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: Please can you provide a little background on
yourself?
Reg Bamford
: I’m 49, born in South and live in London.
I run a business there offering wealth, immigration and
financial services to those moving to and from the UK.
How long have you been playing Golf Croquet and what
titles have you won?
I’ve been playing since I was 7 (so 42 years!). I’ve won
6 world championships including the most recent 2017
Golf Croquet World Championships hosted in Melbourne,
Australia.
What made you get in to the game?
Friends of my parents had a garden croquet court on
their farm. After beginning there, I persuaded my father
to join a local Croquet club in Cape Town with me
How old is the game and from where did it develop?
It’s about 150 years old, and developed in the UK and
Ireland.
How long does a typical game last?
A game can last anything from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Is it a game of strategy?
If so, what types of strategies are
employed?
Yes, it depends on who you’re playing. Aggressive vs
defensive, as well as multiple of choices as to the shot to
play.
Are there any professional Golf Croquet players?
Yes, there are several around the world, but are more
akin to golf club pros, based at a club, giving lessons etc.
There’s very little prize money!
Is it just an individual sport or a team sport?
It can be played as singles, doubles or as a team.
Who are the top players and which nations are the
strongest?
In Golf Croquet, the Egyptians are the strongest. But it
is widely played in the UK, the US, Australia and NZ.
There is a tendency to think that Golf Croquet is a sport
for the elite Upper Class?
Not at all, players come from all walks of life.
How inclusive is the sport?
It is one of only two sports (along with show-jumping)
where men and women compete equally.
How popular is the sport in terms of participation?
About 10,000 people play it worldwide.
Is it increasing or decreasing?
Golf Croquet, in particular, is increasing.
What can be done to appeal to a wider spectator
audience?
NZ has an active campaign to introduce it as a
minority sport in schools, for those not attracted to the
main sports of rugby, cricket and football. Its traditional
appeal is for those who have retired from competitive
tennis or golf.
Your general thoughts on the future for the sport.
There are few sports in the world where one can play
outdoors, be challenged mentally and be able to play at a
competitive level all your life.
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