Sometimes it’s fun to jump on those divots. Everyone gets into the fun at the Greenwich Polo Club at 1 Hurlingham Drive. Credit: Leslie Yager
If you didn’t make it up to the Greenwich Polo Club in July, next moth the club will host the East Coast Open, the biggest tournament of the summer. There’s enough time to pick you fancy hat and plan a picnic. Invite some friends and make a day of it.
The 2015 East Coast Open is sanctioned by the United States Polo Association, and will take place over three consecutive Sundays.
Action at the Greenwich Polo Club on Sunday, July 12. Credit: Leslie Yager
The 20-goal tournament starts on Sunday, August 23, and continues on Sunday, August 30. The three-Sunday tournament will conclude with the championship match on Sunday, September 6.
The USPA will live stream the Semi-Finals on ChukkerTV, and NBC Sports Network will air a 60-minute National broadcast of the East Coast Open Final on September 13, 2015.
At half-time, everyone descended on the field at Greenwich Polo Club for the traditional “divot stomping.” Credit: Leslie Yager
The popularity of polo has grown consistently in the past two years, which is reflected in a nearly 20% increase in viewership since its first broadcast on NBC SN in 2013.
The East Coast Open was founded in Rhode Island in 1905 and was played until World War I. It had a renaissance starting in 1978 when Donald Little, then President of the USPA and Captain of the Myopia Polo Club, resurrected the tournament and brought it to Myopia Polo Club in South Hamilton, Massachusetts where it was played until the early 2000’s.
At half-time, the divot stomping included some dancing. Credit: Leslie Yager
“We’re very happy that the USPA and Greenwich Polo Club are joining to host the 2015 East Coast Open, which we believe will be a spectacular finish to the summer season of high-goal polo,” said Peter Brant, who founded Greenwich Polo Club in 1981.
At its height, 13 teams played in the 14-20 goal tournament, including many 10 goal players such as Mariano Aguerre, Mike Azzaro, Tommy Biddle, and Gonzalo Pieres, Sr. who inspired a lot of today’s players to pick up their mallets.
At half-time, everyone descended on the field at Greenwich Polo Club for the traditional “divot stomping.” Credit: Leslie Yager
Since 1905, the Perry Cup trophy has symbolized this high-goal championship and winner’s names are forever memorialized on the trophy. The world’s elite polo players will descend Greenwich to compete for the trophy.
The Perry Cup has been restored by a local silversmith and will make its debut this summer at Greenwich Polo Club in time for the East Coast Open.
Check the Greenwich Polo Club’s Calendar for dates and note that #GreenwichPolo is the official hashtag for the season.
Tisha Kresler and Judy Woloshen in the stands, which provided a touch of shade on a warm Sunday at Greenwich Polo Club. Credit: Leslie Yager
The announcer narrating the action at Greenwich Polo Club. Credit: Leslie Yager
Watching the action at the Greenwich Polo Club on Sunday, July 12. Credit: Leslie Yager
Frisbee and divot stomping at half time at Greenwich Polo Club. Credit: Leslie Yager
Half time at the Greenwich Polo Club affords multiple photo opportunities. Credit: Leslie Yager
Half time at the Greenwich Polo Club affords multiple photo opportunities. Credit: Leslie Yager
Dogs, drinks and kids at half time at Greenwich Polo Club. Credit: Leslie Yager
The action at the Greenwich Polo Club on Sunday, July 12, 2015. Credit: Leslie Yager
Serious bean bag tossing at Greenwich Polo Club. Credit: Leslie Yager
Half time at the Greenwich Polo Club affords multiple photo opportunities. Credit: Leslie Yager
Action at the Greenwich Polo Club on Sunday, July 12, 2015. Credit: Leslie Yager
A variety of humans and their dogs at the Greenwich Polo Club on Sunday, July 12, 2015. Credit: Leslie Yager
Sunday at Greenwich Polo Club is part social, part serious sport. Credit: Leslie Yager
Sunday at Greenwich Polo Club is part social, part serious sport. Credit: Leslie Yager
Sunday at Greenwich Polo Club is part social, part serious sport. Credit: Leslie Yager
Action at Greenwich Polo Club on July 12. Credit: Leslie Yager
Half time at the Greenwich Polo Club on Sunday, July 12. Credit: Leslie Yager
Half-time selfies at Greenwich Polo Club. Credit: Leslie Yager
Half time at the Greenwich Polo Club on Sunday, July 12. Credit: Leslie Yager
A romantic date at Greenwich Polo Club on Sunday, July 12, Credit: Leslie Yager
Agile ponies at Greenwich Polo Club on Sunday, July 12. Credit: Leslie Yager
Returning to the stands after half-time at Greenwich Polo Club on July 12. Credit: Leslie Yager
Ponies resting at Greenwich Polo Club. Credit: Leslie Yager
Email news tips to Greenwich Free Press editor Leslie.Yager@GreenwichFreePress.com
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