Game of the Gods

Hello everyone, I'm Jesse Boleyn, and on behalf of all the members of the China Bend Croquet Club, welcome to the exciting world of International Association Croquet. As club Secretary and ambassador of the game, I can't begin to express my gratitude to this terrific sport that continues to provide me with the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people, both here at home and in my travels abroad.  

Myself and all the rest of the members share the same deep passion and abiding love for this game that forever embraces us with its overwhelming enthusiasm and joy, not mention all out battles.  Over the past 7 years, the call to Croquet Sunday has led to many an inspired match, never knowing who will come from 14 wickets down to wreak havoc on your game plan as both of your winning clips are pinned to the center peg. That's just the gig too, because it happens more often than you'd expect.

Whether you would like to learn how to play the game or Join the Club, we offer a unique one on one mentor program for ages 14 and above, as well as a special family package with dedicated court times. Just click on the 'join the club' link to find out more about our membership programs and playing lessons. We offer a variety of packages to suit every family's budget and need, and our friendly staff is ready to assist you any way they can. And don't forget to check out our Calendar  for exciting Upcoming Events as many are free to the public.

 Or perhaps you may prefer to just spend a relaxing afternoon viewing a match in a stunning setting, or stay over night in our spacious, single or double room B&B .

Both overlook the vineyards and our half-size and new regulation full size courts.

Feel free to come on by or give us a call at  509-732-6123. You may also find us on Google Maps and Google Business Center by entering China Bend Croquet Club if you require further information on all the amenities we offer for a great visit. Our lawns are open for play from April through November. We also offer professional instruction, complimentary wine tasting, and the tastiest freshest organic home-cooking this side of paradise, right from our gardens, including local homegrown, range fed, hormone free beef, cooked to perfection. And we even manage to get in a little croquet.

                                                               International Croquet

This is the version of croquet played around the world, and is increasingly popular in America too. Read a short synopsis of this version of croquet. The complete rules are maintained by an international committee, and are also called "Association Rules" or "International Rules". 

The International Laws Revision Committee is established by the Croquet Association (of England and Wales), the Australian Croquet Association, Croquet New Zealand, and the United States Croquet Association. The official name of this game is "Association Croquet". 

  This is where we give 'hats off' to our in house photographer Greg Pensiero, for without his creative eye none of these images would have been possible. Take a bow Greg!

Our half size and full size courts, two of the most spectacular in the state, lie on the beautiful sprawling 40 acre estate of China Bend Winery, organic gardens and vineyards, in northeast Washington State along the banks of the Columbia River about 20 miles from the border of our Canadian friends. Click 'Location' on the navigation bar for directions.

                                          A lovely Hostess serving wine courtside at the Player's Club 

The China Bend estate is the home of our club founder and President, Loyalty (Bart) Alexander and his wife, Victory, seen here (below R) stalking a shot on our half court in front of the winery. Personally, I think he missed.

Here you will find the history of our club, our cast of characters, special events, photo's, information on the game of croquet, and the story of the creation of our courts and club by our members. Stats? Who cares. The competition trembles at the very utterance of 'they who should not be named'.

Honorary China Bend Club Member, Cameron Guernsey, 

Puget Sound Club, 2001 USCA National Championships

Make no mistake, a 6 wicket Oxford International Croquet Match is not the game you played in the backyard at the family picnic. It is a game described as a combination of chess, billiards, and golf played on a putting green surface. It is called the game of kings because to win the game a quality player must have the ability to think 10 moves ahead while deploying all their tactics and strategy with cunning, wisdom, daring and skill. Novice players are sometimes daunted by this approach, but seasoned players are usually more than willing to urge them in learning the game because not only does it reveal a players strengths and weaknesses, but gently reaffirms life improving qualities as well. And it has its bennies too!

                                                                           Lady Croquet Player           

The site is easy to navigate, just clink on any of the links at the top of this page and they will guide you to your page of interest. Thanks everyone, and let's play croquet!