Croquet

Budleigh Salterton Croquet Club has announced an exciting programme of national and international tournaments for the 2013 season.

To send a link to this page to a friend, you must be logged in.

This will be preceded by courses for players from across the region, and open days to enable new players to take up the sport.

As one of the oldest and largest croquet clubs in the country, Budleigh always hosts a number of prestigious tournaments. This year the National Seniors event and the Challenge and Gilbey - one of the oldest tournaments in the croquet calendar – are returning to Budleigh Salterton.

There will also be week-long Association Croquet tournaments in May and August and several shorter events.

In May and June, two top-level Golf Croquet championships, the Golf Croquet Open and the European Golf Croquet Open, will give local players and other spectators the opportunity to watch star players in action.

Budleigh Salterton Croquet Club is not only a top sports venue but also a community sports club with flourishing bowls and croquet sections. During March and April a range of courses will be available for croquet players wanting to improve their play. These are open to members of clubs throughout the South West. Coaching as you play is available for Bowls members.

Croquet players and bowlers alike are looking forward to the coming season. Grounds Manager Rob Weeks said: “This year we have kept four of our lawns open for play throughout the winter, which means that the Croquet Club subscription is even better value for money. We spend around £50,000 each year on maintaining and improving our ten croquet lawns and bowling green, and our members will be able to enjoy some of the best playing surfaces in the country.”

The club is inviting interested newcomers to view the excellent facilities and try their hand at croquet and bowls at the beginning of the season.

There are open sessions on Thursday, April 4 (12 noon to 4pm) and Saturday, April 6 (10am to 12 noon).

These free taster sessions give newcomers the opportunity to join as temporary members for a nominal fee.

They will then be able to borrow equipment and take part in our successful beginners’ courses before deciding whether to move on to full membership and enjoyment of the club’s activities for the rest of the year.