Birdies for Horsies

Golf clubs replaced mallets when Santa Barbara Polo Club’s Polo Training Center hosted its 5th annual golf tournament at the Montecito Club with 18 teams raising a hefty $100,000 for the Carpinteria-based facility.

Players went round the Jack Nicklaus-designed 18-hole course in foursomes during the Farmers & Merchants Bank-sponsored event, although a BMW donated by a local dealer for a hole-in-one went unclaimed.

“It’s certainly one of the best ever charity events we’ve hosted,” says Rhys Williams, center president. “It’s a heavenly location and Ty Warner’s staff have been ever more helpful.”

The award for longest drive went to Will Busch with 330 yards, Closest to the Pin to Fergus Gould, and female MVP Margarita Lande.

Guitarist Maitland Ward entertained the guests including Pat Nesbitt, Chuck Lande, Nolan Nicholson, polo club manager David Sigman, Bayne and Piers Bossom, Chris and Mindy Denson, Carter Cox, Jeff and Naima Scheraga, and Jesse Bray.