The NetJets Pacific Coast Open (PCO), the West Coast’s premier polo event, began last weekend at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club. Six teams competed in three matches. The tournament continues this weekend and next.

“The Pacific Coast Open is the crown jewel of the Santa Barbara polo season,” said club general manager David Sigman. “With world-class talent from all corners of the globe, this year’s tournament promises to be one of the most exciting and competitive in our club’s history.” The matches lived up to their promise, with the main match between La Karina and Klentner Ranch going into overtime before Karina won 13-12.

According to polo manager Melanja Jones, Sunday’s polo was a perfect showcase of the season. “The polo was phenomenally athletic, the lead changed several times. It was exciting for everyone to hear how the spectators were so engaged with the game, standing on their feet to cheer the equalizer and send the game into extra time.”

Earlier, Bentley Estates beat Carbenella Polo 12-11 and Antelope defeated Mokarow Farms 10-7. All six teams will play again this Friday and Sunday, with the semifinals on Friday, August 30, and the final on Sunday, September 1.

Many guests arrived in the early afternoon to socialize in the hospitality tents, cabanas, clubhouse and surrounding areas. The traditional pony parade and singing of the national anthem opened the classic program on a perfect, sunny but not too warm afternoon on the American Riviera. Throughout the game, Jones provided informative and entertaining game commentary. At halftime, guests enjoyed the classic tradition of stomping the turf and enjoyed complimentary champagne on the field.

The close play was typical of the season. The balance between the teams is so great, according to Jones, that more games have been decided in overtime or by one goal in regulation time than she can remember in her 16 years with the club. In addition, Jones said, “the quality of play from these athletic horses and polo players and all the extras at Friday happy hour and Sunday polo,” including the flag presentation, champagne divot stomp and delicious food, draw sellout crowds.

In a glass case in the clubhouse, the club proudly displays the stunning PCO trophy. The silver and gold trophy is crowned with an eagle carrying a globe, decorated with semi-precious stones and mounted on a redwood base. According to Curtis Skene, son of legendary polo player Robert Skene, it is one of the most magnificent trophies in the world.

The PCO tournament began in 1908 and has been hosted by many clubs over the years, including the Beverly Hills Polo Club. It was first played at that club in 1952 and has remained there ever since. The trophy has remained there too, except for a brief period when it was lost. Skene said that polo wasn’t doing so well when his father ran the club in the late 1960s and early 1970s, so he decided to keep the trophy in a bank vault, but then forgot where he put it. After it was missing for a few years, a friend asked about moving it to a bank vault, which jogged Skene’s memory, and a few phone calls later, the trophy was found.

The PCO finals on Sept. 1 will mark the end of the High Goal season, but there is still plenty of polo to come. The upcoming Eight Goal season has the same schedule, with happy hour games on Friday where admission is free and Sunday games with a variety of seating options including bleachers, private cabanas and hospitality tents. Food and drinks from the Polo Grill are available at both Friday and Sunday games. Sunday games consistently sell out, so reservations are a good idea.

Many people, Jones said, find the eight-goal season more accessible. Although it is technically considered a semi-professional level, anywhere else in the country, Jones said, it would be the highest level of play.

Also taking place this fall is the popular 12-Goal Ladies’ Invitational and the Last Chance Tournament, a competition pitting teams from across the state against each other. This tournament began in the golden age of polo when teams from different clubs challenged each other.

Prince Harry has not played at the club this season, but Jones said he is always welcome. He is an absolute gentleman, Jones said, and a true horse lover and competitor.

The Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club has three high goal fields, a polo school and a boarding school. There is a polo boutique with a wide selection of apparel and accessories. The club also has tennis courts, a swimming pool and a fitness center. The polo season begins May 5 and runs through October 13.