian Cumming

Championship Plate
1. Bob Van Tassell
2. Jim Butts
3. Ron Hendry
4. Russell Uhler
4. Mick Greagsby
6. Brian Wasylyk
6. Arthur Bagby

First Flight
1. Marvin Salles
2. Sheri Foroughi
3. Mary Rodeberg
4. Dick Engebretson

Second Flight
1. Patrick Waters
2. Jean Engebretson
3. Toni Kemp
4. Cindy Bagby

Combined Flight Plate
1. Judy Dahlstrom
2. Jane McDonnell
3. Karl-Heinz Kempfer
3. Dick Tucker
5. Gayle Waters

The Prized Trophies.

2010 Pat Apple

2010-01-26T12:41:00.001-08:00

The Pat Apple tournament is a testament to the pioneering of he Mission Hills croquet club founder and her efforts to make this the best venue in the country. This is one of the rare handicap format tournaments in the United States. Several players were experiencing their first association rules games with the kind safety net of several bisques in each game. We had 17 players in two flights of singles with 16 in two blocks of waterford doubles.

The opening reception was hosted by the Gordon and Roswitha Smale at their beautiful home where tournament director, Ben Rothman, scrambled to please the players by shuffling the schedule around like a black jack dealer.

In a happy initiation, Helen Orgill managed to go undefeated in the doubles block and took the first place trophy undisputedly. This tournament was a first to Mike and Brenda Corrigan who showed great improvement game to game as they became more familiar with the rules and tactics. None of the three had ever played a game of association rues before, talk about trial by fire!

The shot of the tournament came from Ruth Stotter in a grudge match against her husband. The potentially divisive handicap game against Larry, a successful divorce attorney, went to overtime tied at 11 with Ruth's balls for hoop 3 and 4-back. Ruth hit her partner near hoop five and had one of Larry's balls near hoop three, which was the striker ball's wicket. Onlookers thought any drama would come on a hoop shot after a nice take off to the ball in question, but Ruth would have none of it. The famed storyteller chose to make her own drama by rolling the 50 feet down towards hoop three and the nearby ball. On this well executed full roll, Ruth ended up five feet from the ball she needed while she managed to send her partner through 4-back. That's right, from 16 yards Ruth peeled 4-back to win in overtime. Who needs the stress of shooting a hoop when you can just end the game right there.

Despite the advantage of bisques, championship flight came down to those with the lowest handicaps. Ron Hendry played a level match against Mike Orgill in the semi-finals with only one loss in the entire tournament. That one loss came from undefeated Bob Van Tassell who dispatched of last year's finalist, Jim Butts, in another no bisque game to earn the spot against Ron in the final. Even after using his half-bisque to get control, Ron's hoop shooting was no match for “Sandy” Bob's consistent play and exciting hit ins. Bob managed to take his first tournament win in championship flight and instantly double it with an undefeated record in doubles as well. Van Tassell was kind enough to host a cocktail hour on his court side rooftop bar after the dominant victory, proving he can be a gracious host as well as a championship calibre croquet player.

First Flight
Doubles Jubilee
1.Helen Orgill
2.Jerry Evans
3.Ruth Stotter
4.Brenda Corrigan
5.Mike Corrigan
6.Preston Ormsby
7.LouAnn Evans
8.Larry Stotter

Championship Flight
Delicious Doubles
1.Bob Van Tassell
2.Judy Dahlstrom
3.Mike Orgill
4.Marty Ormsby
5.Ron Hendry
6.Gordon Milse
7.Art Silber
8.Toni Kemp

Second Flight Singles
McIntosh Ladder
1.Judy Dahlstrom
2.Ruth Stotter
3.Karen Comeau
4.Larry Stotter

First Flight Singles
Fuji Ladder
1.Mick Greagsby
2.Toni Kemp
3.Bob Riddell
4.Bob Kays
5.Phyllis Butts
5.Gordon Milse

Championship Singles
Gala Ladder
1.Bob Van Tassell
2.Ron Hendry
3.Mike Orgill
4.Jim Butts
5.Marty Ormsby
5.Marvin Salles

Association Rules Tactics

2010-01-17T01:30:00.000-08:00

Association Rules Openings:

With the exception of a few advanced players and those with a death wish, the decision to play first in an Association Rules game is one of tempered realism. They don't believe the opponent can hit. For that matter, they don't think they will hit in on third turn either, which is why they run from the baulk line. The goal of the player who plays first is usually to control the game on the fifth turn. The most common first shot is to the maximum distance (or slightly south/west of it) on the east boundary. Fifth turn is special because the player is not required to start from the baulk line, and they are the first to have the freedom to play either of their balls. Their wager, so far, is that they could take advantage of this turn and start the game in control. Alternatively, the opposition is hoping against hope.

The second ball in an association rules game can play it conservative. If they feel the opposition cannot make a good offensive play or a nice leave, they can play to a defensive position to make all fifth turns more difficult. On the other hand, the second ball may play to an enticing position that leaves a risky shot for the third ball and the possibility of a seemingly short shot on fourth turn. In this case, the player is optimistic. “The opponent may miss, but I will not,” is the mantra. Most openings follow these philosophies. It is the games where neither player gets a break going that interest me.

The Mid-Game:

When the situation leaves striker with an easy roquet, but no odds on opportunity for offense, the tactical possibilities are endless. When American players complain about the lack of strategy in the association game, it becomes annoyingly clear that they have never tried to play a canny turn in which they must position all four balls in beneficial positions without making a hoop. Those five to seven shots can yield incredibly shrewd positions if the striker has a clever sense of sadistic humour.

The basic priorities of an association leave are: 1) make hoops, 2) separate the opponents while giving the striker or partner an easy play, and 3) make the opponent's play as difficult as possible. If there is a better than 75% chance to make a hoop, take it. Otherwise, change to the second priority of separating the opponents.

There are many beneficial positions one can occupy while fulfilling the simple task of separating the opponents. The striker may join near the boundary (with a rush is better) while leaving the opponents more than 4 yards on court. Positioning the opponents in useful positions like your hoops or pioneer hoops is preferable. One of the best leaves involves cross-wiring the opponent balls at the hoop you wish to make. This leaves them blocked from hitting each other while quite close in proximity to your hoop. Whichever ball the adversary plays, they will leave one of their balls at that very hoop (that is, unless they hit in). This leave is nearly impossible for beginner players as it requires incredible luck or skill to end your turn with the opponents in such a precarious position. A much more likely, and thus useful, leave is to finish the turn joined with your partner ball near either one of your hoops while leaving the opponents on court (hopefully at useful pioneer hoops). If this is a corner hoop, you can leave a trap discouraging any shots at your balls while leaving a possible break. At the very worst, with both opponent balls separated, the next turn should yield at least one point scored before you must focus on separating the opponents once more.

Every so often, you are left with a difficult shot to start the turn. If you are not confident that you will have more than one shot this turn (let us say, under 50%) it is important to put yourself in the opponent's shoes. Which ball, if left in its current position, is most helpful to the adversary. The best play may be to take that ball away. Next, consider your easiest shot. This shot could maximize your chances of taking control. Last, but not to be forgotten, is the risk of missing these shots. Which of these misses will cost us the most and truly aid the opposition.

I apologize for not going into specifics, but these general guidelines apply to the multi-faceted scenarios that arise in the midst of a match. Hopefully any one of these lessons can help on multiple occasions during your journey into the madness that is competitive croquet.

Mission Hills Tourney Logos

2010-01-17T00:24:00.000-08:00

Maybe I'm just proud because I went out on the town tonight, but here are some logos I cooked up for the 2010 tournaments here in the desert... so far. More to come.

Backing the Ball

2009-12-29T12:13:00.001-08:00

Backing the ball is a concept that works best in American rules (hence the example) but can be used in the Association game and 9-wicket quite often. The concept is to discourage an opponent's shot at a ball on court. In this example the striker (Blue) has an opportunity to move the ball in question, but this play can work from a distance when moving the on court ball is not an option.

So Blue has just made hoop 2, but realizes that hitting partner will not give her a great (90% or better) chance of making hoop 3. With partner on court and no spent ball in the game (yellow is still for hoop 1) setting up partner is too risky. In fact, Red is so close and has Black at its hoop that he will assuredly try to hit that ball. Blue's best option is to go out of bounds, but there's only one place that will truly discourage Red's shot. Anticipating Red's line of play (Red dotted line), Blue shoots out of bounds behind the Black ball (Blue Line). This adds a huge risk to Red's supposed shot and encourages Red to take a less aggressive shot, like cornering.

Whew! Crisis averted.

Note: This will not work when Red has another ball to hit (i.e. Yellow).

Insane Turn from the 2009 Nationals

2009-12-23T09:24:00.000-08:00

Watch one of my most amazing turns in American Rules, and it happened to be a
National Championship game.

The hoop, the attack, the crazy split, the hit in, and the subsequent break.

Croquet World's Photo Contest

2009-11-27T16:46:00.001-08:00

A photo of me, taken by Samir Patel was included in the annual photo contest.

Also look out for the Mol/Herin boys (notorious).

Funny Shirts

2009-11-05T15:02:00.001-08:00

Croquet Network Magazine

2009-10-30T09:33:00.000-07:00

Quadruple Peels

2009-10-28T11:32:00.001-07:00

It's no nontuple peel, but I managed to complete my first two quadruple peels last weekend at the Selection Eights tournament. I know this will be just noise to many of you readers, but for those who are curious, here was an explanation I gave to the editor of Croquet World Online Magazine.

The quadruple peel is a single turn during which, the striker ball completes all of his remaining hoops while sending his partner ball (peeling it) through its final four wickets. For the play to count, the striker must peg out both balls. The term "quadruple peel" refers to the number of hoops the non-striker ball scores.

(1) WHY AND HOW these qp's come about
These qps come about after a mistake. I have heard that Reg used to only run to 3-back to avoid tpos, but I have never seen anyone do that. One of mine came from a stuffed hoop, the other from a missed roquet. One went smoothly, the other was a trial.

The first qp of my career came against Doug Grimsley as a result of me stuffing 2-back. You may say, "this is exactly a quintuple!" but Doug rushed me through 2-back as a means for making hoop one. He went on to stuff hoop 3. I sent a ball to hoop 2, left a ball near hoop 3, and rushed partner from 3 all the way to hoop 1. The rush wasn't the best, but it was only a yard north and 3 yards east of hoop 1. I took off and made the hoop with a nice rush to 3-back ( a nice bit of luck that I foresaw before the take off). I took peelee to about 4 yards south of 3-back straight on. This is the fun part. I peeled the ball through by about 30 feet, it went through with minimal resistance from the so-called "super hoops" and I ended up one yard east of my pioneer ball at hoop 2. That one stupendous death roll turned a play I had never completed in game into a standard tp attempt, which went swimmingly.

Against Jerry the next day, I missed a return roquet after 2-back (my soaking wet rental tie that I found on hoop 3 got in my way). Jerry under rolled position at hoop one and missed a 12 yard shot. I hit the 12 yard shot that he missed with a slightly hampered backswing and after getting the break going, I sent partner as the pioneer at hoop 4. This allowed for the 3-back peel after hoop 4 (which I jawsed). I almost got the remaining triple on track, but I couldn't peel it after hoop 6 (too much angle) at this point I thought it would be a good time to stop the peeling attempt, but I was tempted to try the late triple for reasons I describe below. I managed to get a decent chance at the straight double (peeling penultimate while I was for penultimate) but I jawsed the peel. I could try a conventional jump and hope to hit the ball that was near the peg, but I decided to keep the risks going. I did a drag jump peel, followed by a 6 yard roquet and a soft rover peel. I executed a conventional jump of the rover hoop, cannoned my partner away from the hoop from 15 feet and finished the quad. It was the scrappiest double peel that I have actually finished.

(2) Whether playing to achieve them was correct from a risk-versus-gain perspective or whether you were doing it as "practice" or for some other reason.

Against Doug, it was cold hard reason. There was a little risk in the first peel, but not much. The rest was a relatively easy triple, which has been a safe bet in my repertoire for the last year or so. Against Jerry, I wanted to attempt a delayed quad, partly for practice, partly out of respect for his ability to hit and triple in his own right (the best defense is a good offense), and I felt less stress because I had one (all be it, much easier) qp under my belt.

(3) Whether a qp might be the result of something that goes awry on the way to a sextuple.......and anything else that might enlighten?

It is possible that the qp is a result of a failed sxp, but it would have to have failed pretty early to still have enough time to control a quad. I imagine after failing a sxp, for whatever reason, one may be more apt to run to the peg and set a leave rather than risk another peeling turn, that would usually be quite late.
That being said, I have seen Robert try a late triple the turn after he failed a sextuple. Oddly enough, he failed the tp as well, and was defeated by James LeMoignan (2008 British Open, first round).

Essentially, the quad is essential in damage control, learning to complete a sextuple, and it helps as practice for late triples.
I'm glad to have completed them, but they were my penance for having failed to complete the previous break.

DP = Double Peel
TP = Triple Peel
TPO = Triple Peel of the Opponent (when the peeling player is victorious)
OTP = Triple Peel of the Opponent (when the peeled player is victorious)
QP = Quadruple Peel
QNP = Quintuple Peel
SXP = Sextuple Peel

A Guide to Attacking

2009-10-27T18:57:00.000-07:00

In American Rules, a major step between beginners and intermediate players is the ability to attack. Even at the top level, there are players making mistakes as to how and when to attack. Here is a somewhat lengthy guide to the whole concept. Check out the croquet glossary if any terms confuse you.

An attack is when a player (we'll call her, the striker) roquets a ball in an attempt to go to other balls rather than going to the striker's hoop. Many goals and strategic priorities may be satisfied with a well executed attack including making the very wicket she seems to be avoiding. As with most tactics, timing is everything. Towards the end of the game, an attack may be defensive or solely a means for running down the clock. In most circumstances, however, the striker has offense in mind when attacking.

In the best attacks, the striker makes her hoop on the current turn. This opportunity is ripe when the opponent leaves a ball or two near the striker's wicket or both balls joined close enough to ensure a rush (more on that later) and near by the striker's hoop so as to minimize the risk of missing the wicket (while three ball dead). Occasionally the opponents are between the striker's current and next hoops. In this case she can rush to the pioneer hoop, take off to the other balls, and manufacture a rush to her wicket to earn a quick 3-ball break, with the fourth ball ready for an easy pick up.

Most attacks are meant to set up the partner ball. These plays cater to proficient break runners because often the striker ball finishes the turn three ball dead. The only justification for such a risky play is the partner making a handful of hoops and possible leaving the striker in position at (if not peeling her through) her hoop.

Setting up the partner ball is an art in and of itself, but the basic concept is to leave partner with a ball close enough to hit (a rush is better, and liveness is paramount) and a ball at his hoop (or pioneer hoop if deadness or location is an issue). The last component of any good set up is nullifying the danger ball. The danger ball, or hot ball, is the next ball to play. If the danger ball has deadness, the striker can get crafty but often the best bet is to isolate the hot ball, leaving it far from any hit in chances.

The key to easy attacks is to begin with a rush. If the striker can get close to the other balls, the more opportunities she has. Depending on the difficulty of the court or the needs of the partner ball, the striker may roll both balls close to the target balls or just take off. Frequently, the striker should hit the spent ball (that just played) and put it close to partner while trying to get a rush (on the danger ball) towards the striker's hoop. If partner is not close to the opponents, it may be wise to either hit the spent ball and send it away (to partner or his hoop) or hit the danger ball, get a rush on the spent ball to the striker's wicket or a location that helps partner.

Ther is more than one way to skin a cat, but the important part is to accomplish the goals in question with very little risk. If it is possible to end the attack with a big croquet shot towards position at the wicket. Every so often the striker may end up with an wasy hoop shot or a shot that, if missed, will end in a position that helps partner (his current or next hoop) without helping the danger ball.

There are always confounding factors in an attack, but the differences make the game that much more interesting. Sometimes the striker must take off to the attack, or roll close to a boundary ball from great distances. Whatever the case she must know the goals, the risks, and the contingency plans. There is always another option, but if she finds the correct play, she must not be afraid to put on the blinders, keep her head down and execute.

Clinics in Mission Hills

2009-10-27T18:53:00.000-07:00

Please contact me for more information:
croquetpro@gmail.com
(925) 212-2593

Big Lobster 2009

2009-09-17T19:02:00.000-07:00

For the 7th time in the last 12 years, perfect weather graced the Big Lobster Invitational the week after labor day in Downeast Maine. Once again the Mount Desert Island Croquet Club, with great support form the Woodlawn Croquet Club, opened its arms to guests from Massachusetts, Florida, Colorado, and Ontario. Visitors and local contenders were treated to amazing views of Acadia National Park, delicious Maine lobster and a unique blend of six and nine wicket competition by the sea.

With four flights of six wicket singles, including four players under a two handicap, the Big Lobster marries competitive singles and a busy schedule of cut-throat nine wicket doubles. Most of the nine (that's right, nine) doubles games in the block were on the back lawn of the historic Claremont Hotel, a beautiful home to croquet tournaments since 1976. The inherent difficulties in transitioning the tactical divide between the defensive American rules and extremely offensive Claremont rules was well negotiated while sipping coffee in adirondack chairs on the hillside or during lunch at the boathouse literally on the water.

The singles flights each had a nice inland excursion for a day to the burgeoning Woodlawn Museum. The play was highlighted by unfettered play of three players. Tim McCormick, Sturgis Haskins and Linda Huxtable each managed to go undefeated. While the Huxtables controlled the championship flight there was a bit of drama in the race for a spot on the podium. The father of croquet in Maine, Larry Stettner, needed to upset top seeded Tom Hughes in the last game of the day to steal away third place. It took last turns but the local guru took down the favorite by one wicket 12-11 to take home the hardware. The closest battle for first divided the loving Pearson couple who split time between Maine and Phoenix. Jim edged Janet out of first on net points alone, but they reunited for the doubles competition.

Local politics were put on hold while Hancock County Commissioner and croquet instructor Fay Lawson took time off to dominate the First Flight doubles with Fran Martin. The familiar partnership exhibited a firm grasp of the game as they defeated the visiting Gallaghers 30-15 in the final. Thankful for the many block games Dolores and John surprised themselves with a semi-final victory “We were just glad to be in the final!” exclaimed Dolores as the happy couple raised their hand crafted 2nd place platters.

As for the championship flight, the top half of the draw favored the seasoned 9-wicket team of Alan Madeira (a prodigious croquet collector and the man behind the Clarkpoint Croquet Company) and Eileen Holberg (a well travelled socialite in Palm Beach and San Miguel). Alan and Eileen made their way to the finals by defeating Ben Rothman and his patient partner Barbara Rappaport 26-24 in the last turn of the semi-finals. Alan and Eileen were finalists in the recent Claremont Classic 9-wicket doubles tournament while Alan took the Claremont singles title for the fourth time; not exactly a light-weight.

On the other side of the final match-up was Claremont veteran Dave Nelson and his rookie partner, Gerry Lancto, who showed her daughter what's what defeating Linda and her husband Ron in the semi-final. The final match was a dog fight, with the lead flip-flopping back and forth until a critical error in last turns gave Dave control. After taking the lead, Dave cleaned the court only to watch Eileen hit-in and nearly steal the championship but failing to score the game tying hoop in last turns. Dave and Gerry took the title 21-20 as the crowd applauded as sailboats crossed the sparkling sound reminding them all that playing croquet in Maine is “the way life should be.”

6-Wicket Singles

Championship Flight Singles
1.Linda Huxtable
2.Ron Huxtable
3.Larry Stettner
4.Tom Hughes
5.Perry Mattson
6.Dolores Gallagher

First Flight “A” Singles
1.Jim Pearson
2.Janet Pearson
3.George Blagdon
4.Marko Schmitt

First Flight “1” Singles
1.Sturgis Haskins
2.Charles Alexander
3.Randall McAndrews
4.Don Lancto

Second Flight Singles
1.Tim McCormick
2.Gerry Lancto
3.Barbara Rappaport
4.Barbara Entzminger
5.Connie Perin
9-Wicket Doubles

Championship Flight Doubles

1.Dave Nelson + Gerry Lancto
2.Alan Madeira + Eileen Holberg
3.Ben Rothman + Barbara Rappaport
3.Linda + Ron Huxtable
5.Sturgis Haskins + Charles Alexander
6.Randall McAndrews + Don Lancto
7.Tom Hughes + Oakley Johnson
8.Jim + Janet Pearson

First Flight Doubles

1.Fay Lawson + Fran Martin
2.Dolores + John Gallagher
3.Marko Schmitt + Barbara Entzminger
3.Tim McCormick + Connie Perin

Croquet Clubs on my Radar

2009-09-05T13:51:00.000-07:00

I was playing with google maps for the upcoming Big Lobster Invitational and I decided to make a map of croquet clubs I visited in the last year or two. Enjoy:

View Croquet Clubs in a larger map

Nontuple Peel You Say?

2009-08-29T07:06:00.000-07:00

Colchester, Essex, United Kingdom

About two weeks ago, croquet reached new heights. Even in the small realm of croquet, this isn't landing-on-the-moon big or even Usain-Bolt-breaking-the-100m-record, but it is like somebody bowling a 301, or a 903 in three games.

Here is the best croquet player (scratch that, artist) in history reporting the event, in his own terms [translation in brackets]:
Not in the rankings [not sanctioned], but beat [Jack] Wixy today in the Colchester Club champs, +26TP [26-0 Triple Peel] (5th turn), +26NP [26-0 Nontuple Peel, meaning 9 peels on a 12 hoop break to end the game] (4th turn). Pretty sure this was the first competitive nontuple. Might have never been a nine turn match before either. Hoops were generously wide Omegas though overall don't think the conditions were any easier than at this year's opens [court was normal, if not difficult American conditions]. I had two big chunks of luck in the nontuple plus a relatively good starting position for getting a peel before 1. See below for more detail.

[Jack Wixy is a young (maybe 23) but very skilled protege of Robert Fulford, our narrator and 5-time World Champion.]

The nontuple was;

Jawsed 4 before 1, (The turn started with peelee and another ball 5 yards north of 1, and the other ball just west of 4 having got there by bouncing off hoop 1)

peeled 5 getting a rush to 3,

peeled 6 getting a rush to 5,

peeled 1b before 6,

jawsed 2b sending peelee down from 1b(!) [15-20 yard jawsing] before making 1b,

irish peeled 3b nicely up to 4b from an angle but lucky to have back ball finish in a runnable position, [irish peel is when he is trying to make that same wicket (3 back) through which he is peeling partner. He must have bounced off of the wicket, but stopped in front where he could make it on the second shot.]

relatively unsweaty STP [Straight Triple Peel] finish with longish penult peel going through cleanly down to rover. [This was actually a straight Quadruple Peel as he was peeling 3 back while he was for that wicket]

Rob
[So ends Rob's modest post]

It is notable that the first game resulted in a "perfect game" in the American consciousness, while the second game is above nearly everyone's expectations (some readily await the dectuple or dodectuple [duodoctuple?] peel). A Straight Triple Peel, let alone a Straight Quadruple Peel, is very rare in our backyard. I personally cannot wait to watch Danny Huneycutt get an Octuple or try the Nontuple Peel.

Croquet Fashion Gear

2009-08-26T10:14:00.000-07:00

Funky Adidas Urban Croquet Gear
http://www.yankodesign.com/2007/10/04/urban-croquet/

A Few Clinics Left...

2009-08-19T13:06:00.000-07:00

Mission Hills Club Newsletter

2009-08-19T12:35:00.001-07:00

http://www.clubnewsmaker.net/missionhills/e_article001508893.cfm?x=bfW1Wtr,bfpwLfr2

there's a whole lot going on in Palm Springs this year...

I Remember... (an essay from a 12 year-old)

2009-08-17T07:53:00.001-07:00

[I wrote this for some homework assignment when I was 12 or so, I'm not sure on the date]

I remember a special time with my second cousin Larry Stettner (he's my dad's cousin). He was staying at our house, but we went to two croquet lawns in San Francisco. The special time was when he took two hours to teach me all of his strategies to six wicket croquet. He also showed me some of the hardest (for me) shots I've ever seen! He played in the San Francisco Croquet Tournament but lost.

This experience was especially meaningful to me because now I love to play six wicket croquet, and it is more fun when you know good moves and strategies when your parents don't!

Jerry Stark: The American Way

2009-07-28T21:34:00.000-07:00

http://www.americanwaymag.com/jerry-stark-phoenix-kansas-city-arizona-croquet-club

The Future Has Arrived

2009-06-19T11:02:00.000-07:00

Matthew Essick has been playing croquet in some form for over half his life. That’s not particularly unusual- a lot of people have played croquet for years. But Matthew just turned 10 years old last December. He began at the age of 3 with a special homemade mallet that Danny Huneycutt gave him. It was just his size. He call it “the yittle mallet”. He soon began hitting croquet balls with a regular mallet, often playing golf croquet with the Meadows gang.
He played in his first sanctioned Croquet Tournament at the age of 6. It was quite by accident. His Dad and Grandparents belong to Meadows Mallet Club in Northern Davidson County in North Carolina. The last week in July, all the clubs in NC converge on the Linville area to play the NC Club Teams Tournament. It is easily the largest tournament in the NC tournament circuit. It is absolutely the high point of MMC’s croquet year to play in that tournament. They formed the club late in 2002, competed in 2003 and came in third. In 2004, they came home as the Champions. Chomping at the bit in 2005, everyone in the club was matched up with a doubles partner and were all set to head up into the cool, clean air of the NC mountains and vie for the top prize yet again. Casper Essick, Matthew’s grandfather, had his partner to drop out because of a family emergency. Danny Huneycutt, Steve Summer, Jon Essick , Casper & Becky Essick gathered at the Essick court on Tuesday evening for a last practice when they got the news. All the members of the club already had partners. There was no one to be Casper’s team-mate. While they discussed the dilemma the club faced, Matthew practiced shooting wickets on the court, using the 20” mallet his Grandma had made especially for him out of her first mallet. He had only played Golf Croquet, never 6-Wicket, but he loved to shoot. Danny watched for a bit, then turned to Casper. “Would you be willing to play with Matthew as your partner?”, he asked.
“Well, I’m willing, but you know we won’t win a game.” Casper replied.
Danny called Matthew over and asked him if he would listen to his Grandpa and shoot the ball where he told him.
A big grin came over his face as he nodded. Matthew loves competition and loves his Grandpa to death. He couldn’t be happier!

Meadows went up the mountain with a dream and came back down on Sunday proudly as the winning club of NC.
Oh, and Matthew and his Grandpa only lost 1 match that magic week (by 1 point) and won their flight. They have been a team ever since. This year (2009) will be their 6th Club Teams Tournament as partners.
-Becky Essick

[Editor's Note: Matthew just came in second in the third flight of the Southeast Regionals, losing to another promising junior who is 5 years older. His handicap will soon be equal to his age, but not for long.]

An Epic Doubles Playoff Ladder

2009-06-19T10:49:00.000-07:00

At last weeks Southeast Regional, young punk Charlie Gillmarten and I played together in the championship flight doubles. It was tons of fun and we even managed to win a few games. Here is my memory of the eventful final day:

The semi-final match, Sunday morning, was back and forth between locals Bob Cherry and Frank Thompson and the young guns Ben Rothman and Charlie Gillmarten. After a prolonged out game between Ben and Bob, Ben pulled off an attack in a very tricky corner four, nearly rolling his ball out of bounds on the pass roll to the opponents. Charlie took the break around, but before he could peel his partner, he made 4-back and went out of bounds. Bob and Frank seized the innings and played a shrewd deadness game. Even as they failed a croquet-out play, they retained overall control and made several difficult attacks until Bob had a game ending break chance. Before the break was fully realized (no pioneer) Bob chose to attack back near that risky corner to get the fourth ball, but his roquet rolled off. The bearded boys got clean and took the lead going into last turns leaving Bob one last chance. As last last ball, the former National Champion went ball to ball to get a rush as close to wicket 5 as he could. Bob needed only score 1-back for the win, but missed the roquet after making hoop 5 giving the finals spot to the twenty-something croquet bums.

The other side of the ladder which had the lone dominant result, with the only team to score over 20 points in a game, was another Pinehurst combination of Horace Hayworth and Mike Taylor who managed to effectively handle the team of John Knott and Barry Williams 25-10 in the semi-final.

In the doubles final, the kids tried a croquet out while Horace and Mike were separated by 12 feet across corner 1. Horace said, “this is when Ben likes to screw with your head” and promptly hit the line ball to take the break using only opponent balls. All was well until Horace stuffed hoop 6, handing Ben a laid 3-ball break with the spent ball. Ben went around but stopped after penultimate with a leave that nearly wired the danger ball and left a rush for his partner-dead teammate. Mike took the hail mary shot from 100 feet and while missing the peg, he hit hoop 3 and stayed on court. Charlie started strong, peeling partner through rover on the second attempt (a rush peel after making wicket 6) but missed the following wicket. Horace took the reins again and made it count by staking out Ben's ball. With around 20 minutes remaining, Mike went about his slow and methodic two balling. The home team needed a mere six wickets to take the lead. After some jockeying, Mike took the lead and separated. Charlie managed to get in position at 1-back and with only one minute remaining, Charlie made the go ahead wicket. The precise hoop shot left Charlie 1 foot past position at 2-back, so he escaped to corner three as time expired. To begin last turns, Horace was in corner two while Mike was out of bounds a few yards north of corner four and for wicket 2-back. Needing the game tying point, Horace shot at the peg with just enough pace so that if he missed, which he did, it set a straight six foot rush for Mike. Mr. Taylor, who was recently lowered to a 2 handicap showed that he has ice water running through his veins as he made a great rush and tied the game. He shot so well, in fact, that he made the hoop cleanly and went out of bounds! This left Charlie the slimmest of hopes.

Ellsworth American Article

2009-06-06T18:42:00.001-07:00

http://www.fenceviewer.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10027:Wizard%20with%20a%20Croquet%20Mallet&catid=34:ellsworth&Itemid=106

San Diego Reader Follow-Up Article

2009-06-06T18:36:00.001-07:00

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2009/jun/03/rothman-rules/

I wonder if the Lodge at Torrey Pines cares...

2009 Association Croquet Amateur National Championships

2009-06-04T15:41:00.000-07:00

America was floundering. Maybe it was just bad timing, but there were only 17 competitors in the 2008 Association Croquet National Championships. And despite the recession, despite the heavy 2009 schedule, we rebounded. There were more than 40 players in this year's field. Thanks to this burgeoning interest in Association Croquet the USCA was able to initiate an Amateur National Championship. The powers that be saw fit to split the tournament into flights, allowing for a quickly developing crew of competitors to flourish without having to fear the big bad triple peel. There were ups and downs, but in the end there was an historic battle between two future forces in American croquet.
After two oddly similar match ups and coincidentally identical games, the two young guns emerged from the semi-final fray. An established North Carolina fixture in Tommy Harrington, who has been known to best 12 time National champion Jeff Soo in several club championships, playing against an undefeated new comer in John Young III. John has long been an accomplished American Rules player but was making his debut in Association Croquet after learning the game on a two-day clinic during the road trip up to Pinehurst from West Palm Beach. John took two breaks and an early lead on Tommy but gave up the reins at hoop 5 where he had to approach from just behind the wicket, known as the “death position”. Tommy returned the favor by missing the 2-back wicket on his first break. The game became fairly interactive, but John was able to build better breaks when he had control. After hitting in a few times (including a 50 footer on the last turn) John sent home the tournament's #1 seed 26-8.

On the other half of the ladder there was rookie of the year, Charles Gillmarten, who outlasted local up-and-comer Mike Taylor. Both missed a few short roquets and while Mike proved to be a better sniper on that day, (hitting in 3 out of 7 times from over 40 feet), Charlie was a more consistent break player and made more out of his opportunities to win 26-10.

This was the matchup the fans (mostly the Argentinian women) had been waiting for. Both players were in their first Association Rules tournament lending credence to the title of Amateur National Championships. Charlie, having played for months in practice games with his mentor, former National Champion and US team member Stewart Jackson, was no longer the upstart he once was. John, hot off of his Club Teams National Championship, was still treading water in an unfamiliar sea of nuance when it came to Association tactics. In the blocks, Charlie had come the closest to blemishing John's record, producing 18 points in a close game that went to the wire.

The game started with Charlie going to maximum distance and a standard Duffer's tice from John. Charlie chose to shoot at the tice softly, but missed with his ball stopping near the peg. While John had been hitting well and Charlie known for his accuracy, nerves showed a little bit as both missed the ensuing hit in chances. On the sixth turn of the game John finally hit a 40 foot double target left by Charlie's near miss. John had no trouble converting the hit into a controlled break and showed how much he had learned in the short week by setting the diagonal spread leave in an efficient and timely manner. Charlie took the 20 yard shot down the east boundary and watched as his ball rolled slightly towards the line and missed. John got off to a good start, but after rolling too far at hoop 3 John missed a tough angled shot.

Charlie took advantage, hitting a 15 footer but failing to rush to hoop one. After attempting a pass roll from mid court to position, Charlie joined up near wicket one enticing John to bite at his clever trap. John went for the bait...

John took his back ball all the way around 10 wickets and to the peg while his partner ball was still for four back. As Charlie's window for a comeback was closing, John envisioned becoming a National Champion and concentrated on his leave. What John failed to focus on was his shot after rover and he missed an easy 6 foot roquet! Charlie swooped in, took his break around to 4-back and set a near perfect diagonal spread. John tried to avoid the roll of the court by shooting at the on court ball, but to no avail. Charlie got started with a little difficulty, having to shoot wicket one from 8 feet, but he nailed it. The ball went through so cleanly, in fact, that Charlie was left with a long return roquet.

While successfully avoiding these distanced wicket shots at 2, 3 and 4, Charlie over rolled his way into a difficult angled position at wicket 5. While he had made many jump shots on such angled shots during the week, at this distance Charlie stayed grounded, and there he remained. John was left to hit a 4 yard roquet for the finishing chance...

He was able to get his final 3 hoops while putting Charlie's ball through wicket 5. John took the title of 2009 Amateur National Champion and remains undefeated in Association Croquet to this day.

Jump Shot Highlight Reel

2009-05-23T22:21:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCmZO81Wekk

Trevor Herin helped Charlie and I record this video during the practice day before the 2009 World Croquet Championships.

Enjoy!

San Diego Reader Article

2009-05-08T19:45:00.001-07:00

Oddly enough, one of my favorite periodicals in San Diego wrote an article about me!
http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2009/may/06/what-do-you-know/

Two time National Champion!!!!

2009-04-28T11:49:00.000-07:00

I did it!

I accomplished a several of my long term goals on sunday the 19th of April. Not only did I manage to win the highly competitive singles championship (without losing a any playoff games) but Doug Grimsley and I managed to win the doubles championship as well. This was not new for Doug, in fact, he won last year with Leo McBride. It had always been a pipe dream to win both championships in one day. I was super excited that I had two chances at a National title, I never hoped to win both.

It was mostly a result of consitently hitting in. During the last few days of the tournament I managed to hit around 75% of all hit-ins under 20 yards, which is remarkable for me. My long shot peaked at just the right time. I've always enjoyed the saying, "it's better to be lucky than good".

I've decided to make a change

2009-04-28T11:36:00.000-07:00

I am not blind. I realize that in trying to put up full reports, my blog is months behind reality. While I will continue to publish full reports of major tournaments and periods of time on tour, I will supplement that material with brief updates.

I hope this will meet my goal of helping friends and family stay updated on the events in which I participate. This may crowd the blog, but I plan on labeling full posts so they can be found easily by clicking on the "tour" label on the right column.

Association Rules Amateur National Championships

2009-04-28T09:06:00.000-07:00

After a poorly attended tournament in 2008 (only 17 participants) it was a shock to have 15 players in the first flight of the 2009 national championships. Along with the 28 in the championship flight (three of which played in both tournaments) the USCA had a record setting 40 players for the Association Rules National Championships. During the wonderful opening reception at competitor Mike Taylor and Elaine Moody's estate, tournament directors Ron Lloyd and Ben Rothman dubbed the inaugural event the Amateur National Championships.

While there were a few veteran players (including favorites Tommy Harrington, Bob Whitmore and Frank Thompson) many of the participants were association rules rookies. Those few in their first tournament were local Dave Strawson, rookie of the year Charles Gillmarten, and club teams champion John Young III. The first day of the tournament featured heavy rains and cold winds and while this effected everyone, the young rookies were quite distracted. Both Charlie Gillmarten and John Young managed to run the rover hoop in the wrong direction. Thankfully this silly mistake did not cost either of them more than a few points, but Charlie did manage to lose unexpectedly. Despite the cold Canadian winter, Jane Beharriel came out on fire. In block play, Jane beat two of the players who earned top spots in the playoffs. But Jane was not the only female assassin in the midst. Local matriarch Becky Essick scored two pivotal victories against the top two seeded players in the block proving that croquet is a gender neutral game.

After a wonderful dinner of tender filet mignon at the Pinehurst Country Club, the playoff pairings were announced. The local favorites, Mike Taylor and Tommy Harrington earned the third and fourth seeds with byes into the quarter finals, while rookie favorites John Young III and Charlie Gillmarten earned the number one and two seeds. Sidewinder Barry Williams and the Jane Beharriell earned a late start in Saturday's single elimination playoff with the fifth and sixth seeds. The fantastic meal ended with a sweet treat as competitor Jon Essick sang a few tunes for the remaining diners.

The next morning, the talented entertainer managed to defeat Bob whitmore and earned a game against the rookie of the year. The unlucky Jon Essick missed one severely angled wicket attempt at hoop 5, while his quarter final opponent Charlie Gillmarten drained 3 of 4 such hoop shots. After staying alive with these impressive jump shots, Charlie showed his proper grooming with a nice diagonal spread and a sexy crosswire leave to end the game. The resilient Barry Williams managed to beat Bob Roth but ran into a wall of rain which favored the versatile Mike Taylor. Mike smoothly operated his way to a win earning a spot against the Charlie in the semi-final.

In the other half of the ladder, undefeated John Young III waited with zen like patience for his opponent, Becky Essick, to emerge. Becky dispatched of Mike Conry 13-5 despite his efforts to distract her with his best Gilligan impersonation. Becky rallied and maintained a lead though the first 70 minutes of the two hour match, but when given an opening, John ran three breaks in only 34 minutes for a 26-7 victory. In the race to join "3 strokes" in the semi-final was the dark horse David Collie. David was the only player breaking seed as he beat past Allen Clem and even Canadian phenomenon Jane Beharriell. While he was well prepared for the storm that arrived during the quarter finals and even held the lead for 80 minutes, David came up short.

The semi-finals were virtually synchronized as Charlie and John managed to run their first breaks simultaneously. It could have been predicted that both Mike and Tommy would miss the lift shots, but both Charlie and John missing hoop 5? It was almost scripted. John managed to hit in and beat Tommy, but he had to wait to see his fellow finalist. Charlie hit in, but so did Mike and in the end Charlie won a close game.

The amateur national championship game pitted two young players, who had never played in an association rules tournament before, against each other. The game started off a little sloppy. Charlie won the coin toss and started off conservatively with a ball at maximum distance. John responded with a duffer's tice which proved un-hittable by both players. On the fifth turn Charlie chose to shoot at partner 11 yards away, but missed. John hit in from 14 yards and got control. John ran 9 hoops and set a beautiful diagonal spread leave showing that he had learned a lot in the past week. After Charlie missed the lift shot, John over rolled position at hoop 3 and tried to make a tough jump shot, but he missed. Charlie made a canny play, leaving "3 strokes" balls at hoop 2 and 3 while trying to roll up to hoop one. He set a nice leave that would have assured him a break, but John hit in. John ran his back ball all the way to rover, but while concentrating on the leave, he missed an easy roquet! Charlie showed no mercy in building his break, running around to 4-back, and setting a nice diagonal spread leave. John missed the long lift shot, but the synchronicity remained. Only, instead of over rolling hoop 3, Charlie gave himself a difficult jump shot at hoop 5. While Charlie made these hoop shots all week (especially against Jon Essick), this one stuck in the jaws. John had things all laid out for him. After rush peeling Charlie, John made the last three wickets and staked out to become the National Champion!

1. John Young III
2. Charlie Gillmarten
3. Mike Taylor
3. Tommy Harrington
5. Barry Williams
5. Jon Essick
5. Becky Essick
5. David Collie
9. Jane Beharriell
9. Mike Conry
9. Bob Whitmore
9. Bob Roth
13. Allen Clem
13. Dave Strawson
DNF: Frank Thompson

(I plan on making a personalized account of this tournament with much more media, but here's the official story, for now)

Mission Hills Invitational

2009-03-17T08:31:00.001-07:00

Just one week after celebrating it's 20th anniversary with founders Pat Apple and Nancy Deupree, the Mission Hills Country Club in beautiful Palm Springs, California, hosted its annual Invitational tournament. Club President, Jim Butts, and his wife Phyllis worked tirelessly to make this one of the best invitationals in recent memory. The brilliant sunny days and temperatures in the 70s and 80s attracted snow birds from British Columbia, Idaho, Minnesota and New Hampshire to round out a very competitive yet fun-loving crew.
The second flight of waterford doubles was characterized by useful instruction and last second heroics. In several games, weaker players were ready to accept their games as lost until their partners encouraged them to “go ahead and try to hit that ball on the boundary.” Which they promptly did on several occasions. With such immaculate courts, anything is possible including the dramatic ending of one such game featuring the healthy and vibrant return of Nancy Feldman with doubles partner Toni Kemp versus Cindy Bagby and John Adams. With only seconds remaining, a two point deficit and serious deadness on the board, Toni made a point to stay nearby to help partner, in position at 2-back, rather than set up for a last chance at liveness. Nancy not only made her difficult wicket shot, but hit Toni's ball on the boundary and made an amazing roll; sending partner to 4-back while getting a rush on a ball near wicket 5 towards her current wicket, 3-back. Nancy ran around to the rover wicket, taking the lead by two, and grooming the court. Cindy was now faced with a 60 foot shot at a ball near corner one. Cindy casually mentioned “I've only got one chance” and managed to hit the ball while keeping it in! In order to prove the shot was not a fluke, Cindy performed a very nice full-roll around her wicket, number 5, from 50 feet away only to miss the 6 foot wicket shot. Donna Dixon proved to be the highlight of this doubles competition winning all four games to earn the title after winning no doubles games the previous year. Karen Comeau proved her 14 handicap unfitting of her skill in her second place performance while the spotlight shined on American Rules rookie Caren Sawyer. Under the kind tutilage of David Collins and Mohammad Kamal in Pasadena, Caren has developed into a wonderful shot maker in capturing the third place trophy in doubles.
The first flight of waterford doubles had some amazing match-ups with the top four seeds all at a -1 handicap. The strong play left a few players in the two on one situation after a break taken dangerously too far, and more than a few wins by 15 or more points. The final round featured a nationals caliber pairing with two teams, each with a combined handicap of -2. The results of that “showcase” game determined the overall victor as Jim Butts and Bill Hixon prevailed in a very well executed game over Paul Bennett and Rick Sheely 26 to 6. The 20 net points allowed Jim Butts to capture the doubles title over the previously perfect Paul Bennett. Aviv Katz was honored to take the third place trophy thanks to consistent play and a 13 point victory over fourth place finisher Barbara Mitchell in the third round.
Second flight singles featured the arrival of a mostly association rules player, Marvin Salles, abolishing his 13 handicap with a first place finish in the block and convincing playoff wins to remain atop the flight and winning the crown. Mission Hills was proud to welcome the aforementioned Caren Sawyer and her husband Eric to their first American rules tournament in which Eric beat out the lowest handicapped player in the flight to get to the semi-finals and eventually capture fourth place; not bad for a first timer. The true underdog story chronicled Jean Engebretson who was the 6 seed in the playoff ladder and scored a few key upsets to become a finalist. Jean's supportive husband, Dick Engebretson finished in third place.
With handicaps ranging from 3.5 to 7 the competitive first flight singles action featured many upsets with the top seeded player in the flight going winless in block play. Mission Hills' own Marty Ormsby, a 6 handicap when the tournament began, captured her block with a victory over undefeated Rich Schiller. With only 8 out of the 15 players making the playoff, there were no easy playoff games. Local favorite Phyllis Butts snuck into the ladder as the 8 seed but took off from there. Nursing a knee injury, Phyllis overcame mediocre block play and took out number one seed Marty Ormsby on her way to the final match and a second place finish. Despite being outnumbered, the Texans took control of the loser's bracket in Alamo fashion. Representing the Lone Star state was doubles champion Donna Dixon who was defeated by Lee Hamel. Lee eventually captured 3rd place shoring up a place for Texas in the singles ceremony as well.
Championship flight was a veritable who's who of West Coast croquet with 3 former U.S. team representatives and more than half of the field at a handicap of 1 or less. Block play went nearly to seed as the top four ranked players in each block made it to the 8 person playoff with a lurker “Sandy” Bob Van Tassell narrowly missing the last playoff spot. The sand-bagger was playing up as his 4.5 handicap does not encompass his skill on the lawn. “Sandy” Bob scored victories against the other low seeds in the block as well as an impressive 26-7 victory over the precocious Ben Rothman that featured nearly flawless play and impressively aggressive tactics from this new juggernaut. Mr. Van Tassell only missed the playoffs because of a head-to-head tie-breaker despite a 76 net point advantage over eventual 8 seed, Mike Orgill. This may be the last cut that Mr. Van Tassell misses for a long while. Friday morning began with 3 upsets in the first round of the playoffs. Whether it was the full moon rising or the drinks from the tournament dinner the night before, no one knows. Only top seeded Paul Bennet held his own against Mike Orgill, while two of the -1 handicaps were sent to the loser's bracket along with -2.5, Ben Rothman. Tennessee player Bill Martin took the honor of hitting in last turns after Rothman had just ran a break to the peg to get the lead by one. The self titled “Croquet Pro” sent his two balls off court in a croquet out leaving the danger ball a 24 yard shot from wicket five to two balls in corner 3. Martin roqueted the slightly closer ball into the other and managed to keep both balls in bounds. After tying the game, the man in white knickers made the most of the deadness to win by one point in the third rotation of last turns. Rick Sheely later defeated Wild Bill on his way to third place. Rick's shrewd strategy and his ability to stop a rolling ball with the snap of his fingers led him to both semi-finals. The good Dr. Sheely's only losses of the tournament were against the finalists. Young Ben made his way through the loser's bracket with four wins in a row to reach the finals against Paul Bennett. In the first of a possible two final games, a Chernobyl opening was slowly played out until Ben attacked into corner 3 from corner 4. Ben got the break going on that turn, but later missed an angled wicket shot at hoop 5. When Ben attempted to position his partner ball, Paul hit in and masterfully kept Ben dead for the majority of the game. Paul won the final after a few desperate 25 foot hoop shots that went awry for young Ben. In the end Paul managed to go completely undefeated through the entire tournament in singles. Paul's only loss was in the previously mentioned nationals calibre doubles game. Paul graciously accepted his trophies and honored many of the people responsible for such an excellent tournament including the generous Ellory McClatchy. Unbeknownst to Paul, a motion was made at the club's 20th anniversary celebration to rename the Mission Hills Invite as the Ellory McClatchy Invitational in the future. See you there next year!

Championship Singles:
1.Paul Bennett
2.Ben Rothman
3.Rick Sheely
4.Bill Martin
5.Ron Hendry
Jim Butts
7.Mike Orgill
Bill Hixon
9.Bob Van Tassell
10.Aviv Katz
11.Janet Hamilton
Len Lyon
13.Bill Hamilton
Bill Roche

First Flight Singles:
1.Rich Schiller
2.Phyllis Butts
3.Lee Hamel
4.Donna Dixon
5.Marty Ormsby
Mary Rodeberg
7.Becky Essick
Cindy Bagby
9.Bob Kays
Ruthie Windsor-Mann
11.John Adams
Peter Bach
Hope Harmon
14.Len Lyon
15.Biff Roche
16.Barbara Mitchell

Second Flight Singles:
1.Marvin Salles
2.Jean Engebretson
3.Dick Engebretson
4.Eric Sawyer
5.David Cartwright
Karen Comeau
Toni Kemp
8.Caren Sawyer

First Flight Waterford Doubles:
1.Jim Butts
2.Paul Bennett
3.Aviv Katz
4.Barbara Mitchell
5.Bill Hamilton
6.Mike Orgill
7.Ron Hendry
8.Bob Van Tassell
9.Rick Sheely
10.Bill Hixon
11.Jim Bonacci
12.Bill Martin

Second Flight Waterford Doubles:
1.Donna Dixon
2.Karen Comeau
3.Caren Sawyer
4.Nancy Feldman
5.David Cartwright
6.Cindy Bagby
7.Rich Schiller
8.Peter Bach
9.Eric Sawyer
10.Hope Harmon
11.Toni Kemp
12.Mary Rodeberg
13.Dick Engebretson
14.Frank Dixon
15.John Adams
16.Lee Hamel

My Advertising Pamphlet

2009-02-18T12:56:00.000-08:00

Here's a look at the promotional pamphlet I'm sending out around the country to promote clinics and lessons taught by yours truly.

The British Opens

2009-01-08T12:49:00.000-08:00

Heralded as "the most competitive tournament in the world" (Brian Cumming, national champion), the British Opens were my first experience in a major international tournament.

I traveled to Fairford (a town 45 minutes from Cheltenham) with Paul Bennet to stay with Ron's relatives on the cheap. Ron introduced us to his kind aunt and uncle and then sent Paul and I off to stay with his less than accommodating curmudgeon of an uncle who terrorized him as a child. Gee, thanks Ron.

Playing in the Opens was an eye opening experience, I was finally able to meet the juggernauts of the game (Fulford, Bamford, Mulliner, Death, etc.) whom I had heard and read so much about. David Maugham organized a creative opening round format; a swiss in which six wins or six losses decided whether you made the playoffs. The best players ended up with a difficult road as they continued winning, and those with losing records fought tooth and nail to get closer to that winning record and that chance at the best of three, single elimination knock out. The doubles was a simple best of three knockout.

Paul and I continued our fruitful partnership and started against Samir Patel (top 20 in the world and eventual singles finalist) and his partner Louise Bradforth. We played on a court with some character (about half of the courts had some unique rolls) and played a quick clean match winning +23, +26tp (my triple).

This put us up against compatriot Danny Huneycutt and David "the Goat" Goacher, known for his off-whites, slow pace, and unique technique. David bends at close to a right angle, rarely stalks the ball, plays with a very spread standard grip with his top hand hinging near his chest. He lines up his accurate shots with a few hundred casting swings and occasionally refuses to shoot; opting to back off, scratch himself, and line up once again. These antics proved great basis for drinking games late in the day as we watched David run patient breaks around in the twilight.

Our match was an epic four day encounter stopping and starting with rain delays and having to be pegged down several times in the rain and dark. Despite my very delayed (first peel after hoop 6) triple in the second game, Paul and I were defeated +25, -20 tp, +15tp (Danny's triple). Danny and the Goat (feel free to sing their name to the theme of Benny and the Jets) managed to scrape out some amazing victories only to be defeated by the heavily favored Fulford and Death in a best of 5 final. The last few rounds that Fulford and Death Played were quite interesting as Robert could not miss, hitting in 3rd or 4th turn nearly every game and leaving it to James to finish. Normally this would be entirely standard and boring, but Robert insisted that James not drink in the final rounds. James was markedly uncomfortable, and maybe it was just the pressure, but many speculated the sobriety was not helping his mental state.

The singles swiss was hard to organize (and David Maugham did an amazing job; taking a half hour or less to figure out each round of 40 pairings) but eliminated so called "dead games" which often occur when people know whether they have made the knock out or not and have to play their somewhat meaningless remaining games. The swiss was seeded to start with leaving #2 in the world against 17 year-old James LeMoignan, son of Tony LeMoignan who is an established world-class player from the Isle of Jersey. James had yet to play a top level tournament, and this was one of his first away from home. Tony had soberly told James not to expect to win any games, let alone against Fulford. After a failed sextuple and a failed quadruple peel, James managed to hit in and score a triple peel against #2 in the world! James went on to qualify for the knockout before Tony did. So much for Tony's preditction.

I started off with two quick losses to David Foulser and WCF persident David Openshaw -19tp and -3tp respectively. I managed to beat my former host, Ian Vincent +19, and take down a young upstart Chris Chambers +26dp. I had to face my compatriot Stewart Jackson, but I managed to dispatch him +17tp. Having worked my way to a winning record, my competition heated up. Now I faced #5 in the world James Death, who would go on to win the doubles title. James set up for the sextuple peel and I got extremely lucky and hit in. It would be pretty hard to build a break, so I set a nice leave giving James a 26 yard hit in chance. Wouldn't you know it, he hit in and got the sextuple peel anyways. I got lucky in that my next two opponents hit in first, but both missed shots after making hoop 1. I beat Martin Murray +25 and Tony LeMoignan +23. At 5-3 I had a chance to qualify without that stressful win or go home game.

I had to play Jack "Wicksy" Wicks, a 20 year-old kid who has been mentored a bit by Fulford. I played against him in the East Midlands where I managed two clean 6th turn triples. Wicksy hit in first and went around. I managed to hit in, but I couldn't get the break. Eventually I got that ball around and managed to get my three peels. The last peel was a straight rover, leaving me no shot on the wicket. Wicksy only got one hoop on the ensuing turn and set a leave. I calmed my nerves and hit in from 18 yards, but after making rover, I worried so much about getting my partner ball staked out, that I missed the 4 yard return roquet! Wicksy ran into trouble around hoop 6 leaving me one last chance. I watched as my 42 foot shot stayed on line and hit, dead center. I had two balls for the peg while he was for hoop 6 and penultimate. My partner ball was near corner two, nd I couldn't get a rush on it to peg out. I set one last leave, but Wicksy hit in as well. He managed to get his double peel and win by 2. I recovered poorly, missing a few easy hoops in a 24 point loss to Ian "Digger" Burridge.

That woke me up. I had to play Sam Tudor in a game to go. We were both 5-5, so this game decided one of the last spots in the playoff. We were on the showcase court right in front of the clubhouse at the end of the day. There was quite a crowd to watch us young guns go at it. I went East of hoop 4, while Sam played the Duffer tice. Knowing I needed to focus, I shut out the peanut gallery and hit the 18 yarder. I managed to turn it into a third turn break around, giving Sam the 3 ducks leave. He missed, and in front of some o fthe best players I've met, in a win or go home situation, I ran the second 5th turn triple of my career.

We Americans did well, with Danny and Paul qualifying in only 10 games and David Bent qualifying in a nail biting game against his doubles partner Ron Lloyd. I've been told that there had never been four Americans in the Opens Knockout. We didn't get much furthur than that.
I went down -17tp, -26tp to Mark Avery; Danny lost to Robin Brown; David lost to David Maugham; Paul did the best, losing in three games to Jonothan Kirby.

There were two separate consolation events: an official plate and a Z-event to allow people to play as much as they would like. I was able to win a few games in the plate, but was knocked out by Richard Jenkins by way of a triple. In a few extra games I managed my first tpo. When it came to the semi-final, there was a bit of uproar over the random top four seeds. The random seeding put Robert Fulford and Reg Bamford in the same half and up against eachother in the best of five semi-final. I really wanted to watch the match, as did my opponent Peter Trimmer. I was glad to allow him time to watch as I got my third ever 5th turn triple. We were able to watch the most impressive display on a croquet court I could have imagined.

Reg played first, and missed the third shot. Robert hit on fourth turn, set the sextuple leave, and ran a 6th turn sextuple for game one. Reg only missed two shots, one of which was 28 yards or so. In game two Robert played first, hit third turn and got a 5th turn triple. Reg only missed one shot. Game three was a repeat of game one, except Robert also hit on second turn and spread the balls out. All in all, Robert beat #3 in the world allowing him only 5 shots, 2 of which were tea lady shots. Robert went on to win against Samir Patel in the final. I was knocked out of the Z-event by a sextuple, meaning of the three events (the knockout, plate, and z-event) I was knocked out by three triples and a sextuple. At least my opponents had to perform to beat me.

I left England a few grade and index points ahead, a U.S. team event and a major WCF event under my belt, and a 23-18 record. It was an amazing adventure and I feel it was a formative time in my croquet life.

Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Brits?

2009-01-07T12:48:00.000-08:00

Our Solomon Trophy test match started as a MacRobertson Shield format with 6 players per team, each player playing 2 singles matches (best of 3) and the three doubles teams playing each of the other three teams. The doubles partnerships fell into place for us as Ron and David had played together before and Paul and I had played often in the West, leaving Danny and Stewart as our best ranked team.

[I get a bit verbose here, reporting the first few rounds in detail. This only attests to the excitement in play, while many games were triples to form, some had amazing back an forth and a few had 6 (or more) peels.]

(The bowler turned US croquet player
topiary was named George Bush)

We started with a bit of ceremony and a day of doubles matchups. Ron and David were quickly overpowered (possibly thanks to their late arrival and lost bag) by Jonathan Kirby and Ian Lines with two +26tp games, impressive. Danny and Stewart fared slightly better, but only slightly. Ian "digger" Burridge and David Maugham won with a +25tp, +26tp match. Meaning Danny and Stewart got a wicket! Paul and I were matched up with Keith Aiton and Tony LeMoignan who dispatched with us +26tp on the fifth turn of the first game. We didn't get to take croquet. In the second game, Paul failed to hit on third turn and Tony hit a 20 yarder to get going, but he missed 3-back! Paul took the first break around and while I failed ot get any peels, Keith missed the hit in allowing Paul to finish a +18 game putting the Yanks on the board! With our spirits high, we watched an instant replay of the first game as Keith ran another fiifth turn triple for the +26tp win in which we did not take croquet.

(These four beautiful courts were immaculate
and fast, thanks to Paul Rigg)

After round one we were 0-3 in matches 1-6 in games and 27-156 in wickets. Ouch.
Round two saw Burridge and Maugham beat up on Ron and David, but Ron did take a nice 9 hoop break around bringing the scores to +26tp, +17tp. Danny and Stewart took a game off of Keith and Tony but still lost +26tp, -26, +17.
In our match against Kirby and Lines, Paul played the archtypal hero. In the first game, Paul hit in on fourth turn only to miss wicket 2. After Kirby ran a beautiful break, Linesy missed a hampered shot after just dribbling through wicket 6. Paul took his ball around to 4-back and willed Jonathan to miss for me. I was working on a delayed triple, getting the first peel before wicket 6, but only jawsing the penultimate peel before making 4-back. I failed to get Paul into peeling position at rover and asked if he minded me trying a post-humous peel (peeling rover after I had already made the wicket myself). Paul replied, "I don't see why not." Only to watch me jaws the peel and follow with, "I guess that's why not." I spread the balls out and staked out my ball (in retrospect, a bad decision since they were both for wickets that allowed us balk line lifts). After hitting in, they set a nice leave and Paul was playing one-legged. Paul decided to put his hero hat on and hit a 21 yarder; but alas, after making rover, he had no shot on any ball (hampered). Paul decided to go for the peg from 7 yards, through the wicket. Sure enough, he hit giving us the +11 victory. The second game was quite defensive with the first three hit in's resulting in only two wickets, but I was able to set a trap and make my way to 4-back. After the missed lift shot, Paul ran a form delayed triple until he was left with a horribly angled peel at rover. Having yet to hit the near ball at rover, Paul decided to try an Aspinall peel (while jawsing peelee, one lats the sriker ball roll cannon the ball through on the same shot) that Jim Bast had showed us the day before. It worked wonders and Paul secured our first match +11, +25tp!

We all enjoyed a wonderful cookout at David Maugham's house in and the brits offered to change the format. We were so ahead of schedule we could play best of 5 singles matches or each have three best of 3 matches. After a bit of back and forth about what served us best (trying to win the test match or playing more games and developing) we decided to each play three singles matches.

Our first singles matches had some predictable results as the British team had much more depth. The lowest ranked Brit (Burridge) was ranked #38 in the world (our best, Danny, was #42) while our lowest ranked player (Ron) was #90.
Paul put up a great fight, but lost -10tpo, +24tp, -8tpo to Tony. Digger had a straight triple in game tow beating David +3tp, +23stp. Jonathan Kirby didn't give Ron much to play with winning +25, +26tp. Stewart had a close one with Linesy, but lost +26tp, +9. My match against David "the Beast" Maugham started well as I managed a very delayed triple +25tp. After ruining my first break chance in game two he decided to Popp (peel me through 1 and 2) my ball in the so I was for hoops 3 and 4, very small chance of getting a triple. It proved overkill as I missed the lift shot and he finished +21tp. In the third game he tried to sextuple, but only missed 3-back after getting four peels. I took a ball around only to watch him hit in and win in two turns, -25tp, +21tp, +17. Danny proved to be the best prepared as he battled with Keith (#4 in the world at the time) and won +13, -6tp, +25tp!

(The Solomon Trophy with our mascots)

Danny continued to take down giants. He played in a near perfect match against the Beast -26tp, +26tp, +26tp as well as taking down Linesy -17tp, +17tp, +25 for a perfect 3-0 record! Paul, Ron, and David were all defeated, while David got a nicce +26tp victory over Tony LeMoignan.
Keith rebounded from his loss to Danny by beating up on me +11tpo, +26tp. My last match against Ian was most unusual.
In the first game, I managed to take the first break around only to watch him hit in and do the same. His second break didn't go so well as he missed position at 2, and after getting it going again he could not get any peels. After a missed lift shot he managed to blob 4-back! I could either play the front ball with an easy break to the peg or play a leave for the back ball. I chose to go to the peg, but he hit the leave and pegged two balls out. Now it was 1v1 with him for 4-back while I was for hoop 1. He actually managed to make 4-back before I made hoop 1, but he had to be careful making punultimate with me around wickets 2 and 3. I managed to get nice close position at 3 as he "deemed" (passed) in corner 2. I decided to be coy and I played into the jaws, then more than halfway through the jaws at three while he waited in corner 2, deeming all the while. I was able to "turn the corner" with three well played shots; making 3 while setting up at 4, making 4, and getting decent position at 5 all in one turn. As I prepared to do the same through 5 and 6, I got him to shoot at me in the jaws at 5. When I eventually set up at 1-back he played to the middle of the north boundary, only 10 yards away! Just the opportunity I was waiting for. Of course, I missed him, allowing him to make penultimate, put me back on th enorth boundary and get position at rover. I had no play but to hit him, now 24 yards away, so I did. I got poition at 1-back and he went back in front of rover. With no margin for error, I made 1-back, hit the 9 yarder I had at him, and ran the sloppiest 2-ball break around to penultimate. I had no rush to rover, so I took off and made rover and escaped to the East boundary. He took position at rover and I could play north of the peg, or shoot at him... I hit him from 13 yards and won, having overcome a 10 hoop deficit in one-ball.
The second game was much more ordinary. I was able to run around on the third turn (three-ball breaks are much easier than two ball breaks, let me tell you). And he missed the lift shot at my three ducks-in-a-row. While I braved multiple heavy downpours, I managed to get my three peels and as I rounded 4-back, a camera crew arrived and was taping me. Not wanting to bore them with ordinary footage, I put my first ever 5th turn triple at risk by just barely running penultimate and having to get Danny to ref a 5 yard sweep shot. I thought, "Just great, the Brits can watch me miss on the news." Thankfully I hit and finished the triple giving me a +2, +26tp victory over #7 in the World.

(The British team, left to right: Ian Lines,
David Maugham, Tony LeMoignan, Ian Burridge,
Jonathan Kirby, Keith Aiton and officiant Colin Irwin)

Meanwhile, Stewart had the most eventful matches against the Beast and Keith. David Maugham showed Stewart Fulford-like perfection with a +26 sxp, +16tp victory. As the matches finished and an actual crowd appeared, Stewart had to take on Keith Aiton. In a scrappy game 1, Stewart gave us something to cheer for with a +19 win over #4 in the world. But Keith took charge with a delayed sextuple ending with a straight triple (rush peeling through 4-back after making 3-back). Stewart started out well in game three, but missed 3-back. Just when we thought we'd seen it all, Keith started the third game with a very wierd play, double loading 3. We all wondered if he would try a quadruple peel out, but Danny said, "Uh-oh, he's gonna do an octuple!" Sure enough, we five Americans sat together watching a near perfect octuple which ended up ahead of Keith's sextuple as he peeled penultimate on the way to 4-back. As Keith pegged out we five students of the game, lead by our team captain, Danny Huneycutt, walked out to the bounadary string and bowed to the master.

While we lost the match 21-6, we played well and learned a lot. We also gained a new US team supporter, a British defecter:

(Our newest fan)

Croquet Calendar

2009-01-06T18:00:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to create a comprehensive calendar of North American croquet events. I would love to have it as an open forum for people to post and edit and 9-wicket, American, Association, or Golf Croquet tournaments.
I have had trouble in the past finding out which tournaments are overlapping or how I could travel to an area once and play in more than one tournament. Hopefully this helps croquet players to better organize their schedule.
Nothing against the USCA's list or Stuart Lawrences schedule or even the Croquet Calendar, but Something that includes all events might be helpful to all players.
With that in mind, check out this Google Calendar.
Or just scroll down as I embedded it at the bottom of this blog.

Finding my way to Manchester

2008-12-12T10:52:00.000-08:00

As I rapidly approached Manchester with no lodging or means of transportation, I looked over my options and my phonebook. While David graciously offered to host me until the rest of the team assembled, I found a plan C. My good friend Patrick had studied for a semester at the University of Manchester and was going to be in town visiting. I had planned on going out to some pubs with him, but maybe I could make that tonight. Borrowing David's cell phone, I got ahold of him and found that he was going to a concert at the Old Trafford Cricket Pitch. I would meet him there and either get into the show or wait at a nearby pub.

When I got to the stadium, the tickets were 45 pounds ($90). This was not quite in my budget, but I decided to at least ask who the band was. To my delight it was one of my favourite British bands, Radiohead! I talked my way through security with my 60 pound duffel bag and collapsed in a seat. I managed to talk a girl into texting my friend and we met up after the show. We roamed aroung Manchester that night, pub hopping and I crashed on the floor in his friend's house (I never managed to meet the friend, but I was in and out within 7 hours).
The next day, I took public transport to Heaton Park and walked around until I found the courts where Paul Bennet was practicing. I hit around for a few hours, and we met a few locals including Paul Rigg who was working tirelessly to get the courts perfect and publicize the match.

Paul had already heard about my plate win in Nottingham and wanted Paul and I to do an early radio interview at the BBC the next day. Danny Huneycutt came by to practice and Paul Bennett helped me to find the hotel that I was apparently sharing with Ron and David. While I couldn't get ahold of Ron, I did find that the reservation was only for two, as no hotel rooms are suited for three people. Curious. I also found that Ron and David had called the hotel to say that their flight was delayed and they wouldn't be in that night, news to us! I ended up staying with Paul, and after an attempted move the next day, I realized that I was much better off on Paul's trundle bed than on the floor in Ron and David's room.
The next morning, Mr. Rigg took Paul and I into downtown Manchester to talk for about 2 minutes about croquet on air while being questioned about their topic of the day, customer service. Not the best publicity, but better that we can get in the states. Ron and David arrived, but without all of their bags or mallets. Now that our team was in place, finally we could start to focus on croquet.

Courtside Chat with Bob Alman

2008-12-08T18:07:00.000-08:00

Bob has posted his interview with me on his website:
http://croquetworld.com/People/rothman.asp

Jolly Olde England: The East Midlands

2008-11-21T12:58:00.000-08:00

My first stop on my English tour was the East Midlands Championships in Nottingham.
I arrived in one piece after a daunting day long commute including:

5:30 am departure from Southwest Harbor, ME to the bus station in Bangor, ME
6 hour bus trip to Logan airport in Boston with a layover in Portland, ME
Commuting flight to Newark International Airport
Red-Eye flight into Birmingham, England with a time change and 4 hours to sleep
2 hour Train to Nottingham in a foreign country with a huge duffel bag
Bus to the tennis center which was a short walk from the Nottingham Courts (12 pm)

After a few hours of blurry eyed play with no company but the few local ladies who showed me where I could change and on which court I could play, I finally met my host and tournament director Dr. Ian Vincent. For those of you who do not know, Ian has been a staple of the Croquet Association committees and created and manages the Nottingham Board, the quintessential croquet mailing list. I met a few locals and players warming up, but I spent most of my time playing with Kieth Aiton. Kieth was number four in the world and one of the best Scottish players who was extremely informative and willing to talk about the finer points despite the fact that I would be playing against him in the Solomon Trophy. I managed to beat him 7-0 in golf croquet which he rarely plays and then I got skunked in return 26-0 in the Association game that followed. Kieth did not play the East Midlands, but he did show up to watch and add to the peanut gallery throughout the weekend.
When Ian had finished his tournament preparation and squared away some club business, we left. I had my first meal in a pub and was intrigued with Ian's commitment to bell ringing at a local church that night. While the bells were loud and the precise orchestration of the ringers was interesting I could not help but drift in and out of consciousness during the practice session. When we got to Ian's house I excused myself with a mumble and while it was still light out at 8 pm I passed out for 11 hours.

Nottingham had five very nice courts that were about the same speed as American courts but because they were a clay/dirt base, the hoops were more difficult (at one point, I tried a death roll peel and while I was standing three feet back from the hoop, I had to jump to avoid the rejected ball). The thing that most impressed me with this regional tournament that had more depth than any American tournament I've played in, was the variety of grips and swings. In the USCA one sees a few players with their hands spread apart and a few players using the Irish grip, but most people have hands close together, near the top of the mallet with a standard or Solomon grip. At this one tournament I saw one of the best shooters in the game with an incredibly wristy, off center swing, a top player who hits every shot side saddle, and a new player with a 46 inch mallet and a casting swing that arced about 200 degrees (from straight back to head height in his follow through). All of these methods were employed with brilliance as the players were in the top 200.
I managed to get knocked out of the draw and process in two games against Ian Vincent and Robin Brown, but I rallied and managed to beat Jack "Wicksy" Wicks with two 6th turn triple peels on the way to winning the Plate (consolation) event. In the main event, David Maugham went undefeated and advanced to both finals against Marcus Evans and Robin Brown. David won both games and the tournament with a ridiculous 9-0 record with 8 triple peels! This was my introduction to Mr. Maugham whom I would be playing the next week in Manchester. Can you say intimidation?
One of the great traditions of English croquet encouraged the victor to buy a round of drinks after each game. The club had an ale on tap and several bottles of beer and cider, and even those in the running for the championship partook quite often. A few strategic players brought their own cases of beer or quarts of cider in preparation for the long days of drinking. Each night after play, Dr. Vincent and I went out to a nice pub with good vegetarian food (a pleasant surprise) and shared croquet stories with Martin French and a few other seasoned veterans.
While two of my compatriots, Jim Bast and Jim Butts, were at this tournament, neither were going to the part of Manchester that I was, so I got a ride with David Maugham who was heading home on Sunday. I had arranged to stay with Ron Lloyd and David Bent while in Manchester, and I called them to find out where they were while I was traversing the English countryside. Ron answered quickly and told me that they were flying in Monday, whoops. I now rode into Manchester realizing I had nowhere to stay and no way to meet up with my team...

Video of Me Running a 3rd Turn Break

2008-11-13T18:28:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Bob Kroeger for his handiwork in making this video. This was my second game against Leo McBride on Saturday of the Selection Eights at the National Croquet Center. I started the game, obviously, and put out the supershot (a ball 3-5 yards S or SW of the Peg and Leo shot just south of the 2nd corner (the idea being that if I miss in the second corner, he gets a double target, and if I hit I have a big roll shot to start the break) I hit the 13 yarder, and managed to get the break going with a ball swap. This is the perfect beginning of a game, despite the fact that I did not finish the game as well. I ran the break in the video to 4 back and set a conservative diagonal spread leave instead of the more aggressive 3 ducks leave. I failed to get the second break around, but I ended up winning the game 26-9. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEawcH3zpzI

2008 Season: Pre-England

2008-11-13T15:09:00.000-08:00

Because I had neglected to play much in 2007, I did not make the Solomon Team. I was in the top eight players who made themselves available, but I did not get onto the group of six that actually compete in the event. I was our first alternate. Not to be discouraged, I justified the idea of traveling to England to play in several other tournaments to boost my resume with some high level international competition abroad. I found the East Midlands Championships (essentially a regional tournament) in Nottingham the week before the Solomon Trophy was to be played in Manchester. I decided to finish my trip by trying to enter the most competitive tournament in the world, arguably; the British Open in Cheltenham.

In the coming months I committed myself to a few tournaments while building the idea of England in my head. I had not booked flights or committed myself to the idea, but I was about 80% emotionally invested. It was not until late February when Doug Grimsley, former national champion and long time juggernaut in American croquet, told me that he would be unable to travel to England. Doug cited his new career choice and a busy summer schedule as well as the fact that he had played in England many times before as his deciding factors for turning down the Solomon Trophy spot. I could barely contain my excitement. I told myself that this was not yet final, Doug had not yet informed the selectors or the team members of this decision, but I could not help but begin to plan my first international excursion. I re-committed myself to all things croquet setting up a season unrivaled in it's variety and sheer frequency of play. I managed five Association Laws tournaments (North Carolina Open, Internationals, North American Open, the inaugural Rocky Mountain Invitational, and the Aboyne Open) as well as five American rules contests (Palm Beach Invitational, Arizona Open, Mission Hills Invitational, Peachwood Classic, Berkshires Invitational) before setting off for England.

My final preparation was three weeks of instruction and practice in Maine, where I first learned to play croquet. The wonderful new court at the Woodlawn museum became my full size practice stage while my uncle Larry Stettner's half court was my strategic sketch pad as I tried sextuple peels and triples and straight double peels to refine my old ways and learn new tactics. Before I knew it, June was a memory and I was headed across the pond and into the lion's den.

A Whole New World

2008-11-13T15:01:00.000-08:00

My involvement in International or Association Laws croquet begins with Mike Orgill, Reuben Edwards, Karen Collingwood, and Martyn Selman. These steadfast rocks of west coast croquet managed to intrigue me with their preferred version of the game that did not involve those silly deadness boards. Having played a version of 9-wicket without carry-over deadness, I thought the strategy for this new game would come naturally.
Boy was I wrong.

Having a bit of break theory under my belt allowed me to play the Association game with an aggressive fervor I had only experienced in the last two minutes in the other flavors of croquet. I instantly enjoyed the freedom that comes with playing either ball and the clean slate philosophy that accompanies such a broad spectrum of possibilities. I learned to truly shake off the poor execution and bad planning from the last turns and focus on the situation at hand. It took all of my concentration to see even the simplest possibilities and to wrap my head around out of sequence play. Those first few years I would only play the North American Open tournament, which had a limited amount of entries. It took me a few years to truly understand the basic points about setting leaves and traps that stifle the opponent. In those fledgeling days, I barely managed the ten games annually which were the minimum necessary for a current world ranking.

I have been honored to join in the Selection 8's tournament whenever they will have me. The Selection 8's tournament is a format we have borrowed from the Brits primarily for it's convenient structure and applicability to international competition. In test matches between countries, six players and two alternates will make up a team. It is essential for the selection committee to be well informed as to these eight players' relative skill against each other. The marvelous event is a showcase for North American croquet which allows for lots of high-level competition and serves as a proving ground for developing players. I have yet to win any eight, but I have come to appreciate defending my assignment in certain groups. If I can win half of my games, I feel I have earned my place in that select group. After managing to tie for second in the hotly contested second eight (spots 9-16) in October of 2007 I was honored to be considered for our Solomon team in 2008. However, I did not make the cut. More on that later...

Origins

2008-11-13T14:46:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, I grew up in the East San Francisco Bay Area, where I still reside when I'm not away playing croquet. Sometime around 1994, my eccentric uncle started visiting each spring to play in the San Francisco Open tournament. He wore all white, and spent most of his time playing this odd game that I only knew from Alice and Wonderland. Thus was my introduction to croquet.

I started my career in croquet keeping the dead board for my Uncle Larry at those San Francisco Opens. In between games I would occasionally hit balls on the sidelines of the court, trying not to create too many divots. Eventually, I traveled with my family to visit my Uncle in Maine during the summer. He had built a nice little half-size court to play on and he started me out playing 9-wicket croquet, Claremont style. It was so painful to watch me play, that my uncle spent more than a few of my matches pacing the porch over-looking the court. Once, Larry even spent the majority of my match sitting in a tree, hiding behind the branches to cringe at my strategic choices.

After a few years of wide wickets and no carry over deadness, Larry introduced me to 6-wicket American Rules Croquet. My cousin and I entered the 1996 New England Regionals in sunny Newport, Rhode Island. In the sweltering heat, my cousin and I won our 3rd Flight doubles and took first and second in singles despite our many horrible choices and thanks to even more lucky shots. I met many wonderful players in our few years playing in Newport and as I encounter them these days I hear more and more embarrassing stories that I had repressed.

My first big success came in 1999. I had moved into the 2nd flight in the two American Rules tournaments that I played (the San Francisco Open and the New England Regionals) and I finally won our quaint 9-wicket tournament. The Claremont Croquet Classic, established in 1975, has been billed as the all Maine State 9-Wicket Championship, but is usually a mix of locals and long time visitors to Maine who play croquet once a year. The field for the tournament had weakened considerably since my Uncle stopped competing in the singles. Having won in 1996 and 1997 (nearly uncontested in the latter) and recognizing the relative lack of competition, he vowed to stay out of singles until the rest of us caught up. I had caught up.

The next 5 years resulted in a series of grudge matches between Larry and me in the Claremont finals. I managed to take the first contest, matching the best winning streak and vowing to break the record with three championships in a row. In 2001 Larry capitalized on one critical mistake and took control late in the game. I never had another chance to hit a ball. In the following years, I played more on the west coast and learned the Association Laws game and began to dominate the amateur field for the classic. Larry continued to play strong but I edged him out in 2002 and 2003, becoming the first person to have two separate back-to-back wins.

During this time Michael Quarters, Larry’s grandson, and I took hold of the doubles competition and won two championships in a row in 2001 and 2002. Sadly, Larry decided to end the dream team and break up our partnership, but Mike became a strong force in the singles half as well.

Then my chance arrived. Three years later, I had another chance at the unprecedented threepeat at the Claremont. Both Larry and I had to watch for Mike, waiting in the wings. Mike played an awesome tournament, but lost to Larry and fought to play me in the semi-final. Had it not been for Larry and I, he might have had 2 or 3 championships in a row himself. The final match came and I managed to prove that Larry was a great teacher as I won handily. I retired from singles with the threepeat and Larry decided to lay in wait once again, until the field caught up to his skill set.

My First Post

2008-11-13T14:13:00.000-08:00

And now I'm a blogger...

I thought I should take this opportunity to welcome you (whoever you are) to my thoughts and diatribes which will be mainly focused on croquet. I have a few goals for this platform (or soapbox) from which I type: I hope to provide a way for my curious friends and family to follow me in my travels and tournament experiences. I would love to promote tournament croquet to new players or people who play in the backyard. Lastly, I want this to be a useful resource to current players who want to fine tune their game or learn about new venues and tournaments.

I'm not sure how to effectively organize this site so bear with me when I decide to scrap it and rebuild. Please feel free to email me questions or concerns or post comments to the entries.