For Immediate Release
Wellington, FL – February 15, 2019 – The annual Rider Cup Team Golf Tournament had a successful debut at the Wellington National Golf Club on February 11, 2019, in Wellington, Florida. Tournament Director and Rider Cup Founder Cesar Hirsch accomplished his goal of creating a fun event within the equestrian community in Wellington to strengthen relations in a non-horse activity.
“A new tradition has begun,” said Hirsch. “I hope this can be replicated in other horse shows around the U.S. It’s a great feeling to see everyone enjoy playing golf together, and it was great fun. I thank the captains for their support, the Wellington National Golf Club as our great host and for providing super service, and Jose Antonio de Armas and his team from The Grint for arranging all the tournament technicalities.”
Rider Cup Tournament Director and Founder Cesar Hirsch. Photo © Alexia Thermiotis
The golf tournament followed a popular idea of geographical teams, with top show jumpers serving as team captains. Nick Dello Joio captained the team from North America that featured such players as polo player Nic Roldan, show jumpers Mario Deslauriers, Todd Minikus, Wilton Porter, Ben Asselin, Hardin Towell, and horse show dads Sam Reid and Tim Brittan.
Pablo Barrios led the Latin America team along with such players as Alex Rey, Enrique Gonzalez, Victor Amaya, Eduardo Menezes, Luis Larrazabal, Celso Ariani, Alejandro Karolyi, and Hirsch. The “Rest of the World” team was led by Lorcan Gallagher and included Conor Swail, John Roche, Ronan McGuigan, Eddie Macken, Stevie Macken, Darragh Kenny, Fiach Byrne, and Patrick Hickey.
Top equestrians in Wellington took a day to compete in a different sport. Photo © Alexia Thermiotis.
Each team had 24 players consisting of Olympic show jumpers, grand prix riders, amateur riders, trainers, veterinarians, sponsors, and vendors, bringing together all of the different aspects of the Wellington equestrian community together for a fun, engaging sporting event. Lunch and non-alcoholic drinks were provided for all 72 players during the tournament.
The team with the most points won the tournament in the match play format. Team Latin America took home the inaugural trophy with a total of 126.5 points, with North America taking second on 107 points and the Rest of the World team in third with 90.5 points.
The winning Latin America team. Photo © Jacquie Porcaro Photos
The Latin America team was presented with a perpetual trophy engraved with the 2019 champion team name. Team captain Pablo Barrios noted, “First and foremost, I want to thank everyone on my team for attending and for having trained arduously for this day. Winning is always a pleasure, especially when it’s well deserved. Thank you to Cesar Hirsch for coming up with this event!”
Along with the winning team, there were individual accolades given to JT Holub from the Rest of the World Team, who was presented with a crystal trophy for being closest to the pin, and Eduardo Menezes of the Latin America team who also received a crystal trophy as winner of the longest drive.
Winning Latin America Team Captain Pablo Barrios. Photo © Jacquie Porcaro
All participants received hats donated by Francis Hoet/Wellington Properties and Equis. Prizes were given in a raffle, including Cavalleria Toscana breeches, Parlanti paddock boots, a Horse Pilot jacket, Flex-On stirrups, a photo shoot from Enrique Urdaneta, a Butet backpack, and an entry for a foursome to the Wellington National Golf Club.
Rest of the World Team Captain Lorcan Gallagher said, “The Rider Cup was definitely a success. I want to thank Cesar for taking the time to organize an event like this, where we’re able to compete, socialize, and enjoy in a fun, healthy, and diversified environment. A great tradition has definitely begun!”
Riders such as William Hickey and Andrew Welles also commented on the great tradition that was started and look forward to returning next year. Hirsch stated that plans are already in the works for a second Rider Cup tournament in 2020.