Dataw to host USCA Southeast Regional Golf Croquet Championship
The United States Croquet Association Regional Golf Croquet Championship returns to the Lowcountry April 21-24, the first time since 2015. Beaufort’s own Dataw Island Club is the main host site with matches also being played at Sun City and Spring Island to accommodate the full field of 32 competitors. The event will feature both singles (blocks) and doubles (knockout) play, with the winners of each advancing to the National Championship in Cashiers, NC.
Dataw Island is home to two championship croquet lawns overlooking the beautiful Jenkins Creek and coastal marshes. Dataw’s Director of Golf Maintenance, Brian Hollingsworth, oversees the care of the private community’s 36 holes of golf in addition to the croquet lawns, one of which was recently expanded and renovated.
“We’re really excited to open our doors to this talented field of players,” says Hollingsworth. “The lawns are in great shape and my crew is really happy to see their work showcased.” And, fine work it is! Hollingsworth and his crew maintain the croquet lawns much like you would a golf putting green, mowing the Tiff-Dwarf Bermuda grass daily, fertilizing weekly, and “top dressing” with sand and rolling the lawns frequently to keep them smooth and fast. Recently, his staff was joined by a group of croquet players who volunteered their time for an extra-detailed prep of the courts in anticipation of this event.
“The croquet community here on Dataw Island is a really passionate group with some excellent talent,” says Director of Racquet and Lawn Sports Warren Florence. “We really owe much of this honor to them – their support of the game here locally as well as in the area regionally has helped get our name our there as one of the premier facilities.”
He adds, “The programming our Croquet Club delivers on a regular basis has introduced a lot of new players to the game. And, they really have fun doing it. That’s what this is all about, really. We do have some players who compete at a high level, but ultimately, it’s about getting outside, being social, and having fun. Period.”
The fun begins on Wednesday, April 20, with a players’ Welcome Dinner. Doubles play commences 8:30 am Thursday, April 21 and Singles at 8:30 am Friday, April 22. Bracket-style eliminations continue Saturday, with the finals being played at Dataw Island on Sunday.
Dataw Island Club members Jack Howard and Ray Barrett will compete against players from Florida (4), Georgia (4), North Carolina (5), Virginia (2), and 14 others from South Carolina (1 from Spring Island, 6 from Okatie, 2 from Charleston, 2 from Hilton Head, 2 from Aiken, and 1 from Bluffton).
Spectators are welcome! Mark your calendars for April 21-24 to watch some of the finest croquet competition available.