An apple a day would not keep Audi away from the Pacific Coast Open Championships. Audi was determined and they were so much better than all other teams in town. Congratulations Audi! You are the 2008 CHAMPS of the Pacific Coast Open.
The Final between Audi and Grant’s Farm was a far better game than I personally expected. Grant’s Farm was their battling into the 5th chukker with the expectation that they could win. It was never going to happen from the first throw in, unless Gonzalo Pieres disappeared and he did not. I am not saying this because I think it was a bad game. No matter how bad the field was, and it was not good nor the referring, which was weak and confusing. Audi was going to win no matter what. Audi was far superior when compared to of all teams here in ’08. The USPA can thank their system for a very lackluster job here in Santa Barbara. We knew 8 weeks ago there was a problem with a handicap and they elected to ignore it. Now what will they do? Torture this kid because they screwed up? Probably. They have done it before, after the fact. Now its too late and its over . . . bad taste and all. Raise him to 4 and be done with it.
It was a very nice day for polo. There was a little sun out. It was warm at times and other times not so warm. The polo field was the same for both teams. They only schedule one game on it and that was the final.
Early in chukker 1, it was Audi getting the first 3 goals and they did so very quickly. It was 3 and 0 at the end of the first chukker. A little over 3 minutes into the 2nd, Grant’s Farm came to life and they scored 4 goals and tied it up. Jeff hall was still smiling. They tied the 3rd and went to rest at the 1/2. They were again, tied up in the 4th chukker. It was Grant’s Farm taking the lead for 30 seconds, but Gonzalo Pieres fixed that. He quickly tied it up again in the next throw-in, however, going into the 6th it was Grant’s Farm out in front, but you knew it was coming. Audi scored the next 4 goals in a row and the title went to Audi. It was possible for one instant. Grant’s Farm was going to make it a war as Jeff Hall put them in front in the 5th and super 6, Gonzalo Del Tour made a 3-goal play as he ran over Gonzalo Pieres and Jeff Hall stole the ball, but missed his second shot. It was over. Grant’s Farm faded away and it was Audi from then on.
Jeff Hall played an excellent game today. He still was not the best player on the field. Hands down it was Gonzalo Pieres. Gonzalo del Tour was 3-goals in two plays today. The rest of the time, well you be the judge. Cachi was a very good + one goal player. Andy Busch kicked a** all day long. Fred Mannix, The Bolt, was not phenomenal, but very steady. They still lost by 3.
Mark Ganzi was whining, but very solid and winning, so less of the first. Sugar was a rock Gonzalo Pieres was unstoppable and about 10-goals today, like his rating should be. He was the best on the field. Gonzalo del Tour was 3-goals better than his handicap, so that’s why they won by 3.
Hats off to Mark Ganzi and Audi. They did it. I still wonder if we had had their 3 what would he have said as we did try to get him for the Z crowd even though we knew he was not really All that GOOD!
The day started out with a thank you to the 8 Patrons who made this season a success. It was a very good reward for the Head of the Class as Mr. Tom Barrack was presented with a pair of high-end Lucchese Boots contributed to by the other 7 patrons and the Santa Barbara Polo Club a thank you gift. Tom Barrack hosted many of the games at his Piocho Ranch, heaven of the valley. Thanks are also sent to Justin Klentner/Melisia Ganzi-Mark Ganzi-Lyndon Lea-Andy Busch-Scott Wood- Dan Walker – John Muse and the Santa Barbara Polo Club. Thanks Tom from all the grooms, truck drivers and helpers you treated so well.
A very good season comes to a close and a lot of changes in mind too. So that brings up a whole lot of questions.
1) What to do about the fields? They were what they were with little play and 8 teams.
2) Referring – Is this something that can be fixed or at least controlled?
3) Stabling – Will it be fixed to include space for 80 more horses?
4) What if there is another venue for Patrons right here in Santa Barbara?
5) Is Meeker’s still there and what is going to be done for it? There are 8 more games (minimum).
6) Make the social life like it could be. Players come here to be happy and have fun. They know it’s not free. What can be done to make it more fun on a social level?
7) Fill the stands or demolish them. Bring a crowd or draw a crowd. 500 people at the best polo on the Gold Coast does not cut it. There are a lot of hungry PR people out there as it is a recession. What can we do to improve attendance to all of the Sunday games?
10 LETS MAKE SANTA BARBARA POLO THE BEST POLO PLACE TO COME IN THE WORLD!
a] We have the weather
b] We have the people
c] We have the Patrons at this point in time
d] We have a reason! People want to come here
e] We do not need any excuses or people will excuse us
f] Remember we need them they do not need us
That’s the way it is today, Sept. 7th 2008. We can grow to a 9 on scale and 10 is so close if we make 9.
See ya.