|
Back to |
| The Front Page |
| Archives |
OSBORN TAKES HIS FIFTH WIN
IN 28TH ANNUAL
PALM BEACH INVITATIONAL
In a poignant tribute to ailing USCA founder Jack Osborn, the Palm Beach Croquet Club dedicated its 28th annual invitational tournament in Osborn's name. Then, fittingly, Jack's son Johnny won the championship division singles competition in a dramatic Sunday afternoon final, besting mid-Atlantic VP Jim Hughes 14-13 in front of a large crowd surrounding center court at The Breakers. It was the fourth straight time Johnny had won the coveted Tankoos Trophy and the fifth time he had won the event.
USCA President Bill Berne and Beach Club tennis pro Byron Thomas won the Supper Cup for championship doubles, defeating Johnny Osborn and Fred Jones. The championship division was one of the strongest fields ever, attracting 14 players within a narrow range of low handicaps (-1/2 to 1.5).
Three other flights and 68 players in all competed in more than 340 matches during the week-long event. Matches were played at three venues: two courts at The Breakers, four courts at the Beach Club and the five courts at Palm Beach Polo Club in Wellington, new home of the USCA headquarters. Teddy Prentis was the tournament director.
Fine Florida weather prevailed, making the event a welcome respite for players from colder climes. For all travelers and locals alike, the Palm Beach Croquet Club's traditional hospitality produced a week of merriment and ample grounds for socializing under the direction of Libby Newell and Lee Wood. The opening night dinner was held at the Colony Hotel, where the late Joe Tankoos provided the first serious court for serious croquet in Palm Beach in the early 1970's. Dinner at the swank Bebee's Tavern followed on Wednesday; Connie and CFA President Don Degnan entertained all participants at their Palm Beach home on Thursday, and a sumptuous luncheon was served on the incomparable terrace at The Breakers between the doubles and singles finals on Sunday.