A New Era for U.S. Polo Led by Tim Kelly

Mr. Kelly possesses an unparalleled understanding of polo in the United States.

Colleagues say that when the pressure is on, Timothy F. Kelly always finds a way forward. He is known as an expert at resolving seemingly intractable problems. This veteran of the sport and administrative management expert, who recently officially assumed the role of the United States Polo Association (USPA) President, brings a vision centred on sustainability and institutional growth.

Kelly’s ascent to the presidency is no accident. For the past five years, he served on the Audit Committee, advising the Board of Governors directly. This technical role provided him with a unique and deep perspective on the Association’s internal and financial mechanisms, preparing him for the executive challenges facing American polo today.

Recently, Kelly joined the board of the Eldorado Polo Club in Southern California. In this position, he has worked closely with staff and management to design development plans that ensure the club’s long-term viability—a philosophy he now seeks to implement at a national level.

Passion on the Field and Regional Stewardship

Beyond the boardroom, Tim Kelly is a polo player who understands the sport from the ground up. Since 2011, he has competed at the Eldorado and Empire polo clubs in Indio, California, every winter season. His commitment to the region is total: he has established his residence near Eldorado and maintains a winter base for his horses at Deer Creek.

This connection to the grassroots was fundamental when he was appointed Governor of the Pacific Coast Circuit. Recognising that many clubs in the circuit shared similar sustainability challenges, Kelly focused his efforts on facilitating their access to USPA support programmes, ensuring success was not isolated but became a standard across the circuit.

Challenges for 2026

Assuming his new role on the Executive Board, Kelly faces the responsibility of guiding the association through a year of regulatory change. Under his presidency, the new Outdoor Polo Rules and Tournament Conditions came into effect on 1 January 2026, designed to modernise competition and prioritise equine welfare.

As the new President, Kelly not only inherits a historic organisation but also the challenge of adapting the Sport of Kings to the operational demands of the 21st century.