Super centenarian is world-beater after taking up croquet in his late 70s

Neville Sandiford is the amazing great grandpa who record hunters have officially confirmed as the world's oldest competitive croquet player.

The Century Man of the Green

Neville didn't even pick up a mallet until most people are settled into retirement.

He was 79 years old when he first tried the sport.

Now, at 101 years and 262 days, he has secured his place in history.

He achieved the feat during a tournament in Paraparaumu last August.

The event was officially sanctioned with referees and witnesses present.

Neville said: "It’s something I’m very proud of. I never thought that I’d still be bettering myself into this great age."

The New Zealander is delighted to share the win with his local club.

He added: "I’m delighted that my family, friends, and croquet club colleagues get to celebrate this with me."

A Late Start to a Global Title

Neville’s late wife, Joan, was the one who suggested he give it a go.

She spotted an advert in the newspaper for free lessons.

"As soon as I took hold of a mallet and hit one ball I knew that was for me," Neville explained.

He won club competitions within his very first year of playing.

Neville has three children, eight grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Before finding fame on the lawn, he served in the military and worked on the railways.

He later ran a supermarket with his beloved wife.

Neville still plays three days a week and uses a custom mallet.

"I like the physical effort and the strategic thinking," he said.

"It is never too late to try if you are physically fit."

The Story Behind the Record

Croquet has a long and often eccentric history in the world of sports.

It famously appeared at the 1900 Paris Olympics for the first and only time.

Bizarrely, only one paying spectator reportedly bought a ticket to watch the event.

The tournament was a landmark for equality as it was the first time women competed at the Olympics.

France famously won every single medal because they were the only nation to enter.

Neville now follows in the footsteps of UK record holder Jean Farguson.

Jean set the female record in West Sussex at the age of 98.

While croquet is often seen as a gentle pastime, it requires intense focus.

Neville credits his success to the endless support of his club members.

OFFICIAL SOURCE VERIFICATION: This report is based on official data from Guinness World Records. Document: [Read the official report here](https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2026/4/Great-grandpa-who-took-up-croquet-at-age-79-becomes-worlds-oldest-player-at-101.html) Source Link: https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2026/4/Great-grandpa-who-took-up-croquet-at-age-79-becomes-worlds-oldest-player-at-101.html

Related Links

MORE: 84-year-old Retires as World’s Oldest Female Ice Hockey Player — https://trendwiremedia.com/2026/02/06/84-year-old-retires-as-worlds-oldest-female-ice-hockey-player/

MORE: Jack Antonoff Sets Guinness World Records Title with Grammy "Big Four" Sweep — https://trendwiremedia.com/2026/02/06/jack-antonoff-sets-guinness-world-records-title-with-grammy-big-four-sweep/

MORE: M&S Becomes First UK Supermarket to Include Alcohol in Health Sales — https://trendwiremedia.com/2026/02/08/ms-becomes-first-uk-supermarket-to-include-alcohol-in-health-sales/