The World’s Best: Polo Clubs
Polo has always been a regal, well-ordered, even militaristic affair, ever since it was first played in 5th Century BC Persia. But the modern game is as much a social occasion as a sporting event, and therefore the setting is crucial.
Gentry takes a look at the 5 bests Polo Clubs in the world:
THE INTERNATIONAL POLO CLUB PALM BEACH
Wellington, Florida, USA
Boasting the best polo facilities in the United States, the International Polo Club Palm Beach upholds the finest traditions of the sport in a truly magnificent setting.
A dramatic palm-lined drive leads to a world-class club; an all-white pavilion with a pool, polo library, spa, and a host of other facilities. The main focus however, is on the Grandstand Pavilion and three meticulously maintained playing fields which host major events like the US Open Polo Championship and the high-scoring Ylvisaker Cup and Gold Cup.
Bring a picnic, kick back and enjoy the game as it was meant to be played.
GUARDS POLO CLUB
Egham, Surrey, England
A summer playground for the British royals, landed gentry and social set, Guards is the largest polo club in Europe with 10 playing fields, an imposing clubhouse, and fabulous hospitality facilities that swing into action in April and gallop all the way through to mid-September.
It's Wimbledon with horses – champagne, afternoon teas, strawberries and cream, and social climbing.
(http://www.guardspoloclub.com)
EL METEJON POLO CLUB
Cañuelas, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina
Argentines are passionate about polo, and matches in Argentina are heady mix of top equestrians, fabulous facilities and Latin glamour, attributes personified in to see top player and Ralph Lauren model Nacho Figueras.
Well-heeled fans from Buenos Aires travel forty minutes out of town to this beautiful club, which hosts tournaments from October to December, the highlight being the Argentine Polo Championship in late November.
The adjoining El Metejon Polo Resort, billed as Argentina's first polo hotel, will help soothe aching limbs with its wonderful health club, solarium, swimming pool and 12 elegant suites.
THE CHANTILLY POLO CLUB
Aprement, Oise, France
If you're looking for a stylish day out from Paris, the Chantilly Polo Club is a frequent destination for members of Parisian haute société.
From the end of April to the beginning of October, the club opens its doors to members and visitors for an exciting season of tournaments, featuring some of the world's top players, and glittering social events.
Although founded in 1995, the club's spirit harks back to the 1920s when the Rothschild family set up a polo field on a farm in the postcard village of Apremont.
(http://www.poloclubchantilly.com)
NINE DRAGONS HILL POLO CLUB Shanghai, China
Polo has been popular in China since the time of the Tang Dynasty (617 – 908 A.D.), so we had to include Asia’s premier club on our list.
Located on the coast, just over an hour away from central Shanghai , the Nine Dragons Hill Estate also offers a 27 – hole golf course and a marina club. These combine gracefully with private villas and condos, all with views over both the ocean and the green hills from which the resort takes its name.
The Polo Club organises international tournaments from March through to November, inviting the world’s best polo and equestrianism players.
Related Features:
