How sweet it is! Bamford Claims his seconnd Golf Croquet World Championship title. Photo by Bill Bromley.
With great anticipation, the GC World Championship Final got underway at noon under picture perfect skies. Close to 300 spectators were on hand to witness the epic battle that was to unfold. In the best of five match, Reg Bamford of South Africa took the first game 7-6. That was followed by Ahmed Nasr of Egypt winning the second game 7-5.
One of Nasr's particular strengths is his incredible shotmaking from virtually anywhere on the court. His explosive shots were followed by an eruption of applause and awe from the crowd. His placement at times was extraordinary. Bamford's methodical style of play and tactical prowess along with some key hoop shots helped him secure the third game 7-4.
Nasr turned up the heat to take the fourth game 7-3. Heading into the 5th and final game the pressure on both players was palpable as they pushed each other to the limits of their games. Bamford was able to edge ahead to a 6-4 lead and then capture the win at the 11th hoop 7-4.
Plate: George Coulter (NZL) 7-3, 7-3 over Geoff Jamieson (AUS)
Bowl: Greg Fletcher (AUS) 7-1, 7-4 over Kevin Beard (AUS)
Shield: Duncan Dixon (NZL) 7-5, 7-4 over John-Paul Moberly (ENG)
From the US persepective, overall, we all performed well and had a blast!
US Players: Sherif Abdelwahab, Cheryl Bromley, Mohamad Kamal, and Matt Griffith. Photo by Bill Bromley.
WCF Golf Croquet World Champions
1996: Khalid Younis (Egypt)1997: Salah Hassan (Egypt)
1998: Khalid Younis (Egypt)
2000: Salah Hassan (Egypt)
2002: Khalid Younis (Egypt)
2004: Ahmed Nasr (Egypt)
2006: Mohammed Nasr (Egypt)
2008: Ahmed Nasr (Egypt)
2011: Mark McInerney (Ireland)
2013: Reg Bamford (South Africa)
2015: Ahmed El Mahdi (Egypt)
2017: Reg Bamford (South Africa)