Bigger, Better and More Than $35,000 Strong: The National Croquet Center Is to Host Second Annual Invitational Croquet Tournament
The Croquet Foundation of America (CFA) is pleased to announce the return of the “New Steuber Classic” for its second year, now offering a remarkable $35,000+ in prize money — the largest purse in the sport.
This second annual tournament, dedicated to the growth of American Six Wicket Croquet, is made possible through the partnership of the JER and Linda Chilton Foundation, the CFA and the Charles P. Steuber Family. This United States Croquet Association (USCA)-sanctioned event, with the National Croquet Club as host, takes place from February 25 to March 1, 2026, at the National Croquet Center (NCC) in West Palm Beach, Fla.
“The second annual New Steuber Classic is expected to surpass last year's event in both scale and quality, and I thank our incredible partner, CFA’s founding board member, the late JER (Bob) Chilton and the Chilton Foundation for making that possible,” says W. David McCoy, CFA Chairman and CEO. “It’s a rare opportunity for both accomplished and beginner American Rules croquet players. It’s just as Bob would have wanted. We are deeply grateful.”
“There are few competitive sports that both teach and require strategic thinking — and yet allow you to be social. Croquet is one of those games,” says Missy Diack-Chilton, Board President, JER and Linda Chilton Foundation. “I am grateful that through the Foundation and the New Steuber Classic, we can continue to inspire new and existing American Rules croquet players of this and the next generation. This honors my late husband Bob (JER) Chilton, who loved the game as much as I do.”
Both the JER and Linda Chilton Foundation, and the Steuber family, will continue to provide generous prize money annually to the best players in their flights. Charles P. (Chuck) Steuber, for whom the Center is named, conceived, built and largely funded the NCC.
The New Steuber Classic kicks off on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, and runs through Sunday, March 1, 2026. A total of $35,000 in prize money, granted by the JER and Linda Chilton Foundation, will be awarded to the top players in all flights of American Rules Croquet singles and doubles — the focus of this tournament. This year, there will also be an American Rules “Rookie” Croquet Clinic for rookie players who sign up to play in the tournament. The “Rookie Flight” will now offer first, second and third place for those players who have little or no experience.
The tournament continues to offer Golf Croquet (a single-shot version of the game) for those who wish to compete in this version of the sport. A total of $3,000 in prize money will go to winners and finalists in their flights, generously provided by Victor Steuber, son of the late Charles P. Steuber.
About the Tournament
The courts open for practice on February 25, 2026, at 12:30 p.m., with an opening reception at 4:00 p.m. EST. Waterford Doubles for American Rules and Golf Croquet take place all day on February 25 only. American Rules and Golf Croquet Singles run from February 26 through March 1, 2026.
It's not part of the tournament, but on Friday night, February 27th, the CFA and the USCA will induct David Maloof and Carla P. Rueck (posthumously) into The United States Croquet Hall of Fame with a gala ceremony and dinner dance at the center. On Sunday, March 1, the tournament will feature a Grand Buffet Awards Luncheon, an awards ceremony and a 50-50 drawing with a grand prize of up to $10,000.
The deadline for entry to the tournament is February 18, 2026. For additional information and registration, please contact Doug Moore at 646-322-1742 or douglaspmoore@gmail.com.