As 2016 winds down, it's always a great time to look at the most popular articles and pages on the Croquet Network site. The trends always present an interesting look back at the year in our wonderful sport and the popularity of specific pages or articles makes me appreciate the loyal audience that has been cultivated over a near-decade of work. The past year was particularly enjoyable because, we kicked off a small but targeted effort to invest in and produce more original content. It's nice to see some of those pieces in the top 10 for 2016.
Read More2016 Croquet News Volume 3, Web Edition
The 2016 Volume 3 issue of the USCA's Croquet News magazine went to press earlier this month and should be mailing to members soon. The web edition PDF is also now available to USCA members on the magazine page of the USCA website (log in required).
Here's the full run-down of articles you'll find in this issue:
- Ideas to Kickstart Nearby Club Croquet Activity
- 2016 Selection Eights
- Golf Croquet National Championship
- 2016 US National Championship
- 2016 Seniors Masters Championships
- Member Profile: David Maloof
- Club Profile: Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club
- On Tactics: Peel to Get Clean
Abdelwahab in Control of US GP
Looking at the current USCA Grand Prix standings, it appears as though Sherif Abdelwahab is on his way to claiming the 2016 race. The standings below were pulled from the USCA website on December 18, 2016, and show that Abdelwahab is just ahead of Stuart Lawrence. From our last glance at the end of August, the positions are exactly switched.
2016 US Open: Cumming Over Grimsley in Five
PLAYER JOURNAL BY LEO NIKORA:
Finals were played on Saturday in both flights. They were accompanied by a courtside bar and luncheon.
2016 US Open: Elimination Blocks (Day 4)
PLAYER JOURNAL BY LEO NIKORA:
For the first time in its 29-year history, the United States Open did not have a single-elimination playoff. Instead, each flight of ten players was reduced to two round-robins of four players each, seeded according to the block results. The winners will advance to the finals. There was some trepidation in the players, but I thought it worked well.
2016 US Open: Block Day 3
US OPEN PLAYER JOURNAL FROM LEO NIKORA:
The third day of Block play had the best weather yet. Each player played another three games. Afterword, the Toast & Tally was held at the home of Donna Dixon.
2016 US Open: Block Day 2
PLAYER JOURNAL FROM LEO NIKORA:
The second day of Block play was another perfect croquet day. Each player played another three games.
2016 US Open: Block Day 1
PLAYER JOURNAL BY LEO NIKORA:
The first day of Block play was perfect croquet weather – cool air and warm sun. Each player played three games.
2016 United States Open: Opening Party
The 2016 United States Open is being held at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, CA, on December 6-10. It is hosted by the Mission Hills Croquet Club.
The opening party was held at the 55th Hole bar at the Country Club. Twenty players and nine guest attended the gala. Tournament Director Rory Kelley, demurred, and Assistant Tournament Director Doug Grimsley presided.