NEWS

Houston Polo Club (HPC) in Houston, Texas, is buzzing with activity this spring. Following the conclusion of the high-goal polo season, action has shifted from South Florida to various locations across the country, including Texas. This transition marks the beginning of an exhilarating polo season at the Houston Polo Club, featuring a remarkable presence of both national and international players.

Among the standout athletes gracing the fields this season is Argentina's Victorino Ruiz Jorba, a young yet experienced player who will later compete for Chapaleufu in the Argentine Open. Joining him are American legends Jeff Hall and Mike Azzaro, whose contributions to the sport have made them household names in the polo community. Jack Kiely brings his experience from Australia, while Felipe Marquez hailing from Colombia and Brazilian Joao Souza Aranha add their skills to the mix. The diverse rosters also include numerous talented players from Argentina and the United States, establishing Houston as an international polo hub.

Houston Polo Club has seen significant growth in participation, with approximately 140 players competing this spring season. The club's various leagues, from Polo School to 12 goal, are bustling with activity, reflecting the growing interest and engagement in the sport.

Moreover, the collaboration between HPC and other local clubs including Brookshire Polo Club (Brookshire, Texas), Traveller’s Rest South Texas Polo Club (Sealy, Texas) and Pecan Acres Polo Club LLC (Simonton, Texas), highlights a strong community spirit. This partnership aims to maximize the quantity and quality of polo matches while keeping costs manageable for players, thereby promoting the sport throughout the region.

HPC General Manager John Tasdemir shares his insights with CLICKPOLOUSA on the season's growth and community spirit.

Can you tell us about the current polo season at the Houston Polo Club? How has participation been this year compared to previous seasons?
“Polo in the Houston area is thriving. [HPC] has approximately 140 players competing this spring season, which will make it one of our busiest seasons, around 28-30 matches per week. Houston area polo has seen significant growth over the past few years. Our leagues are full, from Polo School, Margarita League, 2 goal, ProAm, 6 goal and 12 goal. We are also expecting a big turnout for our junior tournament. Other local polo clubs are also full hosting leagues and practices.”

The Regional Classic-Southwestern is underway with six teams participating. What can you tell us about this tournament and its significance?
“The Regional Classic-Southwestern is a national 12- to 14-goal tournament. Established in 2011, it has become a staple in Texas polo over the past decade, hosted exclusively by Brookshire Polo Club and Houston Polo Club. Brookshire Polo Club currently stands as the only team to earn the 12-goal title twice, collecting victories in 2012 and 2016. Recent champions include Tonkawa (2018) and Old Pueblo (2022).

This year's competition will field six teams, all of which are continuing their spring season after competing in the Western Challenge. Defending Regional Classic-Southwestern champions Brookshire Polo Club will seek to snag their second consecutive title. Past victors Old Pueblo and Tonkawa will attempt to reach the podium again, with BTA, La Elina and Eureka rounding out the talented competition.”

How would you describe the relationship between the Houston Polo Club and other clubs, such as Brookshire Polo Club?
“HPC has a great relationship with other polo clubs in the Houston area. This spring season, HPC is combining efforts with Brookshire Polo Club, Traveller’s Rest South Texas Polo Club and Pecan Acres Polo Club LLC. We work together closely to maximize the amount and quality of polo in the area and to help keep costs as low as possible for our members. Working with other clubs helps advance our mission to offer high-quality polo at a reasonable price and grow and promote the sport throughout the region.”

What are some of the major tournaments Houston Polo Club is hosting this year?
“We are co-hosting several significant USPA tournaments this year. In the 12 goal, we will co-host the Western Challenge, Regional Classic-Southwestern and the Livingston Memorial [followed by] the H. Ben Taub Memorial, Keleen & Carlton Beal Cup and the Texas Open in our fall season.

In the 6 goal, we will co-host the Southwestern Circuit General S. Brown, Southwestern Circuit Masters Cup, Southwestern Circuit Constitution Cup, [followed by] the Southwestern Circuit Governors Cup, Southwestern Circuit General George S. Patton, Jr. and Southwestern Circuit Sportsmanship Cup this fall.

One of our most important weeks will come this November for our women’s tournaments, where we will host the U.S. Open Women’s Handicap and the Southwestern Circuit Women’s Challenge.”

Are there any special events or activities planned for the remainder of the season?
“We are excited about our season-ending junior tournament. We expect a big turnout for our four flights of polo: National Youth Tournament Series (NYTS) Advanced [competitors], Intermediate, Walk-Trot and Lead Line. Lots of polo, prizes and fun events!”

All photos courtesy of ©Kaylee Wroe.