Exciting Updates to the GC Merit Award Scheme for 2025

[<<] [>>] by Louise Smith
7th April (GC)

The Golf Croquet Tournament Committee (GCTC) has taken over responsibility for the prestigious GC Merit Award Scheme, implementing key updates to ensure it reflects the modern competitive landscape. With new additions and adjustments, the scheme now includes competitions introduced since its original inception, making it more comprehensive and rewarding than ever.

New Award Structure

To better recognise players' achievements, the following updates have been introduced:

• Diamond Award (newly introduced) - positioned between Gold and Platinum. This will be awarded to winners of Championship and Open Series events, as well as the Third Eight (previously received a Gold award).
• Platinum Award - now extended to winners of the GC Open Singles Championship and the English National Singles Championship (ENSC), in addition to the First and Second Eight.
• Gold Award - now includes the GC Veterans Championship winner.
• Bronze Award - now attained by the GC All-England Handicap Winner.

Hierarchy of Awards and Qualifying Events

Players will receive an award upon their first victory in the following events:

Platinum

• GC Open Singles Championship
• GC English National Singles Championship
• GC First Eight (The Ricki Savage Memorial)
• GC Second Eight (The Kate Jones Memorial)

Diamond

• CqE GC Championship Series Tournament (ENSC Qualifier)
• CqE GC Open Series Tournament
• GC Third Eight (The Suzanne Roberts Memorial)

Gold

• CqE GC A-Level (0+) Series Tournament, or the A-Level Series National Final
• GC Veterans (O60) Championship

Silver

• CqE GC B-Level (4+) Series Tournament, or the B-Level Series National Final

Bronze

• CqE GC C-Level (7+) Series Tournament, or the C-Level Series National Final
• CqE GC All-England Handicap Final

Claiming Your GC Merit Award

Players and Tournament Managers are strongly encouraged to familiarise themselves with the scheme and ensure awards are claimed promptly. To qualify, the event must be listed in the Croquet England Fixtures Calendar and meet the conditions outlined in the scheme.

To claim your award:

• Notify the Tournament Manager of your achievement.
• Provide your address details.
• Tournament Managers can download the claim forms from the Croquet England website.
• Submit the completed form via email to office#croquetengland.org.uk.

Act Now - Get the Recognition You Deserve!

This is a fantastic opportunity for players to gain official recognition for their hard-earned victories. Don't miss out - claim your GC Merit Award and celebrate your success on the croquet court!