The word from the wickets

The second Annual Gasparilla Mallet Club Tournaments are in the history books, and they were resounding successes, according to Skip Russo, one of the tournament’s directors. At least 24 people took part in each of the two one-day tournaments, one for Golf Croquet on March 14, and one for 6-wicket Croquet on March 21. Some participants played in both tournaments.

The second Annual Gasparilla Mallet Club Tournaments are in the history books, and they were resounding successes, according to Skip Russo, one of the tournament’s directors. At least 24 people took part in each of the two one-day tournaments, one for Golf Croquet on March 14, and one for 6-wicket Croquet on March 21. Some participants played in both tournaments.

Russo was director of the 6-wicket tournament and Hans Peterson was tournament director for the Golf Croquet. 

Russo said these tournaments represent a successful expansion of the club, which plays on courts provided by the Gasparilla Inn. Although the club has been active on the island for decades, it is continuing to grow, with about 90 members currently. He said almost all of the members live on the island at least part of the year.

The Inn provides three courts on its property, and the croquet club offers help to guests who wish to play throughout the season. The Gasparilla Mallet Club is a freestanding organization.