Major investment for Cowdray Park Polo Club
Midhurst-based Cowdray Park Polo Club has announced a seven-figure investment plan over the next five years.
Having just completed the busiest polo season in its more than 100-year history, the West Sussex Club is planning to make its greatest investment to date in its grounds and equipment. Investment in significant resurfacing work is already well underway at the world-famous Lawns One ground.
The Club will be upgrading its fleet of irrigation equipment to ensure all polo grounds are kept in perfect condition for play throughout the summer in all weather.
The single biggest investment for 2023 will be at the Lawns grounds, which will see the construction of a new Members Hospitality Area, with catering outlets, bar, toilet facilities and grandstand seating facing both grounds.
The Ambersham Clubhouse will have a full exterior upgrade with brand new awnings, picket fencing, and PA system. The existing kitchen facilities will also undergo a full refit to support the Club’s improved food offerings. Further resurfacing works on the road network at Ambersham will get underway in the winter of 2023 ready for the 2024 season.
Henry Bass joined the club as General Manager at the start of the 2022 season having spent ten years running Goodwood’s headline motorsport events. He said: “I am delighted that the Club has committed to continued and significant investment in improving facilities for players and spectators.
Competitive polo has been played at Cowdray since 1910, when the Club was founded as small country Club by the Pearson family. In 1912, Major Frederick ‘Rattle’ Barrett became the first British 10-goaler and regularly played at the Club.
During WWII, the polo fields were ploughed as part of war effort and the Ambersham polo grounds were taken over by the Fleet Air Arm. The air hangers are used to store polo equipment and machinery.
Following WWII, John, the 3rd Viscount Cowdray set out to establish Cowdray as one of the most famous polo clubs in the world, securing its place at the pinnacle of the sport, nationally and internationally. Having lost his left arm at Dunkirk in 1940, he had an artificial arm adapted at the Roehampton Limb-Fitting Centre, assisted by his gunmaker, Churchills, so that he could hold the reins with a hook and continue to play.
The Cowdray Gold Cup was inaugurated 1956 and remains Europe’s premier high goal tournament which welcomed its Golden Jubilee in 2006.
Club Chairman Andrew Swaffield said: “We are so privileged to have one of the best Polo Clubs in the world on our doorstep here in West Sussex. Our commitment to continued major investment in the grounds and facilities will ensure the long-term success of the Club for the benefit of the whole community.”
