Sixteen top-flight players will be taking part at the weekend of 1st and 2nd November in the annual Waikanae Open croquet tournament at the club’s lawns in Park Avenue.
Of the 12 men and four women playing, many have represented their country in the sport, notably Paul Skinley who is now on a handicap of minus 4. The cup for the tournament was donated in 1988 by Steve Jones who now plays off a minus 3.5 handicap and is a member of the Hastings Club. He has won the cup himself six times and will be at this weekend’s tournament, along with Aiken Hakes and Michael Wright (Wellington) both on the same handicap.
Local players taking part are Malcolm McLeod, Pauline Reid and Jan Hoeksma.
Spectators are welcome and there will be local players on hand, able to explain some of the intricacies of the game to anyone interested. Both Association and Golf croquet are played at the Waikanae Club, and new players are encouraged at all times. Lessons are available and the only initial equipment required is flat soled shoes.