What A Year!

On behalf of the entire USCA Management Committee, thank you for participating!

Here are the Clubs who sent in photos, videos, and their stories.

(in random order)

Ponte Vedra Croquet Club – On Saturday, June 6th, the Ponte Vedra Croquet Club celebrated National Croquet Day dressed in their most patriotic red, white, and blues!

The Club chose the theme of Education and cycled its members through learning the game of Nine Wicket Croquet on the back lawns, while other members continued to play their golf croquet games on the front lawns. Very few members had ever played Nine Wicket Croquet, but they recognized the similarity to childhood backyard croquet with much more strategy involved. Everyone had a good time, and there will probably be more of these games played.

There was an amazing pot luck lunch at noon for all to enjoy. No one goes hungry at Ponte Vedra Croquet Club!

In keeping with the theme of education, the social members have begun a "Chat Croquet" game on Thursday mornings. At these games, members are encouraged to discuss strategy, try different approaches and shots, and can even get a "do-over" to build confidence.

Ponte Vedra Croquet Club is located in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. Contact is MaryCarol Stearns, mstearns2@bellsouth.net

WINNER IN THE EDUCATION CATEGORY

Milwaukee Croquet Club – National Croquet Day Brings Community Together at Milwaukee Croquet Club. June 6, 2026 was officially proclaimed Milwaukee County Croquet Day.



The Milwaukee Croquet Club celebrated National Croquet Day on June 6 with a vibrant and memorable gathering that reflected the very best of the sport and the values promoted by the United States Croquet Association. On a beautiful June day, members, guests and newcomers came together to enjoy friendly competition, fellowship and the simple pleasure of spending time on the lawns.

Adding a colorful twist to tradition, participants were invited to leave their customary whites at home and instead wear the color of their favorite croquet ball. The result was a lively display of reds, blues, blacks, yellows, greens, and pinks that perfectly captured the spirit of fun, creativity, and inclusion that defined the day.

Throughout the event, members enjoyed informal pick-up games that encouraged players of all experience levels to mix, meet new friends, and strengthen existing relationships. Newcomers to the sport received lessons from experienced club members, providing an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of croquet in a welcoming and supportive environment. These efforts highlighted the club’s commitment to education, participation, and promoting croquet as a lifelong activity that supports healthy, active living.

An obstacle course added another dimension of fun, challenging participants to test their skills while sharing plenty of laughter and encouragement. The activity demonstrated that croquet can be both competitive and playful, making it accessible and enjoyable for people of all ages and abilities.

An Official Proclamation

A special highlight of the celebration was the presentation of an official proclamation by Executive Director of Milwaukee County Parks Guy Smith declaring June 6 as Milwaukee County Croquet Day. This recognition honors the club’s contributions to recreation, community building, and healthy outdoor activity throughout the county.

To cap off the festivities, members gathered to enjoy cake and champagne in celebration of both National Croquet Day and Milwaukee County Croquet Day. The toast provided a fitting conclusion to a wonderful event that showcased the club’s dedication to fostering relationships, supporting participation through organizational excellence, embracing diversity and inclusion, and promoting croquet as a lifelong sport.

The day was a joyful reminder that croquet is about more than competition—it is about community, friendship, learning and creating lasting memories together.

The club is located in Milwaukee, WI. Club President Gwen Connolly

WINNER IN THE COMMUNITY CATEGORY

Belleair Country Club Croquet –

We celebrated “Beach Day Croquet” by bringing Clearwater Beach inland to the BCC croquet court. Over 30 enthusiastic members dressed in their surf styles and came out to enjoy a morning on the courts. The party continued well into the evening with a buffet dinner, live music and dancing the night away. Everyone who drove by the courts on Saturday stopped to check out the fun and chase down a run-away flamingo.

The club is located in Belleaire, FL. Croquet Chair: Barbara Ann Busch

Derby City Croquet Club –

The Club is located near Louisville, KY. Contact: Sue E Sherer, DerbyCityCroquet@gmail.com

Spring Island –

Here is a group photo from Spring Islands National Croquet day.

Spring Island is located in Okatie, SC. Contact Jordan Rozek, Event Coordinator

New York Croquet Club –

Here is a group photo from Central Park in New York City during National Croquet day.

NYCC is located in New York City. Contact Paul Neubecker, Nyccroquet@gmail.com

Wildcat Cliffs Croquet Club –

Wildcat Cliffs CC celebrated National Croquet Day with a Sadie Hawkins Tournament where our Ladies on the Lawn ruled the day!

Wildcat Cliffs is located in Highlands, NC. Contact Erika L. Stamey, Director of Fitness & Recreation, 828.526.5850

Chicago Croquet Club –

The Club is located on the Southside of Chicago.

Contact: Barbara O'Laughlin (773) 251-4398 bjolaughlin@gmail.com. http://www.chicagocroquetclub.org

Grand Haven Club Croquet –

On a beautiful 80 degree day, the Grand Haven Croquet Club celebrated National Croquet Day with "Wickets Without Borders", an event that highlighted the diversity of our community.  The courts were surrounded by flags of every nation, and international banners were hung on the fencing. Participants were encouraged to dress in outfits reflecting their heritage, and to bring a dish from their ancestral homeland.  Of the 73 people that attended, 48 were club members with an additional 25 Grand Haven community guests. Every attendee received a colorful passport, had their photo taken in front of a world map, and depending on skill level, either went to swing instruction, or to one of the many skill tests set up on Court 2.  Each completed skill earned a sticker in the passport, as well as a raffle ticket for prizes at the end of the day.  Our themes of inclusion, community and education were on full display in this memorable celebration.

The club is located in Palm Coast, Florida. Event Chair: Peter Gordon

WINNER IN THE DIVERSITY CATEGORY

Croquet Club of Jackson –

“America 250” was the theme for The Country Club of Jackson’s (CCJ) celebration of National Croquet Day. Plans were made during the week by Joe Moore, Director of Croquet and his committee. National Croquet Day started with a free 2-hour clinic for beginners hosted by Joe Moore. Seven members ventured out onto the court to try a new experience.

In the afternoon, the call was for golf croquet. Dedicated, experienced players showed up as did some of our newly trained croquet players. Joe oversaw all matches being played.  Festive and patriotic music, drinks, giveaways, fun and friendship followed, some of the time in the rain. We set up an extra golf croquet lawn in the long grass to accommodate our overflow of players. Pictures from the day were compiled on a wonderful Reel by our very own Amy Robinson who is dedicated to promoting CCJ’s presence on social media. 

The club is located in Jackson, MS Croquet Contact: Ed Becker,  ebecker@acomputer.com

WINNER IN THE CROQUET LIFESTYLE CATEGORY

Pinehurst Croquet Club –

Pinehurst Croquet Club celebrated National Croquet Day, 2026, in Red, White and Blue. Since the country is turning 250 we thought it would be appropriate. It was a great turnout.

Pinehurst Croquet Club is located in Pinehurst NC. Club contact is Elaine Moody,  halliburton_2@msn.com

Chattooga Club –

We were excited to gather on the lawn to commemorate National Croquet Day and to incorporate a patriotic theme honoring our nation's upcoming semiquincentennial. It was a festive day enjoyed by all.

The Chattooga Club is located in Cashiers, NC. Contact: Dawn Jupin Director of Sports, (828)743-1360 ext. 304

Highlands Country Club Strikers –

Greetings from the Strikers Croquet Club at Highlands Country Club in North Carolina!

The Highlands Country Club Strikers once again sponsored an outstanding and well-attended celebration of National Croquet Day on June 9, 2026, in picturesque Highlands, North Carolina.

Already boasting a membership of 275 players, the Strikers promoted the celebration for several weeks leading up to the event. As a result, 40 newcomers joined the festivities, along with more than 60 existing Strikers. Continuing a popular tradition, participants were encouraged to wear blue, red, black, or yellow tops, creating a colorful and festive atmosphere on the lawns.

The celebration began at 10:00 a.m. with a croquet clinic for new players led by our Director of Croquet, Edmund Fordyce. Following the clinic, players played quadruple-banked games on Lawn 1, where newcomers learned technique and strategy through play. More experienced players enjoyed double-banked games on Lawns 2 and 3.

After an enjoyable morning on the lawns, participants gathered at the Croquet Pavilion for a delicious lunch. Stations were set up after lunch which featured a fun and challenging skills competition to test players' abilities in setting up shots, clearing, blocking, and running hoops. The top scorers were rewarded with Strikers apparel, including logo shirts, hats, and cups.

The day was filled with laughter, friendly competition, and camaraderie.  Judging by the enthusiasm of the participants—and the number of newcomers who joined the Strikers during the event—National Croquet Day 2026 was another tremendous success for the Highlands Country Club Strikers.  

The club is located in Highlands, North Carolina. Croquet Chair: Michelle Chaiken.



Highland Falls Country Club –

Highlands Falls Country Club celebrated National Croquet Day with a festive Hawaiian-themed afternoon that brought together members, guests, and new players for a fun-filled day on the croquet lawn.

The event began with a beginner-friendly clinic led by Croquet Professionals Edmund Fordyce and Highlands Falls Club Pro Darin Guffey. New players were introduced to the fundamentals of croquet, including basic strokes, strategy, and court etiquette, while gaining hands-on experience with the game.

Following the clinic, participants enjoyed social play on the lawn, giving newcomers an opportunity to practice their new skills and experienced players a chance to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the celebration. Throughout the afternoon, members also entered a drawing for a custom Oakley Woods croquet mallet, which added another layer of excitement to the festivities.

The highlight of the day was an exciting exhibition match between Fordyce and Guffey. Spectators were treated to a hard-hitting, high-quality contest featuring impressive shot-making, tactical play, and plenty of memorable moments. The pair competed in a 19-point game that showcased the precision and strategy of championship-level croquet. As a fun twist, the winner of the exhibition match earned the honor of drawing the winning ticket for the custom mallet. Following his victory, Guffey selected the lucky winner, providing a fitting conclusion to an enjoyable National Croquet Day celebration.

With Hawaiian shirts, tropical spirit, enthusiastic participants, and a shared love of the game, Highlands Falls Country Club's National Croquet Day celebration was a tremendous success. The event provided a wonderful opportunity to introduce new players to croquet while bringing the club's croquet community together to celebrate the sport.

The club is located in Highlands, NC. Croquet Director: Darin Guffey, dguffey@ClubHFCC.com



The Country Club of Sapphire Valley –

Club Pro Matthew Essick lead the Croquet Day group in all kinds of croquet exercises. Everyone had a ball!

The club is located in Cashiers, North Carolina. Croquet Coordinator: Matthew Essick



Club at the Strand –

The Club at the Strand celebrated National Croquet Day with the theme "Margaritas, Mallets, and Mayhem!"

We even rolled out the red carpet which was the starting shot! The ball soared over the rolled carpet, becoming airborne, landing in a field of festive donkeys guarding hoop one!!

The club is located in Naples, Florida.

Lakewood at the Grand –

We had so much fun this weekend celebrating National Croquet Day with a big group of our club members! Our category is COMMUNITY – We brought our croquet community together for a fun day of play.

 We encouraged everyone to dress as their favorite color ball, which was very fun to see! We also celebrated the occasion with Mimosas and Croquet themed cookies 😊

 We held a Round Robin Tournament and everyone had such a great time!

It was so amazing to see everyone come together and celebrate this awesome sport!

The Lakewood Club is located in Fairhope, AL Contact: Larkin Harris, Recreation Manager, 251-990-6362



Wyndemere Country Club –

Attached are photos from our National Croquet Day "Back to the 80s" celebration.

Our club had 12 participants who enthusiastically embraced the theme and helped make the event a great success. As dedicated supporters of the sport of croquet, we look forward to participating in National Croquet Day each year and celebrating with fellow players across the country.

We are proud of our members' creativity, teamwork, and spirit, and hope our efforts reflect the fun and enthusiasm that National Croquet Day represents.

The club is located in Naples, Florida. Event Coordinator: Jicham Zaatini