Meet the man on the cover of 2015’s annual 116-page San Diego Polo Club Magazine, Christopher Collins. Chris Collins grew up at the San Diego Polo Club, learning to play polo from his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Willis Allen, the original founders of the club. Chris has grown into a tremendous player and great guy both on and off the field.
My Father, Grandfather and most importantly Great Grandfather got me into the sport at a very young age. They all shared their individual passion for the sport, which ultimately got me passionate about this great game.
What is a special memory you have with the SD Polo Club?
Having the opportunity to play with my dad, my grandfather, and my great-grandfather, is definitely one of my best memories at the San Diego Polo Club. I was only 11 years old but I can still remember how nervous I was before the game. Another great memory is winning the Spreckels Cup for the first time in 2010 with my dad. Finally, even though I’m not sure how much of this I actually remember, one of my best memories was attending my first polo match just two days after I was born. I was in a stroller on the sidelines for the very first game at the San Diego Polo Club.
Where would you like to see the sport head in the next 10 years?
We need to keep the sport growing and continue to get more people involved, informed and in love with this amazing game. I want to see more people taking lessons and I strongly encourage everyone to do so. I think the USPA has done a great job with Team USPA in farming young American players and giving them opportunities they would have never had 5 years ago. If we can keep improving young polo players we will improve the sport here in the U.S. and make us even more competitive on a global scale.
What has been your favorite moment in polo?
My favorite moment was when I was playing on team USA, and we beat Canada in the qualifying rounds to move on to the World Cup tournament in San Louis, Argentina. We were defiantly the underdog going into that final game of the tournament and we all played as hard as we could to eventually win the game.
Where have you traveled to for polo?
I have been fortunate to play in many countries including, England, Argentina, and South Africa and the Dominican Republic. I have also be able to travel to Wellington Florida, Dallas, TX, New York, Virginia, New Mexico and Colorado.
I am still trying to achieve the highest handicap I can while being a full-time professional in commercial real estate. I would also like to keep traveling and playing around the world as often as time allows.
What player most influences you?
Willis Allen was a huge influence on me growing up. He had such a drive for not only the game but the horses. He had an understanding for the horses that most people overlook. I pride myself on being half as good as he was with the horses and with the patience he exhibited in the time I was able to spend with him.
What do you love most about polo?