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2025

ACWORLDS OCTOBER 14-26, 2025 NATIONAL CROQUET CENTER I WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA

W. P. Carey Foundation welcomes our friends from the sixteen countries participating in the

2025 ASSOCIATION CROQUET WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Anchor Sponsor in honor of our former chairman, Jay Carey

CONTENTS 05. WCF PRESIDENT’S WELCOME 06. USCA PRESIDENT’S WELCOME 09. NATIONAL CROQUET CENTER WELCOME MESSAGE AC WORLDS PLAYER BIOS 12. AUSTRALIA 14. CANADA 15. EGYPT 16. ENGLAND 22. IRELAND 23. LATVIA 23. MEXICO 24. NEW ZEALAND

25. SCOTLAND 26. SOUTH AFRICA 26. SPAIN 27. SWEDEN 28. SWITZERLAND 28. USA 35. WALES

13. MAIN EVENT SCHEDULE 17. AC WORLDS PLAYERS BY DGRADE 21. QUALIFIER EVENT PLAYER LIST 23. WCF AC WORLD CHAMPIONS 25. AC WORLDS EVENT PERSONNEL 35. SUPPORTERS AND SPONSORS 38. USCA ORGANIZATION ON THE COVER

England’s Stephen Mulliner tips his cap to the crowd after claiming the 2016 AC World title after a five-game final against USA’s David Maloof at the National Croquet Center. Photo by Jeff Soo.

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From unbeatable facilities, service and incentives to amazing beaches, we keep everyone cheering. Start planning at PalmBeachSports.com.

WCF President’s Welcome Dear USCA Directors, National Croquet Center (Florida) Managers, Officials, Club Volunteers and Members, Spectators and Players, On behalf of the World Croquet Federation, I extend our deepest gratitude to the United States Croquet Association (USCA) and the National Croquet Center in Palm Beach, Florida, for hosting the 19th Association Croquet World Championship between 18 and 26 October 2025. The National Croquet Center’s proven expertise in staging international tournaments, coupled with the warm hospitality of its members, promises an exceptional experience for everyone. To the many volunteers who will be preparing lawns, coordinating catering, managing logistics, and filling countless other roles — your dedication and enthusiasm are the backbone of this championship’s success. We are pleased to see players from several of our smaller AC croquet-playing nations competing in what is an important event in the World AC calendar. This is a great opportunity for players to meet and learn from each other and to build lasting friendships that they can take forward and enjoy for many years to come.

WCF MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE President: José Álvarez-Sala (Spain) Secretary General: Rosemary Landrebe (Australia) Treasurer: Peter Payne (Switzerland Additional Committee Members: Begoña Elzaburu (Spain) Jim Nicholls (Australia) Graeme Roberts (New Zealand) Roberts Stafeckis (Latvia) Mohamed Raslan (Egypt) Jeff Soo (USA)

To every competitor, congratulations on earning the honor of representing your country. We wish you every success and encourage you to play with passion, integrity, and the spirit of camaraderie that defines our community. Thank you all — organizers, volunteers, officials, players and supporters — for making this week possible. Here’s to a memorable championship filled with great competition and even greater fellowship. José Álvarez-Sala World Croquet Federation, President

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Welcome Letter from the President of the United States Croquet Association On behalf of the United States Croquet Association, it is my great honor to welcome you to the WCF Association Croquet World Championship. We are truly privileged to host this esteemed event and to join together in celebrating the spirit of competition, sportsmanship and excellence it represents. This Championship would not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors, who are gratefully acknowledged in this program. I especially wish to recognize the W. P. Carey Foundation, whose steadfast support has enabled the USCA to present this prestigious event. We are also deeply grateful to WCF President José AlvarezSala and Secretary-General Rosemary Landrebe for their valued partnership, as well as to the National Croquet Center and The Beach Club for working so closely with the USCA throughout many months of preparation. Their dedication and teamwork have been essential in ensuring the success of this event. My heartfelt thanks also go to our planning team, whose leadership and commitment have been outstanding: Tournament Director Michael Albert, Tournament Manager Jeff Soo, Marketing Director Tom Cooper, Tournament Referee Chris Clarke, The Beach Club Coordinator Jane Casey, CFA Executive Director Franck Meunier, NCC Coordinator Michael Todorovich and USCA Office Manager Ursula Peck. Their tireless efforts have been instrumental to delivering this Championship. We eagerly await your arrival and look forward to welcoming you to two exceptional venues: the National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach, with its 13 lawns and inviting veranda that adds to its distinctive character, while The Beach Club in Palm Beach sits along the ocean and enjoys beautiful sea breezes. Both venues share a proud history with the USCA, and our members are genuinely excited to host players from around the world on these beautifully maintained lawns. To all the competitors, I extend my very best wishes for a memorable experience while you are here in the United States, and for good luck and fine play throughout the competition. May this be an inspiring week of world-class croquet. Sincerely, Beverley Cardo President, United States Croquet Association

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Excellence

Character Champion

Mat thew Essick Congratulations on your many years of excellence, integrity and championships as a croquet player and as our esteemed pro.

Best wishes in the AC Worlds From Your Many Friends at the Country Club of Orlando

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“It is a great day to play croquet!” The National Croquet Center is the sport’s premier venue and located right here in Palm Beach County. Spread across four acres, the National Croquet Center is often called West Palm Beach’s best-kept secret. Since 2002, the National Croquet Center serves the Palm Beaches as the premiere destination for competitive and social croquet but also corporate events and private parties. Today, the NCC is proud to welcome the world’s best players.

The National Croquet Club sends its best wishes to everyone participating in the 2025 AC World Championships. Congratulations to our own Zack Watson, our Club Head Pro, and all our Club members competing this year in Association Croquet.

www.nationalcroquetclub.com

the largest independent croquet club in the United States

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“It is a great day to play croquet!” The National Croquet Center is the sport’s premier venue and located right here in Palm Beach County. Nestled in the heart Palm Beach the Charles P. Steuber National Croquet Center (NCC) Spread across fourof acres, theCounty, National stands as the heart of American croquet, a place where tradition, competition, and community Croquet is often West converge.Center As the proud host of called the upcoming Croquet Worlds Tournament, the NCC is ready to welcome players and spectators from across Palm Beach’s best-kept secret. the world to experience the sport at its finest. Since the by National Croquet Owned 2002, and operated the Croquet Foundation of America (CFA), the 13 full-sized championship lawns, Center serves the Palm Beaches as the spanning over four acres, are meticulously maintained premiere destination forofcompetitive to meet the highest standards play. More than a venue, the 19,000-square-foot Caribbean-Colonial-style and social croquet but also corporate Clubhouse serves as the headquarters for the National events private parties. Croquet Club,and the Croquet Foundation of America (CFA),

Welcome to the Charles P. Steuber National Croquet Center!

the United States Croquet Association (USCA), and the National Croquet they form the Today, the NCC is Museum. proud Together, to welcome backbone of croquet’s growth and legacy in the United the world’s best players. States.

The National Croquet Club itself is the largest independent croquet club in the country, with over 450 members who embody the spirit of both competitive and social play. No world-class venue is complete without exceptional hospitality, and the NCC delivers with SandyJames Fine Food & Productions, Palm Beach’s premier catering partner and a resident of the Center. Whether you’re here to compete, cheer, or simply explore, the Charles P. Steuber National Croquet Center invites you to be part of something extraordinary. Welcome to the world of croquet, welcome to the National Croquet Center. Franck Meunier Executive Director, 561-478-2300 Croquet Foundation of America / National Croquet Center 700 S. Florida Mango Road, West Palm Beach, Florida 33406

s its best wishes ng in the onships. Watson, our Club ers competing this oquet.

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GOOD LUCK TOM! AC WORLDS 2025

The Grandfather Golf & Country Club Croquet Association proudly supports our Director of Croquet Tom Balding and Team USA as they compete in the 2025 World Croquet Federation Association Croquet World Championship. Your friends and fellow members are cheering you on and wishing you every success on the lawns at the National Croquet Center.

players by country National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, Florida October 14-26, 2025

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Australia Trevor Bassett

Cooks River Croquet Club BIO: I started playing croquet in 1990 at the age of 10 in Kyabram, a small country town in Northern Victoria. Croquet has provided me with many highlights over the decades and I’m really looking forward to catching up with old lifelong friends and also creating some new ones. I’m eternally grateful to my loving family, wife Claire and children Evie and Lyla, for allowing me the opportunity to again participate in the World Championships (even if it means leaving them for another lengthy croquet venture).

CROQUET TIP: Enjoy the social side of the event as much as the competitive side.

Lachlan Berryman

Melbourne Cricket Club Croquet Section BIO: Lachlan lives in Melbourne, Victoria and works in Educational Leadership at a Special Needs school. He was first introduced to Croquet as a teenager at the age of 16 and he played for the Rich River Croquet Club until the age of 19, when he moved ‘up north’ to Outback Australia at the beginning of his teaching career. After a 30-year break Lachlan returned to Croquet in 2018, first joining the Ringwood club, then moving to the prestigious Melbourne Cricket Club Croquet section. Lachlan has represented MCC in countless events since then. His highlights include: being named in Victorian State Squad each year since 2024, representing the ‘victorious’ Victorian Squad in the Australian Interstate Eire Cup in both 2024 and 2025 (when he was named Vice-Captain); winning the 2024 Australian AC Open Doubles Championship with Dwayne McCormack in 2024, winning the 2024 Victorian AC Singles Championships, and of course representing Australia in the 2021 and 2023 World Championships. Lachlan is rapt to return for the 2025 World Championship ‘hat trick’ and he’s looking forward to both fierce competition and the camaraderie of reconnecting with international friends and fellow competitors.

CROQUET TIP: One Hit One Chance

12 | 2025 WCF AC World Championship

Greg Fletcher

Ballarat Alexandra BIO: Greg Fletcher is an Australian croquet player with years of experience at both national and international levels. He is currently living in Germany, working as a software engineer for Qwello, an e-mobility infrastructure company. Outside of croquet, Greg enjoys fitness and running to stay active.

CROQUET TIP: Stay focused

Robert Fletcher Caloundra BIO: Robert Fletcher, 32, began playing croquet at age 10 in rural Victoria and now resides on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. He is a member of the Caloundra Croquet Club and combines his playing career with work as a business strategist and founder of Invictus Croquet, a high-end croquet equipment brand. Robert’s recent achievements in 2025 include winning the inaugural US Open GC Singles, the American 6W Stueber Classic and the US National AC Singles Championship, solidifying his position as one of the more adaptable players to take to the croquet scene. His major AC achievements include being part of Australia’s victorious 2017 MacRobertson Shield team and making history in 2013 by becoming the youngest Association Croquet World Champion at just 20 years and 20 days. He has held both the AC and GC World Number One rankings simultaneously — an achievement matched by only one other player. He has competed in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Egypt, and the USA. Beyond competition, Robert enjoys hiking, ideas, geopolitics, and reading.

CROQUET TIP: Success is not equal to perfection

Steve Forster Belmont, Geelong BIO: I work in the operating department of the Geelong Hospital. The latest work highlight was seeing a heart removed from a donor patient and kept pumping in the heart transport box to go to a recipient. I have two children, Zach, 33 and Eden, 30. This is my 11th World Championships. I’m a member of the Belmont Croquet Club in Geelong, Victoria, Australia. I really enjoy playing in Florida at the National Croquet Center, as this is my fifth visit. My recent greatest honor was being inducted into the Australian Croquet Hall of Fame. Enjoy catching up with croquet friends from around the world at this event. My best highlight in croquet is winning the MacRob in 2017 to be a World Champion. Have played in England, New Zealand, Mission Hills, USA and all major cities in Australia. I was on the Victorian State Team in March 2025 and we won the Australian Teams Championships. And a huge shout-out to Sonia. Such a special lady.

CROQUET TIP: Make sure you have good basics. They may not seem important, but you will need them when it matters most. Watch the top players and don’t be scared to ask them questions. We all had to learn somehow. The game’s not over till all the balls are in the box

TOURNAMENT DETAILS

The 2025 WCF AC World Championship will take place between October 14-26 at the National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. Qualifying Competition

The qualifier will be held at the same venue between the three days of October 14-16. There are 24 places available. The top four finishes will go through to the Main Championship. Welcome Ceremony, Registration and Practice

The welcome ceremony will be on Friday, October 17, 2025. Players should plan to arrive soon after lunch for registration. Practice will be available on this day. Social

There will be an opening reception on October 17 and a reception for the draw on October 21. Balls and Hoops

Invictus primary and secondary colors. Hoops are expected to be Quadways.

MAIN EVENT SCHEDULE Friday, October 17, 2025 (Practice Day) 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM:

“Celebration of Life” for Damon Bidencope \ (Upstairs Ballroom) 4:15 PM: Players’ Meeting

Michael Gidding

5:00 PM: Opening Ceremony

Ballina Croquet Club

6:00 PM: Cocktail and Small Plates Buffet Reception

BIO:

Saturday, October 18, 2025

Mike Gidding (62) was born in Sydney, Australia and now lives in Ballina, northern NSW. He plays his croquet at the Ballina Croquet Club. Mike is married with one daughter. He runs a geoscience consultancy specialising in seismic interpretation projects and training. He has lived and worked in four continents and first played croquet with wooden balls on a grass tennis court while living in Lincolnshire, 25 years ago. Sadly, it took him more than 15 years to pick up a mallet again. Mike is part of the NSW state team and has won several state titles in AC, including the Victorian and Queensland Opens in singles and the NSW and Queensland Opens in doubles. He has played socially in NZ, but this is Mike’s first international competition. When not playing croquet, Mike enjoys bushwalking, cycling, board games and cooking. He makes a mean sourdough loaf.

Block Play Begins (10/18 – 10/20) Tuesday, October 21, 2025

The Knock-Out Draw and Players’ Reception Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Knock-Out Rounds and Plate Play Begins Saturday, October 25, 2025

Semifinals Sunday, October 26, 2025

Finals Awards and Closing Ceremony (Breakfast and lunch will be available)

CROQUET TIP: Plan. Swing. But not both at the same time.

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Greg Hill

Dwayne McCormick

BIO:

Greg Hill began playing Association Croquet (AC) in 2003 at the age of 32, joining Brunswick Croquet Club in Melbourne, Victoria, where he continues to play. After a brief hiatus, he resumed in 2016, focusing on triple peel manoeuvres. Greg started competing in earnest in AC tournaments over the past nine years, representing Victoria’s State Team since 2022. In 2023 and 2024, he won the Australian AC Gold Medal, and in 2024, he claimed the Victorian AC Doubles title with Callum Hyland. Greg is set to make his international debut at the 2025 World Championship. Greg works as a controls engineer and enjoys cycling, chess and general outdoor activities. Living in Carnegie, Melbourne, with his wife and regular doubles practice partner.

I was born in Adelaide but grew up in the town of Whyalla, a steelworks town in South Australia. I played my first ranking game in 2008 at the young age of 40. The last 12 months have been my most successful to date, winning the Australian first eights, the Australian Open Doubles, the Australian Open Singles and the Australian Men’s Championships. I also reached my highest world ranking of eighth, although that didn’t last long (ha ha ha ha). My highlight would be being selected to represent Australia in the MacRobertson Shield.

CROQUET TIP:

Canada

Brunswick

Focus and Enjoy.

Callum Hyland Sandy Bay BIO: Callum is a proud capitalist and individualist, who is 35 years old and comes from Tasmania, which, for those of you who haven’t been there, is a pleasant but essentially smaller and generally less interesting or impressive version of New Zealand. He first picked up a croquet mallet in 2009 and has chosen croquet as his retirement sport (he hopes to become a decent player by the time he reaches retirement age). He only plays AC and finds all other mallet sports incomparably dull. This will be Callum’s fifth trip to the USA, and his second for croquet. He is thoroughly looking forward to the event and generally spending time in what he considers the greatest country on Earth, and hopes to see many like-minded people there. Those who already know him will know what he means when he says that “life is better in colour” and that he also hopes it will rain at least once during the event.

CROQUET TIP: Context is everything!

14 | 2025 WCF AC World Championship

Norwood CC

CROQUET TIP: Stay calm on the outside, even if you’re freeking out on the inside.

Brian Cumming Aboyne Croquet BIO: 18 Canadian National Titles, 13 USCA National Titles, 11 World Championships.

CROQUET TIP: Beware of your choices in the absence of critical thinking!

David Druiett

Bayfield International Croquet Club BIO: In 1985, I discovered croquet by reading a magazine article about a croquet tournament in New York’s Central Park. I was astounded that this game was taken seriously, which warranted a closer look. I love things that are different from how they initially appear. But the more I researched, the less I found. So, on a summer holiday in Europe in 1996, I sought out the CA headquarters. The first croquet lawn I ever saw was at the Hurlingham Club, so I was excited to return to “the home” for my first overseas tournament in 2023, being the World AC Championships. Returning to Toronto that September of 1986, I attended the very first Canadian Croquet Championship at the Royal Canadian Yacht Club. And so it began … I am a two-time Canadian AC Champion. I was one of the founding directors of Croquet Canada. I am the Tournament Chairman of the Bayfield International Croquet Club. I retired in 2023 from my career as a systems administrator for our local school board, so I am looking to devote even more time to turning my wife, Lyn, into a “croquet widow.” I’ve played plenty of AC tournaments at the NCC in the Selection 8s and the Nationals. Plus, several at the Sarasota County CC in Venice, Florida and Mission Hills in California. Even Tulsa back in 1995!

CROQUET TIP: Stalk the ball. Keep your head down. Follow through.

Egypt Mohamed karem Al Zohour Club BIO: Moe, aged 36, was born in Qatar and currently resides in Cairo, Egypt. Coming from a supportive family background, Moe balances his passion for croquet with a professional career in F&B business, besides coaching, business and sports development, where he has made notable achievements over the years. Moe’s love for croquet began with golf croquet, where he has risen to become one of his country’s top players, representing his nation in numerous international tournaments and championships. Moe is now expanding his competitive focus into Association Croquet, bringing a sharp tactical mind and a determined spirit to the championship stage. Off the court, Moe is dedicated to promoting croquet worldwide through coaching, mentorship and innovation, including developing training programs and educational materials for players of all levels. Known for his resilience, adaptability, and sportsmanship. Moe is excited to challenge himself in the Association Croquet World Championship and aims to represent his country with pride and ambition.

CROQUET TIP: Enjoy the game, respect your opponent, and the wins will follow.

Chris Percival-Smith

Victoria Bowls and Croquet Club BIO: Chris has played croquet for 30 years in British Columbia, Canada. He switched his grip from Irish to Standard to help prolong his career, as the tendonitis was getting unmanageable in 2014. He played in two past WCF Association Championships: Adelaide in 2012 and Wellington in 2018. Chris enjoys cycling, camping and bodyboarding with family during the summer. He is a member of three Croquet Clubs: Victoria Bowls and Croquet Club, Canadian Pacific Lawn Bowls and Croquet Club and Happy Valley Croquet Club.

CROQUET TIP: Focus on each and every shot.

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England

James Death

Mark Avery

BIO:

Nottingham

CROQUET TIP:

I have been playing croquet for over 40 years, reaching the semifinal of the World Championship in 2005. I have won the Open Championship three times (as of May 2025), am the current European AC Champion and was part of the victorious MacRobertson Shield team in 2022. Mainly playing out of Nottingham previously, though now based in Cheltenham while working for Croquet England. A lot of players enjoy watching my smooth, fast-flowing play, while I have been known to pull out some extreme peeling turns.

Practice and more practice.

CROQUET TIP:

Euan Burridge

Plan the whole turn, not just the next shot

BIO: Aged 59, born in Ipswich, now semi-retired with five Macrobertson shield appearances , winning four of them. Two-time Open champion, President Cup winner, many regional championships.First played at the age of 10 in grandmothers back garden. Last couple of years started playing GC winning several tournaments plus looking to go higher in the rankings.

Nottingham Croquet Club BIO:

Euan took up the game at the age of seven under his dad’s wing at Nottingham Croquet Club and has since gone on to play various tournaments both nationally and internationally. He is predominantly a GC player and his notable performances have been a Semifinal at both the U21 and Open Worlds along with winning the 2025 European GC Championshp. He has also won the GC Welsh Championship, AC National Junior Championship, GC Under 25s Open Championship and also reached the final of the 2021 Ricki Savage Memorial. Euan is delighted to be playing in this event and hopes to better his achievement of reaching the first round of the knockout last time.

Tom Coles

The Hurlingham Club BIO: Tom started playing croquet at The Hurlingham Club in 1981. He was a member of the New York Croquet Club, playing there between 1986 and 1988. He played in the first World Croquet Championship in 1989. Tom is married with three children, and lives in London.

16 | 2025 WCF AC World Championship

Marcus Evans Nailsea BIO: Marcus was born in Bristol in 1985 and took up croquet in Nailsea 11 years later. Having graduated in philosophy from the University of Nottingham in 2007 (where he appeared on TV’s “University Challenge” and on stage in Gilbert & Sullivan’s “Iolanthe,” among other things), Marcus has worked for Hargreaves Lansdown in Bristol ever since. Marcus is a keen musician on both piano and ‘cello, and sings in Bristol Bach Choir as well as various solo appearances. Marcus has competed in three Golf Croquet World Championships and seven Association Croquet World Championships, reaching the semifinals in Adelaide in 2012. In addition, he has represented the England and Great Britain teams in various international matches. He also enjoys many other sports, including tennis, running and bridge.

CROQUET TIP: When looking to get a rush out of a hoop, prioritize the most important component, e.g. if you need a rush north-east, most of the time the ‘north’ element will be more important than the ‘east’ element and you should position the croqueted ball according.

Robert Fulford

Royal Tunbridge Wells BIO: Robert is one of the most successful players in the history of the game. He won the world championship 5 times between 1990 and 2002, and then, after a long gap, a bit of luck and a terrific final with Matthew Essick added one more in 2023 to go into this event as holder. Robert has been part of a winning MacRobertson Shield team on seven occasions (twice as captain), including 2003 here at the National Croquet Center. Robert loves tactics, employing a wider range than other top players. Robert started playing aged 15 at the Colchester Club. Robert, his wife Susan and their two daughters live in Kent. While the kids have been growing up, Robert has been limiting himself to playing in the U.K. and this is his first tournament abroad for 10 years.

CROQUET TIP: Try to master a new croquet stroke.

David Fuller

East Dorset Croquet Club BIO: I was born in London 61 years ago, but made the mistake of waiting 58 before taking up this wonderful/infuriating game of Croquet. Family life had gotten in the way until, sadly, my dear wife Christine passed away four years ago. Prompted by her instruction to ‘go and play some of those daft games you have always wanted to play,’ I retired and visited East Dorset Croquet Club. The croquet community is a relatively small one and I now have many new friends throughout the U.K. and around the world. Apparently I am a rapid improver (there is a first time for everything!) and I was flattered to be awarded the Apps Memorial Bowl (U.K.’s most improved AC male player) in 2023. Reaching the 2025 AC Worlds is my biggest achievement yet, after narrowly missing out via the 2023 qualifiers. I tell everyone: Play croquet … there is no money in it, but, at whatever the level you play, the silverware is fantastic!

CROQUET TIP: Take every opportunity to discuss your thoughts and concerns with good players; your game will benefit no end.

2025 AC WORLDS PL AYERS BY DGR ADE Rk Name (World Rank) Country DGrade GP Wins 01. Robert Fletcher (1) Australia 2762 32 29 02. Robert Fulford (3) England 2629 34 26 03. Logan McCorkindale (5) New Zealand 2579 38 32 04. Matthew Essick (6) USA 2572 12 10 05. Mark Avery (7) England 2568 58 46 06. Zack Watson (8) USA 2562 18 16 07. James Death (11) England 2519 55 44 08. Thomas Balding (12) USA 2518 35 26 09. Dwayne McCormick (13) Australia 2508 105 86 10. Samir Patel (15) England 2489 62 42 11. Jenny Clarke (17) New Zealand 2475 53 39 12. Ben Rothman (18) USA 2468 13 12 13. Andrew Johnston (19) Ireland 2461 33 24 14. Greg Fletcher (20) Australia 2446 22 18 15. Alain Giraud (24) England 2421 26 22 16. Jack Good (25) England 2418 62 42 17. Stephen Mulliner (26) England 2405 60 35 18. Edmund Fordyce (30) New Zealand 2391 12 9 19. Greg Hill (32) Australia 2388 111 88 20. Stephen Forster (33) Australia 2381 84 63 21. Stephen Morgan (36) USA 2359 12 5 22. Debbie Lines (37) England 2342 83 54 23. Marcus Evans (39) England 2331 34 23 24. David Fuller (41) England 2313 93 66 25. Ian Lines (42) England 2303 89 63 26. Nick Parish (44) England 2302 26 16 27. Duncan Reeve (47) Scotland 2293 52 27 28. Lachlan Berryman (51) Australia 2273 117 79 29. Michael Gidding (52) Australia 2268 67 46 30. Kyle Maloof (54) USA 2261 10 5 31. Callum Hyland (59) Australia 2250 114 76 32. Angharrad Walters (60) Wales 2241 26 16 33. Sam Murray (66) Scotland 2221 34 17 34. Gabrielle Higgins (67) England 2221 81 42 35. Sherif Abdelwahab (70) USA 2208 22 15 36. Stuart Lawrence (71) USA 2208 57 35 37. Trevor Bassett (76) Australia 2194 84 54 38. John Versey (82) New Zealand 2164 45 28 39. Jordan Waters (83) England 2164 48 24 40. Mark Suter (85) England 2158 67 37 41. Tom Coles (88) England 2145 40 22 42. Brian Cumming (90) Canada 2137 100 61 43. Randy Cardo (92) USA 2133 22 15 44. Rich Lamm (96) USA 2121 28 19 45. Euan Burridge (102) England 2117 47 23 46. James Hopgood (103) England 2112 44 24 47. Patrick Sweeney (104) USA 2111 46 36 48. Andrew Symons (108) Scotland 2105 26 17 49. Jarrod Coutts (114) New Zealand 2094 62 37 50. Shane Hettler (132) USA 2053 20 11 51. Joe King (133) England 2050 35 18 52. Sandy Greig (139) Ireland 2028 23 12 53. Mike Town (152) England 1994 56 28 54. Doug Grimsley (153) USA 1993 73 36 55. Paul Bennett (174) USA 1947 36 18 56. Chris Barley (183) USA 1925 52 22 57. Chris Percival-Smith (221) Canada 1863 21 9 58. Russell Harris (224) Ireland 1857 15 9 59. Joakim Norback (265) Sweden 1792 12 7 60. Brian Lozano (267) Mexico 1788 9 3 61. David Druiett (288) Canada 1760 57 24 62. David Houston (438) Scotland 1569 75 37 63. Andrejs Savinovs (628) Latvia 1367 5 47 List from September 18, 2025. Dgrade / World Rank from September 30, 2025.

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Alain Giraud

Gabrielle Higgins

BIO:

Alain first started playing croquet in his back garden aged 11 with a croquet set that used to belong to his great-grandmother. After leaving university, he had a break from the game for nearly a decade but has since played competitive croquet every season and enjoys the challenge of improving his game each year. He has played for GB and England several times, including two Solomon Cup events, both of which were in the US. This will be his sixth World Championship, with his best result (last eight) coming in the previous championship held in London. He is currently spending three years living in Toronto, Canada, where he is a member of the North Toronto Croquet Club. He also plays badminton and has recently taken up pickleball. Whenever they can, he and his partner spend their time exploring as much of Canada as possible, with the occasional trip to the U.S. and Central America.

Gabrielle discovered croquet the old-fashioned way, on a vicarage lawn, and continued the ecclesiastical theme with her first club experience in the grounds of the Bishop of Bath and Wells’ Palace. She began to improve while at university under the tutelage of Ian Plummer and finally reached A-class standards more than ten years later through the joint influence of the Hurlingham Club, getting her to play more and Keith Aiton offering coaching and partnership for five Mixed Doubles Championship wins. She also has four Women’s Championship wins to her name. In 2024, she reached the semi-final of the Open Championship and was runnerup in the President’s Cup, and is the only person to have received a most improved player award three times. Internationally, she has two silver medals from Women’s World Championships, has played in open World Championships in each of the four host nations, reaching the last 16 in 2023, and has represented Great Britain against both the USA and Ireland

North Toronto Croquet Club

CROQUET TIP: Remember to take some time to enjoy the experience

Jack Good

Bowdon croquet club BIO: Jack Good (19), from Bolton, Greater Manchester, is currently in his second year studying Natural Sciences at the University of Nottingham. He first began hitting croquet balls around clubs at the age of seven — mainly to stave off boredom while accompanying his dad at tournaments. By 2018, he began showing greater consistency, and at age 11, he started playing for Bowdon Croquet Club’s handicap golf and short lawn teams. His first tournament came a year later. Jack unexpectedly played a lot in 2020. In 2022, he was selected to compete in the Golf Croquet World Championship. Over the last two years, he has enjoyed increasing domestic success, culminating in winning the prestigious Ascot Cup — played fittingly on the grounds of his new university. This will be the second time Jack has played AC outside England, following the European AC Championships in Carrickmines, Ireland. He has also competed in both an Openshaw Shield and a U21 World Championship.

CROQUET TIP: 2 ball breaks >>>

18 | 2025 WCF AC World Championship

Sussex County Croquet Club

CROQUET TIP: Believe in yourself each shot, and visualise a positive outcome.

James R. Hopgood

Meadows Croquet Club, Edinburgh BIO: James discovered garden croquet in the summer of 1994 while studying at the University of Cambridge. The occasional game played biannually in the Fellows’ Gardens involved the stereotypical Oxbridge attributes: beverages, beautiful scenery, slow lawns, tactical naivety and opinionated debates over the laws. After moving to Edinburgh in 2004, James spotted in a local chippy, while buying the Scottish delicacy known as a “rump chipsteak,” an advert for the Meadows Croquet Club. Assuming this would be just like his university croquet experience, James visited the club … and discovered flat lawns, proper hoops, bisques, coaching, a fantastic social scene and a thoroughly more interesting game than James thought possible. James entered his first advanced AC tournament in June 2006, and became a regular on the U.K. tournament circuit, at least until young children came along in recent years. This will be James’s sixth AC World Championship, having previously played in 2009, 2012, 2013, 2016 and 2023. Playing successes include reaching the quarterfinals of the 2012 AC Worlds in Adelaide, winning the AC

World Championship Bowl in 2013, the Scottish Open four times, the CA Chairman’s Salver twice and the North of England and South of England Regional Championships in the same weekend in 2016 (in the South). James was a member of the 2017 England MacRobertson Shield team. He is a Professor and Dean in the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Edinburgh, researching in Machine Learning and Signal Processing. James is married to Laura with two children.

CROQUET TIP: Purposeful practice, and focus on focusing.

Joe King

Blewbury Croquet Club, Oxfordshire, UK BIO: We moved as a family to England from South Africa in 1961 when I was four. Garden croquet turned into competitive croquet during my first job, as there were two full-sized lawns on site. After a break whilst the family grew up, I resumed competitive croquet playing in the U.K. and the USA. Serving at Blewbury as first captain of croquet and now chairman, I won the Treasurer’s Tankard 4th 8 last year and have just moved to a handicap of -1.5.

Debbie LINES Peterborough BIO: Debbie has been playing croquet since 1985, having taken the game up with her family whilst still a child. Since then, she has reached near the top of our sport, briefly making it into the top 10 of the AC World Rankings during the 1990s and being part of the winning Great Britain team in the 1996 MacRobertson Shield. More recently, she captained Great Britain’s 2023 Solomon Trophy team, won the Bowl at the 2023 AC World Championship and in January 2023, she became WCF AC Women’s Champion. Debbie also enjoys GC and got to the last 16 in the 2023 GC Women’s World Championship. When not being kept busy as the WCFs Secretary-General, Debbie and husband Ian enjoy nature and walking, particularly up the Lake Districts fells.

Ian Lines

Peterborough BIO: Ian is a safety and risk management consultant who started playing croquet in 1993 and won the 1995 All England Association Handicap Championship. Since then, he has won the Chairman’s Salver several times, the Coles Championship and the North of England Championship. He has played a number of times for England in the Home Internationals and for Great Britain in the Solomon Trophy, and has been ranked as high as fifth in the Association world rankings. Although primarily an Association player, Ian also enjoys golf croquet, where his greatest achievements have been winning the Musk Cup in 2007 and the Plate at the 2008 World Championship in Capetown. However, his proudest croquet achievement was to be a member of the Great Britain team that won the MacRobertson Shield in 2010. Ian has travelled the world to play croquet and won the 2009 New Zealand Open Doubles with Michael Wright. Ian was the Tournament Secretary for Bowdon Croquet Club for many years, and also served as Secretary of the North West Federation of Croquet Clubs. He is currently the Chairman of Croquet England’s AC Selection Committee, and also serves on the International and Laws Committees. As well as playing croquet, Ian enjoys walking and travel with his wife Debbie.

CROQUET TIP: Remember that winning isn’t everything.

CROQUET TIP: Practice makes perfect.

www.croquetamerica.com | 19

Stephen Mulliner

Nick Parish

BIO:

Stephen Mulliner, 71, discovered competitive croquet as a Cambridge undergraduate in 1975 and began playing in tournaments in 1976. Association Croquet: World Champion 2016 and finalist in 1997 and 2008; British Open Champion 1988, 1990, 2000 (49 consecutive appearances since 1977); Open Doubles champion 11 times, President’s Cup winner six times, including 2023 (record 46 appearances since 1978), Sonoma-Cutrer Champion four times, European Champion 13 times, 19932013. The only player to have won both the Singles and Doubles Championships of Australia (2009), England (see above), New Zealand (2009 singles, 2000 doubles) and the United States (2011). Represented Great Britain in the MacRobertson Shield in 1982, 1986, 1990, 2000, 2003, 2010 and England in 2014 and 2017.Golf Croquet: World Championship semifinalist 2000, 2006 and 2015; British Open Champion eight times, including 2010-13, 2016 and 2020, English National Singles Champion 2012, 2014, 2021 and 2023; First Eight winner 2015, 2019 and 2023; European Champion 2007, 2009, 2013, 2015 and 2019; represented Rest of the World vs. Egypt in the Ramsis Cup (2008 and 2016). Represented England in the GC World Team Championship in 2012, 2016 and 2020. Has competed in 20 different WCF Member countries. Vice-President of the Croquet Association, former Secretary-General of the World Croquet Federation and former chairman of the WCF Golf Croquet Rules Committee. Lives in Haslemere, Surrey. Married to Sarah with four children aged 36 to 42 and seven grandchildren.

Nick is just the wrong side of 50 and lives in New Malden, near London, with his wife Becky and two children. He has been playing croquet since 1997, with long spells of mediocrity punctuated by occasional success. His proudest croquet achievements are captaining Middlesex to the County Championship in 2023, and progressing to the knockouts of the World Championships in 2013 by defeating Stephen Mulliner in the blocks, and then again in a play-off. Nick is chairman of Surbiton Croquet Club and also a member of Bamburgh Croquet Club, the most northerly and picturesque in England. Off the lawns, Nick has worked for the Bank of England for longer than he has been playing croquet, and also enjoys running, squash and cooking.

Surbiton

CROQUET TIP: Start the downswing slowly.

Surbiton Croquet Club

CROQUET TIP: Always be mentally ready for a mistake from your opponent that will let you back on the lawn, however unlikely it may seem.

Samir Patel

Surbiton Croquet Club BIO: Samir has been playing croquet since taking up the sport in the late 1990s at Oxford University. Now a member of Surbiton Croquet Club, he has won the Club Championship for both Association and Golf Croquet, and has won the Inter-Club Championship in both codes. He has been as high as fourth in the AC world rankings. Samir is Chair of the Croquet Association Council, and was a member of the WCF Management Committee from 2015 to 2024. Tournament successes include the President’s Cup (2013, 2022, 2024), Open Doubles Championship (2017, 2019, 2021, 2024) and Championship of Surrey (2010, 2014). He has also reached the final of the British Opens (2008, 2013, 2016, 2024) and quarterfinals of the World Championship (2012, 2016, 2018). He has regularly represented both England and Great Britain since 2007. He has captained the Solomon Trophy team since 2013, and the MacRobertson Shield team in 2014, 2017 and 2022, the latter his first MacRobertsonwinning appearance.

CROQUET TIP: One stroke at a time.

20 | 2025 WCF AC World Championship

Mark Suter

Cheltenham Croquet Club BIO: Mark started playing Association Croquet at the tender age of 11. At age 18 he was selected to play in The Chairman’s (Second best available eight Players in the U.K.) and was also selected for the under-21 GB Squad. A year later, he moved with his family to Cornwall and had to stop playing because there weren’t any croquet clubs, at that time, within reasonable travelling distance from his home. After graduating from University in 1994, Mark moved to Cape Town, South Africa where he started playing again. Very quickly he rose to the top and won all the major SA championships, including representing SA in test matches against England and Ireland. Shortly after moving to Ireland in 2002, Mark had to stop playing again due to business and family commitments, although he did find time to represent Ireland in a test match against GB in 2004. Mark returned to play croquet again in 2017 and, like his first return to the sport after a significant break, he very quickly rose to the top and was selected to play in the Chairman’s for the second time, this time winning the event. In his second season back in 2018, Mark continued to improve and was selected to play for England in the Home Internationals and for GB in the Solomon Trophy. He was also selected to play in the Presidents Cup (top available eight players in the U.K.).

202C WCF AC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIER National Croquet Center | West Palm Beach, Florida October 14-16, 2025 This event determines the Qualifier Places (four or more) for the 2025 AC World Championship. Entrants should intend to play in the main Championship if they qualify. (Players who have already been offered a place in the main championship are not eligible to play in the qualifier.) The qualifier will be played as a strict Swiss in eight or nine rounds. The format is subject to change if there is a large number of vacancies.

QUALIFIER PL AYER LIST # NAME 01. Steve Scalpone 02. Curtis Drake 03. Stephen Allen 04. Reece McCorkindale 05. Jim Bast 06. Brian Hovis 07. Preston Stuart 08. Michael Todorovich 09. Lynda Sudderberg 10. Thomas Cooper 11. Ronald Eccles 12. Mark Ski 13. Jeff Morrison 14. Sandra Knuth -- Randy Reid -- Kathryn Robertson -- Jack Rush -- Cami Russack -- Tate Russack List from September 30, 2025.

COUNTRY USA USA England New Zealand USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA

DGRADE 2038 2022 1853 1848 1833 1810 1693 1579 1572 1632 1516 1245 1222 1377

USA USA

Mike Town Woking BIO: Mike first played croquet on a rugby pitch while at school in Bradford, but did not start playing in tournaments until joining the Woking club ten years later. Working as an IT consultant has enabled him to play in the USA, Belgium, Austria, Italy and Luxembourg as well as in England. He regularly visits South Africa to play in tournaments and won the national championship there in November 2024. Mike was also the Tournament Manager for the AC World Championships in 2013 and 2023, the GC World Championships in 2019 and 2022, and the Women’s GC World Championship in 2023.

CROQUET TIP: Make sure you hit the ball in the middle!

www.croquetamerica.com | 21

Jordan Waters

Russell Harris

BIO:

Jordan Waters, 34, was born and raised in London, where he now works as a patent attorney after completing his undergraduate and DPhil in Chemistry at the University of Oxford. It was during his time at Oxford that Jordan first discovered croquet — initially through casual games on college lawns, before being drawn into the sport’s tactical depth, especially having discovered the library of articles on oxfordcroquet.com. During a summer work placement in 2012, he made the leap to full-size lawns at Letchworth Croquet Club. The following year, he contacted the Oxford University Croquet Club, where he was swiftly added to the Varsity Squad and given a position on the Committee, and from then on, there has been no going back. His extended time at Oxford — thanks to his DPhil — allowed him to benefit from Ian Plummer’s coaching, developing his tactical and technical skills. After a brief hiatus following the end of his degree in 2017 and the pandemic, he has continued his rapid improvement to become a minus player, achieving his most significant tournament win last year – the Roehampton Gold Cup — whilst also completing his first ranked triple. Last year, he also joined the International Development Squad and now this year the Mac Squad. Whilst tournaments have taken up much of his free time, he has also qualified as an AC referee and more recently has been coaching at his local Merton Croquet Club, inspiring more players to take up AC.

Russell Harris is from Dublin, Ireland, and has been playing croquet from a young age, although only properly since the 90s. Following a 10-year hiatus, he returned to the sport and has regained his former handicap of 0.5. He plays at the Newcastle Croquet Club in the Wicklow countryside, along with alternating Irish Champions for many years, Andrew Johnston and Danny Johnston (no relation). In 2022, he won the South Leinster Open, Newcastle’s annual open event. He participated in the AC European Championships last year and did better than he expected. He works as a deputy principal and physics teacher in a school in Greystones, and regularly introduces his students there to the sport. He is currently at a lowly 227 in the world, but is ninth in Ireland, which sounds a bit better. He has four adult children who are very encouraging when he plays, as they get the house to themselves.

Merton Croquet Club

CROQUET TIP: Focus on the shot in front of you — not the one you chose not to make.

Ireland Sandy Greig

Carrickmines Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club BIO: Sandy was born in Scotland in 1954. He has lived in Dublin, Ireland, since 2005 and is a member of Carrickmines Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club, where he developed his interest and enthusiasm for croquet. He has been the AC and GC Club Champion at Carrickmines and has represented Ireland at both forms. The highlight of his croquet career was playing in the 2023 World Championships in London and he is excited to be playing in another World Championship! Sandy is a member of the CAI Council and is Chairman of the CAI Selection Committee.

CROQUET TIP: Converted from Scottish golfing wisdom “Keep your eye on the ba and yer heid doon.”

22 | 2025 WCF AC World Championship

Newcastle CROQUET CLUB

CROQUET TIP: No game is ever lost until it actually is.

Andy Johnston Newcastle BIO: Andrew is a two-time world championship bronze medalist, former European champion and seven-time Irish Open winner. A member of a small village club in Newcastle, County Wicklow, just south of Dublin. A club co-founded by his late father in the 1980s. Andrew works in the investment technology industry and is a proud father to three of the future Irish croquet team! As an avid sports fan or player of pretty much every sport you can think of, Andrew relishes the mental, physical and competitive battle that the world championship brings.

CROQUET TIP: Your game doesn’t have to be perfect to win … but it helps.

Latvia ANDREJS SAVINOVS Ikskile Croquet Club BIO: I am 53 years old. I live in Riga and will be representing the Ikslile Croquet Club. In Florida, I played my first AC games in the 2016 ACWC. Some players taught me how to play croquet. And at this tournament, I am ready to show that I was not the worst student.

CROQUET TIP: Six Hoops, Four Balls, One Winner

Mexico Brian Lozano

Croquet Mexico Club BIO: Croquet México Co-Founder, Vice President and Athletic Director. Top 10 North American GC player. A dedicated croquet professional, Brian leads the croquet program for Cullasaja Country Club in North Carolina. Beginning his croquet career in 2017, Brian has managed to compete against the best players in the world. He led the México National Squad to a WCF Tier 3 World Championship at the Guildford & Godalming Croquet Club in England in 2022. Occupier of the 2022 and 2023 Moctezuma of Croquet Balcony, which is a ritual and title given to the México National Champion. This will be Brian’s first participation in a WCF AC World Championship.

WCF AC WORLD CHAMPIONS

WCF AC WORLDS MOST TITLES

2023: Robert Fulford (ENG) 2020: Reg Bamford (ZAF) 2018: Paddy Chapman (NZL) 2016: Stephen Mulliner (ENG) 2013: Robert Fletcher (AUS) 2012: Reg Bamford (ZAF) 2009: Reg Bamford (ZAF) 2008: Chris Clarke (ENG) 2005: Reg Bamford (ZAF) 2002: Robert Fulford (ENG) 2001: Reg Bamford (ZAF) 1997: Robert Fulford (ENG) 1995: Chris Clarke (ENG) 1994: Robert Fulford (ENG) 1992: Robert Fulford (ENG) 1991: John Walters (ENG) 1990: Robert Fulford (ENG) 1989: Joe Hogan (NZL)

Robert Fulford (ENG) – 6 Reg Bamford (RSA) – 5 Chris Clarke (ENG) – 2 Stephen Mulliner (ENG) – 1 Robert Fletcher (AUS) – 1 Paddy Chapman (NZL) – 1 Joe Hogan (NZL) – 1 John Walters (ENG) – 1

Source: www.croquetrecords.com

MOST GAME WINS Reg Bamford (RSA) – 228 Robert Fulford (ENG) – 218 Stephen Mulliner (ENG) – 175 David Maugham (ENG) – 156 Chris Clarke (ENG) – 122 David Openshaw (ENG) – 106 James Death (ENG) – 104 Robert Fletcher (AUS) – 93 Paddy Chapman (NZL) – 86 Mark Avery (ENG) – 78 Jenny Clarke (NZL) – 72 Samir Patel (ENG) – 71 Stephen Forster (AUS) – 70 Ian Burridge (WAL) – 68 Pete Trimmer (ENG) – 67 Keith Aiton (SCO) – 66 Kevin Beard (AUS) – 62 Marcus Evans (ENG) – 62 Bob Jackson (NZL) – 56 Aaron Westerby (NZL) – 56

CROQUET TIP: Find peace on the lawns.

www.croquetamerica.com | 23

New Zealand Jarrod Coutts

Waireka Croquet Club BIO: I’m excited to be playing in my second AC World Champs and I’m looking forward to the challenge of competing. I’ve been involved with croquet for nearly 20 years after discovering the sport during intermediate school thanks to one of my teachers. It’s nice to be back playing again after some time away from croquet when I was focusing on competing in the grueling Coast to Coast Multisport World Championships recently — a 243 km test of kayaking, cycling and mountain running from the West Coast to the East Coast of NZ in one day. I earn my bread as a teacher at a rural high school in Methven (an hour’s drive southwest of Christchurch). I spend my working hours white water kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing, tramping, skiing, snowboarding and mountaineering, trying to inspire the next generation to step outside their comfort zone and live active and healthy lifestyles. I’m fortunate enough to recently become the new owner of Quadway Hoops, so I’m currently learning a lot about running a small business in addition to supporting various volunteer roles for Croquet New Zealand. Away from work and croquet, I enjoy spending my time with my friends, family and amazing fiancée Laura — especially when we are supporting my beloved NZ Warriors. Up the Wahs!

CROQUET TIP: As the 1989 inaugural World Champion (Joe Hogan, NZ) has been teaching us back in Aotearoa, “Roquet for show — Croquet for dough!”

Jenny Clarke

United Croquet Club BIO: Jenny is a retired physicist and sport scientist who is a life member of the United Croquet Club in Christchurch. She is the current NZ Open Champion (AC) and won the 2025 Sugar Beach International Croquet Cup. Spending time between the U.K. and NZ, Jenny tries hard to avoid cold weather while chasing an elusive golf target.

CROQUET TIP: Enjoy seeing a really clean contact between your mallet and the ball, the rest of the stroke will follow.

24 | 2025 WCF AC World Championship

Edmund Fordyce

Highlands Country Club | The Oaks Club BIO: I’m Edmund and I come from Christchurch, New Zealand. I have played croquet for 17 years and I am currently working in the U.S. as a croquet professional. I have had the privilege of representing NZ in both codes internationally, with the highlight being the most recent MacRobertson Shield. Outside of croquet, I love to keep active by playing tennis, pickleball, golf and other sports

CROQUET TIP: Not playing is the best form of practice.

Logan McCorkindale United Croquet Club BIO: Logan McCorkindale is a seasoned croquet player and a multiple national champion in both AC and GC. He began playing croquet at the age of nine and has since represented New Zealand on the international stage, now making his third appearance at the Open Association Croquet World Championship. Logan is a two-time winner of the New Zealand Open Championship and the winner of the most recent Top 8 AC Invitation, affirming his place among the country’s elite players. Off the croquet lawn, Logan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Coaching, with a double major in Strength and Conditioning with Nutrition and Performance Analysis. Currently taking a year’s break from his studies, he plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Sports Science to further his knowledge of athletic performance and development. Logan lives in Christchurch, New Zealand, and is looking forward to the challenge of competing against the world’s best and continuing to develop his game at the highest level.

CROQUET TIP: Hitting the ball straight makes the game infinitely easier.

John Versey

Marewa Croquet Club BIO: John is 67 years old and is a retired Primary School teacher. He lives near Hastings on a five-acre lifestyle property where he and his wife, Chris, have planted many native trees and run a few sheep. He began playing croquet about 37 years ago and played in the 2002 and 2008 world championships by coming through the qualifying tournaments. He was a member of the successful 2006 Trans-Tasman team. Having had a break from competitive croquet for a few years, he has returned to top-level play in the last three years, coming fourth in the New Zealand Nationals in 2024 and fifth in 2025. In his spare time, he enjoys playing around with classic cars, driving tourists around Napier in vintage cars and volunteering at a charity shop.

CROQUET TIP: Play one shot at a time.

Scotland

2025 WCF AC WORLDS TOURNAMENT PERSONNEL Tournament Directors: Bev Cardo, Planning Michael Albert, Marketing and Planning — Tournament Manager: Jeff Soo Assistant Tournament Manager: Elaine Smith Assistant Tournament Manager: Rocky Smith Tournament Referee: Chris Clarke Venue Contact: Franck Meunier — WCF President: José Álvarez-Sala (Spain) USCA President: Bev Cardo — Media: Dylan Goodwin Marketing-Promotion: Tom Cooper Video Streaming: IDO Video, idobeachtennis.com.

Dr David Houston Meadows CC BIO: David started serious croquet on retirement (far too late!) and soon became Chair of Meadows CC in Edinburgh. He is married with two children and three grandsons. Originally a mathematical physicist, he has three university degrees. He was a summer student at CERN in Geneva and still enjoys returning there to play in the Swiss AC Open. His career started in IT and ended in change management in the public sector. A fast improver, he was soon playing AC for Scotland in the U.K. and Ireland, Sweden and the AC World Champs in New Zealand. He has had a number of B-level wins at Hurlingham, Southwick, Hunstanton, Roehampton as well as in Scotland and is beginning to claim some individual wins against top players. This gives him hope that he can still become an A Class player — so look out for his challenge in this World Champs!

CROQUET TIP: Test hoops with shots at various angles to determine their sensitivity to direction.

www.croquetamerica.com | 25

Sam Murray Norwich BIO: Sam took up croquet in 2009, aged 36, and quickly became hooked. Primarily an AC player, he has dipped his toes in GC waters more recently. The highlight of Sam’s playing career was winning the 2018 New Zealand Open Doubles with Chris Shilling. This will be his fourth AC World Championship, having made his debut in Florida in 2016. Having previously traded commodity derivatives, Sam escaped the world of work some time ago and now enjoys time with his wife, Ellen, and five-year-old daughter Winnie, both of whom will be cheering him on in Florida.

CROQUET TIP: Don’t take advice from mediocre players.

Duncan Reeve

Budleigh Salterton BIO: Duncan has been playing croquet for more than 30 years. Over that time, he has represented Scotland in the U.K. Home Internationals several times, represented GB in the Solomon Trophy, and won both the Eastern and Western Championships and the European Championship.

CROQUET TIP:

South Africa Reg Bamford Roehampton BIO: Reg was born in 1967 and is married with two sons. A South African chartered accountant by training, Reg started his own business in the U.K. in 1996 and now employs over 250 staff in his professional services business. Reg lives in London and is a member of the Surbiton and Roehampton Clubs. He has been playing croquet since he was seven, and has represented South Africa since the age of 14 in numerous Test matches. Reg has been a top-ranked player in the world for over 30 years, and is an 11-time AC Open Champion, 12-time GC Open Champion, five-time AC World Champion (2001, 2005, 2009, 2012 and 2020) and twice GC World Champion (2013 and 2017). As well as croquet, Reg enjoys skiing, golf and sailing.

CROQUET TIP: Practice makes permanent, so practice what’s perfect.

Spain Jose Riva

Prepare the mind.

Club de Campo Villa de Madrid

Andrew Symons

BIO:

Balgreen BIO:

I am a retired teacher living in Scotland since 2005. I played croquet fairly regularly in the late 1980s and 1990s before family commitments meant croquet took a back seat. I restarted playing more regularly in 2018, primarily playing at Balgreen Croquet Club in Edinburgh. I won the SCA Advanced singles and Scottish Open in 2023. My other interests are Bridge and Snooker, and I have recently started to learn to play Go. I managed to attain the rank of Grand Master in Bridge and made a 100 break in snooker, but I fear progressing through the ranks in Go will take considerably longer.

CROQUET TIP: Keep your feet and body still until the shot is completed.

26 | 2025 WCF AC World Championship

Married with two children, born in 1986, I’ve been playing croquet since I was around ten years old. I play both codes of the game and regarding AC, my best achievements are two President Cup victories, two European Championships and a Bronze Medal at the 2018 AC World Championship. Looking forward to this year’s event!

CROQUET TIP: Hang in there, everything can change in one shot.

Archibald Zimonyi

Sweden

Tant Emmas Krocketclub BIO:

Joakim Norbäck

Croquet Clubben Cuculidae BIO: Joakim grew up in Eskilstuna, Sweden. In 1992, he, along with some friends, started the croquet club, Croquet Clubben Cuculidae. Soon afterwards, he moved to Los Angeles to attend college. His stay in the United States was longer than expected and it wasn’t until his return to Sweden in 2007 that he picked up croquet again. He has won the Swedish Championships in both AC and GC and helped Sweden win the AC World Team Championships Tier 2.2. Joakim currently lives in Stockholm, where he works as a Risk Manager at Nasdaq. Besides croquet, he enjoys long-distance running, downhill skiing, watching ice hockey and travelling.

Archibald is 50 years old and lives in Göteborg, Sweden. Working with Enterprise Architecture, he is currently working as a consultant for Stena Line, a ferry company. He first started to play croquet around 2007, but only in the last year has he had time to play both GC and AC more seriously. He reached the quarterfinals of the 2022 GC Swedish Championships. Archibald is also part of the Swedish Croquet Association Board.

CROQUET TIP: Keep it simple, try to build a break.

CROQUET TIP: Forget mistakes quickly. Each break is a new opportunity to change the momentum of the game.

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www.croquetamerica.com | 27

Switzerland Hugh Pettingell Cern Croquet Club BIO: I am 42 years old and have been in Switzerland for the last 20 or so years. I work as a commercial airline pilot flying worldwide. My parents taught me to play croquet when I was about three and I grew up playing garden croquet until I joined the Cern CC around four years ago. Since then, I have played various tournaments in Switzerland, the U.K. and the U.S.

CROQUET TIP: If everything seems to be going well, you have evidently overlooked something.

United States Sherif Abdelwahab Bonita Bay Club BIO: Sherif Abdelwahab, 64 years old, lives in Bonita Springs, Florida. He is so proud to be the Bonita Bay, Indian Creek and Wildcat Cliffs croquet director. Sherif has won 21 US national championships and was inducted into the U.S. Croquet Hall of Fame in 2020.

CROQUET TIP: Enjoy swinging your mallets.

28 | 2025 WCF AC World Championship

Thomas Balding

Grandfather Golf and Country Club BIO: Tom is 28 years old from North Carolina, and works full time as a croquet instructor. His primary job is at Grandfather Golf and Country Club in Linville, North Carolina. He began playing croquet seven years ago in college and has never looked back. He is a threetime national champion in Association Rules, and was a bronze medalist at the 2023 AC worlds. He has competed in croquet in four different countries, and is hoping to add more in the near future!

CROQUET TIP: You’re never so good that you don’t need to focus on the fundamentals.

chris barley

Country Club of Orlando BIO: I am 65 years old and a native of Florida. My wife, Gail and I have been married for 38 years and we live in Orlando. We have one child and two grandsons. I retired this year after 43 years as a Certified Financial Planner. I started playing nine years ago at our Golf Club in North Carolina. I was proud to be taught the game by David Maloof, who is also in this Championship. I played in the GC Worlds in Virginia.

CROQUET TIP: Finish your backswing.

Paul Bennett

Randy Cardo

BIO:

I have come to know croquet not by taking formal lessons from one of the more than capable professionals now teaching the game, but thru the more than generous lessons I have learned from fellow players. All of my early learning came from my fellow club mates starting with Stanley Patmor. I enjoyed many hours after work trying split shots, practicing breaks and learning how to triple peel in Ren Kraft’s back yard. I have enjoyed the game in its most child like state, simply by being on the court hitting balls, making breaks and running hoops smoothly back and forth. There never was more fun than practicing at Sonoma-Cutrer all alone enjoying the fine scenery and fantastic lawn they once held. The North American Open was my first championship victory against Chuck Anders, Tony Stephens, Liz and Bruce Fleming. I really look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new players. Besides the joy of the game itself - the players, their personalities, their passion and love of the game is by far what makes it for me. I used to dream about rock climbing and its flow from movement to movement. I now dream about the numerous folks I have played against and learned so much from over the past 35 years. Good luck all, have fun, play well — enjoy.

Randy Cardo is 68 years old and has been playing croquet since 2013. Primarily an American Rules Six Wicket player, mentored by Stewart Jackson, Danny Huneycutt and Matthew Essick, Randy has four AR6W National Titles, three doubles titles with his partner Danny Huneycutt, and one singles title in 2019. He has also won the USCA Grand Prix for the past eight consecutive years. In 2024, Randy qualified for the GC World Championships at Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club as his first entry into a World Championship tournament. While Randy has played in many AC tournaments, including National Championships, this is truly an honor to be able to play in the 2025 World Championships at the National Croquet Center. Randy is in the excavation and real estate development business and lives with his wife, Bev, in Quogue, New York and Palm Beach, Florida. He also sits on the Board of Directors of the Croquet Foundation of America, the owners and managers of the National Croquet Center.

arizona croquet club

Quogue Field Club, Quogue, NY

CROQUET TIP: Stay in the game, it’s not over until it is over!

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www.croquetamerica.com | 29

Matthew Essick

Shane Hettler

BIO:

Matthew is a 26-year-old croquet teaching professional from Welcome, North Carolina. Matthew teaches in the Winter in the Orlando area at the Interlachen Country Club and the Country Club of Orlando. He teaches in the summer at the Country Club of Sapphire Valley. Matthew has been playing AC since he was 12 years old and has been selected for two Macrobertson Shield Teams, six Solomon teams and has finished second in the last two AC world Championships.

Born in Los Angeles, lives in NYC. Plays croquet sometimes, enjoys it most of the time. Probably can’t triple as well as you, but can throw a mallet further than you. No home club, croquet nomad. Won an American rules national championship one time. Played in the AC qualifiers in England last time, didn’t make the cut, but got to enjoy London nightlife for a week and a half during the actual Worlds and I consider that a win.

CROQUET TIP:

Mission Hills croquet club

Country Club of Orlando

Take dead aim.

Doug Grimsley At Large BIO: Doug Grimsley has been playing AC croquet for over 33 years and is still waiting for the accumulated knowledge of all those years to become apparent. He has won many tournaments in that time, but has lost so many more. His most recent honor has been his induction into the U.S. Croquet Hall of Fame, although he is not sure of why something like that could happen. Upon further reflection, he has guessed that the choice was made as much for his physical labor (hoop setting) as for his proficiency in playing the game. Doug plans to be around for a lot more of these events!

At Large

Rich Lamm BIO:

Born in Indian Territory 70 years ago. Married to Tim Charney. Tax attorney and former professional symphony French horn player. Splitting time between Winter Park, Colorado (Summer), and Palm Springs, California (Winter). Member of Mission Hills Croquet Club, boasting the finest lawns in the world. Eight-time US national champion (singles and doubles). Four-time U.S. Open champion. Member of three MacRobertson Shield teams. Serving on the Board of Directors for non-profit Lee Olsen Fund and the Western Croquet Association.

CROQUET TIP: Doing the unexpected may not always be the best idea, but it sure is more fun!

CROQUET TIP: No beer until you finish play for the day (sorry, James).

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CONGRATULATIONS

RANDY CARDO

The croquet community in Palm Beach cheers Randy Cardo on as he competes in the 2025 AC World Championships.

GOOD LUCK-PLAY WELL!

Stuart Lawrence

Stephen Morgan

BIO:

Stuart Lawrence took up competitive croquet in 1990. His home club is the Lenox Croquet Club in western Massachusetts, where he serves as the club’s president and greenkeeper. After years playing mostly American rules croquet, Stuart began to focus on AC in 2007, and since then has been one of the USA’s most active AC players. He credits croquet for having taken him to a fascinating variety of Englishspeaking countries, where he inevitably gets to play against Brian Cumming. Stuart made his way into his first AC World Championship in 2009 via the qualifying tournament, and has played in every ACWC held since then. He has been a member of the USA teams in the 2017 MacRobertson Shield, four Solomon Trophy tests against Great Britain, and the 2011 Carter Challenge against Ireland. In American rules, he won the USCA singles national championship in 2023 and 2024 as well as the doubles championship in 2022 and 2023. A retired attorney, Stuart lives in Brooklyn, New York, with his wife Diane. As a lifelong opponent of authoritarianism, bigotry, xenophobia, and ignorance, he hopes that all visiting players will feel welcomed despite the distressing situation in the host country.

Stephen Morgan competed in his first croquet tournament at eight years old with the Capitol Croquet Club, based out of Washington, D.C. From the backyard courts of the CCC, Stephen transitioned to American Rules Six Wicket croquet with the West River Wickets club close to Annapolis, Maryland. Soon after Stephen was introduced to Association Croquet when it was suggested as a game to play to improve his 6W. After success in USCA tournaments Stephen became a teaching professional at the Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, and the Hillsboro Club, in Florida. Stephen has been a member of the U.S. Croquet team for four Solomon Trophies, two MacRobertson Shields and one Openshaw Shield.

CROQUET TIP:

Oakland Croquet Club

Lenox Croquet Club, Lenox, Massachusetts

When I feel nervous or lacking in confidence, I sometimes find it helpful to hear myself silently repeating my croquet affirmation: “This is an easy game, and you are very good at it.”

Kyle Maloof

Mountain Lake croquet club BIO: Kyle Maloof is from Lake Wales, Florida, where he is the Director of Racquets and Croquet at Mountain Lake. While originally a tennis player, Kyle took up croquet in 2020. Since then, his highlights include becoming a two-time doubles GC National Champion with his father, David, an AC doubles National Champion and a member of the winning U.S. Solomon team. This will be his second AC World Championship appearance.

CROQUET TIP: Learn your own strengths and weaknesses and devise a game style that highlights your strengths and masks your weaknesses.

32 | 2025 WCF AC World Championship

Capitol Croquet Club

CROQUET TIP: Find a skill you enjoy practicing and get really good at it.

Ben Rothman BIO:

Ben Rothman was a finalist in the WCF Association Croquet World Championship in 2009. He has won six US AC National Championships, six North American Opens, four U.S. Opens, the 2010 Championship of Ireland, and the 2016 British Open. Ben is the youngest member of the U.S. Croquet Hall of Fame and the oldest member of the 2023 Solomon Trophy-winning team. Ben lives in Berkeley, California, with his wife, two daughters, and a dog named Rover.

CROQUET TIP: Make a winning plan, manage the bumps along the way, and hit the ball straight.

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C U S T O M

M A L L E T S

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Official Sponsor of the 2025 AC World Championship. Visit our courtside booth at the National Croquet Center.

Patrick Sweeney

Portland Croquet Club BIO: I was born in Portland, Oregon, USA, and have lived there all of my life. I am an attorney practicing in the area of criminal defense. I am an active member of several croquet clubs, primarily the Portland Croquet Club and the Mission Hills Croquet Club in Rancho Mirage, California. I enjoy playing both Association Croquet and American 6-Wicket. My journey in croquet began in 2000 when I was honored as the USCA’s Rookie of the Year, a recognition that marked the start of my competitive involvement in the sport. I did not really focus on playing at a high competitive level until 2019. In the past few years, I have won the 2023 Mission Hills Desert Classic, 2025 Pacific Cup (five times overall), 2025 Croquet Fools (four times overall), and the 2024 and 2025 USCA Western Regional AC Championships (five overall regional championships). Recently, I was honored with the “Most Outstanding Player” award at the 2025 Victoria Day event in British Columbia, Canada. These achievements reflect my dedication to the sport and my continuous pursuit of excellence in croquet.

CROQUET TIP: Practice the little things.

Zack Watson

National Croquet Center BIO: Zack is from Mount Jackson, Virginia, and is the croquet professional at the National Croquet Center. He started playing croquet in 2013 on a backyard lawn his father built. Zack is a two-time doubles national champion and is currently ranked 12th in the world in AC. He is also part of the current Solomon team and previous MAC team.

CROQUET TIP: The losses, missed shots and mental errors are just a blip in your croquet career. Don’t forget the good shots, lucky shots and smart plays that follow.

Wales Angharrad Walters Bowdon Croquet Club BIO: Born in Gorseinon, near Swansea in South Wales, Angharrad learned to play croquet at Bowdon Croquet Club, near Manchester, in NW England. She now regularly represents Wales at both AC and GC events. A career since 2017, her opportunities to play are limited, but Angharrad is happy to be returning to the USA, having previously spent four years working in Delaware. Angharrad is currently the Hon. Secretary of her local club, the NW Federation of Croquet Clubs and a Committee member of the Welsh Croquet Association.

CROQUET TIP: Concentrate fully on the next shot.

34 | 2025 WCF AC World Championship

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2025 WCF Association Croquet World Championship Special Edition Program