Welcome to Golf Croquet — A Simple Guide for New Players

Golf Croquet is easy to learn, social, and great fun. If you can swing a mallet, you can play. Most people understand the basics within minutes.

Here’s everything a new player needs to feel confident on the court.

What’s the Aim of the Game?

Your goal is to get your ball through the next hoop before your opponents do.

Everyone plays for the same hoop at the same time.

The first ball through scores the point.

The Balls and Turn Order

There are four balls, always played in this order:

Blue → Red → Black → Yellow 🔵🔴⚫🟡

• Singles: each player has two balls
• Doubles: each player has one ball

When it’s your ball’s turn in the sequence, it’s your turn to play.

How a Turn Works

You get one shot each turn.

You can:

• Try to run the hoop
• Knock an opponent away
• Help your partner ball to a more favourable position
• Or simply get closer to the hoop

After your shot, the next colour in the sequence plays.

How to Score a Point

A point is scored when a ball passes completely through the hoop in the correct direction.

Only the first ball through scores.

Then everyone moves on to the next hoop.

The Court

A standard Golf Croquet game is played to 13 points.

Here’s how the hoops work in a 13‑point game:

The Hoop Order

You play the hoops in this sequence:

1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → 6 → 7 → 8 → 9 → 10 → 11 → 12 → 13

But don’t worry — you don’t need to memorise numbers.

Just remember this simple pattern:

The Simple Pattern

• You play hoops 1 to 6 in a big loop around the court
• Then you play hoops 7 to 12, which are the same hoops again but in the reverse direction
• If the score reaches 6–6, the final point (hoop 13) is played at hoop 3, again in the forward direction

What New Players Actually Need to Know

• Everyone plays the same hoop at the same time
• The next hoop is always pointed out before play continues
• You don’t need to know the numbers — just follow the group
• The game ends when one side reaches 7 points (a majority of 13)

That’s it. No need to overthink it.

Basic Etiquette

Croquet is calm, respectful, and social. New players are always welcome.

Just remember:

• Don’t swing your mallet near others
• Don’t distract someone who is about to play
• Wait until all balls stop moving before taking your turn
• Ask questions — everyone was new once

A Few Simple “Don’ts”

• Don’t play the wrong colour
• Don’t hit your ball before the previous one has stopped
• Don’t walk in front of someone taking a shot
• Don’t stress — mistakes are part of learning

Beginner Tips

• Get your ball in front of the hoop
• Gentle shots are often better than powerful ones
• Watch experienced players
• Think one shot ahead

Why People Love Golf Croquet

• Easy to learn
• Quick games
• Social and friendly
• Suitable for all ages
• A great mix of skill, strategy, and fun

Ready to Play?

That’s all you need to begin.

Grab a mallet, choose your ball, and enjoy your first game.

Coaching is available for all three codes.