NATIONAL PRESIDENT'S CUP
TOURNAMENT HISTORY
The National President's Cup returns to New Bridge Polo & Country Club in Aiken, South Carolina, from September 18 - October 4, 2020. Previously hosted by Grand Champions Polo Club (Wellington, Florida) in 2018, 2020 will mark the second year the tournament will be hosted by New Bridge Polo & Country Club. Beginning in 2020, Regional President’s Cup tournaments held nationwide once again served as a qualifying tournament for the National President’s Cup.
The National President’s Cup has an illustrious 50-year history. Formally known as the Eight Goal Inter-Circuit, it was first played in 1969. The inaugural Eight Goal Inter-Circuit was held at Brandywine Polo Club in Toughkenamon, Pennsylvania, with teams traveling from the Northeastern, Southeastern, Northwestern and Midstate circuits vying to win the coveted trophy. In 1974, the Eight Goal Inter-Circuit was renamed the National President’s Cup and since then the tournament has been played at Member Clubs nationwide.
Five teams will battle to claim the prestigious National President's Cup, including Bottega, Cooper Home & Stable/Foxdale Equine, Hardscrabble, SIG and Skaneateles. From last year's winning team, Derry Heir, returns Alan Martinez playing for SIG. Winning the Regional President's Cup and entering the 2019 National President's Cup Final with a perfect record, Derry Heir faced off against Field One. Cementing their lead in the fourth chukker, Derry Heir captured the prestigious title 12-10, despite a valiant sixth chukker push from their opponents. In addition, amongst the 2020 competition is U.S. Polo Assn. Global Brand Ambassador and Team USPA member Hope Arellano (Bottega).
Photo: 2019 National President's Cup Champions - Derry Heir - Eddy Martinez, Alan Martinez, Will Donahey, Summer Kneece. ©Katie Roth.
