Croquet surface (4)
I believe the answer is:
lawn
<span class="explanation-format__ClueExplanation">'<span class="explanation-format__original">croquet surface</span>' is the definition.<br/ ><span class="explanation-format__explanation">(I've seen this in another clue)</span><br/ ><br/ >This is all the clue.<br/ ></span>
(Other definitions for lawn that I've seen before include "Smooth grass area, often in front of house" , "Fine fabric" , "Patch of grass in the garden" , "Grassy patch" , "Fine cotton or grass garden" .)