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West Palm Beach, Florida 33406
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Date: 10/22/2025
Subject: Croquet Break - Wicked Hot Croquet
From: United States Croquet Association



CROQUET BREAK
provided as a USCA member benefit.

October 22, 2025

WICKED HOT CROQUET

by

FRANCENE FISHER

Fisher, Francene

Larry opens his eyes. It’s 6:05am. As he makes his way to the kitchen, he grabs a quick cup of coffee. He’s got about 45 minutes until he has to be on the lawns- just enough time to enjoy his java on the patio and check the weather. Right now, it’s 81 degrees. Although the forecast is for 111 today, he and the guys should be able to get in three games before it hits 95.

Larry downs the last of the cup, fills his Yeti with electrolytes, grabs his mallet, and heads off to the lawns. Hopefully, he’ll get there a few minutes early so he and Curly can hit a few balls to gauge lawn speed and practice a couple of jump shots. No such luck! As he parks his golf cart, he sees Moe and Shemp impatiently waiting. Today is a grudge match, and they are out for blood.

 
 
Fisher - lizard

Welcome to the Mission Hills Croquet Club Lizard League. Most of the members of the club leave for cooler climes in April and return for the season opener in November. However, there is a growing number of die-hards who live in Rancho Mirage year-round and have found a way to enjoy croquet despite the triple digits! Not only do members play year-round, but they continue to socialize. This year, they celebrated the Third Annual Croquetfest at the mountain resort home of “The Carols”—veteran members of MHCC. Lizard Leaguers moved Wine and Wickets from the regular Sunday afternoon time to Sunday mornings with Muffins and Mimosas.

The Lizard League isn’t just about surviving the desert heat—it’s about camaraderie, competition, and fun. Often, passersby gather to watch the players decked out in all-white outfits. As in season, they can hear players congratulating each other on great shots, as well as shouting out a few expletives when they miss.

What started as a handful of locals refusing to let summer silence the lawns has now grown into a tradition—one that blends equal parts sport, social life, and desert resilience. If you are ever in our area, please reach out! We’d love to see you on the lawns!

 

 

Francene Fisher is a California native who grew up in the Palm Springs area. She and her husband discovered their love of croquet in 2020 at Mission Hills Country Club, where they began playing regularly. Recently retired from her career in education, Francene now enjoys dedicating more time to the sport, with a personal goal of competing in a USCA match in Florida. She has served as treasurer and secretary for the Mission Hills Croquet Club and is still trying to perfect her jump shot! 

francene.fisher@me.com
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The views and opinions expressed in the Weekly Croquet Break are those of the article authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the United States Croquet Association (USCA)
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