Main Polo Clubs in Argentina
Here is an expanded list of prominent polo clubs in Argentina, the home of some of the world’s finest polo players, clubs, and tournaments. Argentine polo is revered internationally, not only for the high quality of the sport but also for the country’s deep-rooted passion for horses and tradition. Here are some of Argentina’s top polo clubs, each bringing unique contributions to the sport.
1. Asociación Argentina de Polo (AAP)
• Location: Buenos Aires
• The Argentine Polo Association is the official governing body for polo in Argentina, responsible for organizing and regulating tournaments nationwide. Founded in 1922, the AAP has overseen the growth and development of polo in Argentina and hosts the highly prestigious Argentine Open Polo Championship in Palermo, Buenos Aires. This championship is regarded as one of the most competitive and high-skill tournaments globally, attracting top players from around the world each year.
2. Hurlingham Club
• Location: Hurlingham, Buenos Aires
• As one of the oldest polo clubs in the world, the Hurlingham Club is a historic landmark for the sport. Established in 1888, it’s known for hosting the Hurlingham Open, the second most important tournament in Argentina’s Triple Crown (after the Argentine Open). The club’s beautiful grounds, combined with its deep ties to polo history, make it a highly respected venue for both international fans and polo players alike.
3. Ellerstina Polo Club
• Location: General Rodríguez, Buenos Aires
• Founded by the legendary Argentine player Gonzalo Pieres and Australian businessman Kerry Packer, Ellerstina Polo Club is a modern hub for high-caliber polo. This club is home to the Ellerstina team, one of the most celebrated teams in recent polo history. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to competitive excellence, Ellerstina represents a newer generation of polo powerhouses in Argentina.
4. La Dolfina Polo Club
• Location: Cañuelas, Buenos Aires
• La Dolfina is synonymous with success, having been founded by polo superstar Adolfo Cambiaso. This club has won multiple Argentine Open titles and is home to the La Dolfina team, one of the most successful teams in the history of the sport. Known for its elite training and strategic play, La Dolfina Polo Club has helped raise the profile of Argentine polo on the global stage.
5. Indios Polo Club
• Location: General Rodríguez, Buenos Aires
• Indios Polo Club, with its inviting, family-friendly atmosphere, has been a favorite among polo enthusiasts for many years. The club emphasizes both the competitive and social aspects of the sport, offering excellent facilities and maintaining a welcoming community for players of all skill levels.
6. Pilará Polo Club
• Location: Pilar, Buenos Aires
• Located in the renowned Pilar region, Pilará Polo Club has top-tier fields and amenities. It’s a highly favored location for tournaments and training sessions. Its strategic location near Buenos Aires makes it a go-to spot for polo players and fans, and its facilities support both national and international polo events.
7. Alegría Polo Club
• Location: Pilar, Buenos Aires
• Alegría Polo Club, established by Canadian player Fred Mannix, is known for its elegant grounds and commitment to fostering a strong polo community. This club attracts both international players and local talent, offering a variety of tournaments throughout the year. With its high-quality facilities, Alegría has built a reputation as a competitive and dynamic polo environment.
8. La Aguada Polo Club
• Location: Open Door, Buenos Aires
• La Aguada Polo Club is a family-centered club founded by the Novillo Astrada family, one of Argentina’s most famous polo families. Known for their dedication to tradition and sportsmanship, the Novillo Astradas have made La Aguada a beacon for high-level competition and camaraderie. The club frequently hosts family-friendly events and maintains strong ties to Argentina’s rich polo heritage.
9. Centauros Polo Club
• Location: General Rodríguez, Buenos Aires
• Centauros Polo Club offers a mix of professionalism and accessibility, appealing to both seasoned players and newcomers. It hosts a variety of competitions, including tournaments for different handicap levels, making it an inclusive choice within the polo community. Its well-kept grounds and flexible playing options make it a popular venue.
10. Martindale Polo Club
• Location: Pilar, Buenos Aires
• Martindale is both a polo club and a residential area, offering a unique blend of sports facilities and luxury living. Known for its upscale atmosphere, Martindale Polo Club draws in players who value both the competitive aspect of the game and the social opportunities that polo brings. The club’s events, which range from amateur matches to formal tournaments, make it a well-rounded destination for polo lovers.
Regional and Alternative Polo Clubs in Argentina
While the majority of Argentina’s best-known clubs are concentrated in the Buenos Aires area, there are also excellent clubs in other regions, each with its own local flavor and passion for the sport.
11. Jockey Club de Buenos Aires
• This multi-sport club also includes a prestigious polo section. The Jockey Club regularly holds matches and offers excellent polo fields and facilities, making it a key player in Argentina’s polo scene.
12. Coronel Suárez Polo Club
• Located in Coronel Suárez, this club is historic and has produced several legendary polo players. Known for its strong community spirit and commitment to the sport, Coronel Suárez Polo Club has a significant legacy.
13. Venado Tuerto Polo Club (Santa Fe)
• In the Santa Fe province, Venado Tuerto is a smaller but dedicated polo club. It reflects the enthusiasm for polo that extends beyond Buenos Aires, catering to both local talent and visiting players.
14. Chapaleufú Polo Club (La Pampa)
• Known for its competitive teams and its influence on Argentine polo, Chapaleufú has produced players who have achieved success on an international level. The club remains an important center for the sport in La Pampa province.
15. Salta Polo Club (Salta)
• Salta Polo Club is one of the most notable clubs in northern Argentina. It provides a different experience compared to the Buenos Aires clubs, with its picturesque setting and regional tournaments adding to its appeal.
Each of these clubs contributes to Argentina’s renowned status in polo, creating a vibrant ecosystem of players, fans, and tournaments that uphold the traditions and skill associated with Argentine polo.