Play · Mission Hills Croquet Club

Games We Play

Easy to learn.
A lifetime to master.

A lawn game where all ages, men and women, compete equally. Not physically demanding, but it requires keen skill, strategy and tactics. Mission Hills plays all three major forms, from quick social doubles to the long, tactical international game—plus some quirky variations for good measure.

Easiest to learn

Golf Croquet

The fastest-growing form of the game worldwide. Every ball races for the same wicket, one shot at a time, and whoever runs it first wins the point. It's quick, social and easy to pick up, but at the top level it's fiercely tactical. Our Club Pro, Blake Fields, won his World Championship in this format.

Object: First side to win 7 of the 13 wickets
Turns: One stroke each, in color order: blue, red, black, yellow
Play: Singles or doubles. No extra strokes, just clean shots, jumps and clearances
Length: About 45 minutes to an hour

Best for newcomers, social play and Sunday Funday

How Golf Croquet is played →

The American game

Six-Wicket

The USCA's traditional game. Each side plays two balls around a course of six wickets twice and finishes on the center stake. Run a wicket or hit another ball and you earn extra strokes, so a single turn can carry you a long way. Mission Hills hosts the USCA Western Region tournament in this format each March.

Object: Take both balls through all 12 wickets and hit the stake: 26 points
Turns: Balls play in strict rotation: blue, red, black, yellow
Extra strokes: One for running a wicket. Two for hitting (roqueting) another ball
The twist: Deadness: once you hit a ball, you can't hit it again until you clear your next wicket, and that carries from turn to turn

Best for players ready for strategy and tournament play

How Six-Wicket is played →

The international game

Association Croquet

Played worldwide under international rules, and the game of the MacRobertson Shield. The court and scoring match Six-Wicket, but the freedoms are wider, so skilled players build long "breaks" and can take a ball around the whole course in a single turn. The US Open Invitational in December and the Desert Classic in January are played under Association rules.

Object: Both balls through all 12 hoops and onto the peg: 26 points
Turns: Play either of your two balls each turn
Extra strokes: Same as Six-Wicket, but every ball is live again at the start of each turn
Handicaps: "Bisques," or bonus turns, let players of every level enjoy a close game

Best for the long, tactical game at its finest

How Association Croquet is played →

New to Croquet

Never played? Perfect.

Every one of our members started exactly where you are, with a wobbly first swing, and we haven’t forgotten it. You’ll find plenty of friendly faces happy to share a tip, explain a rule or pull you into a pickup game. Here is the easy way in.

1

Come out to the lawns

Drop in on a Thursday clinic at 2 pm, stay for open play at 3, or join the fun at Sunday Funday at 2 pm. Watch a few games, meet the members and try a few shots.

2

Join New Player Croquet School

Free, January 12–14. Contact Dick Engebretson at richard.engebretson@gmail.com or 760-777-0377. Then keep going with Thursday clinics at 2 pm, including the golf croquet rules class on November 19.

3

Play your first tournament

The Newbie Tournament on January 25 is made for new players. Private and group lessons are available all season; ask for Blake Fields.

A member taking her shot at the wicket while two players in whites look on

Dress & Etiquette

Whites, flat soles and good manners.

Whites, always. Wimbledon began as the All England Croquet Club, and we keep the tradition: whites are customary and encouraged at all times.
Flat soles only. Heels and cleats scar the lawns. Sneakers or flat lawn shoes are perfect.
Mind the striker. Stand clear of the line of play and keep quiet while someone takes their shot.
Leave it as you found it. Return balls, clips and mallets when you’re done.

Two smiling members in whites on the lawn while a game plays on behind them

A member in whites lining up a shot at the wicket

Two members in whites and sun hats discussing the next shot

Guest Play

Bring a friend. Visiting? Say hello.

We welcome guest play at Mission Hills. Just help us with a few simple guidelines.

1

Register in Court Reserve. The member who invites you registers you in the Court Reserve (Invited) app before play.

2

Check in at the Tennis Shop. Every guest checks in at the Sports Club Tennis Shop before playing. Outside shop hours, check in at the Sport Center front desk.

3

Pay the $15 guest fee. Each guest is allowed six visits a season.

Play on Lawn 4, the lawn nearest the clay tennis courts, just south of the sunken court.
Flat-soled shoes only, and nothing else that could damage the lawns.
Whites, please, while playing on the lawns.
Visiting USCA players in the desert for the season: email us before your visit and we'll find you a game.

Not sure how to use Court Reserve? The tennis desk is happy to help.

Email missionhillscroquet@gmail.com · Phone 760-285-4298

A smiling player in whites and a cap on the lawn

Grab a mallet. Find your game.

Easy to learn.
A lifetime to master.

Golf Croquet

Six-Wicket

Association Croquet

Never played? Perfect.

Come out to the lawns

Join New Player Croquet School

Play your first tournament

Whites, flat soles and good manners.

Bring a friend. Visiting? Say hello.

Your first wicket awaits.

Easy to learn.A lifetime to master.

Golf Croquet

Six-Wicket

Association Croquet

Never played? Perfect.

Come out to the lawns

Join New Player Croquet School

Play your first tournament

Whites, flat soles and good manners.

Bring a friend. Visiting? Say hello.

Your first wicket awaits.

Easy to learn.
A lifetime to master.