Letters

In support of the game of croquet in the Town of Southampton, I offer the following insights.

Many of us grew up with the sport of “backyard croquet” as a summer pastime. The modern adaptation is a more complicated game involving the strategy of chess, the touch in putting on a golf green, and the geometry of billiards. It is serious croquet — and that is why the game is so compelling.

The recent request by members of the Westhampton Mallet Club to establish a public croquet facility on the Town of Southampton property [“Croquet Club Pleas to Town for New Home, but CPF Rules a Sticky Wicket,” 27east.com, December 11] is a great opportunity for recreation for all ages of our community. I envision a first-class facility that includes instructional programs. It should include a croquet recreational facility for all, which would include reasonable membership dues, while offering a safe and social environment for recreational and competitive playing opportunities for individuals of all abilities, ages and backgrounds.

Public croquet facilities have been expanding across the USA. Recently, an 18-year-old from Southern California won the championship title of the World Golf Croquet competition. The previous year, this title was claimed by a 25-year-old from North Carolina.

Personally, I picked up the sport 15 years ago after a ski injury kept me from playing tennis. I have played in tournaments around the country and made many friends along the way. Currently, as regional vice president of the Mid-Atlantic area of the United States Croquet Association, I’d like to see the sport grow in our community and across Long Island.

With due respect, I hope that the Town of Southampton seriously considers a home for this great sport.

Sally McGrath

Quogue