Oak Brook Closes 2017 Polo Season With Match Against Wales in Prestigious "International Cup"

After thirty-one years, Great Britain returns to Oak Brook’s Prince of Wales Field (2606 York Road) to compete for the prestigiousInternational Cup and to close out Oak Brook’s 2017 polo season. On Sunday, September 10^th, spectators will don their ‘British best’ as both teams face off in 12-goal, four chukker, historic match.

Oak Brook Polo Club has a long history of hosting teams from other countries and is honored to have the Wales team return.  TheInternational Cup was inaugurated in 1986 when the England Team, captained by Prince Charles, played against Oak Brook. It was famedHAIR producer Michael Butler who invited the Prince to play, which turned into a four-day visit to Chicago and Boston.  A 4-goal polo player at the time, Prince Charles would play his premier U.S. appearance with a British team at Oak Brook.

Today, HRH The Prince of Wales serves as patron of the Wales Polo Team.  It is captained by Ricky Cooper (Hcap-0), and includes Pete Webb (Hcap-5), Niall Donnelly (Hcap-4) and Orlando Camus (Hcap-3). Oak Brook is led by team patron andcaptain Jim Drury and includes Horacio Onetto (Hcap-4), Tomas “Toto” Obregon (Hcap-4) and Mariano Gutierrez (Hcap-4).

“What a great and historic way to end our season,” explains Jim Drury. “The old days of Oak Brook Polo are beginning to re-emerge and re-establish the Club as a plant for international polo competition. England’s Royal Family and GreatBritain are deeply rooted in Oak Brook Polo’s history and we are thrilled they accepted our invitation to come back and play. We look forward to growing this friendship in a new generation.”

Performing the U.S. national anthem at Sunday’s match will be singers Nicolette Fendon & Heather Bodie, of Chicago-native band,Midwest. Celtic Piper Christopher Coomes will perform both the Wales and Great Britain national anthems.

A special thanks to series and match sponsors Merrill Lynch, Barbour, David Yurman, Land Rover Hinsdale, Jamaica Tourist Board, ALTOUR American Express, The Hyatt Lodge at McDonald’s Campus, and Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse.

Oak Brook Polo Club’s “International Polo Series” featured matches with teams from Jamaica, India, and Great Britain.

2017 marks Oak Brook Polo Club's 95th season as one of the nation's oldest polo clubs in operation today and fourth oldest sports property in Chicago. Once considered the “polo capital” of the world Oak Brook wasthe destination for American Polo players and enthusiasts.   

Oak Brook Polo Club is located at 2606 York Road), seventeen miles from downtown Chicago.  A variety of ticket options are available at www.oakbrookpoloclub.com. For general information, event scheduling, and parking directions, pleasecall 630.368.5095.