Polo the game:
Polo is the oldest sport in the World. Dating back to the 5th century BC where it originated in Persia. It was originally designed to train cavalry horses. With the years, it became the Iranian national sport played by the nobility. It slowly spread to India where the English adapted this game and brought it over to Europe.

Throughout the summer Santa Maria Polo Club is host to more than 25 tournaments with more than 200 teams, 800 players and about 2500 horses.

Santa Maria Polo grounds:
Santa Maria Polo has 9 fields, divided into 3 sections:
Los Pinos: consists of 4 new premium Polo fields constructed in 2007, which were especially designed for drainage. These Polo fields rank among the best in the world and are host to the WPT Gold Cup tournament - hosting the High goal tournament.

Rio Sotogrande: consists of 2 Polo fields and hosts the Medium Goal tournament.
Puente de Hierro: hosts the Low Goal with two Polo fields and a new practice field

Next to Puente de Hierro, Santa Maria is building new stables (160 boxes) and accommodation for staff, which will make Santa Maria Polo an important attraction for the World of Polo.

The game:
A Polo Team is set up of 4 team members. By adding their handicaps the team is categorized as a High Goal Team, Medium Goal Team or Low Goal Team. The Individual handicap goes from -1 up to 10 with 10 being the best handicap. A High Goal team has to have a total combined handicap of 14-20, Medium Goal a total handicap of 7-14 and the Low Goal Team a handicap of up to 7.

Santa Maria Polo games:
The summer season (July & August) is when the most important tournaments in Santa Maria are played and they are divided into Bronze, Silver and Gold Cups. In these cups more than 20 teams are divided into 3 Levels: Low, Medium and High handicap. High, being the most competitive level where the best players and horses in the world participate. The Silver and Gold cup are part of the WPT (World Polo Tour) consisting of the best international events.

The spring season (March "“ April) has gained more importance in the latest years, probably due to the fact that it falls during the holiday time of Easter (Semana Santa). The tournaments taking place during this period are: Conde de Guaqui Memorial, Jose Ignacio Domecq Memorial, Doña Maria de las Mercedes Memorial.
Winter Season (March): Polo, to our big surprise can also be played on snow. This year Santa Maria Polo hosted for the first time a tournament in the Sierra Nevada, with great success and will be repeated for next year.

Polo classes:
Santa Maria Polo gives Polo classes and this year for the first time in Spain will offer a Pro Am in Polo: This is a way of attracting people to Polo and has already been successful for the last 6 years in Scotland. It includes Polo classes with a physical trainer for 2 months, all equipment and an end of the class tournament on the 22nd of August. Participation is limited and the course costs 7.000€. It is the perfect start and fun way to experience Polo.

Events:
Santa Maria Polo organizes customized corporate events during the year and can also host private events such as weddings, birthday parties etc. Imagine celebrating your wedding in such an exclusive setting and entertaining your guests with a Polo match "“ you are literally going to feel like the Queen!

Sponsorship:
During the tournaments you can hire a stand and display information about your company. Santa Maria Polo usually hosts stands of the name brands such as: Hacket, BMW, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Nespresso, Taittinger, etc.

Media coverage:
The Media coverage is extensive during these events and includes press such as El Mundo, Polo Lifestyle, Marca, el Periodico, SC, YO, La Razon, Hola, Sky Sports, EuroSport etc.

Membership:
"¢Â  Free set of practices during all the season and access to stick and ball field,
"¢Â  Reduced prices in tournament"™s chukker fees (find enclosed price list)
"¢Â  Personal invitation to all social events organized by the Club (find enclosed         Calendar)
"¢Â  VIP area for Members only in the big pavilion during all the tournaments, members will receive the accreditations and preferential parking.
"¢Â  Special discount of 10% in Santa María Polo Shop 
"¢Â  Important discounts to enjoy the facilities of NH Sotogrande and (Hotel/Spa, Beach Club; El Cucurucho, Almenara Golf; Greenfees y Buggies etc.)
"¢Â  Privileged access to Guards Polo Club events
"¢Â  A 25% discount for the polo classes 
"¢Â  Discounts in the rental of the clubhouse for special events 
"¢Â  Free subscription to Polo Lifestyle Magazine