Summer in full swing at Sotogrande’s Santa Maria Polo

It’s one of the most important and prestigious polo clubs in the world. Since its humble beginnings in the 1960s the Santa Maria Polo Club in Sotogrande has grown in both size and reputation, attracting thousands of polo aficionados and international players every year. Renowned as a high-class hang out for the well to do, it’s interesting to know that even members of Europe’s royal families turn up occasionally for the odd game of polo. Over the years  Prince  Harry has visited the well-manicured grounds to try his hand  against local and international players alike.

But for people who live locally on the Costa del Sol and Costa de la Luz, the club is a must visit for those wanting to experience the thrill of a fascinating sport that goes largely unnoticed and unreported in the mass media.

Spain’s leading polo club’s summer season is now in full swing and a host of top polo players are set to descend here for the July and August competitions. The next major tournament at the glamorous grounds is the 42nd International Summer Tournament, which runs from July 26 to the September 1st.

Here you can expect to see countless well-heeled polo fans, a few celebrities and dozens of elite players including the world number one, Facundo Pieres. The 27-year-old Argentinean recently won both the prestigious US Open and the Queen’s Cup to become one of the most gifted players in the world. Of course not forgetting the other 2 10 Goal Stars who will be here in Sotogrande this summer, Adolfo Cambiaso and Juan Martin Nero.

The club itself is impressive to behold and boasts nine fields (Los Pinos, Rio Sotogrande and Puente de Hierro). Los Pinos represents the ‘centre court’ of the club and the venue of both the Land Rover International Tournament and the Spring Polo Season. Such facilities and international competitions are a far cry from what was here in 1965, when Sotogrande’s first field, ‘La Playa’, was built. Just two years later the inaugural polo tournaments were held among a close-knit group of enthusiasts that played friendly games against each other.

Since then a long list of well-known athletes (and royals) from Spain and around the world have taken part in the prestigious tournaments that bring together sport, tradition and a generous touch of glamour – so why not pop down to the Santa Maria Polo Club this summer and absorb this unique atmosphere?