U.S. Open Women's Handicap
Tournament History
The U.S. Open Women’s Handicap was established in 1979 to showcase women’s polo, following the inclusion of women into the United States Polo Association in 1972. The inaugural tournament was held at Carmel Valley Polo Club in Carmel, California. An excerpt from the 1980 USPA Bluebook describes the results, “the Women’s U.S. Handicap, sponsored by the USPA, was won by Carmel Valley. Representatives from five states played on four teams entered. Sunset [Sunny] Hale (age 10), Susie Welker, Sue Sally Hale and Stormie Hale were the champions beating Modesto, Jan Walker, Oatsie Von Gontard, Susan Walton and Bonni Middleton 4-1. Top scoring, Sue Sally Hale—nine for both days.”
A staple in the USPA calendar, the U.S. Open Women’s Handicap was played for 15 consecutive years, primarily at Willow Bend Polo Club in Plano, Texas. During this time American Airlines dominated the competition with a remarkable five-year winning streak (1988-1992), key players Maggie Mitchell and Kim Kelly together formed part of each winning team. The tournament then took residence at The Villages Polo Club in The Villages, Florida, throughout the late 90s and early 2000s. Many of the world’s top women’s players have captured this illustrious title, including Vickie Armour, Alina Carta, Cindy Halle, Carolyn Stimmel, Lesley-Ann Masterton and Oatsie von Gontard.
From 2003 to 2014 the U.S. Open Women’s Handicap fell into abeyance. It was revived in 2015 with the reemergence of the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship™. Unfortunately, last year's competition was marked by significant rainfall which forced the U.S. Open Women’s Handicap to be moved to the arena, forfeiting national tournament status. This year eight teams will compete for the win November 13-16, including Bearsden, W-S, BCI/Sullivan Group, Memorial Chiropractic Roxstars, Bestway Welding Supply, Woody's Furs, Herk's Store & Grill and Villa Ecleto.
Photo: 2017 U.S. Open Women's Handicap Champions: Texas Monthly - Bridget Price, Grace Mudra, Lia Salvo, Carolyn Stimmel, pictured with Dress for Success Board Member Clare Sullivan, USPA CEO Bob Puetz, Niki Brandon of Ker & Downey, USPA Governor at Large and Houston Polo Club Delegate Steven Armour, and Dress for Success representative Christina Forgetta. ©Kaylee Wroe Photography