‘Lucky 13’ Season At The International Polo Club
The 2016 winter polo season at the International Polo Club Palm Beach thunders in for four months starting in January — and club officials are calling it the “Lucky 13” season in honor of IPC’s 13th year hosting the world’s best high-goal polo action.
But by all accounts, creating 17 weeks of the highest-goal polo played anywhere in the world is hardly due to luck — it takes months of strategic planning and hard work.
Luck certainly may be a factor in delivering an exceptional polo season, but it’s the experience, knowledge and dedicated efforts of a seasoned executive team pulling together that make things happen.
“Certainly, we have been more than fortunate in growing not only the sport of polo in Wellington, but also developing an ever-growing spectator base,” President of Club Operations John Wash said. “It’s really a combination of luck, talent and hard work that will drive the success of the Lucky 13 polo season, as well as creating an environment that will continue to grow the sport.”
Luck or not, no one can argue with the success of the past 12 years at IPC, continually ranked among the world’s top polo facilities. The club hosts four 20-goal tournaments and three 26-goal tournaments over a 17-week period, from January through April every year, with polo played almost every day of the week on one of several fields.
Three of the most prestigious 26-goal U.S. polo tournaments have been awarded to the club by the United States Polo Association: the C.V. Whitney Cup (since 2002), the USPA Gold Cup (since 2007) and the top crown of American polo, U.S. Open Polo Championship (since 2004). IPC attracts the most elite polo players to ever play the game, and seven of the world’s eight 10-goalers will compete in Wellington this season.
Meanwhile, IPC has grown an enthusiastic spectator base that has increased attendance by 185 percent over the past three seasons, attracting local residents and statewide fans, as well as jet-setters and corporate giants from 50 states and more than 33 countries.
IPC is also a year-round private club that has attracted 106 new members over the past three years. They join the other members who enjoy five-star country club amenities with a privileged equestrian twist. Among the IPC’s highly valued amenities are a four-star culinary team that serves creative and inspired menu selections year-round, as well as trendy cocktails made by experienced mixologists serving in the Mallet Grille, the 7th Chukker Club, poolside and at the outdoor, field-side veranda. There’s also an infinity pool with private poolside cabanas, and a children’s playground.
The club also offers a full slate of engaging social options with croquet, bocce, volleyball, water aerobics and fitness boot camps. There is a top-tier tennis program with a full-time, certified USTA professional and instructor, offering a range of clinics, tennis lessons, team training and game matching for members and their guests. IPC has four hydro courts and a grass court, and the Sports House, featuring fashionable tennis apparel and gear. The professionally set up croquet lawn is considered one of the finest in the country.
Also on the grounds is a high-tech workout facility with instruction and classes such as Zumba, Core & More and Power Pilates, plus spinning classes, aqua grooves and one-on-one personal training. There is also a full-service spa and a retail store with the latest polo fashions and equestrian jewelry.
Club members enjoy preferred box seating at Sunday polo matches, plus special events, entertainment and holiday happenings organized by the professional, on-site event team. The clubhouse is also a perfect venue for special events, weddings, birthdays, family gatherings, and entertaining friends and business associates.
The Lucky 13 winter polo season opens Sunday, Jan. 3, and runs for 17 consecutive weeks.
The season begins with the Herbie Pennell Cup on Jan. 3, followed by the Joe Barry Memorial Cup on Jan. 10, 17 and 24. Next up is the Ylvisaker Cup on Jan. 31 and Feb. 7, 14 and 21, followed by the USPA C.V. Whitney Cup on Feb. 28 and March 6. The last two tournaments of the season are the prestigious UPSA Gold Cup on March 13, 20 and 27, and the 112th U.S. Open Polo Championship, capping the 2016 season on April 3, 10, 17 and 24.
Polo matches are open to the public, with a wide range of hospitality and guest seating that includes elegant grandstand viewing; exciting, new stadium seating; field-side champagne brunch at the Pavilion; and exclusive sponsor boxes.
The International Polo Club’s success in recent years inspires Wash’s future vision for IPC.
“Five years from now, IPC will be the epicenter of polo in the world, eclipsing many of the historical clubs in Europe and South America,” he said. “Our goal is to grow the popularity of the sport along with our club. We will continue to attract the world’s best polo players and teams, while providing the highest standard of spectator experience offered anywhere.”
To learn more about the upcoming polo season, or to secure tickets, call the Polo Hotline at (561) 282-5290. The International Polo Club Palm Beach is located at 3667 120th Avenue South in Wellington. For more info., visit www.internationalpoloclub.com or call (561) 204-5687.
