Mission Hills GC Open — Finals Day

PLATE FINAL — Karl-Heinz Kempfer vs Giancarlo Ruiz

The consolation event final was a single game, 19-point match. This was a match between two players who were eager to claim victory for very distinct reasons and motivations. Karl found himself in a final match against an unknown “new to the croquet scene” player in Giancarlo, who’s motivations lie beyond just winning his first trophy. Giancarlo is looking to get the attention of Croquet Mexico, the organizing body of Mexican Croquet. The World Croquet Federation is organizing the Tier 3 GC World Teams Championship, contested between Portugal, Czech Republic, Russia, Uruguay, and Mexico. Brian Lozano, Mission Hills Club Pro, captain and selector of the Mexican National Team, was closing observing this match, as Giancarlo may be a possible candidate to represent Croquet Mexico in the future. This was one of those matches where unfortunately, the good luck and bad luck was unevenly balanced, in favor of Karl. The match began with a very hard fought first hoop, it must’ve taken 20 minutes before Karl shot through to open up the score. Right after, one of those semi-unintentional long hoops at 2, gave Karl a quick 2-0 lead and the confidence needed to remain in control of the match, and that’s what he did. While Giancarlo did his best to keep up, attempting long distance clears, aggressive hoop shots, he got unlucky by peeling opponent through Hoop 8, giving Karl a commanding 6-2 lead. Giancarlo stayed calm throughout, showing good sportsmanship in a match that clearly was not going his way. It’s important to remain calm in competition, especially when your game is off. Karl didn’t take any chances and closed the match with a 10-4 score.

CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL — Paul Bennett vs Rich Lamm

The final that was expected from the start of the tournament, the two top seeds with lots of history in the croquet world, domestically as well as international. Paul Bennett, a multiple time doubles national champion in AC and GC, and also holds a singles national title in American 9W, Paul is part of a third generation of Arizona players who’s been a top player in all codes of croquet since the 90’s. Rich Lamm, a jungle croquet player with shoulder-length hair in his college years, he then moved to Denver, where he developed into a top flight croquet player. Multiple national titles across all codes, including doubles + singles GC nationals titles in 2011. Rich is one of those friendly but deadly competitors, a real pleasure to watch play.

The final best of three match began with a very unusual first three hoops. Paul misses three very clear hoops shots in a row, which were followed by easy hoops runs from Rich, 3-0. As match referee for the final, I was watching this match closely. Although understandable after three easy hoop failures, I was surprised to see some reactions from Paul, shaking his head in disbelief not able to comprehend why he’s down three, when easily it should’ve been 3 up. Rich, as an experienced tournament player, pounced on that moment of weakness from his opponent, and refused to take the gas off the pedal. Game 1 to Rich Lamm, 7-2. Paul took a short walk, regrouped, re-focused, and came back to try and force a decider. The level was definitely raised in Game 2, from both players. Several hoops were contested for well over 15 minutes. At 6-5 to Paul going in to Hoop 12, he jawsed his ball and forced Rich to a jump, no good, peeled opponent, we have a decider. The third and final game could really have gone to anyone. Overall, Rich had a much more consistent setup game, giving himself a much easier chance to dominate and control each hoop. Paul did not make it easy, hitting long distance clears from almost anywhere, just couldn’t quite turn the momentum around in time. At 6-4 to Rich, he lays up to Hoop 11 first, and hits every clear center-ball until he gets his shot for the match, a 3-4 yard, slightly angled shot, got it. Rich Lamm closes the match with a score of 7-2, 5-7, 7-4.

The tournament was a success, a celebration of the sport we all enjoy. After the final hoop was run, we all met at the San Jacinto Ball Room in the main clubhouse for the awards presentation and luncheon. It was a real treat to have Mission Hills Croquet greats like Jim Butts and Bob Morford share the moment with us in closing out the season with our last tournament. There was a real nice vibe in the room, a feel of anticipation for what is to come the next season. Ideas floating around of what kind of tournaments we would like to see in the near future, all good things. It was overheard in a corner table, Brian challenged Cam to play a match for the 3rd place, make it official instead of “sharing” the 3rd-4th spot. They played it at 9:30am the next morning, "behind closed doors,” just them two.

Thank you to all the players who came to visit our little slice of croquet heaven in the desert. It was a real pleasure to see you all enjoy the game throughout the week. I look forward to welcoming you all back next season. Lastly, thank you to all the club members, without your encouragement and support, these great events would not be possible.

B.
MHCC