By Ron Allen
Recent revelations from one of the most respected and successful patrons in the sport of polo have brought to light what many have suspected for some time. Something is seriously wrong with the governing body of the American polo association.
When Lyndon Lea (2) recently opened fire over his concerns about where polo is headed in the United States he was not alone in his perceptions. The hard truth is that Mr. Lea is talking aloud about important issues, which have been whispered about along the sidelines for several years.
His Zacara team represents one of the most successful polo organizations in the world. They just won back-to-back U.S. Open titles. As a serious competitor his opinion is backed by experience and credibility. Something apparently lacking within the polo association. For those not aware Lyndon has withdrawn from any future high goal competition in the U.S. His decision was based on handicap changes meted out against the two teams that competed in the Open finals. Thus destroying any chance of a much-needed rivalry for the future.
Lea harshly criticized their decisions as unfair and corrupt. He was quick to point out that low goal committee members are making decisions on high goal players they haven’t even observed playing and are not qualified to even make such critical decisions. The association has been accused of a lack of real transparency along with personal and political agendas many times in the past.
The Solution? The time is right for polo to follow the highly successful lead of the game of golf with representation for two completely different types of polo competitions. The USGA represents 700,000 amateur golfers while the PGA is for professional golfers only. The amateur volunteers can continue to try and manage low goal polo as best they can. But, a new professional management company needs to be formed to take the reins of high goal polo. It’s a simple solution to a serious problem that otherwise may continue unchecked for years to come.
Click here to read the original article and interview with Lyndon Lea.
I totally agree with Mr. Allen, but from a different perspective – I am one of the amateur volunteers involved in low goal/club polo – which I believe represents the majority of polo played in the U.S. – I feel that the USPA has lost touch with that portion of polo in their pursuit of high goal polo – and if Mr. Allen is correct – then they are blundering in their attempt to grow that portion of the sport also. Looks like they are failing in all attempts. They have lost touch with their base and are obviously not making a very successful attempt at realizing their high goal aspirations. The golf idea is a very good one – you can also look at the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association – they have separate groups and championships for their “pros” who make a living at rodeo and their amateurs that can only rodeo a little because they have to make a living doing other things. Hopefully something can be done with the USPA before they blow it completely – both at high goal and in the amateur ranks!