The croquet community is mourning the loss of Tony Hall OBE, one of the most influential names in the sport worldwide, who passed away in Canberra last week at the age of 93.
Tony was a towering figure in croquet, serving as President of the World Croquet Federation, Treasurer of the Australian Croquet Association, President of Croquet NSW, and President of the Canberra Croquet Club. His vision and leadership were instrumental in shaping modern croquet, particularly through the introduction of Golf Croquet as a competitive discipline.
In 2006, Tony introduced the Interstate Shield for Golf Croquet Teams, a milestone that cemented the sport’s position on the competitive stage.
Despite his global reputation, Tony remained deeply connected to grassroots clubs. He continued playing Gateball at the Canberra Croquet Club until just a week before his passing.
Local player Shirley Close, from the Young Croquet Club, reflected on Tony’s impact and his personal connection to regional players.
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“Today I am bringing you the storyline of the world’s most profound name in world Croquet — that of Mr Tony Hall,” she said.
“Tony passed away in Canberra last week. He was playing croquet at his home club in Canberra a few days prior to his death at the age of 93 years.”
Shirley recalled first meeting Tony in the early 2000s when he visited Young to help the club transition from Association Croquet to Golf Croquet.
“Tony took a real interest in the Young club, as well as coaching us in play and the rules. He introduced us to tournaments and away we went, travelling near and far by the carload,” she said.
For Shirley and her clubmates, Tony was more than a teacher—he was a mentor who inspired confidence.
“Although Tony Hall was known the world over, he always seemed to remember people and acknowledge them,” she said.
One memory stands out for Shirley:
“One special time, one of our senior players, Beryl McDonald, had improved her play so much that it did not go unnoticed by Tony, the master. He asked Beryl to partner him in the doubles tournament at Deniliquin. Off a team of us went in support of Beryl. Of course, they won. So now that will be something for Beryl and Tony to smile about up yonder.”
As Shirley reflects on the loss of her friend and mentor, she sums it up simply:
“It is at times like this that memories of croquet do matter.”
Tony Hall’s influence on croquet will be felt for generations. His contribution to the game—from shaping international governance to fostering grassroots growth—leaves an enduring legacy that players across Australia, and around the world, will never forget.
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