Hamptworth Croquet Player Selected for 2027 World Event
Retired fireman Tim O'Donnell will compete in the World Association Croquet Championship in Wellington, New Zealand, from January 30 to February 7, 2027.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Golf
Tim O'Donnell, a croquet player at Hamptworth Golf Club, was selected for the 2027 World Association Croquet Championship. The event will feature 80 players from 17 countries.
Why it matters
The selection highlights the growing international reach of a club-level sport and the progress of a player who began playing only about six years ago. It also marks an opportunity for a Wiltshire player to compete on a global stage.
The 2027 championship field includes 80 players from 17 countries, with five previous champions also entering. O'Donnell's full competitive results have not yet been reported.
The players
Tim O'Donnell
A retired fireman and croquet player at Hamptworth Golf Club who has represented Ireland in international team events.
World Croquet Federation
The international body that organizes the World Association Croquet Championship.
The details
O'Donnell, who has represented Ireland in international team events and plays for the Wiltshire team, was selected for the championship organized by the World Croquet Federation. Hamptworth Golf Club, which has around 50 members, provides mallets, balls, and hoops to newcomers.
Timeline
May 2026: Wiltshire won Division 2 of the annual inter-counties competition.
January 30 to February 7, 2027: The World Association Croquet Championship takes place in Wellington, New Zealand.
Season Trajectory
The 2027 championship follows a tradition established in 1989, when Joe Hogan won the inaugural title. Reg Bamford's six-time championship record remains the benchmark for the event's history.
Croquet fans can follow the championship's progress through the event schedule ending February 7, 2027. Players interested in the sport can contact local clubs like Hamptworth for equipment and beginner sessions.
The takeaway
Club-level players can reach world-class competition through sustained local practice, as O'Donnell's rise from a beginner about six years ago illustrates. Croquet's accessible equipment and welcoming clubs make it possible for newcomers to start quickly.
What happens next
The 2027 World Association Croquet Championship begins on January 30, 2027, in Wellington, New Zealand, and concludes February 7.
Further reading
Explore more coverage in our Golf section for related competition and player news.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Salisbury Journal.
