No longer a genteel backyard pastime reserved for members of the Victorian leisure class, modern croquet is an accessible, challenging sport that bridges the gap between genders and generations. Recently, to take its croquet program to the next level and broaden its appeal, the Bald Head Island Club (BHIC) announced an expanded commitment from world-class Croquet Director/Instructor Jeff Soo and Croquet Instructor Eileen Soo. At the same time, the club eased its strict dress code of all-white attire, creating a more relaxed environment for novice players.
The Bald Head Island Club has a storied past as a croquet hot spot, playing host to several prestigious tournaments over the years, including the North Carolina State Singles Croquet Tournament, the North Carolina Croquet Open, as well as the Solomon Trophy International Rules Tournament. Past club members Dr. and Mrs. Bill and Billie Jean Berne were Croquet Hall of Fame inductees in 2003. The United States Croquet Association (USCA) named the Bald Head Island Club its Croquet Club of the Year in 2012. With such a rich history, the club might rest on its laurels. Instead, the Soos are committed to growing the sport by fostering a loose, fun atmosphere for players of all levels.
“This leadership continues with BHIC hosting North Carolina State Championships in each of the past three years and local players winning flights in each one. Five BHIC women competed in the January Women’s Golf Croquet Open in West Palm Beach, Fla., and represented us beautifully,” said Dick Johnston, BHIC Croquet Club President in recent years.
“Croquet is a great way to get exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and develop friendships,” said Jeff Soo. “We’re wanting to dispel any notion that it’s a boring or stodgy game. Quite the contrary — it’s a vibrant sport that combines the angles and precision of billiards, while requiring strategy and agility. It appeals to women and men of all ages equally.”
The physical benefits of croquet are numerous. “Croquet is a low-impact sport that is gentle on the joints. At the same time, it improves hand-eye coordination, balance and focus,” explained Eileen Soo. Additionally, croquet provides the opportunity to socialize with friends and family with relatively low barriers to entry. “Complete beginners can enjoy croquet after just a few minutes of instruction, and yet the game offers endless challenges to dedicated players,” she said.
Indeed, the sport has captivated the couple for decades. Jeff took up competitive croquet as a player in 1994 and as a coach, referee and tournament director in 1996. As a player, he has won 21 USCA national championship titles and has been selected to the United States Croquet Team 15 times, three times as team captain. As a tournament director, Jeff has managed events at the club, state, regional, national and world level. As a coach, he has given clinics and private lessons throughout the Southeast and as part of the USCA Schools program. Jeff is a USCA Class I referee and has taught and certified many referees. A former national champion in her own right, Eileen ranks as one of the top female croquet players in the U.S.
Longtime BHIC Croquet Club member and membership chair Kim Gottshall credits the Soos with helping to create a thriving croquet community of 80 members and counting. “They are passionate about teaching the game to others in a relaxed and encouraging atmosphere,” said Gottshall. “Whether you come to a clinic, a practice or a tournament, you leave with a smile.”
Currently, the BHIC Croquet Club offers instruction for both Golf Croquet and American Six Wicket (USCA) styles of play. In addition to singles and doubles tournaments, the club routinely joins together for rounds of golf croquet, Women’s Wickets, Sunday open play and monthly competitions known as scramblers. For players wanting to become more competitive or try the sport for the first time, the Soos offer clinics throughout the year, along with individual lessons.
“Anyone interested in discovering the sport is welcome,” said Gottshall. “We’re always looking to add new club members.”
The Bald Head Island Club’s croquet programs are open to all club members and guest members, including vacationers staying in a home that offers a club membership.
About the Bald Head Island Club
The Bald Head Island Club is a private, member-owned club located on Bald Head Island, NC. Along with croquet, the club offers golf, tennis, aquatics, fitness, fine and casual dining in an exquisite ocean-view setting. To learn more, visit bhiclub.net.