October 5–8, Pinehurst, NC

Fifth year. Seventeen doubles pairs representing six North Carolina clubs competed in three flights. Bisques were allowed in Second Flight games if the team handicaps differed by two or more. Players vied for individual trophies awarded to the winners and runners-up in each flight, and also for the club-level competition for the Penwell Trophy. Each team finishing fourth place or higher within a flight would earn points for their club.

And, in another NC Club Teams tradition, players were offered extra games in an optional and very informal “high-low” doubles event. Players in this event had a different partner in each game, so this was an excellent learning opportunity for the high-handicap players and a fun social mixer for all. Bill Berne was the undisputed king of the “high-low”, winning all six of his games. Binky Albright and Conrad Haas had the best records on the high-handicap side, each winning five games.

The players experienced three different seasons during the tournament. The first two days were summerlike, warm and rather humid. Saturday was a brilliant fall day, and Sunday was gloomy and surprisingly chilly.

With eight teams entered in the tournament, Pinehurst Croquet Club were strong favorites to win the Penwell Trophy competition. Nonetheless, by Sunday morning there were still three clubs in contention to win. Bald Head Island Croquet Club, with three teams entered, were still very much in the running. Stoneridge Croquet Club, with two teams, also had a chance, although they would need to win every game and have some other results go their way as well.

The Pinehurst team clinched the team title with strong performances in the First and Second flights.

Penwell Trophy team competition

Championship flight

First flight

Second flight

Last modified on 12 December 2004