Ashley is part of the Young/Cooke dynasty from Thames Valley which includes Granddad Geoff Young, Grandma Phyllis Young and mother Dallas Cooke
HP Profiles Archive
Phillip Drew
Phillip was introduced to croquet by his parents who played and has developed into an international player who has represented NZ at AC and GC World Championships, with a highlight being part of the inaugural GC World Teams Championship in 2012. Phillip works for Haven Financial Advisors & Chartered Accountants in Auckland
Erica Stephens
I live in Hawke’s Bay, with my children, and run two small business from home.
Duncan Dixon
At just 25 years of age, Duncan has won 7 out of the last 8 New Zealand GC Open Championships, making him one of the top players of NZ. Duncan was also the first winner of the U21 World Championships, and was captain of the NZ team at the World Team Championships held in Johannesburg.
Every time Duncan has entered the World Championships, he has always progressed further than the last, with years placing as 6th overall. Duncan is also on the NZ GC selection panel.
Jenny Clarke
Jenny is a lecturer in sports science at the University of Canterbury who started playing croquet whilst studying for a PhD at Oxford University.
She has four medals from the Women’s GC World Championships (including runner-up twice) and is the current Women’s AC World Champion. Jenny was also a member of NZ’s winning MacRobertson Shield team in 2014.
Dallas Cooke
This is my 2nd WCF Golf Croquet Championship held in NZ, having competed in the event held at Hawkes Bay. Having just competed in my 5th Womens World GC in Egypt, it is a pleasure to be competing in my home club, Mount Maunganui, renewing friendships and introducing others to the fantastic facilities in the Bay of Plenty. I am on the organising committee for this event along with my father, Geoff, who is also Tournament Manager. I a supportive husband and 3 children, one, Ashley who also played in the WCF Women’s in Cairo with me. Having just moving into a new house, along with Tournament convenor for CNZ, kids moving flats and countries, life is a but chaotic
Chris Clarke
Chris, aged 43, lives in Christchurch, having emigrated from England a decade ago. Chris has won the AC worlds twice and is the only player to win the MacRobertson Shield for different countries, having won all six events he has competed in.
Chris is currently NZ’s top ranked golf croquet player and has just won the NZ GC Open Doubles with Ian Burridge. Chris was the last Englishman to win a medal at the GC Worlds and now hopes to win one for NZ.
Chris has been one of the World’s top players since the 1980s. During this time he has achieved many successes including 2 AC World Championships and being part of winning MacRobertson for both Great Britain and New Zealand.
Chris volunteers a huge amount of his time to croquet (looking after the United lawns, having held or currently holding a range of administration positions at United Croquet and Canterbury Croquet and as a previous youth squad coach and current AC selector for Croquet NZ)
Jared Keeman
I’ve been playing Golf Croquet for around 10 years after starting at High School as part of a sporting exchange. I went through the CNZ youth development programme at its inception and have been playing at a national level for the past 4-5 years. I am currently based in Christchurch working in a software role, after completing an Engineering Degree through the University of Canterbury.