Polo in Sotogrande

• Table of contents
• First Polo Center in Sotogrande
• A Spectacular for Polo Players and Spectators
• The Allure of Polo in Sotogrande
• Main Polo Centers in Sotogrande
• • Santa Maria Polo Club
• • Ayala Polo Club
• • Los Pinos
• • Iridike Polo Club
• • River (Fields River)
• Learn Polo in Sotogrande
• Disclaimer

Polo is an essential part of Sotogrande's identity. Its history in the area began in 1965, when the late Enrique Zobel introduced the sport for the first time near the beach, close to the old Cucurucho Beach Club, where the first field was built. Those were the humble beginnings of a project that has continued to grow ever since.

During the following decades, polo in Sotogrande expanded steadily. Between 1985 and 1986, the two famous Río fields were built , located next to the Guadiaro River, the venue for numerous international tournaments.

In 1998, Sotogrande experienced a historic year: 28 teams and nearly 1,000 horses participated, a record that marked a turning point. Shortly afterward, four new courses, known as Los Pinos , were added, consolidating the necessary infrastructure to host top-level competitions. In 2006, the number grew again, with 31 teams competing during the summer season.

Today, thanks to clubs like Santa Maria Polo Club and Ayala Polo Club , Sotogrande is recognized worldwide as one of the epicenters of international polo, attracting the best players in the world every year.

For those who don't play polo, watching it in Sotogrande is an unparalleled experience. Rio 's gardens are considered one of the best places in the world to watch a match: surrounded by mature trees, next to some of the most exclusive homes in the area, and with an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere. The grass on the fields, a variety called Tifton , is especially resilient and resilient, capable of withstanding the intensity of the matches and the passage of hundreds of horses. Argentine experts visit the area several times a year to oversee its maintenance.

Polo is a sport historically associated with an exclusive lifestyle. Players from the international jet set arrive from all over Europe to train and compete in Andalusia's privileged climate. August is peak season, with up to ten matches a day spread across the various fields.

The demands of the sport are enormous: each player usually has between 7 and 10 horses, necessary to make several changes during the same match and allow the animals to recover.

The summer competitions bring together more than thirty teams, over a thousand horses, and some of the best players in the world. This attracts a crowd full of familiar faces: members of European royal families, elite athletes, and personalities from the worlds of fashion and business.

The Bronze, Silver and Gold Cups make Sotogrande the world center of polo every summer, filling summer afternoons and evenings with excitement, social atmosphere and top-level sport.

The clubs and resorts mentioned in the text are presented below, with descriptions based exclusively on the original information.

One of the most renowned names in polo in Sotogrande and responsible for putting the destination "truly and properly on the map." Every summer, he welcomes "the best players in the world" to compete in the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Cups. He boasts "a polo academy with riding lessons for all skill levels" and attracts international teams, thousands of horses, and a crowd packed with personalities from the worlds of sports, fashion, and European royalty.

Along with Santa María, it is one of the leading polo clubs in Sotogrande. The original text highlights it as part of the destination's prestige: “Today, Sotogrande, with its Santa María and Ayala Polo Clubs, is well known in the world of polo.” Elite players compete here every summer, forming part of the ecosystem that has made Sotogrande a key hub for international polo.

One of the most important polo complexes in Sotogrande. “Four new polo fields were built, named 'Los Pinos'.” Since the late 1990s, it has hosted record-breaking tournaments, including “28 teams and nearly 1,000 horses.” Its creation spurred the expansion of polo in the area.

Iridike Polo is another venue linked to the polo ecosystem in Sotogrande. Although it is not one of the historic clubs mentioned in the original development, it contributes to the area's equestrian offerings with activities related to playing and learning polo. Its presence complements the network of centers that make Sotogrande a leading destination for players, fans, and visitors.

A historic part of polo in Sotogrande. “In 1985-1986, the two famous 'Río' fields were built next to the Guadiaro River, where many international tournaments have been held.” They are also considered one of the best places in the world to watch polo: “There is no better place to watch a match than in the famous gardens of Río.” Their Tifton turf, overseen by Argentine experts, is renowned for its exceptional quality.

Polo isn't just for professionals. Sotogrande offers several academies where beginners, enthusiasts, and aspiring elite players can get started in the sport.

1. Polo Valley Sotogrande

The most renowned center to learn polo from scratch.

• Private lessons and intensive programs
• Immersive experiences for beginners
• Training for developing players

2. Ayala Polo Club

In addition to tournaments, it offers training.

• Semi-private training sessions
• Coaching for players with some experience
• Professional and high-level environment

3. Dos Lunas Polo & Dressage Club

A boutique environment for learning and training.

• Personalized classes
• Technical training
• Ideal for those seeking a more exclusive approach

4. Iridike Polo Club

Complementary center within the equestrian ecosystem.

• Beginner Classes
• Recreational training
• Equestrian activities linked to polo

The content of this document is provided for guidance only. Although Noll & Partners SL has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information and translations contained herein, no liability will be accepted for errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or for the opinions expressed herein.