Palm Beach Polo

I spent Valentines afternoon glimpsing into the seemingly exclusive lifestyle of Palm Beach’s International Polo Club. The hierarchy is readily apparent and somewhat archaic, but in the most charming way possible. Stepping onto the grass-gilded front row, I witnessed my first Polo match, and while it validated every stereotype I could have imagined, I had a great time. For those whose expertise in the rules of Polo (the terrestrial kind, not Marco...) is limited, well so is my knowledge of the game so if you are curious, http://www.internationalpoloclub.com/polo/polo-101/ gives an accurate description. But even if you are ignorant of the rules, the experience is worthwhile. The affair begins with a brief trolley-car ride to the less extravagant side of the field. After sitting through three chukkers (one polo match consists of six chukkers), and the boisterous antics of a seemingly tipsy announcer, half time ensues, during which champagne and ice cream are served to adults and children respectively. And, as per tradition, spectators scatter across the field stomping on portions of the grass uprooted by horse hoofs to ‘reset’ the lawn- in high-heeled boots and all. Obviously a “Pretty Woman” reference or two slipped as the task was completed. But as the ‘Palm-Beachers’, clad in over-sized sunglasses and neon-green bow-ties, returned to their seats, the match resumed, and then ended in an overall victory for the team Lucchese, earning the Ylvisaker Cup. Eagerly I anticipate returning in April at the end of the winter season, but until then I plan on brushing up on the rules of the game.