Nestled in backcountry Greenwich, only an hour from Manhattan’s Grand Central Terminal, Greenwich Polo Club, established in 1981 by Peter Brant, has been the venue for high-goal polo during the summer season in the East Coast. It is internationally recognized for its legendary teams and players, Greenwich Polo Club hosts public USPA high-goal polo matches on Sundays throughout the summer. We had the opportunity to attend for the East Coast Open this summer and one of the highly recommend events to do outside of Manhattan over the summer.
Here is a brief run down of polo (courtesy of Hopkins Polo Club UK):
Polo is a tactical team sport which is played with 4 players a side on a large outdoor pitch. The players are mounted on horses that can be of any size, however in the game they are all referred to as ponies.
The objective of the game is to score the most goals by using a long wooden mallet from horseback to hit the ball through the opposing teams goal posts.
The game is refereed by 3 umpires, 2 of which are on horseback while the other watches from the sidelines, usually with an elevated view. They award penalties for fouls which generally consist of hazardous riding or dangerous use of the mallet.
It is a fast-paced and physical game which was thought to have originated around 2000 years ago in China and Persia.
Today polo is played in more than 77 countries world wide and is a sport recognized by the International Olympic Committee.
The objective of the game is to score the most goals by using a long wooden mallet from horseback to hit the ball through the opposing teams goal posts.
The game is refereed by 3 umpires, 2 of which are on horseback while the other watches from the sidelines, usually with an elevated view. They award penalties for fouls which generally consist of hazardous riding or dangerous use of the mallet.
It is a fast-paced and physical game which was thought to have originated around 2000 years ago in China and Persia.
Today polo is played in more than 77 countries world wide and is a sport recognized by the International Olympic Committee.
The Event:
Our expectations were that of snobbish attitude full of locals and Manhattanites interested in the social scene and not the 20-goal polo that was being played. Well, we were totally surprised at how wrong we were. The event is centered around the sport and all that attend are focused on the match from 3pm to 5pm every Sunday The gates open at 1pm allowing for guests to arrive and set up their picnics(some range from a blanket to full table service with proper tables and chairs. We arrived full armed with tapas and gin a couple of blankets and feasted under the shadow of the numerous centuries-old trees. The grandstands were packed full of spectators focused not the game and everyone had chosen a team to cheer for (some based not the pretty colors of the uniforms others based on the hotness of the players, but to each their own). The sponsors of the event were nothing short of amazing Saks Fifth Ave , Audi, Stick & Ball, Belgua Vodka, and The National. The whole event was broadcast live stream by Chukker TV. The beauty of the event was that it was a gorgeous Sunday afternoon full of relaxation. No one there was stressed out or trying to make it the stereotypical event one would think.
The people were extremely friendly. Families, dogs, fashionistas from Manhattan, elderly couples that have been coming for ages, all gathered to watch a sport. We met locals that come every Sunday and were beyond gracious and welcoming. Between chukkers, or innings, music would blast over the speakers and a mini dance party would ensue. The crowd was relaxed and enjoyed the beautiful afternoons. The club is very accessible and worth visiting for a retreat from the hussle of Manhattan. As this season has come to a close we are beyond grateful to the Club for letting us visit and becoming a part of their community.
For more information, images, player information and team stats about Greenwich Polo Club, please visit greenwichpoloclub.com, follow them on Twitter at @GreenwichPolo and like them on Facebook and Instagram. #GreenwichPolo is the official hashtag for the season.
