Polo has become synonymous with an article of clothing and, of course, an American movie classic. Ralph Lauren, debuted his first polo shirt amidst American popular culture in 1972. The famous insignia preceding it by a year. It's a wonder how the oldest team sport in the world, originating thousands of years ago in Persia, inspired a fashion movement and dynasty.
By the time the British discovered the sport in India, during the mid 19th century, its cumbersome uniform was already being modernized. The advanced technology of natural textiles in the region allowed for the inception of the modern day Polo shirt. So well designed, in fact, that since its humble beginnings within the sport, it too has clearly conquered the world.
When you ask most about their knowledge of the sport, many will make reference to the 1990 movie classic, Pretty Woman. Think back to that scene of Julia Roberts stomping divots at the Polo match. It's the moment when Richard Gere's character falls for her. It's as though her new wardrobe, and the style and confidence she exudes while wearing it, were the catalyst for their "happily ever after".
Most have no knowledge of the actual sport. A movie like Pretty Woman, is the reason that many even know of it at all. Polo is believed to be a fancy affair, and Hollywood's portrayal of that continues to perpetuate the misconceptions that accompany the sport. Members of Point Clear Polo Club, would like to dispel these myths.
The Point Clear Polo Club, like the shirt, began in the 1970s with a group of friends-Kenny McLean, George Radcliff, Ed Bernard, Wilson Green, Pete Stintz, and Albert Corte-who discovered the sport and nurtured it locally. It quickly gained popularity, and has become a legacy over the last 50 years. Illustrious in the polo world for its lush fields and diverse range of play, the club supports the community through charity fundraisers such as "Polo at the Point".
The club boasts member Curtis Pilot, the country's top-ranked amateur player and eighth in the world. With his team, Pilot has won two U.S. Opens, and the first ever Gauntlet of Polo. This year, he debuted in the World Polo League.
Herndon Radcliff, a third-generation polo player, who grew up in the club, is playing professionally year-round across the U.S. and in Argentina. Beginning at 13 at a club where many of its members are family, he enjoys the laid-back vibe playing offers here. He speaks fondly of the casual culture, and the welcoming and supportive atmosphere strongly endorsed by his uncle, Hutch Radcliffe, the current club President.
The USPA delegate for Point Clear is Cathy Alba Saucier, who sold Herndon his second horse years ago. Cathy has played polo since the 1990s. Hailing from New Orleans she came to Point Clear to improve her game. Nearly 30 years on she still feels passionate about the sport and the club, where she has her own team, Honahlee. They compete regularly in Point Clear's spring and fall seasons. Polo is unique in that team owners often play on their teams, a practice that fosters camaraderie.
Like any sport, polo has its rules and expenses. Maintaining fields and horses is costly. A full-sized pitch measures ten acres (nine football fields). Teams consist of four players. Matches are divided into chukkas (time periods). Players switch ponies after each chukka. Goals are scored between posts eight yards apart. Teams switch field direction after each goal. Matches last 1.5 to 2 hours.
To experience it for yourself, Point Clear's seasons run from late April through May, and late September through October. Spectators are encouraged to attend, enjoying traditions like field-side tailgating and the divot stomp at halftime. This is a great time to socialize, walk the field, and take photos before the second half. The season is upon us, and Point Clear is a short drive away. Join us for Polo & Prosecco - A Pensacola City Lifestyle VIP Event. We'll take in the scene, do the divot stomp, and sip on bubbly. For more information, find us on Eventbrite.
In preparation for Polo & Prosecco:
A POLO SPECTATOR GUIDE
The most basic concept in the sport of polo is the line of the ball, a right of way established by the path of a traveling ball. When a player has the line of the ball on his right, he has the right of way. The player who last struck the ball is considered to have right of way, and no other player may cross the line of the ball in front of that player. Riding alongside to block or hook is allowed, as long as the player with right of way is not impeded.
The Objective
Drive the ball between the opponent’s goal post and score the most goals to win the game.
The Game
Polo consists of four to eight 7-minute chukkers, between or during players change mounts. At the end of each 7 minute chukker, play continues for an additional 30 seconds or until a stoppage in play; whichever comes first.
There is a four minute interval between chukkers and a ten-minute halftime. During the ten-minute halftime, spectators are invited to come onto the field, stomping down divots.
Play begins with a throw in at the opening of each chukker and after each goal. Teams line up facing the umpire who tosses the ball between them. The object is to score goals by hitting the ball between the goal posts, no matter how high in the air.
The player strikes the ball with long-handled mallet. Players may attack the ball from either side of the horse but must hold the mallet with the right hand.
The Teams
Two teams, each consisting of four players:
Each member's shirt shows his place in the team.
1 and 3 are usually the highest rated and most experienced players, with the number 3 player being the effective quarterback or field captain.
The Players
Players are awarded a handicap, expressed in goals from -2 to 10. The higher the handicap, the better the player. The handicap reflects the value of the player to the team.
Administered by the United States Polo Association, The system is based on an evaluation of general mastery of fundamentals, horsemanship, quality of horses as well as strategy sense and conduct on the field.
The handicap of a team is the sum of the handicaps of its players. In handicap matches, the team with the higher rating gives the difference to the other team. For example, a 6-goal team will give 2 goals to a 4-goal team. The word goal has no relation to the amount of goals a player scores - only his ability.
A player can:
•Hook an opponent's mallet; a player may hook or block another player's mallet with his mallet, but no deliberate contact between players is allowed.
•Push him off the line; hinder another player to hit the ball by riding him off the line of the ball.
•Bump him with his horse; bumping is allowed as long as the angle of attack is less than 45 degrees, and any contact must be made between the pony's hip and shoulder.
•Steal the ball.
•Play is continuous and is only stopped for penalties, broken tack.
For more information - facebook.com/pointclearpolo
Key Terms & Definitions
Bandages: Shield the ponies' legs against contact with the ball.
Braided Tail: Prevents interference with the mallet.
Clipped Mane: Eliminates interference with the shaft of the mallet.
Helmet: The helmet protects the player from the swinging mallets and balls traveling at nearly 100mph.
Mallet: Made of bamboo or plastic composite shafts and in different lengths depending on the height of the pony.
Number: Best player wears number 3.
Polo Whip: Used sparingly for long runs.