World Class Polo
December 1, 2026 - April 30, 2027
The Plett Polo Club tournament calendar operates across two primary windows annually:December to January & March to April. Â Matches are primarily hosted across the 9 world-class fields located at the iconic Kurland Estate in The Crags, just outside Plettenberg Bay.
Summer Peak Season (December – January)
This is the most popular time for spectators, bringing together international professionals, holidaymakers, and local talent. [1]
- Early December Cups (Dec 4 – 13): Features the 0 Goal Plett Polo Club match, the 4 Goal Shamwari Cup, and the 10 Goal Kurland Cup.
- Mid-December Series (Dec 13 – 23): Hosts the 2 Goal Irish Cup, the 8 Goal Bitou House Cup, and the premier 12 Goal Summer Cup.
- The 2 Horse League: An ongoing amateur league running consecutively from mid-December through the first week of January.
- Plett Polo Pony Parade (Dec 27): A traditional parade featuring the season’s polo ponies moving down Main Street in Plettenberg Bay.
- Festive High-Goal Tournaments (Dec 26 – Jan 4): Features the 2 Goal Platinum Cup, the 8 Goal Stonefield Cup, and the highly anticipated 12 Goal Formosa Cup.
- The Main International Test Match (Dec 29): The absolute highlight of the holiday season at the Kurland Pavilion. It features national face-offs like South Africa vs. England, complete with a “Horse vs. Car” spectacle, field-side picnics, and an afterparty.
- January Closers (Jan 4 – 17): Includes the Plett Polo Club Ladies tournament, followed by the 6 Goal Jaeger Cup.
Autumn & Easter Season (March – April)Â
The autumn block brings some of the highest-rated professional handicaps on the continent, culminating over the Easter holidays.
- March Classics (March 3 – 29): Kickstarts with the 12 Goal Kurland Classic, progressing to the 8 Goal RhoneHill tournament, and ending with the Seven Oaks Cup.
- The SA Open (Late March – mid-April): Hosted by the Plettenberg Bay Polo Club, this 15-Goal tournament represents the pinnacle of competitive polo in the region.
- Easter & April Autumn Cups (April 5 – 19): Runs concurrently with the SA Open, featuring the 6 Goal Redford Cup, the 8 Goal Rocksteady Cup, and the Ladies SA Open at Rhone Hill Polo Club.
- Easter International Test Match: Typically scheduled over Easter Weekend (e.g., South Africa vs. Argentina at Tafika Farm), showcasing premium hospitality, gourmet food, and wine pairings.
