Bob Puetz, the new Executive Director of Eldorado Polo Club in Indio, California, is a well-respected figure in American polo. Having over a decade of experience at the USPA where he held various roles, including CEO, Puetz has a long history within the sport. Before his tenure at the USPA, he served as General Manager at clubs such as San Diego Polo Club, Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club (Carpinteria, California) and Empire Polo Club (Coachella, California). His early career as a professional polo player has provided him a well-rounded perspective on all aspects of the game.
“The desert is one of the best places in the world to play polo.” – Bob Puetz, Eldorado Polo Club’s Executive Director
At Eldorado, Puetz oversees one of the largest polo clubs in the United States, offering tournaments across all skill levels, from beginners to 12-goal competitions. Eldorado is known as a “destination club” during the winter months and draws players and spectators from across the U.S. and Canada. Puetz’s passion for the desert and its unique allure as a winter polo destination drives his commitment to ensuring the long-term sustainability of polo in the Coachella Valley. Eldorado Polo Club is a cornerstone of West Coast polo, blending tradition with innovation.
Bob Puetz has brought decades of experience and a deep passion for the sport to his new role as Eldorado Polo Club’s Executive Director. ©Kerri Kerley
How is the season going at Eldorado?
“It’s in full gear now. It’s always a tough season to start with Christmas and New Year’s. Everyone wants their horses to be fit and ready for practices, but at the same time, they’re heading home for the holidays. Fortunately, we can play outdoor polo here in California because of the climate. It’s not even worth trying in other places due to the rain.
In the United States during the winter, because of the adverse weather, polo is played in the Coachella Valley near Palm Springs on the West Coast and in Florida, from Wellington to Sarasota. Players from those clubs who can’t play during the winter converge in California, Florida, or play indoor arena polo. I call these “destination clubs” or “polo centers,” where people travel to play because of the climate. Most players have their “home club” and then go to a “destination club” to play year-round. If you’re from the East Coast, it’s common to go to Florida, while players on the West Coast head to California. We also have many Canadians who come to play.”
Eldorado recently hosted a major women’s tournament. What can you tell us about it?
“We hosted a three-level women’s tournament. The highest level was the Women’s Pacific Coast Open, at 14-16 goals, with four teams competing. This tournament started in Santa Barbara and moved here a few years ago. It’s the highest level of women’s polo played in California, and we were thrilled to host it. The second level was the Susan Stovall Memorial Pacific Coast Circuit Women’s Challenge A-Flight, an 8- to 12-goal tournament with six teams. Lastly, the Debii Dollar Pacific Coast Circuit Women’s Challenge B-Flight for lower levels (0-4 goal) also had four teams. Hosting 14 teams during the holiday season, between Christmas and New Year’s, is remarkable. Our first Sunday on the U.S. Polo Assn. Field had two finals, with over 2,000 spectators. It’s exciting to see the strength of women’s polo.”
2024 Women’s Pacific Coast Open Champions: Elos – Savannah Watkins, Molly Agee, Marissa Wells, Mia Bray, presented by Ara Pilates + Movement’s Marlys Yvonne. ©Kerri Kerley
What level of polo is played at Eldorado?
“Eldorado is probably one of the largest and most inclusive clubs in the world. We offer polo from beginner to 12-goal tournaments. We have junior polo, women’s tournaments, women’s leagues and the Eldorado Polo Academy, where we provide horses, instructors and an arena. We have close to 300 USPA Members and players who play at the club annually. On any given Sunday, we have multiple games ranging from 2 to 12 goals from daybreak to sunset on 13 fields, including our Cantina and Clubhouse U.S. Polo Assn. fields. In my polo experience, there is no other place like it. It doesn’t matter your gender or skill level; we have options for everyone, except for high-goal polo. In the past, we hosted 22-goal tournaments and even the U.S. Open [Polo Championship] in the 90s. About 10 years ago, we experienced a significant decline in high-goal polo and maintaining the 12-goal level became challenging. However, we’re optimistic now because we have eight teams committed to playing in February and March—a level of participation we haven’t seen in a long time. With young players improving, new sponsors joining and a bright future ahead, there’s a lot to look forward to.”
Eldorado is the first major California club to start the season and then the high-goal season begins in Santa Barbara. Is there coordination between the two clubs?
“They’re like sibling clubs whose seasons complement each other. Empire Polo Club, which is next to Eldorado, used to be a big part of the mix, but it closed under a long-term lease with Goldenvoice, the owners and promoters for the Coachella Festival. Eldorado’s property is also owned by Goldenvoice. We lease the property from them until April. During April, they host Coachella alongside Stagecoach, a massive country-western music festival. Both events bring hundreds of thousands of people and use all the fields. Once the festivals are over, we prepare the fields again for winter polo.”
Offering tournaments across all skill levels, Eldorado is known as a “destination club” during the winter months. ©Eldorado Polo Club
Why is California such a prime location for polo?
“California is vast, with a variety of climates—snow, ocean waves for surfing, deserts and rainy areas. We’re located in the south, near Mexico, but as you move north toward Los Angeles, San Francisco and Santa Rosa, you’ll find more clubs, including summer polo in San Diego. Santa Barbara is where the higher-level, more committed players compete, while Eldorado offers more affordable polo. Here, you can play 2-goal tournaments on the main field in front of thousands of spectators, an experience that’s hard to find elsewhere.”
How did you take over at Eldorado?
“My first job as a professional polo player in the desert was with Al Haagen III, the owner of Empire [Polo Club]. I became the Polo Manager and later the General Manager of the club. We organized polo matches and other events, including Coachella. My role was to ensure the property was maintained according to the contract. I managed the first three Coachella festivals with Goldenvoice. Later, thanks to my experience with polo clubs and the USPA, I was approached to help restructure Eldorado when the club decided to change its management. I wasn’t involved in the decision to change management, but they called me to reorganize the operations.
Initially, I was hesitant because it’s a significant commitment, but I’m passionate about the desert. I believe it’s one of the best places in the world to play polo and I want to ensure it stays that way. We now have a new Polo Manager Mark Wates, Assistant Polo Manager Bryan Middleton and an Events Director Neasa Ferrau, along with a new Board of Directors. Our goal is to grow and sustain polo in the desert for many years to come. Currently, we play on Eldorado’s 13 fields, two fields at Empire Calhoun and one at Mission, Fred Mannix’s ranch.”
Guided by the goal to grow and sustain polo in the desert, Eldorado Polo Club aims to expand the levels of polo the club offers, while ensuring safe polo for all players. ©Eldorado Polo Club
What changes did you implement this season?
“From a polo perspective, we aimed not to change the levels offered until we understood what the players wanted. When we reintroduced the 12-goal tournaments, there was some skepticism about whether enough teams would participate. We worked closely with members and sponsors who hadn’t played at this level before, and they were excited about the restructuring. As a result, we went from four to eight teams. That’s been our most significant achievement so far. We plan to have four 12-goal tournaments in a row, two in February and two in March, with the final tournament offering prize money.”
What makes Eldorado’s early season start before Christmas and New Year’s unique?
“When I used to play, we’d start in November. In Southern California, our fields are Bermuda grass, which thrives in the heat. When it gets colder at night, the grass turns brown. In the fall, we overseed with ryegrass to keep the fields lush and green. This requires closing the fields in the fall to allow the ryegrass to grow. It’s challenging to play polo in November and December, so we usually start practices in mid-December. While it’s not ideal to host the women’s tournament during the holidays, it’s the only time that works. Moving it to February or March would conflict with other tournaments and strain the horses. We’re exploring future options, but for now, this timing works.”
“We want to continue to grow and expand the demographics and the levels of polo the club offers and to ensure safe and fun polo for players of all levels […] it’s our responsibility to protect Eldorado’s rich history and ensure a sustainable future.” – Bob Puetz
What are your expectations for the future?
“We want to continue to grow and expand the demographics and the levels of polo the club offers and to ensure safe and fun polo for players of all levels. I hope we can raise the upper level to 14-16 goals in the future, I’m confident it’s a possibility. We have many young players who will become great professionals, as well as sponsors who support us. In years past we have had the Governor’s Cup tournaments with over 40 teams. My goal is to get back to that type of participation. It’s our responsibility to protect Eldorado’s rich history and ensure a sustainable future. Losing the desert as a winter polo destination would be a tremendous loss to our sport and the many players who rely on Eldorado as their polo destination. We hope you join us for some great polo in the desert!”