Greenwich Polo Club, East Coast Open Presented by Audi, Greenwich, CT, USA

It was another perfect Sunday afternoon in backcountry Greenwich, Connecticut at the Greenwich Polo Club watching the East Coast Open by Audi (20 goal), on Sunday, August 25, 2024. The East Coast Open is “the most historic and prestigious tournament in polo. Capturing the East Coast Open is a career-highlighting achievement for any polo player.” The East Coast Open was fast-paced, high-goal polo, as Team Smithfield vs Team Escape Aviation, competed for the win.

Sunday, August 25, 2024 – East Coast Open Presented by Audi 

Team and Players – Smithfield (20 Goal)

Team and Players – Escape Aviation (19 Goal)

The Polo Match

A polo match consists of 6 chukkers of 7.5 minutes each, with an intermission between the third and fourth chukkers, however the speed of the play on the field measuring 300 yards by 160 yards, the professionalism and horsemanship of the players, and the agility of their horses, is what makes polo so exciting. It is always exciting, exhilarating, and definitely fun to watch! 

Chukker 1: As Team Smithfield is ranked as a 20-goal team, and Team Escape Aviation is ranked as a 19-goal team, they received a handicap of 1 at the start of the match to even the playing field. It was not long before Smithfield scored the first goal of the match, followed by a goal by Escape Aviation, with Smithfield scoring again to close out Chukker 1 with a tied score.

Chukker 2: Chukker 2 had some quick action on the field with Smithfield scoring two successive goals, followed by Ferrario scoring a goal for Escape Aviation to bring the score to 4-3 in favor of Smithfield. Team Smithfield followed that up with two more goals to close out Chukker 2 with a large margin of 6-3 over Escape Aviation.

Chukker 3: Escape Aviation made the first goal in Chukker 3, narrowing the margin to 6-4. Smithfield was on the charge scoring a goal with 4:30 minutes remaining, followed by a back-and-forth volley between the two teams, with Escape Aviation scoring a goal, followed by more goals by Smithfield. Chukker 3 ended with a score of 9-5, still in favor of Smithfield.

At the conclusion of Chukker 3 it was time for the traditional Stomping of the Divots, which provided a nice break to stretch one’s legs, get a cocktail or wine from the Cup Bearer Bar, or something to eat from the many food trucks.

Chukker 4: Halfway into Chukker 4 Smithfield scored, followed by two more goals by Escape Aviation bringing the score to 10-7, still in favor of Smithfield.

Chukker 5: Escape Aviation was on the move for Chukker 5, scoring two goals and closing out the Chukker with a narrow margin of 10-9, but still trailing Smithfield.

Chukker 6: Smithfield scored barely 2.5 minutes into Chukker 5, and although Escape Aviation scored 2 more goals, Smithfield could not be caught and triumphed as the victors with a narrow lead of 12-11.

It was another thrilling and perfect day of high-goal polo, with music by MOJO Greenwich in the Players’ Lounge, and mingling with friends old and new.

Your Guide to Polo

Chukkers

The match is divided into 6 periods called Chukkers lasting 7.5 minutes each. After the 3^rd chukker, there is the traditional stomping of the divots to replace the grass that the galloping horses’ hooves raise.

The Field

Polo is played on a field that is 300 yards by 160 yards (the size of 10 football fields.)

Polo Ponies

Although they are called polo ponies, they are full-grown horses. Each player typically brings 6-8 polo ponies (or more) to use in a match. Horses are swapped throughout the match to keep the horses and their riders fresh. The top speed of a polo pony is 35 mph, and the speed of a polo ball can reach 100 mph.

Interesting to note, if you look closely at our photos, you will notice that the horses have their manes cut close, and their tails are braided. This is to prevent the players’ mallets from getting tangled in them during the match.

Player Positions 

Position 1 is the attacking position.
Position 2 is the offensive position. Position 1 and 2 are the “forwards.”
Position 3 is the tactical leader (and usually the best player on the team).
Position 4 plays defense.

Handicaps

Players are given a handicap level from -2 to 10 goals depending on their ability, with -2 the lowest, and 10 goal the highest possible. A 10-goaler player is considered the best and there are less than 100 players who have achieved this ranking. Handicaps are evaluated throughout the year and the number assigned in goals is the player’s value to the team, not the number of goals expected from the player.

The rating of an “A” notes that the player holds Amateur status.

A team’s handicap is calculated by adding the 4 players’ handicaps together.

Goals

There are 2 goal posts at each end of the field. When a team scores a goal, the teams switch direction of the play, this keeps the conditions even throughout the match.

As always, it was a perfect Sunday afternoon of high-goal polo at the Greenwich Polo Club, and we cannot wait for the rest of the season. If you want to have fun, gather some friends, and experience Greenwich Polo Club for yourself. It is fabulous!

Until our next adventure…

Debra C. Argen – Greenwich Polo East Coast Open

Summer 2024 Greenwich Polo Club Schedule

Greenwich Polo Club gates open on Sunday at 1:00 pm, matches start at 3:00 pm and end by 5:00 pm. An Argentine Asado follows the matches to continue the party atmosphere.

Ticket Options

East Lawn Car Pass:
Car Pass Ticket $50. Lawn Picnic seating on East Side of the Field)

East Lawn Umbrella:
Car Pass Ticket $225 (4-6 guests. Lawn Picnic seating on East Side of the Field with Reserved Umbrella)

East Lawn Cabana:
10 Car Passes $750 (up to 25 guests, includes reserved 10×10 tent with lawn space up to field)

West Lawn Club:
Premium Table and Umbrella with 6 seats *reserved on the front lawn with parking)
Front Row: $500/table ($83 per person)
Second Row: $00/table ($66 per person)

Grandstand Skybox:
Elevated View/VIP Server/Covered Seats
$400 SkyBox/$100 per seat (4 seats with parking included)

Grandstand Bleachers:
2 Reserved Seats $60 (2 reserved seats with 1 car pass)

Cabana North:
$1,000, 10 Car passes included

Cabana South:
$1,500+, 10 Car passes and includes Polo Picnic Package

CTC&G Players’ Lounge Tent:
Social Vibe, Seating Provided, VIP Bar
$75 per person includes parking with each ticket.

Players’ Lounge Suite:
$150-$225 per person, 10 tickets (includes parking)

Executive Hosting and Hospitality are also available.

Please visit the Greenwich Polo Club website for more information: www.greenwichpoloclub.com

Greenwich Polo Club
Field Address (location of public matches)
1 Hurlingham Drive
Greenwich, Connecticut 06831
United States

Greenwich Polo Club Mailing Address (Office, not the Polo Field)
80 Field Point Road, #3
Greenwich, Connecticut 06830
United States
Telephone: +1-203-561-1639
Email: info@GreenwichPoloClub.com
Website: https://www.greenwichpoloclub.com/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/greenwichpoloclub  @greenwichpoloclub

United States Polo Association®
Telephone: 1-800-232-USPA
Website: www.USPolo.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/USPoloAssociation
Instagram: www.instagram.com/uspoloassn @uspoloassn

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