The United States Croquet Association has designated October 4, 2015 as "9 Wicket Croquet Day." In celebration, the USCA is hosting the National 9 Wicket Championship October 2-4, 2015, on the National Mall at West Potomac Park, Washington, D.C. The view from the courts should be spectacular with the Lincoln, Washington and Jefferson Monuments all in view. Registration will be at Ohio Drive SW and West Basin Dr. SW.
There will be Championship flights in singles and doubles play for the National Championship title. Three time singles and doubles champion George Cochran will be returning with his winning soubles partner John Warlick. Another past Singles winner, Stephen Morgan of Capital Croquet Club will also be vying for the title.
This year we are holding an Open Competition (6 players, one ball each) with the help of the Capitol Croquet Club. We hope to get as many as 48 new players from the local area on the courts this year.
The nine wicket tournament is played under rules similar to the family backyard game while playing on double-diamond layout that should be familiar to casual players. Along those lines, the USCA is offering a First Flight division, which should appeal to novice and intermediate players, in both doubles and singles.
The nine wicket game appeals to many players in part because of the unpredictability of the long grass court. The best skills and strategies are often subordinate to chance and luck making for a more entertaining game for both players and observers. Visitors are welcome free of change.