Jimmy Bachman

Photo Credit: David Lominska

Jimmy Bachman was driven to play polo. He pursued his passion with unwavering grit and determination. A legendary horseman, his mastery of the game and gift for mentoring promising young players, all had a profound influence on the sport. His methods, although at times seemingly unorthodox, were certainly effective, and even resulted in a rule being created by the USPA forever known as the “Bachman Rule”.

Although he will be forever remembered as the “King of Low-Goal Polo”, Bachman succeeded at every level.  His win of the 1983 Monty Waterbury Cup capped a competitive high goal career, while his medium-goal play earned him the Copper Cup twice, Bronze Trophy twice, the Heritage Cup and the  Chairman’s Cup.

Returning to polo after serving with honor in Viet Nam (Bronze Star and a Purple Heart), Bachman reached 7 goals in 1986 and played at that handicap until his untimely death on the field in 1991.