The 16th annual Palm Beach County Summer Golf Croquet League came to a conclusion Aug.13 at the National Croquet Center. For six weeks, 52 teams competed Tuesday and Wednesday evenings playing golf croquet, an alternating single-shot version of the game that is quite easy to learn and play.
Teams from around Palm Beach County participated, formed by families, friends and business associates. The players were male and female, ranging in age from 10 to 85. Many of the entrants were croquet beginners. If you did not get a chance to be a part of the fun this year, don’t miss out next summer.
The summer league takes place each year at the National Croquet Center beginning in July, with practice sessions and lessons for players throughout June. In games of friendly competition, but mostly for fun, participants play one day a week for five weeks, followed by week six’s final games and an awards presentation. Dinner is available each night of the league in the Clubhouse Restaurant.
Part of the fun is choosing a fun, creative team name. In this year’s championship block final, Tuesday’s PS Wickets team defeated Wednesday’s Holy Rollers team by a score of 6 to 5. The Rameys team prevailed over the Sitting Ducks team by a score of 7 to 5 in the social block final match. And Just Us/Gilded Age won the beginners block by beating the Swingers team with a score of 7 to 4.
Special recognition awards were announced in the following categories: Team Spirit: Pink Ladies; Youngest Player: Trumpettes (Julia Foley); Team Style: Wicket Girls; Rookie Team of the Year: Martini Mallets; Best New Team Name: Wicket & Click It; and Sportsmanship: Just Us/Gilded Age.
The National Croquet Club offers free lessons every Saturday morning for anyone interested in learning croquet. Reservations are required.
The National Croquet Center is located at 700 Florida Mango Road in West Palm Beach. For more information, lesson sign-up, dining reservations, or to inquire about catering or holding an event at the facility, call (561) 478-2300, or visit www.croquetnational.com.
