Chinese Dragons on the North Shore
Hawaii Polo Club
By Sarah Towner
The North Shore is well known for being a Mecca for international athletes thanks to the unrivaled surf breaks that riddle the seven-mile miracle from October through April. But as the winter swells bid their farewell for a while, the international scene has drifted down the coast to the Mokuleia Polo Field, which kicked off the season’s international competition with a visit from the Nine Dragons Hill Polo Club of Shanghai, China.
If you haven’t been a spectator yourself, you’ve probably heard the buzz about Sunday polo around town- the excitement of the unique match, tailgating, live music and bar, all on an extraordinary beachfront venue. These attributes have long attracted international teams, and players but polo has been banned in China since 1949 until just last year, so Sunday, May 9th’s match was a first for the Hawaii Polo Club of what will hopefully be an annual occurrence.
Hawaii Polo Club’s resident pro and manager John (JW) Hall backed up the three guest Chinese players, Clark Shi, Todd Fortner, and Segundo Copello to battle it out for the Bourne Cup with Hawaii Polo’s Mark Becker, Chris Dawson, Linda Gallaher, and Bryant Laporte. Though North Shore’s own, Mark Becker and his team (Equus Hotel) exhibited great strength, Hall led the Chinese to victory through a match filled with high-speed displays of pure skill ending in a score of 5-3.
The match fell on Mother’s Day, which added to the festivities. The club offered complimentary champagne from Better Brands Distribution, a delicious brunch prepared by Chef Nico of Haleiwa, live music by “Higher Ground” and a free drawing for mothers for a chance to win a night at Turtle Bay Resort and a beachfront trail ride for two.
Polo takes place every Sunday with a different band after the match each week. The club will hold different events throughout the season including a “North Shore Day” on Father’s Day, June 20th featuring the band “Sheriff Brown.” This season, teams will be visiting from India, Argentina, Mexico and Santa Barbara. The club also hosts monthly “Moonlight Polo and Dinner” events. This month’s will fall on May 29th. The match and cocktail hour begin at 5pm followed by dinner at 6:30. The cost is $40pp or $35 for club members and promises to be an exceptional experience. Call the club at 637.PONY with further questions or to make reservations. Space is limited. For otherwise restless-summertime North Shore residents, Hawaii Polo offers weekly excitement and fun in the country!