2. 2
Established in 1911, the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club is world-renowned for its
four lush polo fields and international outdoor competition. The polo club stands in an
elite group, not only longevity but also because of its brilliant heritage.
An exhibition polo match was first played at the Santa Barbara Agricultural Park’s 1894
Flower Festival. This match encouraged sufficient local interest in the sport that by 1902,
the fledgling Club boasted a 40-member roster. Polo flourished within the community as
various fields “emerged”, thereby drawing players to the area.
The late ‘20’s and the mid ‘30’s saw the Santa Barbara Polo Club into its golden era. Teams,
horses, and players would arrive by train, unload from the stock cars, and walk through
downtown Santa Barbara all the way to the Club. Sundays at the Club became a great
social event in this era. Spectators gathered to view the sport dressed in the finest and
latest of fashions and picnicked at the fields with large blankets and staff to serve the noon
day meal. The games were riveting, fast and furious. Players graced the fields while guests
enjoyed the players’ skills, basked in the mountain views, and were lulled by the sounds of
the nearby ocean.
Polo enthusiasm lasts to this day and the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club has hosted
fabled national and international competitions whose rosters list the giants of the
sport. Polo’s finest players compete here and many who adore the sport’s teamwork and
interaction with their horses come to enjoy the opportunity to play on the fields that are
widely considered to be among the best.
The Santa Barbara Polo Club, founded in 1911, is the third oldest United States
Polo Association, (U.S.P.A.) Club still in existence in the United States.
H I S T O R Y
3. 3
1894 1902 1911 1920’s
—1930’s 1940’s 1950’s 1963 1966 1974 1980s
Exhibition
Polo Match at
Santa Barbara
Agricultural
Park
Fledging
Club with 40
members
Santa Barbara
Polo and
is Founded
Golden Era
of the SBPC
and the games
became great
social events
of the era
Unexpected
suspension of
the sport due to
Renewed
interest in polo
began moving
to the area
U.S. Open
Tournament
U.S. Open
Tournament
Cub renovation
to encourage a
new renaissance
in polo
developed
multiple
leagues of polo
to attract new
players
Polo enthusiasm
lasts to this day with
continued interest
of the Club’s elegant
events and and other
sporting events
T I M E L I N E
4. 4
Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountain foothills and the Pacific Ocean, the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club is
truly the Jewel of the American Riviera. The Club enjoys a reputation of being a premier country club where attention to
detail is important and is accomplished with excellence and integrity.
The Santa Barbara lifestyle is known for its numerous cultural activities,
moderate Mediterranean climate, delicious farm-to-table cuisine, countless
5. 5
During the summer, the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club is the go-to hot spot for international jet setters and
celebrities. Most people relax on the grass fields closer to the action, enjoying chilled champagne, innovative cuisine,
fantastic music, exciting entertainment and amazing fashion shows. The Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club continues
the tradition of bringing friends and families together to appreciate competitive polo.
Polo is called the “Sport of Kings”, and indeed for 100 years, polo has reigned at the Santa Barbara Polo and
Racquet Club, where the ocean and mountain setting has provided a regal backdrop for a thrilling contest
of strength, timing, and athleticism by players and their mounts.
