International Polo Club Palm Beach Fast Facts
Founded by: John and Carroll Goodman
Date Founded: December 2003
First Official Polo Match: December 28, 2003
Polo Fields: Seven (7) Bermuda grass
Location: 3667 120th Avenue South, Wellington, Florida
General Manager: Michael C. Brown
Polo Manager: Jimmy Newman
Membership Director: Julie Pickens
2007 Polo Season: January 14 through April 22
2007 Polo Season Highlights:
Sunday, January 14 – Opening Day
Sunday, January 28 – 22-goal Joe Barry Memorial Cup Final
The Joe Barry Memorial Cup is named after American polo legend Joe Barry, who died on May 18, 2002 at the age of 58. Born and raised in Texas, he achieved a 9-goal rating and dominated polo in the United States in the 1960s and 1970s. Barry won six U.S. Open championships, three Gold Cups, three Silver Cups as well as the Coronation and Camacho Cup trophies. One of the greatest No. 4s in polo history, Joe Barry was elected to the Polo Hall of Fame in 1999.
Sunday, February 18 – 22-goal Ylvisaker Cup Final
The Ylvisaker Cup in named in honor of William T. “Bill” Ylvisaker, a polo pioneer who founded Palm Beach Polo and Country Club in the late 1970s, bringing the sport to the forefront in Palm Beach County. A former Chairman of the USPA, Ylvisaker was elected into the Polo Hall of Fame in 1996. Ylvisaker has won numerous major polo tournaments, including the prestigious U.S. Open in 1972.
Sunday, March 4 – 26-goal C.V. Whitney Cup Final
The tournament is named in memory of Cornelius Vanderbilt “Sonny” Whitney, who along with his cousin John Hay Whitney, were important polo patrons in the 1930’s. The son of Hall of Fame patron Harry Payne Whitney, C.V. won the U.S. Open three times (twice against his brother), and was a renowned owner and breeder of thoroughbred racehorses.
Sunday, March 25 – 26-goal USPA Gold Cup Final
The USPA Gold Cup, which began in 1974, is one of the premier tournaments in the United States and returns to South Florida after a five-year hiatus. This is its first season at International Polo Club Palm Beach. Peter Brant’s White Birch has won this event a record 12 times. The Gold Cup was one of the first major high-goal tournaments won by Adolfo Cambiaso, in 1991 with Cellular One. Mariano Aguerre has won the Gold Cup eight times, more than any other professional player. The legendary Gonzalo Pieres has won the Gold Cup seven times while Cambiaso has won it six times and Alfonso Pieres has won it five times.
Sunday, April 22 – 26-goal Stanford U.S. Open Polo Championship Final
The Stanford U.S. Open Polo Championship is the most prestigious polo tournament in North America. A record-tying 15 teams competed in the 2005 tournament. Camilo Bautista’s Las Monjitas is the defending champion.
The Houston-based Stanford Private Wealth Management, a privately-held global network of affiliated companies, has been the title sponsor of the U.S. Open since the 100th U.S. Open Polo Championship in 2004. Stanford’s family of companies provides international private banking, trust and brokerage services and real estate development. The success of the group is the result of entrepreneurial spirit and drive spearheaded by third generation Chairman and CEO R. Allen Stanford.
Social/Special Events Highlights:
Sunday, January 14 – Opening Day/Wellington Day (Call 561-204-5687 for tickets and information)
Saturday, January 27 – British Forces Foundation Charity Polo Match and Cocktail Reception (Call 561-204-5687 for tickets and information)
Saturday, February 3 – Black Tie and Boots Ball South to benefit the Devon Horse Show/County Fair Foundation (Call 610-793-1425 for tickets and information)
Sunday, February 11 – Pegasus Foundation Charity Luncheon (Call Kevin Hertell at 561-310-5779 for tickets and information)
Saturday, February 17 – Outback 40-Goal Polo Match and Charity Luncheon (Call 561-204-5687 for tickets and information)
Sunday, February 18 – YMCA Charity Luncheon (Call 561-968-9622 for tickets and information)
Friday, February 23 – Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center Charity Dinner/Auction (Call 561-792-9900 for tickets and information)
Friday, March 2 – American Diabetes Association Carnivale (Call 1-800-676-4065, ext. 2052 for tickets and sponsorship information)
Saturday, March 3 – Denim and Rubies to benefit the American Cancer Society (Call Lisa Arace at 561-366-0013, ext. 119 for tickets and information)
Sunday, March 4 – American Red Cross Luncheon (Call 561-833-7711 for tickets and information)
March 10 – Challenge of the Americas Dressage Event (Call Mary Ross at 561-251-7945 for tickets and information)
March 11 – Food for the Poor Tailgate (Call Carol Collins at 954-427-2222 for tickets and information)
Sunday, March 25 – Curing Children’s Cancer Benefit (Call Lisa Hereford at 832-423-4872 for tickets and information)
Sunday, April 8 – Easter Brunch and Egg Hunt (Call 561-204-5687 for tickets and information)
Wednesday, April 18 – Stanford U.S. Open Semifinals and BBQ (Call 561-204-5687 for tickets and information)
Polo Tickets: General admission: $10 per person, $15 for the U.S. Open; Lawn seats: $20 per person, $40 for the U.S. Open; Tailgating: $200 per spot per Sunday, $350 per spot for the U.S. Open (Reservations required, limited availability). Children under 12 are free.
Players: The world’s top players will compete at IPC during the 22-goal and 26-goal seasons, including 10-goalers Mariano Aguerre, Miguel Novillo Astrada, Adolfo Cambiaso, Agustin Merlos, Sebastian Merlos and Facundo Pieres as well as 9-goalers Eduardo Novillo Astrada, Javier Novillo Astrada, Ignacio Novillo Astrada, Mike Azzaro Lucas Criado, Paco de Narvaez, Carlos Gracida, Bautista Heguy, Eduardo Heguy, Matias Magrini, Gonzalito Pieres and Adam Snow.
Game-Day Activities: International Polo Club Palm Beach will host the following series of events every Sunday, including Opening Day, beginning at 11:30 a.m.:
During the Champagne Divot Stomp at halftime, guests are invited to join in the stomping of the divots on the field while enjoying a complimentary glass of champagne…a unique twist to the game’s tradition. The bubbly is often brought to midfield by unique modes of transportation.
After the post-match Trophy Presentation, guests are invited to meet the players for autographs and pictures.
Visit the 7th Chukker, a friendly watering hole that features an antique wooden bar and a plasma screen TV, immediately following the awards presentation. The 7th Chukker is a fan favorite where polo enthusiasts can meet and mingle with the polo players and other fans.
Children’s Play Area, including a bounce house, face painter and other activities.
Vendor Village, located at the entrance to the stadium, includes booths selling a variety of merchandise for polo fans and non-equestrians alike.
The Facility: International Polo Club Palm Beach is the first new polo club to be built in decades, fulfilling a long-standing void for a facility dedicated solely to high-goal professional polo. Designed in a tropical, Caribbean-Colonial style, it combines old-world charm and new-world comfort. In addition to its public facilities, the club’s membership facilities include a tiki bar and outdoor dining area, swimming pool, tennis courts as well as spa and fitness center with workout rooms.
Directions: Approaching IPC from the Florida Turnpike, take Exit 93 (Lake Worth Road), and travel west approximately four miles, crossing over 441 and continuing to 120th Avenue South. Turn right onto 120th Avenue South and proceed a quarter-mile to the IPC. Approaching IPC from Interstate I-95, take Exit 49. Travel west on Forest Hill Blvd. approximately 10 miles to Fairlane Farms Road. Turn left on Fairlane Farms Road and follow to the stop sign at Pierson Road. Turn right onto Pierson Road. Follow Pierson Road approximately two miles to the traffic circle and turn left onto 120th Avenue South. IPC is the third entrance on the right. Parking is complimentary.
International Polo Club Palm Beach
3667 120th Avenue South, Wellington, FL 33414
Phone: (561) 204-5687/ Fax: (561) 784-3993
Website: www.internationalpoloclub.com