Polo Club celebrates 20 years

LAKEWOOD RANCH — These days, Maggie Mitchell can’t think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than out on the polo field surrounded by horses.

A lifelong horse-lover, Mitchell began riding in high school and bought her first horse while she was in college. Looking to keep her horse on campus, Mitchell joined the University of California at Davis’ polo team.

“I’ve always loved horses,” Mitchell said. “I took one (polo) lesson and I was hooked. I played for a good 20 years.”

Now, as the club manager for the Sarasota Polo Club at Lakewood Ranch, a position she’s held for the past 10 years, Mitchell is preparing to usher in another polo season. On Dec. 19, the Sarasota Polo Club will kick off its 20th season with The Polo Bar and Grill Cup at 1 p.m.

Prior to the start of the polo match, the community is invited to come out and tailgate, enjoy a game of bocce ball or catch or mingle with family and friends.

“I think primarily it’s a great afternoon to be with family and friends,” Mitchell said. “With the tailgating so popular here, it’s an inexpensive afternoon for families.

“It’s just a very casual fun atmosphere,” she said. “People are out playing catch, bocce ball or soccer — the field is like a giant park until the game starts. I think people like the fact that they’re really close to the action. The horses are right there. I don’t think people realize how close you get to be.”

Over the summer, the club revamped its No. 1 playing field by installing new turf for the first time in 20 years.

“It’s even more gorgeous than it was before,” Mitchell said. “It came in beautifully, and it’s ready to be played on.”

In addition, the club also has changed its format this season. Traditionally, for the past 10-15 years, the club has had monthlong league games in January and February. This season, the club will be having players from across Florida come in and play on the weekends, allowing the community to see some new faces.
“I’m just anxious for it to start,” Mitchell said of the upcoming season.

For more information on the Sarasota Polo Club visit its website at www.sarasotapolo.com.

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].

2010-2011 SCHEDULE
Dec. 19: Polo Grill and Bar Cup
Dec. 26: Boxing Day Exhibition Match
Jan. 2, 2011: Invitational Match
Jan. 9: The Hub Cup
Jan. 16: M&I Wealth Management Cup
Jan. 23: Schroeder-Manatee Ranch League
Jan. 30: Maduro Cigar & Bar Presents the SMR Cup Finals
Feb. 6: MGA Insurance Group Super Bowl Cup
Feb. 13: Suncoast Porsche Cup
Feb. 20: SRQ Magazine Cup
Feb. 27: Prudential Palms & Prudential Lakewood Ranch Realty Cup
March 6: Bright House Networks Cup
March 13: The Ritz-Carlton Members Club WCT Women’s Tournament Final
March 20: MGA insurance Group USPA National Inter-Circuit Championship
March 27: Lakewood Ranch Herald Presents the Robert A. Uihlein, Jr. Memorial Cup
April 3: Merrill Lynch Presents the USPA SE Regional Classic
April 10: Mercedes-Benz of Sarasota Ringling Cup