2024 Desert Classic
Paul Bennett - TD | Published on 1/8/2024
Desert Classic
January 8-13, 2024
Mission Hills Country Club
Brian Cumming has once again reclaimed his title as Champion of the Desert Classic at the Mission Hills Croquet Club in Rancho Mirage, CA. This year Brian defeated Patrick Sweeney, the defending champion, in a best of three games match that went to the final game.
In the first game Brian scored a beautifully executed triple peel out to take the morning win. Patrick battled back in the second game and took control to start his second break when Brian blobbed a hoop. After some additional back and forth play Patrick won the second game. Brian then secured another of his multiple Championships by winning the third game.
In the First Flight, Curtis Toops went undefeated throughout the tournament by defeating Tony Simmonds, from Canada, in the finals of the double elimination format. Tony, unfortunately, was stopped by his greatest nemesis - hoop four - when time ran out after starting a good break in what was the final match game.
Wednesday, a Waterford Handicap Doubles (“WHD”) event was started once block play had been completed. As players became available (after knockout or finishing games for the day), they were eligible to pick up additional play either with Zed games or in WHD Swiss. Steve Scalpone and Pierre Dunn finished first and second, respectively, in the competition to win ceramic prize trophies and a monetary reward.
The Tournament Director was Paul Bennett. Except for a few slight frost delays, the playing schedule was completed on a timely basis with many participants pitching in to help set up and takedown courts. A few brave souls were even able to take the tram to the top of 8500 foot Mt. San Jacinto to enjoy a spectacular view of the valley’s desert floor.
Please join me in congratulating our finalists and in thanking all of our players for participating in the Desert Classic. You make this event truly fun and enjoyable.
Sincerely,
Paul Bennett, TD
Nick Gray, TM
Championship Flight
1. Brian Cumming
2. Patrick Sweeney
3. Paul Bennett
3. Doug Grimsley
5. Peter Bach
5. Steve Scalpone
5. Chris Percival-Smith
5. Pierre Dunn
9. Charlie Smith
9. Dawn Jupin
11. Rory Kelley
11. Jim Hermann
First Flight
1. Curtis Toops
2. Tony Simmonds
3. Jane Beharriell
4. Donna Dixon
5. Nick Gray
5. Peter Woolley
7. Mary Rodeberg
8. Bill Sullivan