Report by Budleigh Salterton Croquet Club. Email your club and sport reports to newsdesk@eastdevonnews.co.uk
Budleigh Salterton Croquet Club has successfully hosted the prestigious Golf Croquet Open Championships, welcoming many of the world’s leading players to East Devon for a week of top-class international competition.
The Singles Championship culminated in a thrilling final between defending champion Reg Bamford of South Africa, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, and rising New Zealand star Levi Franks.
In front of spectators and a worldwide audience watching via live stream on the Croquet England YouTube channel, Franks produced a remarkable performance to defeat Bamford in a closely fought encounter, winning 7-6, 7-6.
At just 21 years of age, Franks is already making a significant impact on the international stage. In 2025, he was crowned Under-21 Golf Croquet World Champion and his victory at Budleigh further underlines his status as one of the sport’s brightest young talents.
Tournament organisers praised the exceptionally high standard of play throughout the Championships, with competitors travelling from across the globe to contest one of the premier events in the Golf Croquet calendar.
The Championships were made possible by the efforts of the club’s dedicated volunteers, who provided hoop setting, catering, administration, live streaming, commentary, scoring and hospitality throughout the week.
Budleigh Salterton Croquet Club, situated overlooking Lyme Bay, is one of the UK’s premier croquet venues and will continue to host major national and international events in the coming years.
The full final can be viewed on the Croquet England YouTube channel.
