Hartfield hosting Croquet Nationals

No charge for public to come out, watch croquet stars do their thing

The United States Croquet Association (USCA), in conjunction with Hartfield’s Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club (CBCC), announces the 35th annual Association Laws National Championship. Do not mistake this for the backyard game that most people are familiar with. Competitive croquet is played on highly manicured lawns resembling a golf green except perfectly flat with 105-feet by 84-feet dimensions.

CBCC is one of the largest croquet venues in the country with eight full-size lawns and has become one of the more popular destinations for croquet in the United States. Next year, Chesapeake Bay will have 24 courts and will be the largest croquet facility in the world.

This event will feature the top players from the US, many of whom have competed on the world stage. Seven of the top 10 ranked US players will be here in the field of 30 or so.

Featured players include Chesapeake Bay member, Matthew Essick, who is currently ranked first in the U.S. and placed second in the world championships last year. The second ranked U.S. player is Zack Watson from northern Virginia. Last year’s champion, Jeff Soo and previous national champions, Stephen Morgan, David Maloof, Doug Grimsley and Brian Cummings will all be playing for the title.

Virginia is playing a big role in this year’s championships. Not only is the event being conducted in Hartfield, five of the top 12 players either are from Virginia or members of Virginia club. No. 1…