We are well prepared for another GC World Championship!
Please contact Michael Albert for Tournament Opportunities - mycopres@gmail.com
Volunteer Opportunities - Bev Cardo - secretary@uscroquet.com
This information has been approved by the WCF.
The 2025 U21 Golf Croquet World Championship will be held at the Sarasota Croquet Club, 1400 Lucaya Ave, Venice, FL 34285, Florida, USA between 14-18 April 2025.
Entries - October 7th update - the Management Committee have reviewed the capacity and increase it from 24 to 28.
Note: there is no entry fee payable for U21 events.
Age limit - Per the Sports Regulations, clause 5.1.5, players in this event must be under 21 on 31st December 2024.
Extract 5.1.5: A player may compete in an Event subject to a maximum age limit if their age does not exceed the limit on the preceding 31st December.
The Club - The host club is the Sarasota County Croquet Club on it's seven lawns - to find out more visit: Sarasota Croquet Club.
The club aim to achieve a lawn speed of 10+seconds with rigid Quadway hoops set in new holes at the commencement of the Tournament and repositioned as needed. Hoops will be set to the largest ball plus 1/32 inch with an upwards tolerance of zero and a downwards tolerance of 1/64 of an inch unless otherwise specified.
Format - The format of the Championship will be:
Main event - Block play: 4 blocks of 6 players playing best of three (Bo3) matches over 3 days. Draw to be made per WCF Sports Regulations as valid on the event start date. The top 4 in each block will qualify for the Knock-Out stage.
Knock-Out: The Knock-Out Stage will comprise 16 players, with the matches best of 3 games. The final will be a best of 5 match if time allows, otherwise best of three. Seeding and Draw to be done as per the WCF Sports Regulations valid on the event start date.
Plate: Entry will be open to those that do not qualify for the Knock-Out Stage. It will consist of block play and matches will be single games. It will be followed by a knockout stage of at least semi-finals and finals which will consist of best of three games.
Bowl: entry will be open to 1st round losers in the Knock-Out Stage. It will be a knock-out event and matches will be best of three games.
Shield: entry will be open to the quarter-final losers in the Knock-Out Stage. It will be a knock-out event and matches will be the best of three games.
Event Management:
Event Lead Jeff Soo
Tournament Director: Michael Albert
Tournament Manager: Jeff Soo
Assistant Managers: TBD
Tournament Referees: Ellen Nielsen, Ellie Griffith, Doug Ledgett, Bob Gelineau
The WCF Appeals Committee will be established prior to the event.
Meetings and Socials
A Players meeting will be held at Sarasota Croquet Club on the afternoon/evening before the first match, on 13th April 2025.
All lawns will be available for a practice session after 12PM, on 13th April, the day before the matches begin.
Health & Safety
Risk assessments will be undertaken prior to the event and reviewed by the Event Lead. Safety netting will be put in place as needed for the safety of spectators and officials.
Child Protection
The USCA and the WCF will coordinate to facilitate necessary permissions and controls are in place to ensure the well-being and safety of minors attending the event.
Memorabilia
Logo event merchandise will be available.
Travel, Transport, Accommodation and Catering
Players will be responsible for their own accommodation: however, the organising committee will supply information on accommodation available including information on local motels and hotel. We recommend making arrangements quickly as this is high season in a popular vacation destination.
A WhatsApp group will be set up for players to coordinate their plans. This will be published in late December after we have received the Player Information details from all players.
The organising committee will endeavour to provide transport for players, provided funding permits, to the Croquet Club from accommodation and back,
Lunches will be provided daily by a caterer. If there are special food requirements, please inform the Tournament Manager. Sarasota Croquet Club has ice and a water filtration system. Players and guests should bring water flasks as we do not use disposable plastic water bottles.
Social program
There will be an official opening ceremony to welcome players and officials at the courts at 4 p.m on Sunday 13th April . Local dignitaries will be invited to attend.
The Knock-Out Stage Draw will be carried out in public at the Sarasota Croquet Club as soon as convenient after the completion of the block play and any play-offs.
A closing ceremony will be held on for presentation to Winners.
WIFI - WiFi is available with public access on the courts as well as high speed 5G networks.
Streaming - the USCA expect to stream some matches live on YouTube.