Your Club's Loan Mallets Are Teacups

When a visitor walks through your club gates, what story are you telling them? The humble loan mallet is a powerful tools for making a great first impression on potential new members.

Croquet Queensland Media

Jul 10, 2025

What Your Loan Mallets Say About Your Club

If you invited a guest into your home for the first time, would you serve them tea in a chipped, stained mug?

Most people wouldn't dream of it. You'd reach for a nice, clean cup. The message is simple: "We're happy you're here. We value your company."

Your loan mallets are your club's teacups.

Clubs welcome two main types of visitors: prospective members trying croquet for the first time, and guests at social functions. The mallet they're handed is their primary connection to the game. It shapes their first impression of croquet and of your club's standards.

A tatty, splintered mallet with a worn grip makes hitting the ball harder. It also sends a message that visitors are an afterthought. They might feel undervalued before they've even played a shot.

A solid, well-balanced mallet with a comfortable grip does the opposite. It tells your guest you care about their experience. It helps them connect with the ball cleanly and leave with a positive memory.

The goal is simple: every person who visits a Queensland croquet club should feel welcomed, valued, and have the best chance to fall in love with the sport.

Michael Eddiehausen, CAQ President

Simple Fixes That Work

Many clubs have shown that a bit of effort goes a long way. An older mallet can be given new life with volunteer help.

Sand and re-varnish the heads and shafts

This makes worn mallets look and feel fresh. You need sandpaper, a brush, and varnish from Bunnings. It's a straightforward weekend project.

Replace worn grips

Comfortable, durable grips are available from tennis and hockey shops. Most will fit them for you.

Partner with your local Men's Shed

Their members often have the skills and tools to refurbish a batch of mallets. Ask around your club. Someone might be keen to help.

This investment of time and resources helps create a welcoming environment. Newcomers are more likely to return.

Part of a Bigger Picture

Equipment quality is one piece of a larger membership effort. CAQ is developing comeandtrycroquet.com, an online portal to help people find and connect with their local club.

As we prepare to welcome new visitors, their first on-lawn experience matters. When someone arrives excited about croquet, the mallet you hand them becomes part of their story.