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Sarasota County, although bereft of any of the “Big Four” professional sports teams, is a hotbed for athletics. U.S. Rowing routinely holds events at Nathan Benderson Park, the Baltimore Orioles hold Major League Spring training here and the Sarasota Paradise—although they officially play in Lakewood Ranch—are set to turn professional next season. There is another sport, however, that Sarasota serves as the epicenter of: croquet.

The Sarasota County Croquet Club, officially established in 2000, is the largest public croquet club in the country. Located in Venice, the club sports seven full-sized courts and has been host to many national competitions and recently hosted its first international competition, the U21 WCF World Golf Croquet Championship in April. The club, which is entirely volunteer run, prides itself on its inclusivity and offers all three types of tournament croquet: American rules or six-wicket croquet, association croquet and golf croquet. While there are differences between the versions of the mallet sport, all types of croquet involve the basics: two teams or individuals take turns striking balls through hoops, or wickets, with the objective of passing the balls through the hoops and eventually hitting the final stake.

Although the different styles of the sport might be dizzying to a first-timer, the Sarasota County Croquet Club welcomes all skill levels. “During the season, which runs from October through April, we have organized activities seven days a week and every Tuesday and Sunday we have public availability day where anybody can show up and learn the sport,” says Hans Peterson, president of the club. “People can visit up to four times on those days before they’re required to join the club. During the off-season we have intro to croquet sessions on Tuesday mornings.”

For Peterson, who began playing croquet back in college, the sport is about more than just the competitive aspect. Croquet is a chance for participants to come together, to congregate outside for an approachable, fun activity that spans all age ranges and skill levels. “It’s such a diverse sport. There’s no barrier by age or sex, it’s all based on ability," says Peterson. “Even within that, you can have people with different abilities come together for an event and be matched with similar players. It’s an incredible social experience as well, it’s good for the heart, mind and soul.”

Sarasota County Croquet Club, 1420 Lucaya Ave., Venice, 34292

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