Bennie Gutierrez

During the 1960s and 70s, Bennie Gutierrez was one of the highest rated players. He attained an 8-goal handicap in 1968 in an era with no American 10-goal players. A consummate horseman, he was respected for his consistency, mallet work and competitiveness.

A sought-after teammate, his titles included the 1972 U.S. Open Championship, the 1960 and ‘67 National Twenty Goal, the 1967, ‘69 and ‘71 National Sixteen Goal. When the USA sent its best to Argentina for the 1969 Cup of the Americas, Bennie was selected and played with distinction.

Bennie continued his in polo, training exceptional ponies and managing high-goal polo teams. He helped organize the professional umpiring program, served as the USPA’s first Chief Umpire and was honored in 1993 as the Umpire of the Year.