Max Philpott, 17, and his 13-year-old sister Emma recently clinched the silver medal at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Golf Croquet Championships. Representing Māruawai College, the duo impressed during the event held in Auckland over the winter tournament week.
Following a successful round-robin phase, Max and Emma secured victories in the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds, defeating a team from Kaitaia 7-5. However, they fell short in the final against a Taranaki duo, losing 7-3.
Max, a senior student, shared that both he and Emma performed well at the tournament. He was introduced to croquet four years ago at Mt Hutt College in Methven, inspired by a teacher’s son. Emma, on the other hand, started playing this year after the family relocated to Gore.
Despite the perception of croquet being a game for older individuals, Max highlighted the growing interest among younger generations in this traditionally summer activity. Initially facing teasing for his sport choice, Max’s success silenced the critics.
According to Max, the key to croquet is simple: hit the ball straight and aim for the hoop when necessary. While their father Pete occasionally provides coaching, practice remains the best way to enhance skills.
Throughout the season, Max and Emma play as frequently as possible, balancing their croquet commitments with Emma’s netball games and Max’s skiing and mountain biking adventures. Their middle brother Billy, 15, has yet to catch the croquet bug.
Contact: stephen.hepburn@alliedpress.co.nz
