As the teams are being finalized for the 2008 winter polo season in Palm Beach County, Florida, there is a noticable absence of American players, young or old.
Back in 1939 when the United States Polo Association decided to put a cap on the Open,it was with the intent of opening the field to younger, lesser rated American players and expanding the number of teams in competition. That was the last time we saw USPA 30-goal polo in the United States.
Today, John Goodman’s International Polo Club serves as the hub of high-goal polo in America, andthe opportunities for young home-grown players has not developed. Instead, Argentine professionals are making deals with the American patrons that allow them to bring in friends and relatives to fill out the rosters.
With 10 teams already entered in the 26-goal competition for the 2008 season at IPC, and opportunities for 30 professional jobs, seven American players appear on the slate.
In the October issue of Polo Player’s Edition USPA Executive Director Peter Rizzo writes of making opportunities for American-made horses and players, yet he publishes a chart magnifying the fact that there a disproportionate number of high-goal foreign players at the upper level.
No where is that more obvious than in Wellington in the winter where 9-goler Mike Azzaro, will be joned on the sidelines by Tommy Biddle (7), Luis Escobar (7), Kris Kampsen (6), Tiger Kneece (6), and a host of five goalers of varying age.
How is this foreign invasion helping American players develop at the highest level of play?
