Croquet
5 November, 2024
Huge turnout for annual tournament
The Horsham Croquet Club held its annual tournament from Wednesday, October 30, to Friday, November 1. Approximately 60 players came from Adelaide, Eastern Park, Terang, Belmont, Drysdale, Ballarat, Wonthaggi, Ararat, Warragal, Shepparton, Maldon, Ringwood, Colac, Casterton, Kyneton, Koroit, Williamstown, Dimboola, and Red Cliffs.
Over the three days, the events feature a high-low double on day one, singles on day two, and handicap doubles on day three. They are all individually scored, with different winners each day.
Tournament manager Rae Hill said the visitors bring a lot to the town.
"We love having the visitors to the town as they stay at the caravan park and motels around town, which brings money into the town," Hill said.
"We also put on an evening meal for the visitors, so they get looked after well and enjoy it."
Hill said Golf Croquet is a social game that anyone can play, encouraging people to get involved.
"It's a good, easy, relaxing game to learn and very social," Hill said.
"You are changing partners and playing with different people all the time, and the school kids love coming. We have some from Murtoa and Horsham College that come out to play."
Hill was instantly hooked on croquet when she was roped in by friends to play.
"I have been playing just 15 years, and once I started, I thought it was good, and I love the social side of things."
Assistant tournament manager Donna Frost said she was hooked once she started.
"I have been playing for 15 years and was looking for something to do in retirement. When I got involved, I was hooked instantly," Frost said.
"It's nice to come down and mix with a different group of people and I have loved it ever since."