TIGHT GP RACE FOR 2014: With 2014 in the books, that brings another USCA Grand Prix to a close. The standings show that Jeff Soo edged out Ben Rothman with 22,225 points to Rothman's 19,515. Based on Rothman's three national titles (USCA Singles, GC Singles and GC Doubles) versus Soo's two titles (AC Singles and USCA Doubles), it could again spell controversy for the USCA which uses the Grand Prix to select the USCA Player of the Year.
However, what the USCA Champion's page does not show is the results of Selection Eights. Soo edged Rothman in this year's edition with a 12-2 record while Rothman went 11-3. So, ultimately the titles for 2014 even out at 3-3.
A closer look at the games shows that Soo won the AC head-to-head games 3-2. Unfortunately, USCA doesn't track US Rules game scores, so we have no comparison there. The GC rankings site is currently malfunctioning, but it doesn't appear as though they met in golf croquet play during 2014.
Rothman holds the edge in World AC Rankings with a dynamic grade of 2424 which is the top ranking for a US player (World #18). Soo follows as the #2 US player with a grade of 2389 and is the #24 on the World list. Rothman carries a -4.5 handicap while Soo is -3.5.
Other players that could be up for discussion as holders of 2014 titles, would include Sherif Abdelwahab (2), Rich Lamm (1), Paul Bennett (1), George Cochran (1), Paul Miller (1) and John Warlick (1).
Tomorrow, we'll launch a "Best US Player for 2014" poll, so you'll be able tally your vote for best performance in 2014.
USCA LOCKS 2015 DATES: The USCA loaded in dates for three national level events to be held next fall. The 2015 Selection Eights will be held October 22-25 and Seniors Masters will be held November 3-7 at the National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. USCA Nationals will take the final slot and be held November 15-21 at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho, Mirage, California.