CROQUET PEOPLE: Scott County Farmer Who Upset Croquet World Dies

18 February 2005
Lexington Hearld-Leader, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
by Samieh Shalash

Scott County farmer Archie Burchfield stunned the croquet world in 1982 by winning the national doubles title in New York's Central Park.

He died of cancer yesterday at age 67, but friends said his passion kept him playing throughout his illness and winning tournaments through 2004.

"He loved croquet more than anything except his family," Buck Willhoite said. "I've seen him let his farm go so he could play in tournaments."

Mr. Burchfield had been playing croquet since 1961, when he began practicing behind Stamping Ground Christian Church.

That first national title in 1982, with his son, Mark, as his doubles partner, wasn't a fluke -- he won it again five years later in Newport, R.I.

Sports Illustrated called Mr. Burchfield's 1982 triumph the biggest upset in the history of the game. His success story appeared in People magazine and the New Yorker. The late Charles Kuralt featured him on national TV.

But he wasn't always well-liked by the exclusive, high-society croquet world.

Croquet World magazine said he astonished the Palm Beach crowd in the early '80s when he drove down to Florida in his pickup and overalls and beat just about every croquet player in sight.

"They didn't like him being there but eventually warmed up," said his friend, Frank Harris. "A few never let him in, but for the most part, he was treated like royalty."

Mr. Burchfield's success took him to play on the royal courts of England -- and brought players from Ireland, Scotland and England to his own back yard. He built five courts there, and hosted tournaments at his home in Stamping Ground.

Willhoite said Mr. Burchfield didn't flaunt his skill, but played to win and usually did.

"It's often the smartest player, not the best shooter that wins," Harris said. "Archie happened to be both."

Off the court, Mr. Burchfield was a devoted father and husband. He went to church at least three times a week with his wife, Betty.

When he traveled, she usually went with him. "They'd hold hands on the court whenever they were together," Harris said.

Mr. Burchfield held nine state singles titles and seven state doubles titles.

He wanted to keep the game interesting, even if it meant helping the competition.

"A lot of people can be bad sports and try to win at all costs," Harris said.

"Archie was never like that. He played hard but he played fair. And if you were about to do something stupid on the court, he'd tell you."

Arrangement are pending with Tucker Yocum & Wilson Funeral Home in Georgetown.