NEWS

Situated in the heart of the California desert, Eldorado Polo Club (EPC) combines the thrilling action of the sport of polo with an amazing spectator experience. Located in Indio, California, just a short drive from Palm Springs, the club boasts amenities for players and guests alike. With 10 fields, a stick and ball field, sand arena, a mile-long exercise track, on-site stabling for over 500 horses, tack store, clubhouse and cantina restaurant; Eldorado Polo Club is the whole package.

2017 will mark the 60th Diamond Anniversary for EPC. In 1957, the Palm Desert land that would become the first home of Eldorado Polo Club was purchased by an assembly of 11 polo players. This purchase was led by Willie Tevis, in partnership with Willis Allen, Erwin Anisz, Bill Gilmore, Bob Haney, Peter Hitchcock, Gayle Medicott, Ted Pierce, L.C. Smith, Larry Taylor and Frank Yurria. The club eventually moved to Indio, California, where it now resides. Throughout the years, Palm Springs became a destination travel area for many, and polo grew in the area. Host to the U.S. Open Polo Championship® in 1987, 1992 and 1993, Eldorado Polo Club has had many successful players on its fields over the past 60 years.

The club owners managed operations successfully for several years, but when an opportunity came along to sell, Eldorado Polo Club was purchased by concert and festival promotion powerhouse Goldenvoice in 2012--with an agreement to continue polo for many years to come. Goldenvoice hosts the annual popular Stagecoach and Cochella music festivals in the off season for the club and makes it possible to host many smaller events such as the recent Desert Trip Music Festival that draw in tourists from across the country. These popular events bring in revenue that helps to maintain the land and gives the club a unique appeal to both fans of music and polo. According to Marketing and Events Director James A’Court, “The partnership we have with Goldenvoice is great, they make it possible to preserve the fields and facilities and keep everything in wonderful condition. It is really a win-win for both sides.”

When it comes to polo playing opportunities at EPC, there is no short supply. “The club’s 10 fields are all used” said Polo Manager Graham Bray. “We can have as many as five to six fields going at one time on a Sunday.” Bray, with the help of Debbie Morrison and Rob Roenish manage all 10 fields and a myriad of weekly activities. The club offers many different levels of polo ranging from peewee polo to 12-goal. A polo school, led by resident 3-goal professional Kyle Fargey, has taught numerous players the skills needed to become successful on the field. Offering specialized instruction, Fargey is able to teach players the skills of the game and horsemanship while keeping it fun. According to the EPC website, “No experience is required to take up riding, and we have a safe new sand arena in which beginners can learn and practice their new skills. The school ponies are safe and experienced and are great mounts for anyone aged 8 to 80 years old!”

For those that have a bit more experience, the club offers a pro pool, and tournament polo ranging from 4- to 12-goals. Competitive women’s, senior and youth polo round out the offerings at the club, making it a one-stop shop for any type of polo one may want to play. The youth polo program at EPC has grown over the years with as many as 35 participants playing every weekend. “They start at lead line polo and work their way up” said Bray, “we are very organized, and the kids love coming out to play each weekend. When Team USPA members Jesse Bray and Remy Du Celliee Muller are in town, they run junior polo, and the kids love them.” The club also hosts an annual NYTS qualifier which showcases all of their talented youth, as well as a clinic hosted by honorary USPA Certified Polo Instructors Corky and Kathy Linfoot.

Eldorado Polo Club offers competitive polo that attracts professional players and sponsors alike. Each year they host the USPA Pacific Coast Governor’s Cup, the Mack & Madelyn Jason Memorial, a USPA WCT Qualifier and the Keleen and Carlton Beal Cup. The season culminates each year in the 12-Goal Skins Tournament. Winners of the tournament go home with prize money and a commemorative bronze.

With polo being the main focus at the club, and since so much is always going on, it is no surprise that people love to come out and watch. “We have so many people that enjoy coming out and seeing the games. You can spend the whole day watching polo if you want to,” stated Bray. “Many people have a regular routine where they will come to the Sunday morning games at 10:00, watch and eat breakfast, then catch the noon game while having lunch.” A great spectator experience keeps people coming back each week. A’Court pointed out that, “polo is synonymous with the area, so we pride ourselves on providing authentic polo with a casual atmosphere. Our announcer Tony Gregg gets the crowd going each week and many people are now returning to have lunch and watch a game.” The club prints a yearly Eldorado Polo Magazine that features all of their members and professional players, as well as many stunning pictures of the club. A’Court stated, “The magazine is a great opportunity for sponsorship and gives visitors something that they can take home as a souvenir.”

When asked about future goals for the club A’Court said, “We want to keep growing. Florida is not the only destination for winter polo. We have everything a player needs here. What is especially unique about our facilities is that you do not even need to own a trailer. Everything is on-site.” Bray added, “We are guaranteed to play. The polo hardly ever gets rained out, and the key to being here is the weather. Cool in the mornings, and then you have shorts on by the afternoon. With the mountains in the background, it is truly spectacular here.” The area is a great destination for the winter months as there are many furnished rentals available for housing, and with all the facilities and stabling located in one place, playing polo at Eldorado is enjoyable for sponsors, professionals, grooms and families.

Eldorado Polo Club’s winter season is just around the corner. A great experience for players and spectators, the club is welcoming to all with a season that runs from December through April. To learn more about Eldorado Polo Club, visit their website at eldoradopoloclub.com, “Like” them on Facebook or follow them on Instagram and Twitter.

All photos courtesy of LaceyWinterton.com