Croquet Clubs Are More Than Just Mallets

Bribie Island Croquet Club, ready for a Gala Day (Bribie Island Croquet Club)

We often talk about handicaps, hoops, and high-level competition. But the heartbeat of any thriving club is the strength of its club community.

Across Queensland, clubs are proving that croquet is the perfect anchor for a vibrant social calendar to surround it.

Themed parties and off-lawn adventures, here is a look at how our Queensland croquet clubs are keeping members engaged, attracting new faces, and having a darn good time throughout the year.

The goal? To inspire your club to try something new.

Seasonal Sparkle Why wait for December to celebrate? Eildon gets a head start with their popular 'Christmas in July', breaking up the winter blues with festive cheer.

Meanwhile, Southport goes all out for the actual festive season. Their Christmas social isn't confined to the clubhouse; it has featured a canal cruise around Runaway Bay to view the lights, followed by a two-course meal at the Golf Club. Complete with ring toss and reindeer antlers, it's a fun filled day of activity. They also tackle St Patrick's Day with gusto, encouraging members to wear green for a day of play followed by a home-cooked buffet.

Southport members at the Emerald Lakes Golf Club Christmas lunch (Southport's Christmas lunch)

Food Glorious Food If there is one universal language in croquet, it's food. Eildon keeps the calendar steady with a monthly BBQ night and the occasional Curry Night, ensuring there is always a reason to stay after the final hoop.

Eildon members share dinner and drinks after a BBQ night (Eildon's BBQ night)

Fundraising can also be social. Southport runs a Bunnings sausage sizzle that serves a dual purpose: it raises essential funds for the club while acting as a casual hangout for members who mightn't have had the chance to properly meet each other yet.

Off the Lawn Some of the best bonding happens when the mallets are racked away. Fact: socialising at croquet doesn't always have to happen on the lawn.

Southport are amongst a number of our clubs who host Mahjong. If the courts are unplayable, the clubhouse remains open for connection. Visitors add to the mix too: Headland-Buderim hosted comedian Julia Wilson (Manly Croquet Club, NSW) for a Friday golf croquet session, in between her shows on the Sunshine Coast.

Members with visiting comedian Julia Wilson at Headland-Buderim's Friday GC session (Headland-Buderim welcomes a visiting player)

For the Gateball contingent within the community, the focus is on celebration. Players held a joint birthday lunch at a cafe by Hinze Dam, marking a member's impressive 97th birthday.

Family and Future Generations Building the next generation is vital. Burleigh Heads Palm Beach runs a recurring Family Fun Day, opening the gates to younger family members to try the game.

Members play on the lawn at Burleigh Heads Palm Beach (Burleigh Heads Palm Beach's Family Fun Day)

Tournaments with a Twist Competitive play can still be party-focused. Bribie Island is a standout example of organic success. They've run a Random Doubles Gala Day where teams are assigned by colour. It's designed to be more party than tournament, lowering the barrier for entry and maximising the fun.

Take the Plunge From Mahjong mornings to canal cruises, the message from across Queensland is clear: variety is the spice of club life. Whether it's a simple monthly BBQ or a coordinated bus trip, social activities make being part of your croquet club enjoyable.

So, look at your club calendar. Is there a gap? Could you host a Christmas in July? A Mahjong morning? A random doubles day? Take a leaf out of these clubs' books and score a social win this year.

*Have a great social event planned? Let us know below*