The GC World Team Championship is the Golf Croquet version of the MacRobertson Shield, the prestigious Association Croquet international team championship that was first contested in 1925 between England and Australia.
Since 2012, teams from up to eight countries have competed every four years for the Openshaw Shield trophy. The Shield is named after David Openshaw, the President of the World Croquet Federation from 2004 to 2009, and the trophy was designed and made in New Zealand.
The first GC World Team Championship was held in South Africa in 2012 with Egypt the victors. New Zealand won the event in 2016 in London, and again in 2020 in New Zealand. The fourth contest will be held in Launceston, Tasmania, at the Northern Tasmanian Croquet Centre.
The Northern Tasmanian Croquet Centre, located in Launceston, is a premier facility dedicated to the sport of croquet in Tasmania. It features multiple well-maintained lawns that accommodate various types of croquet, including association croquet, golf croquet, and ricochet. The center often hosts local, regional, and national tournaments, attracting players from across Australia.
The facility includes a clubhouse equipped with amenities such as a lounge area, kitchen, and changing rooms, providing comfort and convenience for players and visitors. The Northern Tasmanian Croquet Centre is known for its vibrant community and welcoming atmosphere, making it a hub for both seasoned players and newcomers looking to learn and enjoy the game.