USCA Tournament News

Bald Head Island Invitational Won by Audrey Wille

by Dick Johnston

The 20th Bald Head Island Croquet Club Invitational was held from May 28th through June 3rd under sunny skies … at least until Saturday night and Sunday! The first heavy rain in several months came on Saturday night and Sunday and the schedule was compressed to allow finals to be completed on Saturday afternoon.

The social events in member homes, the newly renovated Bald Head Club and other locations were all a great success capped by the traditional “Gala in White”. The courts were in good shape and everyone competed with high energy in three flights of Singles and Waterford Doubles.

The winner of Championship Flight Singles was Audrey Wille, the first female to win Championship Flight in tournament history!

Ron Lloyd placed second after going undefeated until the finals match, and John Knott was a strong third. The team of Billie Jean Berne and Ron Lloyd edged Audrey Wille and Bill Berne in Doubles.

Skip Babcock won First Flight Singles followed by Chris Christian in second. Conrad Haas was a strong third having won all his matches until a close semifinals loss. Marie Haas and John Knott captured doubles with a close win over Chris Christian and Avril Nicholson.

Keppy Babcock completed a family sweep with a win in Second Flight over Mike Conry who had a strong record leading to his second place spot. Bob Porter was third in flight. The Doubles was won by Judy Porter and Dave Strawson with a very close win over Mike Conry and Brenda Quanstrom.

Finishing Order