LISLE NIXON MEMORIAL
TOURNAMENT HISTORY
Continuing to celebrate and honor American Polo icons, the Lisle Nixon Memorial joins the Stephen Orthwein Memorial Cup and Sunny Hale Memorial as a 2024 Legacy Polo Series event. Stemming from a USPA initiative to recognize individual memorial tournaments at the medium-goal level, the Legacy Polo Series aims to tie the rich history of the sport and create a prestigious series that unites clubs around the country.
Established in 1978, the Lisle Nixon Memorial tournament is held in honor of former Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club (SBPRC) Manager Lisle Nixon. A 3 goaler hailing from Butte, Montana, Nixon was renowned for his ability to organize and manage numerous clubs including, Eldorado in California in addition to Midland and Willowbend in Texas. In 1956, the Palm Springs Polo Association appointed Nixon as tournament and match director, as such he was able to schedule the Pacific Coast Championship at California's Rancho Mirage. Hired in 1976 as manager of SBPRC, Nixon balanced his management and polo career until his passing in 1977. Previous title holders of the Lisle Nixon Memorial since joining the Legacy Polo Series include Los Padres (2022) with the notable addition of Prince Harry to the roster, and Dundas II (2023).
In 2023, an unforgettable match between La Karina (Brian Boyd, Hope Arellano, Jared Zenni, Carlitos Gracida) and Dundas II (Cable Magness, Paco de Narvaez Jr., Roberto Zedda Jr., Cody Ellis) treated spectators to an overtime chukker. A Penalty 3 from de Narvaez Jr. ultimately delivered Dundas II the nail biting 12-11 triumph. Read article here.
Recognized as a Legacy Polo Series tournament for a third consecutive year, the 10- to 12-goal sanctioned event proudly returns to Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club (SBPRC) in Carpinteria, California. This year's edition will field four talented teams including 90210 Polo, Antelope, Folded Hills/Zahedi Chogan and Klentner Ranch battling for the coveted title.
Representing Team USPA is Active Member Lucas Escobar (Antelope) alongside alumni Geronimo Obregon (90210 Polo), Jesse Bray and Jake Klentner (Klentner Ranch).
2023 Lisle Nixon Memorial Champions: Dundas II - Roberto Zedda Jr. (Magdalena Zedda), Cody Ellis, Paco de Narvaez Jr., Cable Magness. ©David Lominska
