Oliver Hipwood (aka "Dad")

Dad is the most super cool polo player I know. He's fast, ponies smart and always lots of fun on and off the pitch. His advice to me when I was young was "always clean your boots and look smart."

Dad plays all over the world from St Morritz to Argentina to Old Blighty.  I think he's amazing and want to be just like him one day and perhaps play a match or two when he gets good enough to beat me :-)

Howard and Julian Hipwood ( ... both "Grandpa" to me ... )

My late grandpa Howard Hipwood and his brother Julian Hipwood were two of the highest handicap british players in history. Both English Polo Captains and achiving 9 goals, playing the Queens Cup, Gold Cup, Coronation Cup, Prince of Wales and many more. They won a lifetime achievement for polo for  "chasing that little white ball around the world" :-)

I recently had the privilege to chat with Julian about my heritage when he flew in from Palm Beach, for the "Howard and Julian Hipwood 8 Goal Tournament" at RCBPC. 

Its amazing to have the support of my wonderful polo family in keeping up our family passions and will take on board all of Julian's valuable advice ... including take time and slow down my swing ...  dont screw up the easy shots and 'be sure' and dont go for the 'glory' goal ... Train to be a 10 goaler not a 6-7 ... Got it pops and am working on it ... :-)

I often look at my grandpa's tournament trophy winners board at RCBPC in wonder at how long that tournament has been running for. My life ambitions are (1) to chalk my name up there before my dad does and (2) enter this tournament regularly to honour my grandfather's memory. I have been playing that 8 goal for two years as Hipwood Polo Team and reached the finals last year. Hopefully next year I win and do my family proud.

Howard and Julian Hipwood both have a wonderful legacy, so please do google them online to see the many important historical steps in polo they have contributed towards.

Charlie Hipwood - 3rd Generation!