Croquet suffers the disadvantage over bowls in being not so well-known or understood. As a result bowls is the popular choice. Another problem is accessibility. There are fewer croquet clubs, and they may not be close. Immaculate lawns must meet the specific requirements of croquet. The speed of ball movement in croquet has to be precise to reach but not overshoot targeted positions. The usual bowling green is too fast.
The strategies and the rules of Association Croquet, the classic form of the game, take time to master, but many players choose it over bowls for the challenges this presents. Games are usually capped at two and a half hours, and as a result tournaments may last several days. They are intensely competitive, motivating players to strive for excellence. Even “friendlies” can be almost do or die events.
Not everyone coming to retirement or seeking a sport for their leisure hours, wishes to be so deeply involved. Golf croquet is a simpler version, and a fun game, with plenty of social interaction, It is still very skilful. It is amazing how often freakish shots occur to the applause of even one’s opponents. The game is also shorter, most lasting about three-quarters of an hour. This allows a game to be played before and after the essential tea break in a morning or afternoon session of play. Golf croquet has saved many a club from extinction.
Golf Croquet Mount Barker Style
It may not have the youngest members, but it would definitely rate as one of the friendliest of clubs.
This group of 25 Mount Barker Golf Croquet regulars are enthusiastic about their twice weekly friendly matches. In Gala day competitions, visitors from other clubs, join the local club for a full day of competitive croquet matches.
The club logo.
Two mallets forming an oblique cross with a set of croquet balls in the angles with the primary colours of blue/black and red/yellow
Don’t wait until you retire to take up croquet!
SA Golf Croquet State Team 2013
It is the younger players who do best. It helps too if you have prowess in other sports.
Location of the Mount Barker Croquet and club details
Club Secretary Neal Gibson
At play on the main lawn in front of the shelter and equipment shed.
The not so modern rest rooms
Pelicans – Mount Barker’s Laratinga Wetlands
Refurbished (thanks to Mt Barker Council) Clubhouse.
Golf Croquet players in action on the 2nd and 3rd lawns in front of the refurbished clubhouse. In the back-ground behind the clubhouse, on the other-side of Adelaide Road is the popular Wallis Cinema complex, a modern state-of-the-art facility which boasts seven auditoriums, each with a wall-to-wall screen, high back seats, and Dolby Surround Sound. It adjoins the historic Auchendarroch House and the Tavern.
Originally named The Oakfield Hotel, “Auchendarroch” derives its origins from the Scottish-Gaelic term ‘holy place of the oaks’ and was built-in 1860 by Scottish immigrant Lachlan McFarlane.
Another Scottish ex patriot, Robert Barr Smith, business person and philanthropist, purchased the property in 1878. He served on the boards of the University of Adelaide, the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, and many Adelaide companies.
Inside the clubhouse
Meet some of the Players
We would be delighted to meet you in person!!
Club President:
Valda Jaensch
Colleen Walters
Colleen and Maurice Walters manage the kitchen chores
Denny Fry
Heather
Peter Fry
Kevin Jaensch
Max Walcom
Trevor Kramm
Monica Eglinton
Heather Daniel
Lorraine and Trevor
Lorraine Kramm
Life after work 