Michael Hague’s new book Golf Croquet Tactics has suffered the troublesome gestation which no author would wish to have. Torrential rain and a split tarpaulin on the delivery lorry left the entire first print run unusable. So now, a few months later, and ready for some out-of-season studying, this glossy Technicolor work is finally available.
Hague owes an obvious debt to Lord Tollemache and his 1914 magnum opus, Croquet. Not only does he adopt the same basic principles of play, but both books include pull-out scale diagrams of a croquet lawn. This is particularly useful with the new book, which is filled to bursting with practical examples.
Any author on the subject faces the dilemma of what to include and what to omit. Pitching this work firmly towards the rank and file club member, Michael steers a wide berth away from the stodgy topic of probability theory and the evaluation of the opponents’ hitting percentages. Instead, his model is one of coaching by use of examples, and this book is stuffed with illustrated problems for the reader to consider.
With colour diagrams on virtually every page, he provides the reader not so much with hard-and-fast rules, but guides the players into a mode of thinking, ready for when similar positions arise. This methodology applies equally to the chapter on the use of extra turns (bisques).
With Golf Croquet, and its formalised coaching, only recently established, some inconsistency in terminology remains among the playing community. Hague wisely starts his book with a glossary of terms, though he does borrow freely from both Association and his own military background. Included are the terms ‘rushing’ and ‘wiring’, as well as phrases such as ‘dead ground’. Nevertheless, the vocabulary is well explained and remains constant throughout, and the overall style and meaning are clear.
With guidance for coaches included as a supplementary last chapter, this is as useful a book for instructors as it is for players. As a resource for dipping into, for working through individual problems, or for a discussion on a wet afternoon in the clubhouse, it should prove a valuable asset to the library of many players.
Cost is £9.99 (plus £1 p&p UK). Order from MJ Hague, Homewood House, Pond Road, Woking, GU22 0JT
Postage for Europe - £2 and rest of world - £3
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