BMW of Encinitas Wins 8-Goal USPA Spreckels Cup Match in OT

spreckels-winners

Polo in San Diego, where surf and turf meet, is well and alive. The final tournament for the season was the 8-goal Spreckels Cup match in front of a sold out crowd on Sunday October 2. The match was held to honor the tradition of the cup and to benefit the club’s charity partner, Dress For Success San Diego, a non-profit that empowers women to succeed in the work place and improve the quality of life for their families.

spreckels-cup-action

Team BMW Encinitas with Nour-Dean Anakar in the one position, Nicholas Ramos playing two, Rodrigo Salinas playing three and Doug Blumenthal at four, took on Roseville Motors with Topo Mendez at one, Juan Jose Gonzales at two, Ashton Wolf at three and Eric Hammon at four. The match was a hard fought battle from start to finish with Roseville Motors jumping out to a fast 3-1 lead in the first chuker with two goals from Mendez and one by Gonzalez. BMW Encinitas came roaring back with five-consecutive goals with Anakar and Ramos knocking in two each and Salinas adding one. The second half was a tight defensive battle with neither team able to score until the last chukker. Wolf and Mendez each scored to force overtime. Anakar converted a penalty 3 in extra time to bring home the win for Team BMW.

david-lewis-spreckels

The 107-year-old Spreckels Cup was presented to Team BMW Encinitas by USPA Governor-at-Large Scott Walker, USPA Committee Member Tony Yahyai and special guest, David Lewis, the grandson of John D.Spreckels. Topo Mendez won MVP and Ashton Wolf’s horse Chica won Best Playing Pony. The trophy presentation was followed by both teams soaking each other with champagne. After the Spreckels Cup presentation, the club celebrated the season finale with a members’ barbecue party.

pro-pool-spreckels-cup-winners
Becky Schaller, Kristi Hammon, Ashton Wolf, Eric Hammon and Ellen Greenhill win the pro-pool Spreckels Cup!

Congrats to the first and second place pro-pool teams who played for the Spreckels Cup earlier in the afternoon. Team Monteverde/RosevilleMotors was victorious! Kristi Hammon won MVP and Eric Hammon’s horse won Best Playing Pony.

club-cabo-runner-up-pro-pool-spreckels
Marc Berry, Juan Jose Gonzales, Tony Yahyai & Nour-Dean Anakar win 2nd place of the pro-pool Spreckels Cup! On stage with announcer Steve Lewandowski and David Lewis, grandson of John D. Spreckels.

Thank you all for a wonderful summer season! We are winding down with Fall Polo through October and arena play through the end of the year. If you’re interested in lessons or playing polo, feel free to reach out to us at or 858-481-2247. Otherwise, we’ll see you on Opening Day 2017!

Welcome Back!

 Image

Polo friends,

I hope you had a great winter season drinking hot cocoa and spending time with loved ones.  It’s time to forget the cold and start dreaming of those luxurious days at the San Diego Polo Club, drinking champagne in the sun and enjoying the amazing athletes!  It doesn’t take much does it?  Just scroll through a few photos on Facebook and you’re itching for your next polo fix.  Well, it takes a little bit more than Facebook hype to bring you another wonderful season.

As far as the lease goes, we are under negotiations with the City of San Diego and Director of Real Estate, but things are looking good for the San Diego Polo Club.  Our President, Ron Bonaguidi has put a considerable amount of time and effort into ensuring our Club stays right here in Rancho Santa Fe.  If you see him watching a match at Sunday Polo, please take a moment to shake his hand.

I am excited to work alongside our new General Manager, Bobby Puetz, and seasoned Polo Manager, Graham Bray.  We will also welcome back our polo school staff, and creative magazine team.  Together, we plan to create a fun and competitive playing season, entertaining social calendar, developing polo school with various tournaments, and a big beautiful polo magazine with enjoyable articles, stunning photos and my favorite, new local hot spots!  We have some amazing advertising opportunities, if you’re looking to expand your business.  Vanessa Shapiro, Advertising Sales Director, would be more than happy to tailor a package just for you.  And if you have any interest in bringing out a group to Sunday Polo, feel free to give me a ring!

We are gathering event sponsors, non-profit organizations, media partners, and corporate groups to become a part of our summer polo experience!  You’ll be sure to see events highlighting TERI Inc., Prince Harry’s personal charity Sentebale, and Dress for Success.  Father’s Day will be spent with antique biplanes and our family-friendly atmosphere.  I’m also working on an aviation themed event for all of our members!  The Wild Thyme Company and Best Beverage Catering Company will be wining and dining you all summer long with their tasty treats and VIP service.

All of our local players like Colleen Wilson, Chris Maloney, and Tracee Brunetti, among others, will be returning to the main field with their pros.  I’m crossing my fingers for the talented Jesse Bray to return to San Diego to battle his father, both recently rated a handicap of 4 in 2013.  You’ll be sure to see Diego Cossio, Mariano Fassetta, Gaston VonWernich and many more!

There are a few things I can’t divulge just yet, but I can promise bigger crowds, more fun, and more action!  If you have any suggestions, please shoot me an email:

Image

I can’t wait to catch up with everyone!

Lindsey