It was a perfect summer Saturday on July 26, as Newport Polo hosted the annual Governor’s Cup, but this wasn’t just any match. It was a Beach Party, and from the first tailgater to the final goal, the energy was pure sun-soaked fun in the Ocean State.
As guests arrived in their breezy best, think sun hats, tropical prints, and toes in the grass, the field was already buzzing with anticipation. A strong ocean breeze carried the scent of sunscreen, gourmet bites, and the season’s signature cocktail: the Governor’s Daisy, served ice-cold at the Pavilion and Dillon’s Patio Bar.
On the field, the Newport All Stars, wearing red, looked confident and ready to roll. Their roster: Amelia Calfish, Brendan Tetrault Stuart, Stuart Odell, and Bautista Peluso. Across from them stood Team Avery in gold: Touba Ghadessi, Minnie Keating, Chris Fragamini, and the soon-to-be standout of the day, Oscar Monzon.
The match kicked off at a fiery pace. Bautista and Brendan came out strong, each putting a goal on the board for the All Stars. But Team Avery’s Oscar quickly turned the tide, answering with a goal of his own that sparked a personal scoring spree. In the second chukker, Oscar knocked in two perfect penalty shots. Stuart Odell scored in return, but Oscar came back again and Bautista matched him, keeping things tight.
By halftime, the score was locked at 4–4. Guests poured onto the field for divot stomping, champagne toasts, and sun-drenched selfies. The sidelines were alive with beach-themed setups, chilled drinks, and plenty of cheers.
In the third and fourth chukkers, Oscar put on a scoring clinic, racking up goal after goal and shutting down the All Stars’ offense completely. Brendan and Stuart each snuck in one more shot late in the match, but it wasn’t enough to stop the gold rush. When the final bell rang, Team Avery took the win, 9–8, with Oscar Monzon scoring all nine of his team’s goals. A powerhouse performance that had the crowd on its feet.
Meanwhile, back at the beach bash, the fun didn’t stop. The Best in Show tailgate award went to a fan group that went all-out with their creative and colorful setup, earning a special prize from Stella Artois and Coco & Co. One lucky winner also took home the door prize: a bottle of Veuve Clicquot to pop in celebration of a day well played, and a chance at the Turkish Airlines Grand Prize trip for two, awarded at the Finals.
Shoppers strolled through a pop-up market of local favorites, including Cocoa & Co., Newport Fine Linens, Simply Chicky, and the always-popular Newport Polo Pro Shop. Around the grounds, guests savored bites from an all-star lineup of food trucks: Brie & Honey, Newport Chowder Company, FYR Grill, Javajai Coffee, Ben & Jerry’s, and Sweet B Donuts, a true feast for every craving.
Near the cabanas, activations by Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers and Foxwoods Resort Casino gave guests more to explore (and sip). And it was all made possible thanks to generous support from Rhode Island Commerce, the day’s official match sponsor.
From thrilling polo action to stylish tailgates, chilled drinks, and nonstop sunshine, this year’s Governor’s Cup was a celebration of summer done right. Cheers to the golden team, Oscar’s unforgettable performance, and another weekend to remember at Newport Polo.