Croquet mallets and balls in Annapolis
The short answer: croquet players in Annapolis and along Maryland's Chesapeake shore can order an Invictus mallet or Invictus X balls online, and we ship to Maryland. For club six-wicket on the area's lawns, the Invictus Rise, our most popular mallet, is the natural starting point.
Croquet in Annapolis
Annapolis stages what NPR has called the biggest croquet contest in the United States. Every April since 1983, apart from the pandemic years, St. John's College and the U.S. Naval Academy have met for the Annapolis Cup on the college's front lawn. The rivalry traces to a 1982 challenge: the story goes that the Academy's commandant claimed his midshipmen could beat the Johnnies at any sport, and a St. John's freshman answered with croquet. Thousands watch, many in fancy dress; the Mids wear whites and the Johnnies keep their costume secret. St. John's won 24 of the first 29 matches; Navy took the 41st Cup in April 2025. That match is a nine-wicket game, while many of the area's clubs play six-wicket. South of the city, the West River Wickets of Galesville grew out of a 2004 croquet party, played on sand and grass courts in south county and had 38 members in 2011, the year they came home from Florida as national champions in their division.
What Annapolis lawns and weather mean for your mallet
The Chesapeake brings humid summers, frequent thunderstorms and winters cold enough to pause outdoor play. Spring and fall are the prime months. A bay-side lawn after rain plays slow and heavy; a dry September afternoon can make it quick. Even the Cup's front lawn is notably bumpy.
Which Invictus mallet suits Annapolis players
Invictus Rise, US$695. Close to 3 lb of aluminum in the head and a slightly enlarged sweet spot make the Rise a little easier to control on uneven or soft ground. We suggest the 11 inch head for most players.
RF Pro, US$1,295. Developed alongside World Champion Robert Fletcher, the flagship has a 3D printed aluminum head carrying brass weights and composite faces. Weighing about 2 lb 12 oz, it is lighter and very precise, for tournament six-wicket.
Each mallet is made to order to the handle length you send us, with an 11 inch or 12 inch head. Graphite Black is our standard finish; NRA Blue, Deep Purple, Rose Gold or Snow White costs US$119 more. See the fitting guide and compare mallets.
Balls for Maryland clubs
Invictus X balls are approved by the World Croquet Federation for championship play, weigh 450 g and are made entirely in Australia, priced at US$635 a set. For a club lawn, one set of first colors and one of second colors is our rule of thumb. Read croquet ball colors explained.
Delivery to Annapolis
Every mallet is made to order and shipped to Maryland, usually 4 to 8 weeks after you order; please treat that as an estimate. For ball sets, we confirm the delivered price before payment.
Questions Annapolis players ask
Which mallet for a newcomer to six-wicket? The Rise, for its forgiveness.
Can I try it before keeping it? Yes, with the optional 30-day satisfaction guarantee (US$99).
Does bay humidity matter? Not to an aluminum head; dry the faces after play. See product care.
More of the country on the Invictus United States page.
Designed in Queensland, made in Australia.