Croquet surface (4)
I believe the answer is:
lawn
'croquet surface' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(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" .)