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At Meadowood, we play the grown-up version of the backyard game of croquet that has been played for decades on luxuriously leisurely summer afternoons.
Croquet is the perfect equalizer between players of widely differing physical skills. Everyone starts at the same level, so the consummate athlete has no competitive edge. In fact, croquet is a game of strategy, not unlike chess, which offers the thinking player the true advantage.
The Gentleman's Sport
The sky is a brilliant azure above Meadowood's gabled rooftops and sun-dappled lawns, where players in crisp regulation croquet whites (mandatory attire on the course) move amid the soft clack of wooden mallets and the occasional clink of a glass lifted by those enjoying a respite in the shade. This aristocratic scene recalls summer afternoons on country estates in centuries gone by…until a player suddenly erupts into a cheer and races around the lawn celebrating a tough shot, decorum forgotten.
For many first-time visitors to Meadowood, the term "croquet" evokes memories of whacking weathered wooden balls over bumpy backyard terrain. But that old childhood pastime is nothing like the adult game played at Meadowood. The resort's two championship croquet lawns sport immaculately manicured grass resembling putting greens, where shots roll as smoothly as balls on a billiards table.
The game taught by Meadowood instructors is California Golf Croquet, a simplified rendition of the tournament version. It's simple enough that any guest above the age of seven can master the basics in a single lesson.
Croquet
Instruction begins with the instructors showing players how to swing the mallet as well as a variety of grips, then give them time to experiment and find one that is most comfortable for them. Next they explain the rules, show players where to stand to swing more accurately, and share winning strategies, before coaching them through a game. Croquet is a game of strategy, not unlike chess, in that you have to look and plan ahead.
Lessons generally last one hour; a second hour provides guests ample time to play several 20-minute rounds. They can be booked for virtually any size team, from couples enjoying a romantic weekend getaway, to college friends reuniting, to three generations celebrating a family reunion.
But don't let the refined ambiance and attire fool you. The game brings out the competitive side of people—even those who swear they are not competitive.The wickets used are an eighth of an inch larger than the ball, so players must be precise to get the ball through one.
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Resident Croquet Pro Mike McDonnell
Resident Croquet Pro Mike McDonnell presides over the Jerry Stark Memorial Croquet Lawns at Meadowood Napa Valley. Mike has been serving as Assistant Pro since 1996 and has family ties to the property that make his appointment particularly fitting.
Mike's father taught him to play on the family’s home court in Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles when he was five years old and he’s been playing ever since. “Croquet was a big family sport. It was what we did – we played croquet together,” says Mike. “It was always a scene at our house while we lived in Southern California. A steady stream of professional croquet players and actors, including David Niven, Louie Jordan, Gig Young, George Saunders and Diana Hyland would always be at the house to play whether we were celebrating a holiday or just a regular weekend.”
Traditional dress for the game of croquet is white attire with flat-soled shoes. At Meadowood white collared shirts for men, white shirts for women, white or light beige pants or shorts and flat-soled shoes are required. (Unfortunately no wedges, please.)
Tournament croquet requires a 105 x 84 foot lawn, upon which players hit two one-pound balls clockwise through a series of six wickets and then back again before pegging out. Players earn points up to a maximum of 26 with time limits ranging from two hours to no time limits at all. Tournament croquet at Meadowood is played on two full-size, world-class lawns. For newcomers to croquet, we use four half-size courts and recommend that players start with California Golf Croquet, which is an easy-to-learn version of the sport with good strategy and tactics which make the game exciting to play.
The Meadowood croquet lawns run parallel to the golf fairways, separated by a line of redwood and fir trees. The meticulous bent grass, trimmed to a mere 5/32 inch, is complemented by the rustic dry-stacked stone wall that frame the courts.
Challenging, exciting and fun, competitive croquet has -- for more than a century -- drawn an interesting mix of enthusiasts including the likes of Alexander Woollcott, Sam Goldwyn and Clark Gable. Meadowood debuted its competition lawns in 1986 and hosted the U.S. Croquet Championships the same year. Today, Meadowood is proud to offer its guests the finest full-time teaching facility for croquet in the country with private and small group instruction.
Court Fees & Equipment
Use of croquet courts and equipment is complimentary for hotel guests.
Reservation is required. A reservation guarantees 1 hour of time and unlimited daily play, based on court availability. Guests must check-in at the Golf & Croquet Shop before using croquet courts and equipment.
* Please contact the Golf & Croquet Shop at (707) 967-1200 to reserve your time and equipment.
Instruction
A one-hour lesson is $75 per person.
Group rates are available for five players or more.
Resort pro Mike McDonnell has a career teaching the game's finer points
How does an auto assembly plant worker from Kansas City decide to grab a $500 mallet and hit the pro croquet circuit? Five-time champion Jerry Stark has never looked back after donning white.
