Happy New Year's Eve! We're getting this 39th edition in just under the wire, but I feel like 2012 was a good year for the Morning Coffee newsletter. Growth certainly hasn't been explosive, but it has been steady. At this point, it's clear that it is the crown jewel of the Croquet Network media empire. That's a happy little surprise as the original intent was just to provide a reminder and links to the now defunct Croquet Network print and digital magazine issues.
Read MoreUSCA Publisher's Desk: Vision for the Croquet News
As many of you know, I took over as publisher and editor of the USCA's Croquet News at the beginning of the year. Finally, on this third issue, I've found a way to add in a publisher's letter. Space is of course tight, so the print magazine has a website URL and QR code for mobile devices that directs you to this web posting. We've done the same for Michael Rumbin's Nine-Wicket Update. It's maybe not the most elegant solution, but at least we can say we are giving you a full magazine and more. And, we are absolutely committed to keeping the USCA up to date with all of the latest trends in digital media.
Susan (my wife) has just come in with the mail and I see my advance copies of the issue have arrived. Hopefully that is a good sign that USCA members will see their issues later this week and ideally before the holidays arrive. I will note that this issue was challenging. All kinds of events converged on what should have been production week and that along with my desire to cram new elements into this edition nearly sent me over the edge.
Those new elements include a letters section which you will find on page six along with a
Morning Coffee: GC December to Remember
Well, really it's a GC November-December to remember, but you get the idea. Somewhere in the background the U.S. Open came off, but most of the action has been centered around the GC World Team Championships which took up a big chunk of the calendar for the past two weeks with two divisions (16 total teams). Egypt took Division 1 and Wales just wrapped up the Division 2 event with a 4-3 win over Belgium. You can read more about that one below and I especially encourage you to read the CAI (Croquet Association of Ireland) report.
Rothman Rules USCA GC Nationals
RANCHO MIRAGE, CA -- Ben Rothman defeated Sherif Abdelwahab 7-4, 7-3 to take his second USCA Golf Croquet National singles title. He also won the GC title in 2010. It represents his fifth USCA singles title overall and his sixth title of the year when you factor in doubles play.
Read MoreWales Takes WCF GC WTC D2 Championship
The Second Division of the Inaugural GC World Team Championship concluded in Cairo, Egypt. Wales took the championship 4-3 against Belgium, in a close-fought final to win the WCF Pyramids Trophy. The trophy was donated by the Egyptian Croquet Federation, who successfully hosted the event despite a significant amount of distraction from the political scene.
Read MoreUSCA's GC Nationals Kicks Off
Twenty-one players took to the courts yesterday for the start of the USCA’s 2012 Golf Croquet National Championship held at the Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California. At least five former National Champions will be on hand including, Sherif Abdelwahab of West Greenwich, RI, US Team Captain, Ben Rothman the Mission Hills Club Pro and 2010 Champion, both of whom just returned from the Golf
Read MoreMorning Coffee: Early Monday Edition
Welcome to your early edition of the Croquet Network Weekly Newsletter. This one has been posted on Sunday evening as I have business travel early on Monday. It's a light week for news in the sport of croquet, but things do appear to be under way in Cairo for the Golf Croquet WTC Division 2 event. Fans please check the thread below and keep us updated.
GC WTC: Egypt 7, New Zealand 6
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA -- Reports are coming in now that Egypt has won the WCF's Golf Croquet World Team Championship 7-6 over New Zealand. Scores are available from croquetscores.com:
http://www.croquetscores.com/2012/gc/golf-croquet-world-team-championship/egypt-vs-new-zealand-final
In such a close test there are likely several key moments, but Stephen Mulliner noted this segment in his extensive summary on the Nottingham List, which seems crucial:
Thankful For The World's Greatest Sport
No Croquet Network Live Today
I had originally planned an episode of Croquet Network Live for today, but the magazine and holiday schedule is heating up. CNL will not air today, but will return in December. In the meantime, I hope you'll keep the croquet community live by posting news, opinions, photos, events and photos on the Overdrive site. See you on the courts!