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Submitted Photo Front row seated left to right, Michael Albert – First Vice-President/United States Croquet Association (Cedar Creek) Kathie Gamble – Chairman for 2022 GC National Tourn. (Trillium) Lynda Fuchs – Highlands Falls Venue Manager and Jochen Lucke – President of Silver Creek Realty, sponsor of GC National Tournament (CCSV and Cullasaja). Middle row seated left to right, Sherif Abdelwahab (Wildcat Cliffs) Don Eastman (Highlands Falls) Dawn Jupin (Chattooga) Barbara Jamison (Trillium) Ellen Nielson
The United States Croquet Association will stage the 2022 National Championships at High Hampton, the Chattooga Club, Country Club of Sapphire Valley, and Highlands Falls Country Club on May 15 – 22, 2022. The event will feature the top players from across the United States and Canada competing for the national singles and doubles title in Golf Croquet.
Tournament croquet started on the plateau over 30 years ago with the establishment of the lawns at the Chattooga Club. The area is now home to 13 croquet facilities and thousands of active participants play this tactical outdoor game that is enjoyed in open competition by men and women. A tournament regulation court is 105 feet long and 84 feet wide and as near to perfectly flat as possible. Typically the rigid steel hoops are set with only a 1/64 inch clearance for the 3 5/8 inch ball to score.
A total of 64 players have qualified to participate from the six USCA Regions, past champions and top performers. The USCA is proud to bring the event to this area.
Returning players include:
• Matthew Essick (24 yrs) 2021 Champion, AC 2020 World Championship Runner-up from Lexington NC;
• Sherif Abdelwahab (teaching pro from West Palm Beach / Wildcat Cliffs – Highlands)2017, 2018, 2019 Champion and Hall of Fame Member; and
• Dr. M Kamal (Pasadena, CA) 2009, 2007, 1999 Champion and Hall of Fame Member.
This tournament is supported with sponsorship by Silver Creek Real Estate Group (major tournament and presenting sponsor), PFC Hoopmaker Mallets (event equipment sponsor and attendee from Australia), and Peachtree Hills Place Croquet Club, Atlanta (event sponsor and development partner of the USCA).
“Their commitment and support have elevated this event to be the most prestigious on the USCA calendar for 2022. The combination of sponsor interest, local croquet player support, and superb venues in this region has made the Cashiers / Highlands area the national focus for this growing sport.” said Damon Bidencope, USCA President.
Spectators can watch the play at any of the four host venues during the week Monday, May 16 through Sunday, May 22. There is no charge for admission, spectators are requested to carpool when possible and bring their own camp chairs, as seating is limited, and bring water as beverage service will not be available at the lawns to the public.
The mission of the USCA is to promote the awareness, development and enjoyment of Croquet in America, providing resources and governance for the sport at all levels. Through USCA membership croquet players and approximately 300 clubs across the country support the organization to further these shared goals and promote the sport and healthy lifestyle. The largely volunteer association through its comprehensive committee structure provides education, instructional schools, court construction information, a calendar of events across the US, and maintains a small headquarter staff.
Information is available at www.croquetamerica.com.