The 33rd US Open appears like it is going to be a lightly contested affair with most of the players traveling from the Western United States. A couple of notable exceptions are Joseph Gary Bennett, traveling from Kentucky, whom played his first tournament of Association rules in the Nationals at Cheasepeake Croquet Club back in September and Sandra Knuth Walsh from Illinois. I think Gary is looking forward to getting even against Blake Fields, whom will be playing on his home courts at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage California. Gary is getting serious - beginning to learn the game as it is played in England, he watched the Solomon Cup championship a year ago when the Brits narrowly retained the cup at Pinehurst, North Carolina.

The US Open, played in Southern California, has hosted players from around the country and from abroad for years. The fine weather and a chance to do some great shopping down around El Paseo Drive encouraged many fine players from England, Australia and the Jersey island to visit Palm Springs during our December tournament over the years. I remember the many trips that Tony Le Moignan made to our event, the years when David Maugham worked in California, Stephen Mulliner, Liz and Bruce Fleming, and most recently Pete Trimmer.

The corona-virus is keeping most players shuttered from traveling. I believe many are still practicing and keeping their skills sharp, but many are still trying to reduce the spread of the virus. We sadly know of its dangers as we regret the loss of our dear friend Steve Mossbrook who recently lost his life to it in Wyoming last month.

The players in the Open are travelers from Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Colorado, Arizona and Kentucky. They include finalist Peter Bach, last year's winner Rich Lamm, Steve Scalpone, Patrick Sweeney, Sandra Knuth Walsh, Blake Fields, Gary and Paul Bennett.

The AB flight of players include Donna Dixon, Cameron Evans, Mary Rodeberg, Nick Gray, Tracey Roche and Brian Lozano. Brian is taking the reigns of the Mission Hills Croquet Club as their resident croquet pro. Brian, a San Diego resident, is developing his skills in the Association game having experience running and participating in Golf Croquet tournaments.

Good luck to all the players and stay safe!
We will miss the rest of you but plan to see you at next years event.

Here is a photo of Steve
http://www.azcroquet.org/croquet/usopen/index.html