Hold your horses: Polo enthusiasts have to be invited to play in new Tianjin landmark

Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club and Hotel boasts of two full-sized international standard polo fields—the largest of its kind in China—and they are exclusively for members’ use.

The hotel and polo club was developed by Hong Kong-based Goldin Properties Holdings Limited and officially opened on 4 November. The Club is part of the Goldin Metropolitan project which is located in the thriving Binhai Hi-tech Park.

Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club includes two international standard polo fields together with associated training facilities, auxiliary polo sports facilities, 150 stables for thoroughbred horses, a theme park and club hotel - Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Hotel.

“Tianjin has been one of the top 5 cities with the highest Gross Regional Product [GRP] in China over the past few years and is evolving its position from a traditional port city to one that is more diverse with plentiful investment opportunities,” said Mr. Pan Sutong, Chairman of Goldin Properties Holdings Limited. “As such, we see the opportunity to introduce a new and exclusive type of luxury to the region. By bringing in polo, a sport that is becoming increasingly popular amongst royal families and the affluent around the world, Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club and Hotel will add to Tianjin’s status as a landmark destination and contribute to its overall city status.”

The club currently has 60 thoroughbred polo horses from Australia in its stables and the number is expected to increase in the future.

The professional international management team is headed by Paul Stevens, General Manager, formerly manager of the Guards Polo Club in England. Also on the team are Derek Reid, Director of Polo Operations, who is a former Australian polo captain and John Fisher, Director of Stable Operations, who is a former England player and whose home club is Cowdray Park, England.

Memberships at the Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club are strictly by invitation only. Therere four types of membership: Social; Equestrian; Polo and Polo Team Patrons. The Board of Governors of the Club will extend membership invitations to selected Chinese and international contacts, as well as leading corporations.

With membership by invitation only, Tianjin Metropolitan Polo Club and Hotel President Mr. Rowland K. Wong said: “The polo lifestyle is a noble experience, with a Metropolitan Polo Club membership you are introduced to a world of possibilities.”