The Second Annual Wateree Cup Polo Classic

Celebrating 125 years of a Camden Tradition:

Date: November 3rd
Gates Open: 10:00
First Match: 12:00

The Kirkwood Polo Field
610 Polo Lane
Camden, SC 29020

Step onto the hallowed grounds of Kirkwood Polo Field and become part of a legacy that spans three centuries. The 2nd Annual Wateree Cup Polo Match, hosted by the Wateree Hounds, isn't just a sporting event - it's a journey through time.

In 1899, visionary Rogers L. Barstow introduced organized polo to Camden, setting in motion a tradition of equestrian excellence that continues to this day. The very field where you'll watch world-class polo players compete is the same ground where Camden's polo legacy began 125 years ago.

This year's Wateree Cup is more than a match; it's a tribute to the enduring spirit of polo in Camden. From those first thundering hoofbeats to today's lightning-fast chukkers, polo has been at the heart of our community's identity.

Join us for an unforgettable day of:

Thrilling polo action
Historical exhibitions
Family-friendly activities
Live music by the Green Thieves
Vender Village
Hat and Tailgate contest
Gourmet food and beverage options with the exclusive VIP experiences at the Kirkwood Club.

Whether you're a polo aficionado or new to the sport, the Wateree Cup offers something for everyone. Come celebrate our rich history and be part of the next chapter in Camden's polo story.

Join us in honoring Camden's equestrian heritage with thrilling matches, live music, and Southern charm!

A Field of Legacy: From 1899 to Today

125 years ago, with the vision of Rogers Barstow and a small group of passionate horsemen, this 10-acre polo field was lovingly constructed in Camden. Designed to host the first Camden Polo Club matches, it quickly became the cornerstone of the town’s rich equestrian culture. The field isn’t just grass and earth; it’s a place where legends were made, where an entire community gathered to embrace the sport and celebrate Southern sophistication.

Today, we stand on hallowed ground, preserved and protected by the dedication of Camden’s horsemen and community. The field has survived challenges from modern development pressures, enduring as a green oasis in the middle of town, where neighbors now walk, relax, and enjoy this open space as they would a park. It’s a tribute to tradition, reminding us all of the incredible determination and foresight of those who came before.

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Rogers Barstow's Legacy: Polo as Camden's Creative Catalyst

In 1899, Rogers Barstow didn't just introduce polo to Camden—he unleashed a cultural renaissance. The founding of the Camden Polo Club was more than the birth of a team; it was the spark that ignited Camden's transformation into a beacon of equestrian excellence.

Barstow's vision extended far beyond the polo field. His introduction of the sport set in motion a ripple effect, nurturing a fertile ground where fox hunting flourished, horse racing thrived, and equestrian shows blossomed. Under the banner of polo, Camden's reputation for sporting prowess and social refinement soared to new heights.

Today, as we mark this historic 125th anniversary, we celebrate the audacious dream of a man who saw Camden's untapped potential. Barstow's legacy lives on not just in the thundering hooves on the polo field, but in the vibrant equestrian culture that defines our community.

This charity match is more than a game—it's a tribute to Barstow's pioneering spirit and a bridge between past and future. As we come together to enjoy the sport he loved, we also pass the torch of his creative vision to the next generation, ensuring that Camden's equestrian heritage continues to inspire and evolve for centuries to come.

The Legacy of Edgar Cato: Preserving Camden's Polo Heritage for Future Generations

Edgar Cato stepped in at a critical moment, rescuing Camden's polo tradition from potential loss. When proposed development threatened the future of polo in Camden, leading to public outcry, Cato's incredible generosity became the turning point. He donated the necessary funds to ensure the preservation of Camden's rich history by halting the planned transformation into a residential complex. His contributions went beyond financial rescue—he took it upon himself to revitalize local polo, coordinating charitable efforts and hosting matches for the community from 2001 to 2017. What makes this even more special is that his legacy continues through his family. Both of his children, Christine Cato and Edgar Cato, Jr., who will present the Founder's Trophy at the upcoming Wateree Cup, have remained active parts of ensuring Camden's polo legacy lives on.

Thanks to Edgar Cato's unwavering commitment, Camden remains a hub for polo lovers and a testament to the resilience of tradition in a modern world. Without his generous intervention and dedication to the sport, much of the joy Camden residents and visitors experience today—both on and off the field—would never have been possible. As a community, we are eternally indebted to Edgar Cato, whose foresight preserved not only a respected tradition but also a crucial aspect of Camden’s equestrian identity for future generations to enjoy.

In 2022, recognizing the field's significance as both a polo ground and the site of the Revolutionary War's Battle of Hobkirk Hill, ownership was transferred to the South Carolina Battlefield Trust. Today, the Wateree Hounds proudly maintain this legacy, donating time and resources to preserve the field. Our efforts ensure that Camden's unique blend of sporting tradition and historical significance continues to thrive, honoring the generous spirit of those who came before them.

Reviving Tradition: The Wateree Hounds and Camden's Polo Renaissance

The Wateree Hounds have breathed new life into Camden's historic polo field, by spearheading the revival of polo in Camden, and bringing new energy to the town's historic polo field. Through their innovative Polo Development Program, they've transformed this dormant landmark into a vibrant community asset. By providing open access to the field at no cost and partnering with professionals from Aiken for training and horse leasing, the Wateree Hounds have made polo accessible to a broader audience. This initiative not only revives a cherished sport but also enriches the local community through engagement, inclusivity, and education. The formation of the Camden Polo League marks a new chapter in the town's equestrian heritage, preserving the legacy of founders like Rogers Barstow while welcoming a more diverse audience. Through these efforts, the Wateree Hounds are ensuring that polo remains an integral part of Camden's identity and its future as a premier equestrian destination.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

1940s Polo at Camden's Kirkwood Field

Watch this 1940s polo match on Camden's historic Kirkwood Polo Field, built by Rogers Barstow in 1898. Nearly 50 years later, polo remained Camden's hottest spectator sport. Join us on the same iconic field for the Wateree Polo Classic on November 3rd!