"Absolutely, yes, that's our plan."
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Judy Stewart says Warrnambool City Croquet Club wants to run its annual golf croquet tournament long into the future.
It's been a long wait but the second edition of the tournament, which features players from across the state, is finally under way.
The COVID-19 pandemic meant it didn't go ahead in 2020.
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It started Monday and is on until Thursday at the Cramer Street lawns.
"We are also using it as a launching pad for local players," Stewart, the club's golf croquet captain, said.
"We started a (golf croquet) pennant competition two years ago where we have Terang, Koroit, Portland and Warrnambool competing against each other with teams of four.
"So having this experience of being able to play at a more competitive level is of great benefit to everyone."
Stewart said there was also an association croquet (traditional form) pennant between those four clubs that had been going for many years.
The club held its inaugural golf croquet tournament in 2019 with Portland's John Murfitt taking out the A grade singles.
Stewart said he was back to defend his crown.
"He's in all of the events, he's a very keen player and very generous sharing his skills around with playing against less experienced players," she said.
Doubles events started Monday and are also on Tuesday with 24 competitors.
There are eighteen players taking part in the singles competition, which is split into three grades, on Wednesday and Thursday.
"They play each person in their group twice, once on day one and then again on day two, so it's not just an accident if they win," Stewart said.
She added the tournament was an opportunity for newcomers to engage with the sport.
"Anybody that wants to rock up and have a look and says that'd like to learn, will be welcome with open arms," she said.
Stewart added the golf croquet regional championships would be held in Melbourne this weekend.
Portland's Murfitt will playing in division one, Warrnambool's Doug Stewart will be in division two and Terang's Heather Fraser will compete in division three.
The golf croquet nationals, also in Melbourne, are the following weekend.
Stewart will be a referee at both the regional and national championships.
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