Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club announces a full throttle 2016 season of outstanding tournament polo played on top tier fields. The club also offers a variety of low goal options for local and visiting players who enjoy the velvet fields, beach view and social atmosphere of the American Riviera.
The club will open with its traditional 12 goal tournament season in May and June leading up to the USPA Intra-Circuit. The 12 goal season is a natural fit for teams continuing from the winter Desert season. In July and August the club celebrates high goal polo with 16 goal teams vying for the highest rated tournaments on the West Coast, including the crown jewel of the California tournaments: the Gulfstream Pacific Coast Open. The local’s favorite season in September and October puts 6-8 goal USPA tournaments at center stage, culminating in the USPA President’s Cup.
Club President and Lucchese team owner John Muse stated, “As a club we are focused on providing the best fields possible for the incoming teams. We have made a lot of improvements in the polo clubhouse to enhance the atmosphere, and added increased spectator viewing with new grandstands, more cabanas and a new polo lounge at midfield to bring even more excitement to the popular matches.”
Each season will also offer a corresponding low goal option such as pro pool or pairs, to provide friendly, open polo for the players who want to enjoy the Santa Barbara experience without the high goal costs. Coaching League is available throughout the year as an avenue for novice players to experience grass polo in a friendly and supportive environment and introduce new players from other areas to the Santa Barbara Club. The ever popular youth tournaments and ladies tournaments will be highlights on the overall tournament schedule. Beginner polo programs at the Santa Barbara Polo School offer a great way for new players to dive into the sport.
“For the 2016 season, we are intent on providing each team that competes here with a complete experience so they can focus on their play and their horses. We will have an improved field rotation, stabling is available on site for traveling teams, practice is provided, and each team that comes to play will know they all have a fair shot at the title of these amazing tournaments.” commented Polo Manager Melanja Jones. “We also welcome players who are here to enjoy the pro pool and low goal programs and learn about the sport and are proud to offer so many options for polo enthusiasts.”
For more information on playing at Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club, contact Polo Manager Melanja Jones at melanjaj@sbpolo.com or cell phone 970-231-7426, or click here for the link to the 2016 Polo brochure
Polo Brochure link: http://www.sbpolo.com/files/2016%20Polo%20Brochure.pdf
12 Goal
MAY AND JUNE
Practice Wednesday
Matches Friday and Sunday
Lisle Nixon Memorial May 6-May 15
Pope Challenge May 20-29
USPA Intra-Circuit June 17-26
HIGH GOAL
JULY AND AUGUST
Practice Wednesday on local off site fields
Matches Friday and Sunday
Belmond El Encanto Polo Classic July 8-10
USPA Maserati Silver Cup July 15-24
USPA Nespresso America Cup July 29-August 7
Gulfstream Pacific Coast Open August 12-28
Summer Low Goal
DATES AND GOAL LEVEL TBA
6-8 GOAL SEPTEMBER AND EARLY OCTOBER
Practice Thursday
Matches Saturday and Sunday
Harry East Memorial September 3-4
USPA Wickenden Cup September 10-18
USPA President’s Cup September 24-October 2