Croquet tournament brings friends together to remember past players.
The 2022 Paton Memorial Golf Croquet tournament held in Johannesburg brought some of the games best players as they competed for the cup.
The tournament, always held on June 16, is in memory of two well-known croquet players, Jonathan and David Paton, sons of the famous author Alan Paton of Cry the Beloved Country fame.
The Paton family continue to be keen players of the sport with Anthony and Chris, Paton’s grandsons, participating in the friendly competition this year.
Chris said, “[The event] represented the Paton heritage in many ways as my dad and uncle loved the game and enjoyed the outdoors. It’s because of them that we are all here having a lovely day, at a super venue.”
Players came from across the city to participate with Marks Park, Waterfall and Kleinfontein clubs all represented in the golf croquet doubles event.
Victor Dladla and Alfred Makhubo who play for Country Club and are both international players for South Africa, participated, as did several South African provincial cricket players who play croquet for Marks Park in Emmarentia.
Teams of two players comprised of players with a low and a high handicap, to keep the playing field fair, played, with some players given extra shots if their handicap called for it.
Sami Bulbulia (Marks Park) and Terry Ashcroft (Kleinfontein) won the trophy.
Jo Meintjes, organiser of the tournament said, “The day though was not about stiff competition, but rather a day to remember old friends, make new ones and enjoy playing on the beautiful grounds.”
Related articles:
