Content is from the site's 2011 archived page.
WELCOME
Welcome to The Foundation Polo Challenge, an exclusive event at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club celebrating their Centennial with title sponsor, Tiffany & Co.
The polo elite from around the world will descend on Santa Barbara to celebrate this summer’s season of polo. With the 2011 season newly opened, we are proud to announce that the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club are to host a charity polo match on July 9th, 2011 to raise funds for The American Friends of the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry. A donation will also be made to Polo Training Center Santa Barbara - a 501(c)(3) non profit organization. The day’s festivities will include a luncheon, with a menu designed by celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis as well as the Charity Polo Match and presentations.
VIP tickets will gain you exclusive access to a private drinks reception with the players and a hosted bar, 3 course luncheon, entertainment and grandstand seat for the polo match, in the stunning surroundings of Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club.
THE FOUNDATION
As a member of my local polo club and a passionate golfer, this event caught my eye for all the right reasons. I've always admired the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club's heritage, and to see them host an event like this for their centennial, with royalty and top-tier players involved for a good cause, is truly inspiring. It really elevates the sport beyond the field.
The American Friends of the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry, Inc. (the “Foundation”) was formed in 2011 to raise funds, awareness and make donations to organizations which support charitable causes including (A) assisting at-risk youth and other adolescents and young adults who are disadvantaged and/or in need of guidance and support, (B) working to preserve and protect the environment through the promotion of conservation and protection of natural resources and other methods; and (C) providing assistance and support to persons in need (and to their families) who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces of their respective countries. The Foundation may choose to support The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry, a charity formed in the United Kingdom by Prince William and Prince Harry, or other charities which promote the charitable causes within the areas of focus of the Foundation.
Please note that the Foundation is in the process of applying to the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) for a determination that the Foundation is a charity described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), to which contributions are deductible by a U.S. taxpayer who makes a charitable donation to the Foundation. If the Foundation obtains the determination it should be effective beginning on April 29, 2011, the date that the Foundation was formed.
Any contribution element of any payment which supporters of The Foundation Polo Challenge are making will be shared 90% by the Foundation and 10% by Polo Training Center Santa Barbara, an organization which the IRS has determined to be described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Code and to which contributions are deductible by a U.S. taxpayer to the extent allowed by law.
If the Foundation does not obtain a determination from the IRS that, effective prior to the date of any payment in support of The Foundation Polo Challenge, the Foundation is a charity described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Code to which contributions are deductible, then 90% of any charitable contribution which is made to support The Foundation Polo Challenge will not be deductible.
THE PLAYERS
TEAM ROYAL SALUTE
GLEN A. HOLDEN JR.
Mr. Holden is a graduate of the University of Virginia with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. His career has been involved entirely in the areas of insurance and investments, working with his family-owned company, Security First Group, a Los Angeles-based marketing and insurance organization, and other companies, such as, CMB Investment Counselors, the TCW Group, The Capitol Life Insurance Company, Envestnet, Pacificor, LLC, Colonial Life and Accident Insurance Company, and Ameriprise Financial Services in the Santa Barbara region. He lives in Santa Barbara.
Mr. Holden is a member of the CFA Institute since 1986, holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation, and has served on its Board of Governors. He has held many volunteer positions within the CFA Institute, and in 2004, the CFA Institute awarded Mr. Holden the Daniel J. Forrestal, III Leadership Award for advancement in the area of professional ethics and standards of professional conduct. Mr. Holden has also been a member and President of the CFA Society of Los Angeles.
He has served as a Governor of the United States Polo Association (“USPA”) for 14 years and had served as the Chair of the Finance Committee of the USPA, its Secretary and Treasurer, and on its Strategic Planning, Executive, and Tournament Committees. Mr. Holden is Treasurer and Board Member of the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club and is a Director Emeritus of Virginia Polo, Inc. He started playing polo in junior high school and was Captain of the polo team at the University of Virginia. With his father and brother-in-law, Mike Sheller, and son, he is a several time winner of the USPA’s Presidents Cup and Governor’s Cup in California, along with numerous Club tournaments at the Santa Barbara Polo Club, where he has played for more than 35 years.
ANDY BUSCH
Andy Busch has been riding horses since before he could walk. The great grandson of Anheuser-Busch founder Adolphus Busch, Andy took up polo at the age of 16 competing in clubs in Palm Beach, St. Louis, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Hawaii, Barbados and many others. Andy and his family chose to make Santa Barbara their home club in 1998 after he was asked to captain the US World Cup team for the Federation of International Polo hosted by the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club. Andy and his family moved permanently to Santa Barbara four years later.
Andy is one of the highest rated sponsors in polo today. He takes the game very seriously both on and off the field. Andy’s teams spend hours in season practicing, strategizing, attending pre-game meetings and reviewing films. In the off-season Andy continues to oversee Grant’s Farm, the St. Louis homestead of the Busch family since the late 1800’s.
Here in Santa Barbara Andy loves ranching his newer homestead in the Santa Ynez Valley and raising his 4 busy children.
SANTI TROTZ
Santiago Trotz has been playing polo professionally for over 20 years, in a career that has spanned the globe. Trotz has played in major tournaments in Argentina, England, India, and the United States, and has been coming to Santa Barbara Polo Club for years. Born in Buenos Aires, he is from a polo playing family. His grandfather, father, and two brothers are all polo players. Although he is based out of Argentina, he is also a Santa Barbara resident, owning a condo right here on the polo club grounds.
Trotz won the Pacific Coast Open many times with several different teams, he was on the champion team while playing with Windsor, won it three times with Duende, and reached the final several other times. He also led his team to glory in the Skins game in the Desert, won all of the 12 goal tournaments in Santa Barbara with several different teams, most often though with Antelope and Long Beach. Last year he was voted the Most Valuable Player of the 2010 12 goal season by his fellow polo players. He also reached the Tortugas Final, which is the first leg of the Argentine Triple Crown, with La Espadana.
Family is very important to Trotz, he is married to Josefina, and has four daughters, Valentina, Marina, Selena and Jasmine.
HRH THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE
Polo is in The Duke of Cambridge’s blood. The Foundation Polo Challenge marks his first visit to Santa Barbara Polo Club and California, but he plays regularly in the United Kingdom to raise funds for charity. His father played on the UK high-goal circuit for more than ten years and his grandfather was among the finest players of the post-war years. Last autumn, Prince William completed his helicopter training and is now a fully qualified Search and Rescue pilot. While focusing on his military career, he is not only a Patron to a number of charities but also President of The English Football Association and Vice Royal Patron of the Welsh Rugby Union.
TEAM AUDI
WESLEY RU
Wesley Ru, Trustee of the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, also serves as the President of the Club for the past three years. He has been playing polo for the 15 years and is an active player in many of the Club’s tournaments.
Wesley is an Ambassador of the Federation of International Polo and has played polo all over the world from Argentina, Mexico, Spain, France, India and China. His passion and dedication for the sport has carried over to his family. His son plays Polo and his wife, Clarisa, and daughters enjoy horseback riding.
MARC GANZI
Marc Ganzi is the founder and CEO of Global Tower Partners, a private real estate investment trust focused on the ownership and management of wireless communication facilities.
He and his wife, Melissa, are avid polo players. Marc is the patron of the Audi Polo team and along with his wife are Audi Ambassadors. Under his stewardship, the Audi Polo Team has won US Open Polo Championship (2009), USPA Gold Cup (2011), The CV Whitney (2009), The Bombardier Pacific Coast Open (2008), USPA Cup of the America’s (2008 and 2010), The Robert Skene Memorial (2008) and USPA Bronze Cup on numerous occasions.
Polo runs in the family, as wife Melissa plays with and against Marc in both high-goal and medium goal play year round and his father Wally Ganzi played many years in Indio, CA, Aiken, SC and Saratoga, NY winning many national high goal and medium goal tournaments. Son Grant and daughter Riley are hooked on the sport as well, and can be found at the forefront of youth polo events throughout the year. The family club, Grand Champions Polo Club in Wellington, Florida, serves as both the training facility for the Ganzis teams, but as frequent tournament venues for all levels of play which include spring and fall seasons that attract both locals and visiting players from around the world.
Marc is the Chairman of the wireless industry trade association PCIA, where he is an advocate for the future of wireless deployment and technology in the United States. Marc is an active member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and also serves on the boards of the Aspen Valley Ski Club, the YMCA of the Palm Beaches and Olympus Media Holdings. When he is not playing polo, he is an avid back country skier, enjoys fly fishing and golf.
SCOTT DEVON
Scott is a second generation polo player and entrepreneur from Michigan. Founder of the Catamount Polo Team, Scott has won numerous high goal 22 and 26 goal tournaments at the IPC Polo Club in Palm Beach, Florida.
Scott was named USPA Amateur Player of the Year in 2004 and raised to 4 goals. After a 3 year hiatus due to an injury, Scott has returned to polo and plans to play in the high goal next season. Scott has also served on the Board of the Polo Hall of Fame.
In addition to his polo pursuits, Scott owns Michigan based Cole's Foods and the luxury watch and denim company, Devon based in New York and Los Angeles.
TEAM AMERICAN EXPRESS CENTURION
MELISSA GANZI
Melissa Ganzi is one of the very few female high-goal patrons in the sport of polo. Her list of championships include Santa Barbara Polo Club’s 2009 Bill Triller 20-goal, 2007 Western Badge and Trophy 20-goal, 2008 Mayors Cup, all at Santa Barbara; the 2009 WCT Championship in Wellington, FL; the 2008 Miami Beach Polo World Cup; the Aspen Snow Polo Championship in 2005, 2006 and 2009 the North America Cup in 2009 and was the first woman player to capture the Monty Waterbury Cup (2001).
Melissa was also part of a historic moment in the game last November when she set a world record for the most consecutive chukkers played, playing 30 chukkers in a benefit match for the Wounded Warriors project in Aiken, South Carolina.
Polo is a family sport for Melissa, playing with and against husband Marc in both high-goal and medium goal play. Son Grant and daughter Riley are hooked on the sport as well, and can be found at the forefront of youth polo events throughout the year. The family club, Grand Champions Polo Club in Wellington, Florida, serves as both the training facility for the Ganzis teams, but as frequent tournament venues for all levels of play which include spring and fall seasons that attract both locals and visiting players from around the world.
Melissa’s dedication to the sport manifests itself in many forms from sponsorship of youth polo events, and charitable functions like Best Buddies to her support of the Museum of Polo and instrumental part in bringing the the Westchester Cup international competition to the United States in 2009 (she donated over 30 horses for the British team to use) to hosting the Gay Polo League Tournament on her Grand Champions fields.
GLEN HOLDEN III
Glen Holden III or Glencito as most of his friends and family call him, was practically born into the wonderful sport of polo. Being the fourth generation of polo players in the Holden family, he learned to ride and play at a very young age. Most of his weekends growing up were spent in Santa Barbara watching his father, uncle, and grandfather play. Glen recalls “Some of my earliest and best memories are of polo at the club.”
Glen began to play competitively at the age of 12, but was short-lived, playing only a few tournaments with his father and grandfather. After playing for less than a year, it was decided that school and other extracurricular activities would take precedence over polo.
On his 23rd birthday, he went out to lunch with his father and received a box containing a brand new pair of riding boots. Glen asked his father, “These are great, but what are they for?” He responded, “I want you to play polo with your grandfather on his 80th birthday.” And so began an undying appreciation for this incredible sport.
Glen has had the privilege and pleasure of playing in a variety of tournaments and places with his amazing family and fantastic friends.
NIC ROLDAN
Nic Roldan was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Father, Raul Roldan, was a professional player and played for the Sultan of Brunei’s team for many years. At an age when most toddlers are taking their first steps, Nic was learning how to swing a polo mallet.
In 2001, Nic won the Bombardier Pacific Coast Open at the Santa Barbara Polo Club and four years later his handicap elevates to seven goals. The following year, his handicap is raised to 8 goals and he wins the Bombardier Pacific Coast Open for the second time in 2007.
Nic was selected in 2009 to represent the United States in the Westchester Cup against England and immediately following that, his handicap is raised to 9 goals. Shortly after, Nic is recognized in Vanity Fair’s 10 Hottest Horsemen. In 2010, Nic captained Prince Harry’s charity team, Sentebale, during the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic on Governor’s Island and he won the 2010 USPA Silver Cup.
PATRICK M. NESBITT
Patrick M. Nesbitt, is the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Windsor Capital Group, Inc., (WCG) which is based in Santa Monica, Calif. Nesbitt started his real estate career at age 13, rehabilitating residential projects in his hometown, Detroit, Mich.
Since he founded Windsor Capital Group over 40 years ago, the company has become the largest private owner and operator of Embassy Suite Hotels in the U.S. In addition, WCG owns and manages a number of other hospitality assets under Marriott and Hilton franchise agreements. In total, WCG owns and/or operates 25 branded hotels in 9 states across the U.S. The Company’s development projects also include office buildings, shopping centers, apartment complexes and exclusive residential developments.
Nesbitt is currently a member of the World Presidents Organization (WPO) and the Young Presidents Organization (G). He is the former President of the San Fernando Valley YPO Chapter and has served as Education Chairman for YPO’s Pacific Region.
As an educator, he has taught real estate law at the USC Graduate School of Business, lectured at Loyola Marymount and UCSB and has served on the Imperial Valley College faculty. Nesbitt has also conducted seminars nationwide on computerized multi-listing techniques for the National Association of Realtors.
Apart from his business-related interests, Nesbitt is actively involved in the high-goal polo circuit both nationally and internationally. He is the past Governor of the Pacific Coast Circuit and current Secretary of the United States Polo Association. Nesbitt also represents the U.S. as a member on the Council of Administration of the Federation of International Polo (FIP) and serves as a member of its Marketing Committee. He is also the current Executive Director of the Pan American Polo Confederation and was the Executive Director of the 5th World Polo Championships held in Santa Barbara, Calif. in August 1998. Through these organizations, Nesbitt is working to return polo to the Summer Olympic Games, along with introducing polo into the Pan American Games.
His civic activities include fund-raising work as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Whittier College School of Law in Los Angeles and as a member of the Development Committee at his alma mater in Detroit, Catholic Central High School.
Nesbitt completed his undergraduate studies at the United States Air Force Academy and earned a Masters Degree in Systems Engineering from the University of Michigan. He also earned his JD from Whittier College in California and has been a member of the Los Angeles County, California and American Bar Associations since 1982.
THE VENUE
Welcome to the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club! The Club is the premier country club in Santa Barbara County where attention to every detail is important and is accomplished with excellence and integrity. The Club showcases three world renowned polo fields, eight tennis courts, fitness center and pool. Our championship polo fields offer exciting play at all levels of expertise.
Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountain foothills and the Pacific Ocean, the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club is truly the jewel of the American Riviera. The Club enjoys a reputation for being a place that’s easy to work with and easy to get to. With two cozy and comfortable clubhouses, it’s also a place where guests and members feel right at home.
Established in 1911, the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club is the third oldest polo facility in the United States and is world renowned for its three lush polo fields and international outdoor competition. In addition to the playing fields and historic Polo Clubhouse, SBP&RC; also offers Stabling, Stick & Ball, Polo School, as well as a beautiful Tennis Clubhouse and facility including eight pristine championship hard court tennis courts, swimming and fitness centers.
LOCATION
Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club
3300 Via Real
Carpinteria, CA 93013
www.sbpolo.com
More Background on FoundationPoloChallenge.com
The Foundation Polo Challenge was a prestigious charity polo event held in 2011 at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club in California. This event blended the sophistication of polo with philanthropy, drawing global attention due to its association with British royalty and luxury sponsorships. Below is a detailed exploration of its history, significance, audience, and impact.
Event Overview
The Foundation Polo Challenge was organized to commemorate the centennial anniversary of the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, one of the oldest and most esteemed polo clubs in the United States. The event aimed to raise funds for charitable organizations, including The American Friends of the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry and the Polo Training Center Santa Barbara.
The primary focus of the event was philanthropy, with proceeds supporting causes such as youth empowerment, environmental conservation, and veteran welfare. Additionally, funds were allocated to local polo training programs to nurture talent and ensure the sport's continued growth.
Royal Participation
One of the most notable aspects of the Foundation Polo Challenge was its royal involvement. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, participated in the event by captaining the Royal Salute team. His presence marked his first official visit to California alongside his wife, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. During the match, Prince William scored four goals, leading his team to victory. The Duchess added a touch of elegance by presenting the trophy to the winning team.
This royal participation significantly elevated the event's profile, drawing extensive media coverage and public interest. The presence of British royalty not only underscored the international appeal of polo but also highlighted its potential as a platform for charitable endeavors.
Venue: Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club
The Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club served as an ideal venue for this high-profile event. Established in 1911, it is one of North America's premier polo destinations. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, the club offers breathtaking views and top-tier facilities, including three world-class polo fields.
Over its century-long history, the club has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, such as the Pacific Coast Open. Its rich heritage and scenic location made it a fitting choice for an event that celebrated both tradition and philanthropy.
Audience and Cultural Significance
The Foundation Polo Challenge attracted an elite audience comprising royals, celebrities, business leaders, and philanthropists. However, its charitable mission broadened its appeal beyond exclusivity by showcasing how luxury events could contribute to meaningful social causes.
Polo has long been associated with wealth and aristocracy due to its historical roots among European nobility. Events like this challenge that perception by demonstrating how polo can serve as a vehicle for social good while retaining its cultural allure.
Charitable Impact
The event raised millions of dollars for its beneficiaries. The American Friends of the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry utilized these funds to support initiatives addressing at-risk youth, environmental sustainability, and veteran welfare. A portion of the proceeds also went to the Polo Training Center Santa Barbara to promote local talent development.
This philanthropic aspect aligns with a broader trend in modern polo culture. Charity matches have become integral to polo events worldwide, often directing proceeds toward healthcare, education, environmental conservation, or community development.
Luxury Sponsorships
Luxury brands played a pivotal role in enhancing the event's prestige. Tiffany & Co., for instance, sponsored the event by designing an exclusive trophy for the occasion. Other sponsors included Audi and American Express Centurion, whose teams competed against Prince William's Royal Salute team.
These partnerships highlighted how luxury brands align themselves with philanthropic initiatives to reinforce their social responsibility credentials while maintaining their association with exclusivity and sophistication.
Media Coverage
The Foundation Polo Challenge received widespread media attention due to its royal connections and luxurious setting. Media outlets praised Prince William's athletic performance on the field and Catherine's grace during her public appearances. The charitable impact of the funds raised was also widely reported.
However, some critics noted that events like these could perpetuate perceptions of exclusivity within polo. While they succeed in raising funds for noble causes, they often remain inaccessible to broader audiences due to their high-profile nature.
Legacy
The Foundation Polo Challenge left a lasting legacy on both polo culture and charitable fundraising efforts. It demonstrated how elite sports could transcend their traditional boundaries to become platforms for social change. The funds raised continue to support meaningful initiatives under The American Friends of the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry.
Furthermore, the event reinforced Santa Barbara's reputation as a hub for world-class polo while drawing attention to its rich history and contributions to equestrian sports.
The Foundation Polo Challenge was more than just a sporting event; it was a celebration of tradition, philanthropy, and international collaboration. By bringing together royalty, luxury brands, and charitable organizations on one platform, it showcased how high-profile events could make a tangible difference in society.
From its royal connections to its charitable achievements, this event remains a shining example of how polo can evolve from being an exclusive sport into a force for good in communities worldwide. Through such initiatives, polo continues to redefine itself as not just a game but also a tool for positive social impact.
