After a successful and prosperous three year term as Club President, Daniel Walker, and the nominating committee have elected John Muse to be the Club’s next president. Muse assumed the position as the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club President on November 19, 2014.
Muse is an avid polo sponsor who started his polo career in England at the Ascot Polo Park Club in 2001. Muse considers Santa Barbara to be his summer home saying, “You can’t pick a better place to be than Santa Barbara in the summer and there is such a storied history to the Club. Plus, it’s one of the few places in the world where you can ride horses on the beach.”
Over the past 13 years, Muse has sponsored the Lucchese Polo Team, naming it after the world-renowned boot company where he serves as Chairman and is the largest shareholder. His team has featured some of the top polo players in the world including: Adolfo Cambiaso and Pelon Stirling. His wife Lyn and their five children have enjoyed rooting for him at the Club when he won the America Cup, Silver Cup and Pacific Coast Open.
Muse looks forward to building on the traditions and legacy of the Club while taking it to even higher levels. He is going to focus on all aspects of marketing and looks forward to seeing an increase in teams and spectators.
In addition to Muse becoming President, the Club welcomes back Polo Manager Phil Heatley for the 2015 season. For the last two years, Heatley has managed the Club’s high-goal tournaments. This summer, he has agreed to take responsibility for all levels of polo. The lifelong polo player enjoyed wins in the National 8-Goal, the Copper Cup, the Silver Cup, and the U.S. Open. Heatley also managed the Outback Polo Team and Outback Polo Leagues featuring 8-, 12-, 14-, and 16-goal leagues with over 150 players participating. He is especially proud of the success of the popular Kangaroo League, which he created for entry-level players.
The Club is very grateful to Melanja Jones for managing polo operations the past 6 years. The Club has greatly appreciated her attention to detail, implementation of new tournaments, and tireless work ethic.
Heatley and Muse are focused on encouraging more teams and players to join the Club ranks at the world-class venue. Established in 1911, the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club is the third oldest polo facility in the United States and is world renowned for its three lush polo fields and international outdoor competition. In addition to the playing fields and historic Polo Clubhouse, SBP&RC also offers Stabling, Stick & Ball, Polo School, as well as a beautiful Tennis Clubhouse and facility including eight pristine championship hard court tennis courts, swimming and fitness centers.
The USPA and Santa Barbara Polo Club are excited to welcome both gentlemen into their new roles. It’s going to be a great 2015 Polo Season. For additional information, please contact Phil Heatley by phone at 561-307-0725 or via email at philheatley@aol.com.
2015 Tournament Schedule
Coaching League: May- October
Club Polo League: April 18-June 21, September 5-October 4, includes Saturday Club Tournaments
Mayday Tournament, Saturday, May 2
June Jubilee, Saturday, June 6
Intra-Circuit Intra-club, Saturday, June 20
September Showdown, Saturday, September 26
12 Goal Tournaments (May and June): closing date April 15
Lisle Nixon Memorial, April 29- May 10
Pope Challenge, May 13-24
Vic Graber Cup, May 27- June 7
USPA Intra-Circuit, June 10- 21
Practices on Wednesdays, Tournament games on Fridays and Sundays
Fields closed June 22 – July 7
16 Goal Tournaments (July and August)
El Encanto Classic Cup, July 8-12
USPA Nespresso America Cup, July 15-26
USPA Bombardier Pacific Coast Open, August 12-30
USPA Silver Cup, September 3-6 (20-Goal)
Tournament games on Fridays and Sundays, EXCEPT for the Thursday games in the PCO.
Teams responsible for own practices.
8 Goal Tournaments (July and August): closing date June 15
Dean Mullins Cup, July 7-12
Malibu Cup, July 14-26
James Colt Classic, July 28-August 9
Mayors Cup, August 11-16
Carpinteria Cup, August 18-29
Practices on Tuesdays, Tournament games Thursday-Saturday.
Outside fields will be used for all practices and some tournament games.
8 Goal Tournaments (September and October): closing date August 20
USPA Wickenden Cup, September 9-20
USPA Regional Presidents Cup, September 23-October 4
Practices on Wednesdays, Tournament games on Fridays/Saturdays and Sundays
Women’s Tournament – September 18-20: closing date September 11
Last Chance Tournament – October 9-11: closing date October 2
0-1 goal flight, 2-4 goal flight
Surf and Turf League- October 31-Dec 6: Friendly pro-pool style polo – weekends only
