NEWS

Luis Escobar, a former 8-goal polo player with over 30 years of experience is embarking on a new initiative at his family-owned Santa Clara Polo Club in Wellington, Florida. Having recently returned from France, where he supported his son Nicolas “Nico” Escobar* as an assistant coach during the Paris Games Polo Challenge, Escobar is now focused on creating a vibrant fall polo season in Wellington.

This idea departs from the traditional pro-pool format a staple of autumn polo in Florida. Instead, Escobar aims to foster a competitive environment like the winter season, where teams register directly for tournaments rather than rotating in club-organized matches.

The project with three 8-goal USPA tournaments is set to kick off on Saturday, September 28, with a series of tournaments, including the Santa Clara Fall Warm-up Tournament and the Santa Clara Fall Classic, culminating in the Florida Circuit Regional President’s Cup qualifier from October 24 to November 2. The winners of this prestigious tournament will earn a spot in the National President’s Cup at the National Polo Center (NPC) in Wellington, Florida in April 2025. This transition to a more structured season supported by the USPA brings prestige, neutrality and transparency to the competition, which Escobar believes will attract new team owners and elevate the profile of fall polo in Florida.

Escobar’s vision for this mini-season extends beyond just competitive play. By scheduling practices and games at Santa Clara and hosting semifinals and finals at the NPC, he aims to create a lively and hospitable atmosphere that welcomes beginners and high-goal professionals. With the backing of notable team owners, the fall season at Santa Clara promises to be a significant addition to the global polo calendar, offering players an opportunity to stay sharp before heading to Argentina in November.

Santa Clara Polo Club, which occupies 58 acres near the National Polo Center, has been a cornerstone of the South Florida polo community for three decades. As one of the last family-owned polo clubs in Wellington, Santa Clara is committed to maintaining its tradition of accessible and community-oriented polo.

Tell us about this initiative at Santa Clara.
“In Florida, it has always been said that we should play in the fall because the weather is excellent, and the fields are incredible. Everything is set up to play and we have a great polo environment. Since the 90s, at clubs like La Herradura with Memo and Carlos Gracida, Grand Champions with Mark and Melissa Ganzi, or at my club, Santa Clara, we've been playing what is commonly known as pro-pool. This means that the club hires professionals, invites team owners and the teams rotate between tournaments. Although polo was always high handicap, they remained internal tournaments within each club.

What we're trying to do is to look at this time of year with fresh eyes, review how it is played since we also have the support of the USPA, which now has the National Polo Center and invite team owners to come, get excited and create what we could call a ‘mini-season.’ It wouldn't be in the pro-pool format, but more like what happens in Florida during the winter, where teams sign up directly for the tournaments.”

Why was it played in a pro-pool format and not under the same format as the winter season?
“Because there weren't enough team owners or tournaments, so everything was done in-house within the club. With NPC available, it’s a good time to look at it with fresh eyes and invite people to form teams, bring their professionals and play for USPA [tournaments].”

What benefits do sanctioned tournaments by the USPA provide?
“Beyond the prestige of playing in a USPA-sanctioned tournament, the most important thing is neutrality and transparency since the tournaments are played by their rules. I think this is something important to attract new team owners and teams.”

Beyond the weather and the fields, is this a good time to play, considering the global polo calendar?
“I think so because, in October, many team owners haven’t gone to Argentina yet. Some have stopped playing and it's a good time to get in shape, play some polo and head to Argentina in November and December, returning by the end of the year to continue the season here in the United States.”

How many teams are confirmed and what are your expectations for this first year?
“We already have four teams confirmed and we’re talking with several team owners. We’re happy with four teams; reaching six would be excellent and having eight teams would be incredible.”

Which teams will participate in the season?
“I have team owners who grew up playing at Santa Clara, like Brandon Plunkett with his team Forbes Plunkett, who won the first three 16-goal tournaments in Florida this year, including the [NPC 16-Goal Championship]. Another one who started at our club is Ben Ketchum from Copperline Farms, who also won a 16-goal tournament in Wellington. Then there’s Iconica, with Maureen Brennan, who has a long history of playing in Florida for years. Dana Barnes and his team, Concord Equity Group, who plays at Santa Clara with Lucas Escobar*, will also be there. He won two 8-goal tournaments, including the [National] President's Cup this year, a very prestigious tournament. AG Tinto, from Aspen Tinto, will also be there, coming off playing high-handicap women’s polo in England, and has a great future. Timmy Sharma and his Tim Tuff Rider, Andrina Calder with her new team Order Grid and Avery Chapman with Equine Law Polo Team will all be there.”

What tournaments will be played during the season?
“They are 8-goal tournaments, each with its B-Flight of 4- to 6-goals. We’ll also be holding practices during the week. We have three fields and the usual support from Gillian Johnston of Coca-Cola. Additionally, the semifinals and final will be played at the National Polo Center. The USPA has also granted us a spot for the Regional President's Cup, a qualifying tournament for the National President’s Cup, whose final is played on the same day as the U.S. Open final.”

*Lucas Escobar is an Active Team USPA Member and Nicolas "Nico" Escobar is Graduating Member of Team USPA. Team USPA is a USPA program designed to enhance and grow the sport of polo in the United States by identifying young, talented American players and providing mentored training and playing opportunities leading to a pool of higher rated amateur and pro players and the resultant giveback to the sport of polo.