The Aiken Polo Club: A Conversation With Geoff Ellis
On a quiet morning at historic Whitney Field, we met with Geoff Ellis, co-owner of The Willcox and a member of the Aiken Polo Club Board of Directors, to talk about a sport that has been woven into Aiken’s character for more than a century. Sitting in the pavilion overlooking the field, Geoff shared what first drew him to polo and why the sport continues to hold such a special place in Aiken.
Polo arrived in Aiken just six years after its introduction to the United States, making the sport part of the local story for roughly 134 years. Today, Aiken is home to 55 polo fields and nearly five clubs, a remarkable footprint for a sport that many people have never experienced firsthand. For Geoff, the appeal begins with the game itself— the speed, hand-eye coordination, and remarkable partnership between horse and rider.
But spend a Sunday at the field and it becomes clear that polo is as much a social tradition as it is a sport. The pavilion can draw 150 to 200 people in an afternoon, gathering over food, drinks, conversation, and the game unfolding below. The horses and players may command the field, but the sense of community around it is what gives polo its enduring place in Aiken.
As polo continues to grow, Geoff sees an exciting future ahead. As he puts it, “Our growth for polo and Aiken has been extraordinary over the years. What I’m really excited about, though, is that the Whitney Barns are becoming part of the Polo Club this year.” The club is also planning renovations to the historic stalls, creating new opportunities for players and visitors to experience the field. In this video, join Geoff at Whitney Field to hear how his own history with polo became part of Aiken’s larger story—and why he believes the sport has plenty of chapters left to write.
