Behind The Scenes At Wellington’s International Polo Club STORY BY CHRISTINE DIROCCO PHOTOGRAPHY BY LILA PHOTO
Polo is a quintessential experience, complete with high-stepping fashion, celebrities, posh guests, magnificent athleticism and clinking glasses. With all the pageantry front and center on the field and throughout the property, it takes a village to manage all the behindthe-scenes aspects of this equestrian undertaking. Here’s an intimate look at some of the key players on the management team at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. With polo being the sport of kings, John Wash, president of club operations, acts as sultan of the Sunday scene. Heading up this equine adventure, Wash greets guests and members and welcomes VIPs with a warm handshake and a familiar smile every Sunday of the polo season. Wash brings a wealth of experience to all aspects of golf, resort and country club service. After graduation from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., he transitioned to being a general manager and successfully headed up some of America’s finest private country clubs. At IPC since 2007, Wash has seen growth and excitement not only for the club, but also for the sport of polo. Wash is first and foremost a ubiquitous master of ceremonies, opening up the competition with the coin toss and happily mingling with guests on the field or in the club.
Jimmy Newman Director of Polo Operations
John Wash
President of Club Operations As director of polo operations, Jimmy Newman is a 40-year veteran of the sport. Since his first part-time job with the Royal Palm Polo Club, Newman has been around horses — from working as a groom and learning to ride and understand polo to owning horses and playing in tournaments. The global scope of high-goal polo has provided Newman with a world of experiences and travel. Newman arrived at IPC in 2003 with an impressive history in polo administration. In addition to managing the polo at IPC during the winter months, he also directs the polo at other clubs across the country during the summer. He has seen the polo stars of today grow up and achieve success through the international ranks. Newman’s career highlights include managing five decades of U.S. Open Polo Championships and the legendary 1980 Cup of the Americas. Together, Newman and Tony Coppola, the voice behind Sunday polo, deliver enthusiasm, spot-on play-by-play commentary and witty banter for every polo match. wellington the magazine | january 2016
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