Buffalo Croquet Club Prepares to Host 7th Annual 6-Wicket Invitational Tournament in August
The Buffalo Croquet Club is excited to announce its 7th Annual 6-Wicket Invitational Tournament, taking place from August 17-20, 2023. This USCA-sanctioned American 6-Wicket tournament will be held at Delaware Park and will feature singles and doubles matches, with white attire required.
THE COURTS
There will be 4 three-quarter size courts, similar to those in Central Park, being that both were originally lawn-bowling greens inside an Olmsted-designed park.
Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Delaware Park
84 Parkside Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14214
Here is an aerial view of the courts with an arrow indicating the entrance to the park. You must enter from this direction.
The reigning champion, Chris Patmore, claimed the coveted "Bronze Buffalo" trophy in the previous tournament after dethroning former USCA Officer and Seattle resident, Tim Rapuano. Rapuano had held onto the title for four years previously, having unseated Bermudian John Young III. Croquet icon Johnny Osborn is the only other Buffalo 6-Wicket Invitational winner in the tournament's relatively short history. Winners of the championship flight singles will receive a complimentary entry fee into the following year's tournament, as well as a cash prize.
The tournament will kick off on Thursday, August 17th, with courts open for practice from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., followed by optional tournament play from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Play will continue from 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with a "Toasts & Tallies" dinner party on Friday evening, and an evening dinner party on Saturday. The playoffs will take place on Sunday from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. followed by the trophy presentation.
Registration for the tournament is capped at 30 players, with a $25 cancellation fee and no refunds after August 3, 2023. The registration fee is $275 for tournament singles, doubles or both, while the non-player social fee is $125.
Parking is available at Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy at 84 Parkside Ave, Buffalo, NY 14214. Whites are required for practice and play, but there is no dress code for social events. The Parkside Meadow Bar & Restaurant is a popular spot to visit between games.
For those traveling from out of town, some nearby hotel choices include InnBuffalo, The Richardson, The Mansion, The Edward, Oscar's Inn, or an Airbnb in the Parkside neighborhood. Western New York Croquet Days are celebrated throughout the month of August, with The Rochester Croquet Club hosting its 10th annual USCA tournament on the weekend immediately before the Buffalo tournament.
For a peek at previous years' tournaments, view TV coverage on Channel 4, or read articles in The Buffalo News, WBEN and CBS. Past years' photo galleries are also available here: 2016, 2017 and 2018.
For more information, visit the Buffalo Croquet Club website or view previous years' photo galleries on their website. TV coverage can also be viewed on Channel 4, and articles in The Buffalo News, WBEN, and CBS. Bring passports and check border restrictions if visiting Canada.
PAST CHAMPIONS
'16 - John C. Osborn (West Palm Beach, FL)
'17 - John H. Young III (Bermuda)
'18 - Timothy Rapuano (New York City)
'19 - Timothy Rapuano (New York City)
'20 - COVID-19
'21 - Timothy Rapuano (New York City)
'22 - Dr. C.J. Patmore (United Kingdom/New York City)