View of Lawn 2.
New members are ALWAYS welcome.
If you believe croquet is a game played on vicarage lawns in prehistory, it’s time to think again. Hamptworth Croquet Club (HCC) is thoroughly up to date, offering try out sessions before joining and free instruction from qualified coaches afterwards.
It’s quite difficult to miss a large ball with a large mallet so beginners can enjoy games from the start.
Imagine snooker on grass; as the skill sets increase, so do the subtleties and complexities. Don’t be afraid of having a go; above all, croquet is sociable, affordable and fun.
Currently we have around 50 members of all ages and levels.
Find us on the Hamptworth Golf and Country Club Website:
Croquet is one of the finest outdoor sports. It is a friendly game combining ball skills as well as tactics, it’s relatively easy to understand, and it’s fun to play.
We are always pleased to receive new members, of any age or level of experience from beginner to advanced. If you are an experienced club or match player, please click on our club section to learn more about the club and how to get in touch.
If you are thinking of taking up croquet from scratch, please keep reading this section for a brief introduction to the game and its benefits.
Why play croquet?
Croquet is an enjoyable, sociable game that can be played by people of any age and of either sex.
There are two principal forms of the game – Association and Golf.
Association Croquet is a game of complex strategy and high levels of skill, and is similar in many ways to games like snooker or pool.
Golf Croquet is quick to learn, but requires accuracy and tactics to master.
Both forms of the game may be played as singles or doubles and many people enjoy playing both, as skills learned in one form of the game may be applied to the other.
Croquet’s effective handicap system recognises smart thinking as much as physical skill, so everyone has a good chance of winning.
As with any game, the best players probably start young, but many take it up after retiring from more energetic pursuits. It can be as skilful as you want it to be – advanced players can take it very seriously, but most club members probably see it as a relaxing and friendly way of passing an afternoon.
About the club
The Croquet Club is located within the Hamptworth Golf and Country Club in the New Forest.
Looking up at the beautiful view is tempting, though raising your head playing a croquet shot is unlikely to be rewarded.
We play throughout the year, and have access to five lawns. Membership is open to people of any age. New members are always welcome, and all members have the use of our equipment as well as access to coaching from our more experienced players.
For both formats of the game, there are internal events and regional and national leagues and tournaments for those who wish to play competitively. These cater for all levels of player from beginner to expert.
Interested in playing?
Before deciding whether to join the club, prospective members are welcome to try the game. See our taking part section for details, and contact us if you want more information.