Jaeger-LeCoultre Icons of Polo
Mr. Summerfield “Skee” Johnston
Polo: A way of life
July 5, 2013

PERSONAL DATA

Skee Johnston is an American player born in 1932. He was an outstanding high goal player from Tennessee and polo director: he was President and Chairman of the United States Polo Association in 1980-84 and 1984-88, respectively.
Skee, who is married and the father of two children, is one of the few registered left handed players, was inducted into the Polo Museum and Hall of Fame in 2001, and awarded with the Hugo Dalmar Trophy for exemplary sportsmanship. He is currently one of the most enthused proponents of the return of polo to the Olympic Games.

What has been your most memorable moment in polo?

One was when I played with Cacho Merlos in the Palm Beach handicap.
The second is when Gillian won the 2002 US Open with Coca Cola.

And your most memorable moment on the personal side?

Well, it should be that I have played all over the world as a left handed. Somebody let me play like that!

Which was your best horse? Why?

I remember a mare I got from Taio Novillo Astrada, named Blaze. You know, I never name a horse, because I don’t think horses understand their names, so it can be Taio’s horse, Cacho’s horse. But this one was a great, wonderful mare. Taio rode her and played her too. I played her too a long time ago, I think late 80’s, early 90’s. Then, when I quit playing, Gillian played her to. She was really wonderful, she never had a fall, she could do anything.

Who did you have real pleasure to play with during your career?

I was fortunate to play with a lot of wonderful players. I played with Alfredo Harriott, Cacho Merlos, Taio Novillo Astrada. I’ve also played with many wonderful American players, but I have to say that Taio maybe was the best, because we played together for a long time and we remained good friends, both in and out of polo.

What values and qualities does polo has, that other sports don’t have?

I think polo combines most of the values of sports: teamwork, the spirits, the association between men and horses and riding, which makes a difference with other sports. Polo combines everything other sport has, and probably has courage, as it’s faster.

What’s the best thing polo has given to you both as a player and life in general?

I should say it gave me confidence

Which is the story or memory which you would like to capture ever or engrave on the back of the Reverso?

Very good question! I spent most of my life in polo, involved with the polo players and the United States Polo Association, with all the ups and downs, so I’d say my life in polo would say it all.

This was a story in the Polo Line a daily polo mag from England but also most of work done by Arg. people I hear I do not know but it is the venue to know what is going on asap . This article really hit me this man has been a giant in Polo forever it seems at least since I got in it in 1975 . When I was running the club at Boca I remember John T said call Ski to see if he would do a team for something but be careful he is a tough SOB and i do not want to get into a deal with him. I never knew if this was good or bad because JTO was very tough but he wanted to have total piece with Skee and it was always that way JTO and Bill Y were the ones running things and being the voice but it was always after we talk to Skee so as silent as he maybe I doubt many move before . The things he has done for the sport are far beyond almost anyone else it just never gets highlighted because that is the way he is. Silent but in total control . His family his Wife have all been a big part of US Polo forever but few people realize how big . They had probably the worst tragedy ever in Polo as Skee’s Son Skeeter was killed playing Polo in the last few years so they have given to this sport and always have a team there Daughter Gillian is easily one of the strongest patrons in the sport and has won the US OPEN and most other events on a national scale . They operate more venues than anyone in Polo in the World . Sheridan, Wyo. Everglades,Fl. and then Nashville, Tn. and I am not sure if still involved in Arg. but most likely and they help so many young Americans as well to grow in Polo. The one thing I will never forget about Skee was about 1979 or around then I played against him my first time and being left handed which i had never seen before I was meeting him and scared the S— out of me because he had his mallet on the nearside meeting me and of course I pulled out and got yelled at but his off side was the wrong side and he would scare a hell of a lot more People today because he was very tough and always seemed to be on the wrong side and best of all he LOVED it . Above it all he is an ICON and a Gentleman and the biggest supporter of US POLO today . Thanks Skee and Family you deserve this story from an Int. firm.

see ya