John “Jackie” Murphy

“Jackie’s” stature as a polo star may be eclipsed by his alter ego; a man remembered as honest and uncomplicated, low-key and likeable. Dynamic on the field, the 7-goaler possessed skill that drove him to win the most important tournaments of the 60s including four consecutive U.S. Opens, three Silver Cups, two Butler Handicaps, and he was on the USA 30-Goal team in Argentina all before the age of 30.

USA Team in the 1966 Cup of the Americas tournament in Argentina;

L-R: Northrup “Norty” Knox, Bobby Beveridge, Roy Barry, Harold Barry, L. Smith, Jackie Murphy

He learned to play polo as a youngster in Chicago and went on to play and work for Cecil Smith and Paul Butler at Oak Brook. The relationship lasted 13 years as he became one of the finest horsemen and players in the country while also managing the club. Murphy continued to compile an enviable record in polo until his untimely death at age 37 when polo lost one of its most beloved players and friends.

John “Jackie” Murphy, 1967 Governor’s Cup