Information

Event Information

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.

It is named after David Openshaw, a former President of the World Croquet Federation (2004 to 2009) when Golf Croquet was becoming more popular. At the time Egypt was by far the strongest team and twice matches between Egypt and the Rest of the World were organised. But the gap was narrowing and there was a demand for more international Golf Croquet. As a result, The World Team Championship was introduced by David Openshaw’s successor, President Charles Jones.

David offered to present a trophy for this event. This offer was based on the many great memories of playing in the Association Croquet team event, the MacRobertson Shield, which was first played between England and Australia in 1925.

David Openshaw thought it would be good to have a similar trophy for this new competition Chris Clarke recommended Ray Atkins, of Christchurch, who would do a great job making the shield. So the shield is quite international and was conceived in Britain, based on the trophy donated in 1925 by the Australian MacPherson Robertson and designed and made in Christchurch, New Zealand.

About the Organisers

Event Lead: Graeme Roberts
Tournament Director: Elaine Hazell
Tournament Manager: Peter Freer
Tournament Referee: Lizzie Bassett (Tasmania Director of Refereeing)
Secretary: Ruth McKean
Treasurer: Graham Keating

Event Date

Monday, 17th to Sunday 23rd February 2025

Start Time

TBA

Location

Northern Tasmanian Croquet Centre, St Leonards, Tasmania

Participating Countries

New Zealand (Holders)

Australia

Egypt

England

Ireland

South Africa

Spain

USA

Schedule

Block Play:

Monday 17th to Wednesday 19th February 2025.

Championship Knockout and Plate:

Thursday 20th February to Sunday 23rd February.

Rules

The latest editions of the Rules at the time of the event (currently Edition 6, 2022) and any Official Rulings on the Rules of Golf Croquet that may be issued prior to the commencement of the event, will be used.

Lawns:

These are anticipated to be 11-12 Plummers in speed. The courts do not have lighting, however, at this time of year there is thirteen (13) hours of daylight.

Balls:

Dawson International Balls

Hoops:

Quadway, set to WCF Tournament standards

Format:

The format will be block play followed by a knock-out Championship.
Full details of the format will be published in the specific Event
Regulations prior to the event.

Live Streaming

Live streaming will be available every day of the competition commencing on 17th February.

Functions

Civic Reception by Mayor of Launceston

Welcome to Launceston

5-6pm Friday 14th February

Meet and Greet:

Meet the Volunteers, club members and invited guests

Aussie BBQ - 12noon - 2pm Sunday 16th February

Tournament Dinner and Award Ceremony:

Sunday 23rd, February 2025 from 19:00. Players to purchase tickets

Tournament Dinner

Launceston Golf Club, Kings Meadows

Cost $75

Transport and Accommodation

Travel

Players, or their Member countries, will be responsible for the costs of and arranging travel to and from Launceston and within Launceston to the Northern Tasmania Croquet Centre at St Leonards.

Accommodation:

There is a variety of accommodation available in Launceston, ranging from the very basic to the higher end of the market. Options will be listed on this website.

Meals:

Snacks and lunches will be available for purchase at the venue. See above for Tournament dinner.