High goal polo is alive and well at International Polo Club this winter, despite the struggling economy. The 20-goal season is very strong and will feature exciting competition between returning teams Audi, BTA, Bendabout, Isla Carroll, Lechuza Caracas, Mt Brilliant, Patagones, Pony Express, and San Saba. Additionally, IPC welcomes two new teams. Jim Whisenand will be bringing his EFG Bank team, and John Muse will play with his Lucchese team.
20-goal tournament play begins in January with the traditional Joe Barry Cup. New this year the subsidiary of the Joe Barry Cup is named after the late Bobby Barry. Next up is the Ylvisaker Cup (Subsidiary: George Haas Trophy) and the finale of the 20-goal will be the Iglehart Cup (Subsidiary: Herbie Pennell Cup). Although both the Iglehart and the Ylvisaker Cup have been played at IPC before, this is the first year that there will be three 20-goal tournaments. IPC added the additional tournament to accommodate the strong demand for 20-goal polo.
The 26-goal season already has seven teams committed as well as a three other sponsors expressing interest. Audi, Las Monjitas, Lechuza Caracas, Orchard Hill, Pony Express, White Birch and Zacara will be questing after 26-goal glory. As is customary at IPC the 26 -oal season begins with the CV Whitney Cup (subsidiary: IPC Cup), followed by the prestigious Gold Cup (subsidiary: Butler Handicap) and ultimately the teams will battle it out for the granddaddy of the all- the U.S. Open (subsidiary: Hall of Fame Cup).
Although it was known after the 2008 season that Skeeterville, Crab Orchard and Isla Carroll would not play the 2009 season there will still be some great polo teams to watch in the 26-goal. At a time when polo has lost some teams due to the struggling economy as well as having some sponsors elect not to play this year for other reasons, it seems that rumors are constantly flying about which teams are in and which teams are out. However IPC is proud to confirm that all the teams listed above will be playing the 2009 high-goal season. For additional information please visit the IPC website at internationalpoloclub.com
