Bud Linfoot Remembered
by Pat Nesbitt, Governor of the USPA Pacific Coast Circuit
Our good friend Bud Linfoot passed away on 24 Feb 2007 after a lengthy illness. Bud was a respected member of out polo family here at the Santa Barbara Polo Club. Bud is survived by his Wife Margret, his three daughters, Kathy Palmer,De De Crocker, Megan Reeves and his two sons Jeff Linfoot and Peter Linfoot. Also Dr Billy Linfoot’s son Cort(Corky) Linfoot has been a fixture here in SB for years. Bud and Margret lived for many years in Hope Ranch (1450 Estrella SB Ca. 93110). A memorial is tentatively planned at the family home on April 14th. In lieu of flowers donation to either SB Cancer society or SB Hospice are requested.
Having played numerous tournaments with Bud here in SB, I remember him as a fiery competitor who was always willing to put himself in harms way for the good of the team and to make every play possible. In 1964 Bud won the US Open in Oak Brook with Charles Smith, Jack Murphy, and Julio Muller. Bud’s brother Dr. Billy Linfoot also won the US Open in ’55,’58,’62,&’65. Bud and Billy played here in SB for many years and won every tournament at all levels.
During the past few years Bud had dedicated himself to the SB Polo school and to teaching our up and coming young polo players the proper way to play the game. We also have the Linfoot memorial here at the club every summer that attracts numerous young players ages 6-16.
To remember Bud all one has to do is go to the SB Polo Clubhouse and look on the walls and see all the pictures of tournaments won by Bud and the rest of the Linfoot clan.