The Kuala Lumpur Polo Club stands as one of the last bastions of old-world Kuala Lumpur. Nestled in a 10.68-hectare nook near the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, it remains the only member’s polo club in the world located in a truly downtown area.
Founded in 1902, our club has kept the traditions of polo alive for over 115 years. The land where our Club is located today was given to us, on a lease basis, by Almarhum YBM Tengku Abdul Rahman in 1963. It is a club of immense historical significance, not only in polo but in all equestrian sports practiced in Malaysia. Sultans, Kings, Prime Ministers and foreign dignitaries have played polo and ridden at our Club. Despite being surrounded by high-rise buildings, the wooden clubhouse preserves the charm of old Kuala Lumpur.
Polo has a significant international presence in Malaysia, with the sport being played in the Southeast Asian Games since 1983. Our club has been a founding and leading member of the Royal Malaysian Polo Association (RMPA) and has hosted many RMPA tournaments, as well as regional invitational matches. Affiliated with the Federation of International Polo (FIP) and the Hurlingham Polo Association, it has hosted prestigious tournaments for the FIP, including the 2011 Regional Zone D qualifiers for the FIP World Cup Final, drawing participation from seven countries.
Polo at this Club attracts royalty, statesmen, politicians, corporate leaders, diplomats and top names in the polo and sporting world, highlighting Malaysia’s prominence in the international polo scene.
Our club has over the years become renowned for its top-notch Polo Tournaments played at all levels, attracting world-class players such as Adolfo Cambiaso, Ernesto Trotz, the Heguy family, Benjamin Araya, David Stirling, Nachi du Plessis, Tommy Llorente and many others, significantly contributing to the popularity and quality of polo in Malaysia.
Our club has also been a centre of excellence for developing local grooms and young players, training them to become professional polo players and/or National Polo Team members.
In 2005, the construction of the SMART Tunnel presented both a challenge and an opportunity for the club. New stables were built, and the clubhouse and facilities were upgraded.
Equestrian sport has always been at the heart of the club. Our Riding School is where many riders begin their journey, with professional instructors guiding them to the pinnacle of equestrian sport. Our Club has also been instrumental in the setting up of the Riding for the Disabled Association Malaysia (RDA Malaysia), offering therapeutic riding activities for children and young adults with disabilities.
We are also home to the KL Academy of Polo (KLAP) which stands as the premier polo school in Malaysia, dedicated to nurturing new talent for the sport. As the only polo academy in the country, KLAP has since its inauguration in 2019 played a pivotal role in introducing and training more than 100 polo players, ensuring a steady influx of new players into the polo community. With a comprehensive curriculum and experienced instructors, the academy provides top-notch training that covers all aspects of the game, from polo rules and fundamental skills to advanced strategies and tournament play. KLAP’s commitment to excellence has significantly contributed to the growth of polo both within our Club and in Malaysia, making it a vital institution for aspiring polo players.
Today, our Club, a green lung in the centre of Kuala Lumpur as declared by DBKL, has 320 stabled horses, with most being privately owned by members. It is among the largest polo clubs globally located in a city centre, comparable to the prestigious Palermo club in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Its strategic location and facilities make it a popular destination for players and enthusiasts alike. It is our hope that our Government will preserve our club and its legacy, protect our green lung and grant us a long term lease.
In addition to our exceptional polo and equestrian offerings, our Club features outstanding Food & Beverage. Members and guests can enjoy a variety of culinary delights in our clubhouse, which offers both casual and finer dining options. Our chefs are dedicated to provide high-quality meals, from traditional local dishes to international cuisine, ensuring a delightful dining experience for all.
Our Club’s social calendar is also filled with events and gatherings, making it a vibrant hub for the community. Whether enjoying a meal with friends, attending a polo match, or participating in one of our many social events, there is always something happening at the Kuala Lumpur Polo Club.