Plett Polo hosts top-ranked ladies tournament on the continent
Ladies polo is the fastest-growing sector in the polo world today and this fact was evident to all in attendance at the Ladies African Open at Kurland Estate from March 22-24, when four multi-national teams battled it out at the invitation of Plettenberg Bay Polo Club.
In a gripping final, overall winners Monarch defeated Swallowtail 6-5 to claim the Ladies African Open title. The team comprised English player Alicia Woods, and Zambian Sally Jellis, along with SAs Kelly Mathias and Jossie Spilsbury.
Jellis walked away with both the MVP (most valuable player) and best string awards, while Spilsbury on Hot and Sharp – a mare owned by Gareth Evans – won the best playing pony. Not surprisingly, as she scored the winning goal in every game on this pony.
The tournament featured another six English players, with at least one on every team. Black Heart members were South Africans Camilla Harris and Tessa Moxon, with Neku Atawodi (Nigeria) and Steph Haverhals (England).
Chestnut Tiger featured Marit Boettcher (Germany) and English players Robyn Evans, Lorna Broughton, and Heloise Wilson-Smith, while South Africans Emma Lund and Mary Robinson teamed up with English roses Holly Butler and Rosie Ross to make up Swallowtail.
“When Neku invited me to play the Ladies African Open, I jumped at the chance. It was always part of the ‘polo dream’ to travel, and this tournament did not disappoint,” said Steph Haverhals.
“Not only is Plett Polo the most stunningly beautiful club I have been to, but the people were super friendly and welcoming.
The views from the polo fields never got tired!”
Haverhals added: Ladies African Open should now become part of the International Ladies calendar, as it will definitely attract many more players every year. Plett Polo Club boasts excellent facilities with great fields, top-level horses, an amazing pavilion – they really have everything to become the tournament to travel for.
“The clubs location near the beach and inside a national park provides a perfect holiday for the whole family. I will definitely put it on the list and return next year.”