Croquet at Hamptworth
Croquet is a highly competitive, tactical game; it needs the imagination to think of the right shot to play, as well as the precise execution of the stroke employed.
Croquet is played all over the world; the senior nations are the Brits, Australia and NZ, the USA and the Egyptians, who dominate Golf Croquet. There are international matches held annually and world individual and team championships every three or four years.
In the UK there are around a hundred clubs, which vary from small single lawn clubs to large outfits with a dozen. Each year there are Regional championships and the Open championship along with a host of other events for folk of any ability. There is a handicap system operated in both codes to allow players of different abilities to enjoy a game. There is also a National and World, ranking system in place for those who may enjoy a bit of competition, but, there’s not a lot of prize money at stake!
Hamptworth has two fine full size lawns and an active membership of around sixty players. The club runs internal competitions for both Golf Croquet and the Association game, as well as jointly hosting one of the CA listed events in the summer, regular end of the month weekend competitions are held through the winter months.
There are around 175 different competitions held around the country, in some beautiful locations, which as a member you have access to, they cater for all levels of players. The club is affiliated to the Croquet Association and enters teams in the National competitions and Regional leagues.
The competitions open to CA members are extraordinarily varied, if you fancy a weekend at the Hurlingham Club, a trip to Wrest Park, or a day out in Edinburgh all are available. If you would like to travel further there are clubs in several of the European countries, which hold annual events, not to forget sunny Florida. One thing that’s guaranteed is you’ll be made very welcome at any venue.
Croquet is one of the few games where ladies and gents, young and old can compete on an even footing. There are two forms of the game, Association is the more established and complicated form, Golf Croquet a newer form of the game, which is easier to learn.
Golf Croquet is simple to pick up, the first player to score 7 hoops wins, the Association Croquet version is more difficult to learn, involving break building, as in snooker. Both forms of the game involve physical dexterity, the ability to hit a ball to where you want it to go is always handy, and a huge element of tactical awareness.
Please Click on the links below to learn more about each game:
Association Croquet
Golf Croquet
Advice and coaching, as well as basic equipment is provided free of charge. The membership of the club includes players ranked in the world top 100, as well as others who simply enjoy the fresh air, we cater for all.