Aiken Welcomes Polo Enthusiasts for a Sunny Day of Matches
On a warm Sunday afternoon, the charming town of Aiken was alive with excitement as polo lovers gathered at Whitney Field for a thrilling day of matches. Despite a few rain showers early in the morning, the sun decided to join the fun, ushering in a day with temperatures soaring to around 90°F. With gentle winds wafting in from the south-southwest at 5 to 10 mph, it was the perfect setting to enjoy a competitive polo match.
Thrills and Divot Stomping
The festivities kicked off with two exciting polo matches showcasing the local talent. Enthusiastic spectators, including Mary Burns and Fay Calhoun, took an active role during halftime by stomping divots that were displaced during the intense gameplay. “I couldn’t be happier,” exclaimed Burns, who was at her very first polo match. “It’s in the open. We’re out in the air. It’s nature. It’s peaceful. That’s the best word I can say, peaceful.”
Burns and her husband are in the process of moving from southern New Jersey to Aiken, captivated by the town’s charm during their visit in April. Calhoun shared her journey as well, explaining how she and her husband, Joe, fell in love with the sport after a memorable encounter with the late Henry Cato, a board member of the Aiken Polo Club. “We met him in the lobby at The Willcox, and after chatting, he insisted we tell them his name for a warm welcome,” Calhoun recounted. “It was like they rolled out the red carpet for us.”
A Nostalgic Return
Another fan, Robin Pedersen, traveled from Columbia for the matches on September 22. She reminisced about her childhood days spent watching polo matches in South Florida with her grandmother. “It’s really relaxing for me,” she mentioned. Pedersen enjoys sitting back and enjoying the flow of the game, the graceful ponies, and the camaraderie among fans.
Tradition at Whitney Field
Whitney Field is steeped in history, hosting polo matches for over 140 consecutive years, making it the oldest venue in the nation that remains in continuous use for the sport. The Aiken Polo Club sees a bustling fall season, often referred to as the club’s premier season, as it attracts more players and spectators eager to extend their polo experience as the seasons change up north.
Polo Manager Tiger Kneece explained, “Polo is wrapping up in the Northeast, so people want to extend their season by a month or a month and a half, so they come here.” The club is well-prepared for a vibrant fall season, slated to continue into November with five exciting tournaments scheduled.
The Community Spirit
Sunday polo matches are a staple for the Aiken community, offering not just thrilling sports but a way for residents to come together. Local resident Mary Ann Wennemer described the experience as “wonderful,” highlighting the diverse levels of expertise among the players and the unique atmosphere created by fans joining in to stomp divots.
On this particular day, the competitive spirit was rampant, with Tid’s Hill edging out Hyde Park/Jet Set 5-4 in the first match and Polo Adventures defeating Tyrus Polo 8-4 in the second. The excitement of the matches is complemented by the lively atmosphere, food served at the Alan Lyle Corey Pavilion, and a chance to enjoy a drink while supporting local sports.
Looking Ahead
With so much going on, Whitney Field is sure to be buzzing with activity in the upcoming weeks. The matches, held every other Sunday with a big crowd expected, promise to be an excellent outing for both seasoned polo enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
As the sun set on a beautiful afternoon filled with friendly competition and community connection at Whitney Field, patrons left with smiles on their faces and a deep appreciation for the rich history and vibrant future of polo in Aiken. It’s a place where the love for the sport thrives, and everyone is welcome to join in the fun.
