United States Polo Association

North America, Polo News

United States Polo Association launches new Florida Circuit 16-Goal Series & Championship

26. August 2022

The United States Polo Association and participating clubs are eager to announce the inaugural Florida Circuit 16-Goal Series. Spearheaded by Tournament Committee Chairman, Stevie Orthwein, the series will be played across multiple clubs, with the Championship hosted by the National Polo Center – Wellington (NPC). The participating clubs include Port Mayaca Polo Club (Okeechobee, Florida) and Sarasota Polo Club (Sarasota, Florida) as well as the Wellington Polo Tour (WPT) led by Patagones Polo Club (Wellington, Florida) and a series of private fields falling under the WPT umbrella. The USPA tournaments that comprise the series include the Joe Barry Memorial, Ylvisaker Cup, Iglehart Cup and Continental Cup. Each tournament will serve as a qualifier for the Florida Circuit 16-Goal Series Championship, with each winning team moving on to the final event at the beginning of April.

A true testament to collaboration between South Florida clubs, there is a shared benefit in this new endeavor, allowing for participants to experience all the comforts of their home club while also having the opportunity to play in front of a large crowd at NPC. The Joe Barry Memorial and the Ylvisaker Cup will both be guaranteed three Sunday matches on NPC’s U.S. Polo Assn. Field One, while all Championship games will be played at NPC. The innovative medium-goal event is expected to draw more teams into competition than in previous years. “The Ylvisaker Cup, Iglehart Cup and Joe Barry Memorial have not been very well attended in regard to spectators and team participation the past few years,” shared USPA Executive Director of Services Carlucho Arellano. “Often the same few teams play for the first two months. We wanted to make these events National Events to add to the prestige and attract more teams. It will be more exciting to see different teams, and we’re confident that it will bring more people into the stands.”

An initiative that began in June with the USPA’s purchase of NPC, Orthwein and the Tournament Committee were driven to make the most of the new facility. “NPC is an asset that all USPA members want to use, and we had to come up with a way where we could work together to use it,” Orthwein remarked. The Committee’s goal was to involve as many clubs and members in the area as possible to create the best possible medium-goal competition. Located three hours west of NPC, Sarasota Polo Club’s involvement is especially noteworthy given the distance, and enthusiastically welcomed and celebrated in the spirit of improving the level of polo across the circuit.

Intentionally scheduled so that no two qualifiers overlap, the series encourages participation from all interested teams and strives to make playing in any and all qualifiers possible. This also ensures that each host club will have the opportunity to take the spotlight during their qualifier and no participating club gets overshadowed. However, teams are not required to enter all four qualifying tournaments; single tournament entries are permitted. The winning team from each qualifying tournament will qualify for the Florida Circuit 16-Goal Series Championship (which will include four teams) held at NPC from Wednesday, April 5, 2023 through Sunday, April 9, 2023, with the final held on NPC’s U.S. Polo Assn. Field One. Should a team win more than one qualifier, that team will automatically advance to the Florida Circuit 16-Goal Series Championship. To reinforce the idea that all participation is encouraged, players may compete in as many events as they would like on either the same team or on different teams. Yet, if a player triumphs in more than one event but on different teams, that player must choose which team he or she would like to compete with in the Florida Circuit 16-Goal Series Championship and the other team may use a substitute. Qualifying teams must maintain at least two of their original members in order to play in the Championship.

Thrilled that the idea is taking off, Orthwein noted the importance of this series for the future of medium-goal polo, saying, “Medium-goal in the past has lacked a coordinated, prestigious event. It has always been on the back-burner. Here’s the chance to make a very prestigious event. That’s something I’d like to grow and build on at this level. At the heart of it, all the clubs want to have better polo and a more dynamic Florida season.”

The series also opens doors for a wide variety of players, including those looking to transition from low-goal to medium-goal, some who want to play at a competitive level outside of high-goal, as well as many who are eager to test the waters before taking their team to the high-goal level. “The 16-goal level is the crossroads of medium-goal and high-goal. You’re going to have a lot of surprising winners and competitive games and players who don’t normally compete at that level,” added Orthwein. “I think we are going to see some really interesting teams. The Championship being at multiple clubs allows more people to be involved,” he continued. Intended to raise the bar for medium-goal polo, the increased number of participants in the tournaments will force clubs to increase their competitive edge. “It’s a way for clubs to measure themselves and to challenge other clubs,” Arellano noted. “We’re hoping that it’s going to improve the level across the state and across the circuit.”

Another great benefit for professional players, especially Americans, is the visibility and opportunity to showcase their talents which could lead to opportunities at a higher level in the future. Arellano shared, “We’re finding it’s a great step up for a lot of 4-, 5-, and 6-goal American players who are able to play at this level.” He continued, “They can improve their string and they can keep that competitive edge so that if they get an opportunity to play the high goal, they’re right there.” As all of the qualifiers and the Championship are National Events they will follow USPA tournament rules, meaning that many spots will be reserved for Americans, ensuring the continued development of homegrown talent.

The true beauty of the endeavor is not only what it promises for medium-goal polo, but what it promises more broadly for the sport. While the series focuses specifically on medium goal, there is room to expand to other levels. “This series of multiple clubs playing in something that culminates in a championship at NPC is a concept that could easily be translated to other levels of polo,” Orthwein asserted. The USPA’s ownership of NPC, has created possibilities for inclusion and growth in all areas of American polo.

Given the recent success of the Gauntlet of Polo, suspense is building regarding a new winter series in the Florida Circuit 16-Goal Series Championship. Enthusiasm is spreading, and many teams are already getting organized and preparing to enter qualifiers. While spots are filling fast, it is not too late to throw a hat in the ring.

More information on dates and how to enter each event is listed below.

Florida Circuit 16-Goal Series Championship Qualifying Tournaments

Joe Barry Memorial

• Hosted and managed by Port Mayaca Polo Club
• Tournament Dates: January 3- January 22, 2023 (Three Sundays on the NPC U.S. Polo Assn. Field One)
• Final: January 22, 2023, on NPC U.S. Polo Assn. Field One
• Contact Laura Townsend for entry

Phone: (772) 228-0115
Email: Laura@pmpolo.com

Ylvisaker Cup

• Hosted and managed by Wellington Polo Tour
• Tournament Dates: January 20-February 12, 2023 (Three Sundays on the NPC U.S. Polo Assn. Field One)
• Final: February 12, 2023, on NPC U.S. Polo Assn. Field One
• Contact Juan Olivera for entry

Phone: 1 (561) 601-9316
Email: Wellingtonpolotour@gmail.com

Iglehart Cup

• Hosted and managed by Wellington Polo Tour
• Tournament Dates: February 10-March 5, 2023
• Contact Juan Olivera for entry

Phone: 1 (561) 601-9316
Email: Wellingtonpolotour@gmail.com

Continental Cup

• Hosted and managed by Sarasota Polo Club
• Tournament Dates: February 26-March 26, 2023
• Contact Mason Wroe for entry

Phone: (432)559-7169
Email: Mason@sarasotapolo.com

Florida Circuit 16-Goal Series Championship

• Hosted and managed by NPC
• Tournament Dates: April 5-April 9, 2023 (All games played at NPC)
• Entry limited to the four winners of the qualifying tournaments

The United States Polo Association® is organized and exists for the purposes of promoting the game of polo; coordinating the activities of its member clubs and registered player members; arranging and supervising polo tournaments, competitions, and games; and providing rules, handicaps and tournament conditions for those events. Its overarching goals are improving the sport and promoting the safety and welfare of its human and equine participants. Founded in 1890, the USPA is the largest voluntary sports organization in North America for the sport of polo. The USPA is currently made up of more than 200 member clubs and approximately 5,000 registered player members. It annually awards and oversees roughly 50 national tournaments hosted by its member clubs. For more information, please visit uspolo.org.

About National Polo Center – Wellington

The National Polo Center – Wellington (NPC) is located in the heart of South Florida’s legendary horse country. The perpetual home for polo in America, NPC is owned and managed by the United States Polo Association to showcase the finest the sport has to offer. The Association’s premiere event, the Gauntlet of Polo, takes place from February to April each winter season showcasing the world’s preeminent teams, professional athletes and finest horses which come together for three months to battle head-to-head for the coveted C.V. Whitney Cup, USPA Gold Cup and U.S. Open Polo Championship trophies. Throughout the year, the facilities are also used to showcase USPA Member Clubs and prestigious national tournament competition.

The entrance to the club is via a palm tree-lined drive, that leads past tennis courts to the steps of the magnificent pool and Mallet Grille. The natural Florida terrain is augmented by a large lake, lush tropical landscaping and some of the most carefully manicured polo fields in the world. Spectating from the stadium, private boxes, fieldside tailgates and special hospitality tents, all overlooking the U.S. Polo Assn. Field One is an unparalleled experience. NPC invites you to experience the best polo in the country, taking place at one of the most beautiful venues in the world, the National Polo Center – Wellington.

About Sarasota Polo Club
Spanning 170 perfectly manicured acres, Sarasota Polo Club’s world-class facilities include: 45 private equestrian estates, seven Bermuda grass polo fields, a regulation-sized polo arena, a half-mile all-weather training track, stick-and-ball fields, riding trails, on-site stabling for up to 300 horses, an on-site veterinary clinic, a members clubhouse and a midfield polo pavilion.

For decades Sarasota Polo Club has been a popular destination and an important part of the Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch social scenes. In addition to polo, the club’s spectacular grounds and venues are home to a variety of community and social events including concerts, festivals, theater, sporting events, charity fundraisers, corporate meetings and elegant weddings. The entire facility, grounds, clubhouse and pavilion can be rented in part or as a whole.

About Port Mayaca Polo Club

Port Mayaca Polo Club (PMPC) located in Okeechobee, Florida, was founded with the mindset of bringing polo players together to share in the enjoyment and camaraderie of the polo lifestyle. Traditionally polo players traveled to Florida polo clubs to play on great fields and collaborate with other like-minded polo enthusiasts. In many ways, PMPC feels this concept has been lost over the years. Port Mayaca Polo Club takes this idea to heart and keeps it in mind with everything they do. The club strives to promote competition without animosity, quality without pretense, comfort without extravagance, and sportsmanship above all else. Port Mayaca Polo Club welcomes all polo enthusiasts to join in the community they have built to share in the love of the sport.

About Wellington Polo Tour

The Wellington Polo Tour (WPT) was created with the intention of offering fun, friendly and competitive 16-goal polo in the South Florida region. Hosting games across several different private fields, WPT provides the high-goal experience at a medium-goal level. In its inaugural year, WPT was a great success, with 12 teams competing and showcasing the promise of WPT’s original mission. This year, WPT looks forward to participating in the Florida Circuit 16-Goal Series to continue working to create space for competitive 16-goal polo in South Florida.

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North America, Polo News

U.S. Polo Assn. Honors Olympians Suni Lee and Caeleb Dressel as Athletes of the Year Honor During 2021 Sports Illustrated Awards

17. December 2021

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla./ (December 9, 2021) – U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), presented the Athlete of the Year Award during the star-studded 2021 Sports Illustrated Awards. Presented by Pepsi’s Stronger Together Initiative, the annual event took place on Dec. 7 at the new Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.

The winners of this year’s Athlete of the Year Award were Olympic Gymnast Suni Lee and Olympic Swimmer Caeleb Dressel.

This award recognizes the best female and male athletes of 2021 who have proven they are the MVPs of their sport and embody the highest level of athleticism, skill, and character by putting in unprecedented work, both on and off the field. As the presenter of this meaningful award, U.S. Polo Assn. demonstrated its commitment to showcasing athletes across the world of sports.

“It was an honor to serve as the presenting sponsor of the Athlete of the Year Award during this year’s event,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing, the worldwide licensor of the multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “As a global, sport-inspired brand, we were proud to recognize these athletes who have excelled in their respective sports and continue to make significant impacts on and off the field.”

For the first time in the event’s history, the Sports Illustrated Awards brought together thousands of people together in person to celebrate these athletic achievements and was broadcasted across Sports Illustrated channels and platforms.

Appearances from some of the world’s most celebrated athletes and entertainers included, Tom Brady, Billie Jean King, Brooks Nader, Camille Kostek, Chad Johnson, Candace Parker, DJ Carnage, Haley Kalil, Jasmine Sanders, JuJu Smith-Schuster, LaMelo Ball, Logan Paul, Rob Gronkowski, Caeleb Dressel, Suni Lee, Tyler Herro, and Udonis Haslem.

To watch this year’s Sports Illustrated Awards, visit www.sportsillustratedawards.com.

U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the nonprofit governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and one of the oldest sports governing bodies, having been founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through some 1,200 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores, department stores, sporting goods channels, independent retailers and e-commerce, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel for men, women and children, as well as accessories and footwear in 194 countries worldwide. Ranked the fifth largest sports licensor in License Global magazine’s 2020 list of “Top 150 Global Licensors,” U.S. Polo Assn. is named alongside such iconic sports brands as the National Football League, the National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball. Visit uspoloassnglobal.com and @uspoloassn. For more polo content visit Globalpolo.com.

About Sports Illustrated

Sports Illustrated (SI) is an unparalleled and influential leader recognized for shaping modern culture and uniting athletes, teams and fans worldwide. At the intersection of sports, lifestyle and entertainment, Sports Illustrated is a 360-degree enterprise that delivers immersive content, innovative digital experiences, unforgettable events, and original products. Its award-winning media outlet brings powerful storytelling to life through probing profiles, up-to-date news and game-day stats on SI.com, social media and the monthly print magazine. The most trusted name in sports transcends media through SI Tix, a fan ticketing platform for sports and entertainment events and SI Sportsbook, the most trusted platform in sports betting, which recently launched

in Colorado with more states to follow. Sports Illustrated Studios translates the biggest and most compelling stories, characters and moments in sports into long-form film, television and audio content. The franchise brings its unique and authentic perspective to marquee events and captivating brand activations including The Sports Illustrated Awards, The Party, and Club SI. For more information, visit SI.com. Follow Sports Illustrated on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla./ (December 9, 2021) – U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), presented the Athlete of the Year Award during the…

North America, Polo News

Ace sportswear goes all-in to claim second USPA WOMEN’S ARENA OPEN® title

30. September 2021

Concluding a competitive weekend of elite women’s arena polo, Ace Sportswear (Demitra Hajimihalis, Ingrid Donnan, Anna Winslow-Palacios) and Boothwyn Pharmacy (Katie Mitcham, Cindy Halle, Jessica Schmitt) captured hard-fought semifinal victories to meet in the illustrious USPA Women’s Arena Open® Final on Sunday, September 26. A spirited comeback from Boothwyn Pharmacy was completed on a two-point goal from Halle, however Anna Winslow-Palacios was the hero, scoring the game winning goal with one minute remaining to lead Ace Sportswear to an 11-10 victory and the coveted title at Virginia Polo, Inc. (Charlottesville, Virginia).

“We knew it was going to be a defensive battle. We’re all really seasoned arena players, so we all mark-up really effectively. We knew that we all had to be disciplined on the man, disciplined on the wall, which is tough against this team because I know they have the same strategy.” – Anna Winslow-Palacios

Withstanding an opening run from Boothwyn Pharmacy, Winslow-Palacios picked up the ball at midfield with a burst of speed to open the scoring for Ace Sportswear. Fighting her way along the wall on consecutive plays, back-to-back goals from Hajimihalis gave Ace Sportswear the early 3-2 lead in the first chukker.

A resilient Boothwyn Pharmacy pulled even in the opening stages of the second chukker, until a booming penalty from the center line for Winslow-Palacios found the goal for a two-point conversion, pushing Ace Sportswear’s lead to two. After exchanging goals, Ace Sportswear resorted to their long-distance shooting once again, this time with Donnan scoring the two-pointer to send her team into halftime with an 8-5 advantage.

Determined to extend their lead further, Ace Sportswear raced out of the gate in the second half, leaving Boothwyn Pharmacy pinned in front of their own goal. After three missed attempts from Ace Sportswear, Hajimihalis found the goal for her third score of the day. Regrouping, Boothwyn Pharmacy found their footing in open play, finishing the third chukker with goals from Mitcham and Schmitt to decrease the gap to just two. Kept just out of reach through most of the game, Boothwyn Pharmacy took their opportunity in the final chukker with time running out. Trailing by two, Halle jumped on the loose ball and sent a two-point shot into the goal, tying the score and leaving spectators on the edge of their seats entering the final minutes. Blocking the clearing attempt, Winslow-Palacios turned the corner and hit the ball in, giving Ace Sportswear the one-goal lead with one minute remaining. Despite the best efforts of Boothwyn Pharmacy, Ace Sportswear held on to claim the prestigious title with an 11-10 victory.

Ace Sportswear inscribe their name on the USPA Women’s Arena Open® trophy for the second time after winning in 2017. Members of that winning team, Winslow-Palacios and Hajimihalis reunited, while adding newcomer Donnan to emerge victorious. “I’ve lucked out in playing a few times with Anna [Winslow-Palacios] and we’ve gained a lot of great chemistry. It was really fun, competitive polo and it translates onto the field really well,” shared Donnan. As part of the USPA’s Tournament Stimulus Package, Ace Sportswear received $1,500 in prize money while Boothwyn Pharmacy took home $1,000.

Capturing her second title in as many days after winning the USPA Women’s Arena Handicap® on Saturday, Hajimihalis reflected on the memorable weekend. “It feels incredible. I really have to thank my teammates in both flights. They made it really fun and I think it’s just the attitude of no matter what, we knew we were going to have fun.” Deploying five horses that rotated over four days of play, Hajimihalis reiterated the work that was put in to capture the two titles. “I’m very exhausted and so are the horses today. They all played amazing.”

“We feed off each other’s energy, which is awesome. I would play for this team over and over again.” – Anna Winslow-Palacios

The Most Valuable Player award was presented to Anna Winslow-Palacios, whose six-goal performance, including the game-winning goal, helped lead Ace Sportswear to the win. “I actually switched my horse order around quite a bit from the semifinals,” Winslow-Palacios commented. “I put my second half horses in the first half today, which I think helped a lot. I started really strong with my big run-and-gun horses and ended on my steady horse.”

Capturing the victory again with Hajimihalis, Winslow-Placios continued by saying “She’s really positive, which is great. We feed off each other’s energy, which is awesome. I would play for this team over and over again.” exclaimed Winslow-Palacios.

Played in the first and fourth chukkers, Cindy Halle’s Estrella, a 15-year-old Argentine Mare was awarded Best Playing Pony. “She got hurt before the season started, but I’m so happy to have her back” explained Halle. “She’s got a huge bump and moved over a lot of big horses. Anyone could play her, but I really love playing her. She worked really hard out there.”

“In my senior year, I was starting for the National Intercollegiate Championship but it was cancelled, I never got my opportunity to shine. This is a pseudo-nationals for me to finally show all the years of hard work.” – Ingrid Donnan

Building on their chemistry from their 2017 title, Ace Sportswear gained valuable experience together on the grass this past summer, playing in a women’s tournament together in a lead-up to the USPA Women’s Arena Open®. Donnan drew on her experience from playing with the heralded Cornell program. “I learned to play at Cornell, started freshman year and worked my way up to starting on varsity.” Donnan continued by saying, “[i]n my senior year, I was starting for the National Intercollegiate Championship but it was cancelled, I never got my opportunity to shine. This is a pseudo-nationals for me to finally show all the years of hard work.”

Photos: © Oana Moore

North America, Polo News

Chaps vs. Yanks: Newport Polo Reliving a Historical Rivalry

8. September 2021

Newport, RI (September 2, 2021) …. Yet another spirited battle looms on the horizon as England make their way to Newport to take on the patriot, Team USA, in a major highlight of the Newport International Polo Series’ 30^th Anniversary Season.

Scheduled to take place on Saturday, Sept. 4 at 4PM at Glen Farm, minutes from the Newport waterfront where the British landed, the Labor Day weekend rivalry between the two nations has, since the Polo Series’ inaugural season, reconstructed the overseas power’s 1778 assault on the locals on this very week.

“The English have long held the upper hand over its colonies by going to battle well prepared, and likewise are bringing a crack team to challenge us this year,” evaluates Dan Keating, USA Captain and Polo Series Founder, “but defending our turf has its advantages, as we are nearly tied at 10 wins to 8.”

The history of the Anglo-American sporting matchup dates back over one hundred years ago, when a newspaper publisher, James Gordon Bennett Jr., viewed a Polo match in London and gathered his fellow American sports enthusiasts to try out the game at home. His ardor for Polo was indeed shared by his peers and thus was founded the first Polo Club in America, in Newport, RI. An international challenge was made in 1886, inviting the English to compete in Newport in the Westchester Cup, predating the modern Olympic games. The Westchester Cup continues to this day, as does its sailing counterpart, the America’s Cup, tennis’s Davis Cup, and golf counterpart, the Rider Cup.

Polo Match Lawn tickets are available online at www.nptpolo.com and at the gates. Pavilion seating upgrades will be available after the first chukker, with an admission purchase for Lawn seating. Standby seating options including Tailgates & Chalets at Gametime, 4PM at the Main Gate, first come first serve.

America’s oldest polo club hosts the 30^th season of the Newport International Polo, with matches every Saturday, in June through September. As one of the most unique and popular attractions in New England, the matches feature the home team competing against different international and US rivals each week, and a host of associated events.

This Saturday’s match will include a special holiday seafood celebration menu, by advanced reservation, as well as a Silent Auction at the Pro Shop, located in the polo grounds’ Vendor Village, which will feature vintage New England sports and British music memorabilia, and a stunning equine photographic work of fine art by internationally acclaimed international artist. Auction proceeds will bolster the record-breaking results of Newport Polo’s annual charity gala, benefitting the Jeffrey Osborne Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports music and arts in Rhode Island schools as well as partners like the Amos House, St. Mary’s Home for Children & Family Services, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence, and Button Hole. Items can be previewed here.

The International Polo Grounds are located on the acreage of Glen Farm, 250 Linden Lane (off Route 138) in Portsmouth, RI, minutes from Newport’s bustling harbor. This bucolic setting along the East passage of Aquidneck Island, enjoys a moderating coastal effect in summer for pleasurable afternoon polo spectating throughout the summer. The property is the last 100 acres of a pre-colonial settlement from the 1600’s that became the Town of Portsmouth’s original gentlemen’s farm, an 800-acre manorial estate established during a Gilded Age movement of retreat from the high life into pastoral country acres.

Its classical 19th century stone barns and its park-like grounds were rehabilitated by Polo Series founder, Dan Keating in the early ‘90’s and continue to thrive as an equestrian and community recreational property, and home of the Polo Series. Read about its restoration.

The Newport International Polo Series is proud to roll out its 2021 sponsors including Brenton Hotel, Davitt Inc., TD Bank, Turkish Airlines, Modern Luxury Boston, Herb Chambers Exotics, Vanderbilt International Properties, Hotel Viking, Veuve Clicquot, Polo House Privé, Clarke Cooke House, Stella Artois, US Polo Association, Goslings, ROCKSTAR Limo, McGrath Clambakes and Catering, Classical 95.9 WCRI, and promotional partners including Newport Helicopter Tours, The Cocktail Guru, Hannoush Jewelers, Newport Jaguar Tours, International Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport Mansions, Newport Music Festival, Island Surf and Sport, Northeast Equestrian Life and Audrain Automobile Museum.

“Our sponsors have been with us since the beginning. Without their support, the Series would not be as extensive as it is,” explains Keating.

About Newport Polo: Newport Polo, home of America’s First Polo Club, celebrates the 30th Anniversary season of the Newport International Polo Series, featuring public exhibition polo matches every Saturday, June – September. Founded in 1876, charter member of the United States Polo Association, Newport Polo offers year-round polo club membership and polo instruction.

Newport, RI (September 2, 2021) …. Yet another spirited battle looms on the horizon as England make their way to Newport to take on the patriot, Team USA, in a major…

North America, Polo News

U.S. Polo Assn. Announced as Official Stadium & Apparel Sponsor for the Illustrious Silver Cup and Pacific Coast Open in Santa Barbara

23. July 2021

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla./SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (July 22, 2021) – U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), announced it will serve as the Official Stadium & Apparel Sponsor for the illustrious Silver CupÒ and Pacific Coast Open at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club. U.S. Polo Assn. will provide stadium branding and apparel for both high-profile West Coast polo events.

The historic 2021 Silver CupÒ, which runs from July 23 – August 8, is recognized as one of the USPA’s most prestigious tournaments with a rich history spanning more than 100 years and with many of its winners hailing from the Polo Hall of Fame. In addition, the Silver Cup is one of the only tournaments in California that features the best polo players in the world, including those that play in the prestigious GAUNTLET OF POLO® in Wellington, Florida during the South Florida circuit.

“U.S. Polo Assn. is honored to be part of such historic events as the Silver Cup and the Pacific Coast Open amid the beautiful backdrop of the celebrated Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing, which manages the multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “Supporting these high-profile events on the West Coast is yet another example of U.S. Polo Assn.’s authentic connection and love for the sport of polo.”

Founded in 1911, Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club is one of the oldest continuing member clubs of the USPA as well as the largest and most active polo club on the West Coast. Positioned in between the Carpinteria Foothills and the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club offers an unparalleled backdrop in the western United States.

“We are appreciative of the partnership and support of U.S. Polo Assn. for the historic tournaments played here, including the notable Silver Cup which was first played in 1900,” said Danny Walker, Board Member, Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club. “We hope that players and fans enjoy this season’s amazing west coast tournaments and experience the history and excellence of Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, polo in paradise.”

USPA official events, Silver Cup and the Pacific Coast Open, will be live streamed on Global Polo TV at globalpolo.com. Also hosted by Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club will be the USPA America Cup.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla./SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (July 22, 2021) – U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), announced it will serve as the Official…

North America, Polo News

HISTORIC SILVER CUP® RETURNS TO SANTA BARBARA POLO & RACQUET CLUB

23. July 2021

Hosted by Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club (Carpinteria, California) for the second consecutive year, the 2021 Silver Cup® has returned to the west coast where six teams will contend for the prestigious title, including defending champions Lucchese. Located just five miles south of Santa Barbara and 60 miles north of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club overlooks the Pacific Ocean providing an attractive backdrop to an active polo calendar.

The first USPA Official Event of the 16-goal season, the Silver Cup® will begin on Sunday, July 25, with the final set for Sunday, August 8. The high-goal season will culminate with the Pacific Coast Open, the only open trophy on the west coast, August 13 through 29.

Serving as the Official Stadium & Apparel Sponsor, U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association, will provide stadium branding and apparel for both high-profile west coast tournaments.

The Silver Cup® has been called many names throughout its illustrious 121-year history. Originally established as the Junior Championship, it was first played in 1900. In 1938, the Junior Championship was renamed the National Twenty Goal® Championship and in 1974 the tournament took its present name, the Silver Cup®. A trophy which bears the names of many Polo Hall of Famers including Tommy Hitchcock and Cecil Smith, the Silver Cup® also features Lucchese (2020, 2014, 2012) and Farmers & Merchants Bank (2016, 2015, 2013) with three titles each. Antelope is the only other team in the lineup who has qualified for the Silver Cup® Final.

On Antelope’s heels throughout the first half of the 2020 Silver Cup® Final, Lucchese turned the scoreboard around in the third, gradually extending the lead to secure the coveted trophy 15-11 for the first time in six years. In 2021 the defending champions will be joined by Keko Magrini on Lucchese’s roster, while 2020 Lucchese teammate Nico Escobar will compete with his family’s Santa Clara this year. Featuring father-and-son combinations on multiple teams, the 16-goal rosters feature a variety of young rising stars including several active and graduating Team USPA members and alumni.

2021 SILVER CUP® TEAMS:

Bracket I

1. Santa Clara (15)
Luis Escobar (5)
Lucas Escobar (4)
Nico Escobar (5)
Francisco Escobar (0)
Federico Escobar (1)

2. Lucchese (15)
John Muse (0)
Facundo Obregon (6)
Jeff Hall (6)
Kristos ‘Keko’ Magrini (3)

3. Farmers & Merchants Bank (16)
Danny Walker (2)
Matt Walker (3)
Lucas Criado (7)
Lucitas Criado (4)

Bracket II

4. Antelope (16)
Grant Palmer (1)
Santiago Trotz (4)
Tomas Garcia del Rio (8)
Segundo Saravi (3)

5. Bensoleimani.com (16)
Ben Soleimani (0)
Tomas Alberdi (4)
Iñaki Laprida (7)
Santiago Wulff (5)

6. Klentner Ranch (16)
Jesse Bray (6)
Jacob Klentner (1)
Justin Klentner (1)
Santiago Toccalino (8)

“The Silver Cup® is a trophy that every polo player strives to etch their name on,” said USPA Executive Director of Services and two-time winner of the Silver Cup®, Carlucho Arellano. “Our best clubs want to host it and our best players want to win it.”

Both USPA Official Events, the Silver Cup® and Pacific Coast Open, will be livestreamed exclusively on Global Polo TV with the purchase of the Polo Pass at globalpolo.com. All USPA playing and lifetime members who have paid their membership dues will receive the Premium Polo Pass complimentary while all USPA Social Members will receive the Polo Pass for free, once dues are paid in full. All games of the Silver Cup® and the Pacific Coast Open will be available with the Polo Pass or the Premium Polo Pass.

Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club is now open to the public for spectating. To purchase tickets please visit sbpolo.com. For more information on the Silver Cup® and to view the schedule, please visit the Silver Cup® tournament detail page on uspolo.org. To purchase a polo pass please visit globalpolo.com/products.

www.uspolo.org

Photos: ©David Lominska

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Hosted by Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club (Carpinteria, California) for the second consecutive year, the 2021 Silver Cup® has returned to the west coast where six teams will contend…

North America, Polo News

AIKEN GIRLS MAKE THEIR MARK IN INTERSCHOLASTIC HISTORY

25. May 2021

Each team securing a strong win in their respective semifinals, number one seed Aiken Polo Club (Summer Kneece, Sophie Grant, Robyn Leitner, Reagan Leitner) and two-time defending champions Maryland Polo Club (Kylie Beard, Sierra Blevins, Jordan Peterson) entered the Girls’ National Interscholastic Championship (GNIS) Final with confidence after their first games. Receiving a bye into the semifinals, Aiken made their tournament debut with a decisive victory while Maryland made an equally strong showing in their opening game at New Bridge Polo & Country Club (Aiken, South Carolina). Putting Maryland on the defensive from the first chukker, Aiken extended their lead throughout the game to claim their first national championship win 17-5, denying their opponents a tenth tournament title.

“Having the opportunity to come to Aiken [South Carolina] and lead such a young team and the new Aiken Youth Polo organization to a national title is especially gratifying. I’m so thankful to have such a supportive coach [Tiger Kneece], teammates and family to finish this exciting journey of high school arena polo.” – Sophie Grant

The final took place on the evening of Saturday, May 22, as both teams competed for the most important trophy of their interscholastic career. Claiming the first three goals of the game, Aiken commanded the scoreboard from the opening throw in as Maryland Polo Club’s Sierra Blevins added one to the tally. Holding Maryland scoreless throughout the second chukker, Aiken continued to gain offensive momentum, Kneece adding three consecutive goals for her team.

“Our strategy was to be aggressive, communicate and really take our time with the ball,” Kneece said. Following an impressive display of team play and skill, Aiken Polo Club moved into halftime with a comfortable 8-1 lead.

Hammering in her sixth goal to open the second half, Kneece was met by strong resistance from Peterson who fired back with four goals for Maryland, including a two-pointer. Contributing a series of goals to the scoreboard, Aiken remained solid and consistently strong throughout the remainder of the game. “I think the order of our horses really helped!” Robyn Leitner commented. “I started in the second chukker on Miley who is my favorite to play and a great mare to get me into the start of the game. I ended on Shorty in the fourth, who can be a little strong at times, but he played well for me having already played one chukker.”

Although having a seven-goal lead entering the final chukker, Aiken was relentless in their pursuit of their first national title with Kneece picking up three additional goals. Highly effective

in the back, Grant closed out the final with a pair of goals to sweep another decisive victory 17-5. Capping off a great evening of polo, the team extended the celebration to the New Bridge clubhouse where they enjoyed a team dinner.

“We wanted to keep the game as open as possible and play to the strength of each teammate,” Grant said about her team’s strategy. “Summer [Kneece] is very good offensively so we wanted to keep her up in front receiving passes and scoring goals. Robyn and Reagan [Leitner] are really good in the middle and work hard taking the man. I thought I could make the greatest contribution by playing back. I planned to shut down Maryland’s offense and hit backshots and passes up to my teammates, trusting that they would score the goals.”

“Another strategy was our lineups for the throw ins,” Grant continued. “When we were on the good side of the throw in, I would line up next to the umpire. This positioning would let me jump on the ball and get the play going towards our goal.”

Splitting a position with her identical twin sister, Robyn Leitner was proud of what the girls had accomplished together. “This win was a huge compliment for my team and represented Aiken’s youth players,” Robyn Leitner said. “Being a part of such a great team who made Aiken’s first GNIS trophy happen was an honor. I am going to miss playing with Sophie [Grant] next year!”

Claiming her fourth Girls’ National Interscholastic Championship, Grant felt that this win was particularly special as team captain. “I won the first three championships (2019, 2018, 2016) with my two older sisters, Abbie and Maddie, on Maryland,” Grant said. “But having the opportunity to come to Aiken [South Carolina] and lead such a young team and the new Aiken Youth Polo organization to a national title is especially gratifying. I’m so thankful to have such a supportive coach, teammates and family to finish this exciting journey of high school arena polo.”

All Stars included Summer Kneece (Aiken Polo Club), Sophie Grant (Aiken Polo Club), Saralyn Painter (Gardnertown Polo Club) and Jordan Peterson (Maryland Polo Club). Kylie Beard (Maryland Polo Club) received the Sportsmanship Award.

As this was the first year the Girls’ National Interscholastic Championship was livestreamed, fans had a unique opportunity to watch interscholastic arena polo on Global Polo TV. “I was so thankful the games were livestreamed as my brothers, sisters and other family members were able to watch from their workplace,” Reagan Leitner shared. “I had grandparents in Pennsylvania and Arizona who watched and my sisters in Virginia and Scotland were able to give me pointers at halftime,” Grant added.

Holding an impressive 7-goal women’s arena handicap, Grant recently changed from competing with her longtime Maryland team to joining Aiken last year. “In 2020 I moved to Aiken to

become a more well-rounded player and specifically to improve my outdoor polo,” Grant said. “I also thought it was a great opportunity to join Tiger Kneece’s young Aiken Youth Polo (AYP) interscholastic team. In our 2020 regional final, AYP played against Maryland and for me that was mentally harder than this final because I had to play against my good friend and former teammate Catie Stueck, with whom I had won three national titles.”

Summer Kneece (Aiken Polo Club) received the Horsemanship Award. “Winning the championship means so much because our team has been working for this moment for so long,” Kneece revealed. “We prepared by having many practices with our coach, my dad, and we’ve also been playing grass polo which helped us.” „It was a great feeling to coach my daughter in this championship tournament,“ coach Tiger Kneece said. „We started this journey together four years ago and it‘s a dream come true.“ Chunky Monkey, owned by UVA, received Best Playing Pony honors while UVA 1 was awarded Best Playing String.

Ending her senior year on a high note, Grant is looking forward to continuing to playing polo in South Carolina. “For the next year I have decided to be based in Aiken,” Grant revealed. “I’ve made many friends and have found Aiken to be a very supportive environment for young players. I have some green horses to train as well and I’m excited to see where that takes me.”

The Intercollegiate/Interscholastic (I/I) staff would like to thank the wonderful hosts at New Bridge Polo & Country Club, Raza Kazmi, Aiken Youth Polo and Tiger Kneece. The horses were graciously provided by Aiken Youth Polo, DI Polo, Berube Polo, and UVA. They would also like to thank the umpires including Tom Wisehart, John Bianco, Ronnie Hayes, Brent Marikatani and Bradley Biddle.

Images: ©Larry Johnson

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North America, Polo News

Teams draw for the U.S. OPEN POLO CHAMPIONSHIP® live on GLOBAL POLO TV to conclude the GAUNTLET OF POLO®

29. March 2021

WHAT: In preparation for the final tournament of the GAUNTLET OF POLO®, the United States Polo Association (USPA) hosted the U.S. Open Polo Championship^® draw on Thursday, March 25, 2021, from the Seventh Chukker patio at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC) in Wellington, Florida. Limited to teams and staff only, one representative from each team was invited to select a numbered token in person while the draw was broadcast live to spectators on Global Polo TV. The apex of 22-goal competition, the U.S. Open Polo Championship® is considered the most prestigious tournament in American polo. Immediately following the draw, viewers were treated to interviews with past U.S. Open Polo Championship® winners Memo Gracida, Tommy Wayman and Nic Roldan. Although Park Place won the C.V. Whitney Cup®, there will not be a GAUNTLET champion crowned in 2021 as Tonkawa and Scone qualified for the USPA Gold Cup® Final on Sunday, March 28. The official draw determined the playing order for the third tournament of the GAUNTLET OF POLO^®, the U.S. Open Polo Championship^®, which begins Sunday, March 28, and concludes Sunday, April 18, at IPC. Spectators will have the opportunity to relive the action on Sunday, May 9, when the U.S. Open Polo Championship® Final will be aired to millions of viewers on CBS Sports.

WHO: Haley Bryan, IPC Polo Coordinator, and Jimmy Newman, IPC Polo Manager, outlined the tournament format and conducted the official draw.

WHERE: The International Polo Club Palm Beach will not be open to the general public during the 2021 polo season. IPC will offer a limited number of tickets to Sunday Brunch in the Veuve Clicquot Pavilion for spectators as well as exclusive pre-sold tailgates and boxes. There will be no day of event ticket sales. Please read the IPC Reopening Guide available on the U.S. Open Polo Championship® tournament detail page on uspolo.org, for the club’s new protocols and procedures.

Increasing the stakes in the final tournament, the winner of the U.S. Open Polo Championship® will receive $200,000 in prize money and $50,000 will be awarded to the runner-up. New to the GAUNTLET in 2021 and in partnership with USPA Global Licensing, each of the teams will select a charity of their choice from 10 non-profit polo organizations which they can support throughout all three tournaments or select every tournament. Both charities of the winner and runners-up will receive a $5,000 donation in the U.S. Open Polo Championship^®.

The list of participating teams in their newly announced tournament brackets are available below:

Bracket I
1. La Indiana
2. Santa Clara
3. Pilot

Bracket II
1. Aspen/Dutta Corp
2. Cessna
3. Tonkawa

Bracket III
1. Park Place
2. Coca-Cola
3. Scone

FORMAT:

The USPA Gold Cup® finalists, Tonkawa and Scone, will be seeded in separate brackets (6 and 9). Teams will be placed into three brackets and play within their bracket.

After bracket play, all teams will be ranked 1-9 based on their win-loss record, followed by net goals, then gross goals. The teams who ranked eighth and nineth will compete in a playoff game then teams will enter the quarterfinals. Teams ranked 1-4 will draw from the remaining teams (5, 6, 7, 8) for quarterfinal pairings. Semifinal pairings will be determined by draw with the winners advancing to the final.

Please visit the GAUNTLET OF POLO® tab on uspolo.org for GAUNTLET information including rosters, full tournament schedule, history, video highlights and much more. Global Polo TV is the exclusive broadcaster for USPA Official Events, tournaments and games. Only those with a Premium Polo Pass or GAUNTLET OF POLO^® Pass will have access to all livestreamed games of the 2021 GAUNTLET OF POLO^®. All USPA Playing and Lifetime Members receive free access to the Premium Polo Pass. Social Members receive the Polo Pass for free. Subscribe or upgrade at any time on GlobalPolo.com/products.

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www.uspolo.org

uspoloassnglobal.com

globalpolotv.com

www.internationalpoloclub.com

WHAT: In preparation for the final tournament of the GAUNTLET OF POLO®, the United States Polo Association (USPA) hosted the U.S. Open Polo Championship® draw on Thursday, March 25, 2021,…

North America, Polo News

United States Defeats Argentina 13-12 to Win 2020 USPA Butler International Cup

2. October 2020

Oak Brook Polo Club and Chicago Polo Association hosted its last match of the 2020 summer polo season on Sunday, September 27th with the finals of the USPA Butler International Cup presented by Merrill Lynch. In front of a sold out and socially distanced crowd, the United States defeated Argentina 13-12, in the finals of the ten-day tournament where teams representing the United States, Argentina, Germany and Switzerland have been competing for a chance to engrave their name on the prestigious cup. Team rosters were as follows:

United States (3-1)
Champion
Mariano Gutierrez (4)
Tomas “Toto” Obregon (4)
Horacio Onetto (4)
Jim Drury (0)

Argentina (3-1)
Runner-Up
Larry Aschebrook (0)
Juan Martin Gutierrez (3)
Juan Martin Obregon (5)
Matias Obregon (4)

Switzerland (1-3)
Richard Harris (0)
Pedro Manion (3)
Facundo Obregon (6)
Miguel Gutierrez (3)

Germany (1-3)
Frauke Lueders (0)
Jan Lueders (0)
Anthony Garcia (5)
Mariano Obregon (7)

Argentina led the entire tournament winning each of its three preliminary matches, including the first match against the United States. Results of the 2020 USPA Butler International Cup tournament matches are below:

Friday, September 18th:
Argentina (8) def. United States (7)

Friday, September 18th:
Switzerland (8) def. Germany (4)

Sunday, September 20th:
Argentina (9) def. Germany (7)

Sunday, September 20th:
United States (7) def. Switzerland (6)

Wednesday, September 23rd:
United States (13) def. Germany (10)

Wednesday, September 23rd:
Argentina (13) def. Switzerland (10)

Friday, September 25th:
Consolation – Germany (8) def. Switzerland (5)

Sunday, September 27th:
Championship – United States (13) def. Argentina (12)

The trophy was first played for in 1986 between Oak Brook and HRH Prince Charles’s Wales Polo Team. In response to this year’s enormous interest from international teams wanting to visit Oak Brook combined with the demand for tournament level competition, the Butler International Cup was transformed into a 12-Goal United States Polo Association (USPA) Nationally Sanctioned tournament. Prior to the 2020 Season, the tournament had commitments from teams representing six countries (United States, Canada, Jamaica, Wales, Switzerland and Argentina), however, due to COVID-19, travel restrictions and quarantine mandates, players traveling from multiple countries overseas were forced to cancel their participation.

“We knew this would be our most intense match of the season,” explains Jim Drury, President of Oak Brook Polo Club. “As the US team, we hoped to defend possession of The Butler International Cup. After losing our first match to Argentina. we were in a hole. To win the Cup, we would have to defeat each of the other countries in the final matches. Being able to hold the trophy at the end – was indeed a proud moment!”

The Championship match was held as Oak Brook’s historic Prince of Wales Field and began with opening festivities including the traditional team parade led by Ronald Vassar in a 2020 Corvette Stingray and Mark Weidman in a 1986 Mercedes-Benz convertible. Passengers included Reute Butler, President of the Friends of Conservation and granddaughter of Oak Brook Polo Club’s founder, Paul Butler, as well as Monica Patankar, Miss Illinois for America 2019. Prior to the introduction of players and ball roll-in, Oak Brook Polo Club President Jim Drury welcomed spectators followed by the Argentine anthem and United States anthem performed by The Singing Men of Oak Brook.

The first chukker got off to a quick start as both teams were competing to get on the scoreboard first and take an advanced lead. The United States’ Horacio Onetto claimed the first goal of the match, but Argentina’s Juan Martin Gutierrez answered back. Onetto would score again for the U.S. only for Argentina’s Juan Martin Obregon to return the favor and end the first chukker tied at 2-2. In the second chukker, Argentina’s J.M. Obregon would give the lead his team was looking for by putting up two goals for 4-2 lead. U.S.’s Onetto would go on to score his third goal, but J.M. Obregon would hold Argentina’s lead of two points and end the second chukker 5-3. In the third chukker, J.M. Obregon would extend the Argentine team’s lead to three, but U.S.’s Onetto would close that gap with two back-to-back goals to end the first half 6-5, Argentina.

In the fourth chukker, Onetto and teammate Mariano Gutierrez would go on to score four goals while putting on an impressive display of defense, along with Tomas Obregon and Jim Drury, to keep Argentina scoreless and take the lead ending the fourth chukker 9-6. But the U.S. was caught off guard in the fifth chukker as Argentina proved that they were a worthy opponent. Argentina’s J.M. Obregon would go on a four-goal streak to catch up and reclaim his team’s lead at 10-9. U.S.’s Onetto would re-tie the match 10-10, but Argentina’s J.M. Gutierrez would snatch that away, followed by another goal from U.S.’s Onetto tying it 11-11. I in the sixth and final chukker, it was anyone’s match. Spectators were on the edge of their seats witnessing the best polo play all season. Argentina’s J.M. Obregon would score the first goal of the chukker and give his team a one goal lead at 12-11. After scoring ten goals for his team, Onetto would give the reins to his teammate, Gutierrez who would go on to help tie and score the winning goal for the U.S. to end the match 13-12.

Following a special thank you and season ending remarks by Gopal Lalmalani, President for the Village of Oak Brook, the awards ceremony began. Casablanca Polo’s “Most Valuable Player” was presented by Monica Patankar to Horacio Onetto for his impressive ten goals. Casablanca Polo’s “Best Playing Pony” was presented by Sheryl Srivastava to Chick, owned by Onetto. Runner-up trophies and gifts were presented by Chicago Tribune’s RaMeka Johnson and Tatiana Rybka, while the winners’ trophies and Butler International Cup were presented by Reute Butler. Butler also made a special presentation and awarded gifts to Jim & Peggy Drury, and Danny O’Leary for their continued support of the Friends of Conservation.

Oak Brook Polo Club is located at 2606 York Road, seventeen miles from downtown Chicago. For general information, event scheduling, and parking directions, please call 630.368.5095 or visit www.oakbrookpoloclub.com.

Photos by Judith Coleman

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Oak Brook Polo Club and Chicago Polo Association hosted its last match of the 2020 summer polo season on Sunday, September 27th with the finals of the USPA Butler International…

North America, Polo News

United States Polo Association and International Polo Club Palm Beach Unveil 2021 Polo Tournament Schedule

25. September 2020

The United States Polo Association and International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC) in Wellington, Florida, are pleased to announce the 2021 high-goal polo tournament schedule. The season will begin on Sunday, January 3, 2021 with the Joe Barry Cup and conclude on Sunday, April 18, 2021 with the U.S. Open Polo Championship® Final.

Prior to the start of the 2021 GAUNTLET OF POLO® series, the remainder of the 2020 USPA Gold Cup® which was postponed due to COVID-19 will be played. The semifinals will commence Wednesday, February 10 and culminate with the final on Sunday, February 14. The 2021 GAUNTLET OF POLO® will return for the third year to the U.S. Polo Assn. Field on Wednesday, February 17, with the start of the C.V. Whitney Cup. IPC will also be welcoming back the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship® beginning on Wednesday, March 10 and concluding with the final on Saturday, March 20. The closing date for teams for both the 18-goal series and GAUNTLET OF POLO® is Sunday, November 15, while the closing date for the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship® is Tuesday, December 15. Plans regarding spectators, stadium seating, and brunch in the Pavilion are still being finalized and will be released soon. The safety of staff, players and spectators are of the utmost importance, so the Club will be introducing various safety protocols. Please visit the InternationalPoloClub.com for updates regarding the new procedures.

Due to COVID-19, the 2020 season was unexpectedly cut short with both the USPA Gold Cup® and U.S. Open Polo Championship® postponed. The four semifinalist teams will compete for the USPA Gold Cup® a year later for a chance to claim the second trophy in the 2020 GAUNTLET OF POLO®. Contact Polo Manager Haley Bryan at (803) 215-3577 or hbryan2485@aol.com to discuss season plans. For more information, please visit uspolo.org. All tournaments except the Iglehart Cup will be livestreamed on Global Polo TV. Visit globalpolo.com to sign up today.

2021 IPC POLO SCHEDULE*

18-Goal

Joe Barry Cup (16-18 Goal)
Tournament Dates: January 3 – 17, 2021
Closing Date: November 15, 2020

Ylvisaker Cup (16-18 Goal)
Tournament Dates: January 20 – February 7, 2021
Closing Date: November 15, 2020

Iglehart Cup (16-18 Goal)
Single Elimination
Tournament Dates: February 10-21, 2021
Closing Date TBD
IPC will host this tournament provided there are enough teams and resources

22-Goal GAUNTLET OF POLO®
22 Goal Warm Up
February 1-14, 2021

2020 USPA Gold Cup®
Conclusion- Semifinal & Final
Tournament Dates: February 10-14, 2021

C.V. Whitney Cup (18-22 Goal)
Tournament Dates: February 17 – March 7, 2021
Closing Date: November 15, 2020

U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship®
Tournament Dates: March 10-20, 2021
Closing Date: December 15, 2020
Limited to eight teams

USPA Gold Cup® (18-22 Goal)
Tournament Dates: March 10-28, 2021
Closing Date: November 15, 2020

U.S. Open Polo Championship® (18-22 Goal)
Tournament Dates: March 31 – April 18, 2021
Closing Date: November 15, 2020

*Please note dates are subject to adjustment

About the United States Polo Association®
The U.S. Polo Association was organized and exists for the purposes of promoting the game of polo, coordinating the activities of its Member Clubs and Registered Players, arranging and supervising polo tournaments, competitions and games, and providing rules, handicaps, and conditions for those tournaments, competitions, and games including the safety and welfare of participants and mounts. Founded in 1890, the United States Polo Association (USPA) is the national governing body for the sport of polo. USPA is currently comprised of almost 300 member clubs with thousands of individual members, and oversees 40 national tournaments. For more information, please visit uspolo.org.

About the International Polo Club Palm Beach
The International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC) is the premier polo destination in the world, hosting the largest field of high-goal teams and the most prestigious polo tournaments in the United States. Polo enthusiasts descend upon Wellington, Florida, each winter season to enjoy their love of the sport at the most prominent polo facility in the country. The 2021 Palm Beach Polo Season opens Sunday, January 3, 2021 and concludes with the U.S. Open Polo Championship® Final on Sunday, April 18, 2021. See more at www.internationalpoloclub.com.