Top 5 Old Money Sports: The Favourite Activities of Old Money Families
So once again you’ve found yourself utterly entangled in the tantalising allure of understanding the ‘old money’ existence.
I’ll admit, it is indeed quite a fascinating journey to embark on, delving into the deepest psychological and monetary alcoves of wealth passed down through the generations.
However, in order to truly emulate the “old money” mentality and luxury lifestyle of the generationally wealthy, you must do even MORE than untangle the webs of their centuries-long finances, decode their unique dialect, or understand the nuances of their “old money” attire.
No, dear viewers, this is about a far more riveting aspect — you must learn how these privileged few spend their leisure time.
Now, allow me to set some ground rules for our exploration.
In today’s episode of Old Money Luxury, we’re focusing exclusively on sports that — when mentioned — act as a subtle wink towards one’s membership in, or connections to, the world of old money.
While sports such as tennis and golf — once bastions of exclusivity - will be acknowledged towards the end of the video, they will not be our primary focus, for they have become more globally embraced and are no longer an immediate indicator of exclusive social status among the ranks of the world’s wealthiest families.
With that said, ease back in your chaise lounge and enjoy, as we embark on our curated expedition…
The Top 5 “Old Money” Sports of The World’s Wealthiest Families
#1 Polo: The Sport of Kings
First on our list, we turn our gaze to the quintessential sport of royalty…
Polo.
This is a game that is not merely steeped in tradition, but positively SOAKED in it.
We’re talking about an illustrious history that spans over two millennia.
Originating from ancient Persia, polo was initially a training game for cavalry units, often the king’s guard or other elite troops.
The game quickly won favour among nobles and warriors alike, becoming a spectacle of strategic prowess, horsemanship, and raw, thrilling competition.
But why has polo, more than any other sport, been synonymous with royalty, nobility, and, crucially, ‘old money’?
Quite naturally, it’s not just the history. It’s the nature of the sport itself.
The rush of the wind as you charge on horseback, the adrenaline as you vie for control of the ball, and the camaraderie between player and steed — it’s an experience that’s as electrifying as it is elite.
Not to mention the considerable resources needed.
From the stable of high-performance horses, the maintenance of playing fields, to the specialised equipment and professional training, every facet of polo reeks of exclusivity.
This is not a hobby for the faint of heart, or the light of wallet.
Of course, we simply cannot speak about polo without invoking the royal families who have championed it.
The British royal family, particularly King Charles III and his sons, Princes William and Harry, are noted polo enthusiasts.
Polo in Britain, in fact, has seen a resurgence in popularity,— largely due to their patronage.
Across the globe, the Brunei Royal Family has also developed a strong affinity for polo.
Members such as Prince Abdul Mateen and Princess Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah have not only embraced the sport but have also represented their nation on the polo field.
And the ultra-rich aren’t far behind.
The Packer family, one of Australia’s wealthiest, have a profound association with polo. Their Ellerston Polo Club hosts tournaments that are renowned within the polo community, further solidifying their deep-rooted connection to this ‘sport of kings’.
Thus, polo stands tall AS the undisputed “king” of ‘old money’ sports — a game where history, wealth, and prestige converge in a captivating dance of power and privilege.
#2 Equestrian: The Noble Pursuit
Second on our agenda, ladies and gentlemen, we journey into the noble world of equestrian sports.
Now, this isn’t just one sport, but a collection of disciplines that share a common thread: the majestic horse.
We’re discussing horse racing, dressage, show jumping, and eventing.
Each has its own set of rules, its own panache, yet all exemplify the ‘old money’ vibe we’re exploring.
Let’s take a brisk trot through history.
The association of equestrian sports with nobility goes back to ancient times.
The Romans, Greeks, and Byzantines — all loved their horse sports.
Dressage, a veritable ballet on horseback, can trace its roots to Xenophon in ancient Greece.
Jumping and eventing, meanwhile, evolved from military traditions. These sports are steeped in a rich history of tradition, making them synonymous with aristocracy and old money.
Like polo, equestrian pursuits require not only considerable investment but an intimate understanding of, and connection with, these magnificent creatures.
The cost of maintaining, training, and transporting horses for these various disciplines can be staggering, a testament to their association with the world of the affluent.
Speaking of affluence and a profound love of horses, we must tip our hat to Queen Elizabeth II of England.
The Queen’s knowledge of horses was nothing short of extraordinary, and her passion for horse racing was extremely well-known.
Even her own staff often commented on her nuanced understanding of the sport to exceed their own, and The Queen bred some of the finest racehorses in the world.
Yet, this love for equestrian sports stretches far beyond European shores.
Consider the royal Al Maktoum family of Dubai, who have contributed significantly to horse racing. Their Godolphin stable is one of the most successful in the world.
Now, when it comes to the super-wealthy, the list of equestrian enthusiasts is long.
The Mellon family of the United States, prominent in banking and politics, have a renowned passion for horse breeding and racing.
Likewise, the Onassis family — whose fortune was built on shipping — have a long and storied association with equestrian sports, underscored by Athina Onassis’s participation in show jumping at the highest level.
#3 Yachting / Sailing: The Nautical Life of The Powerful
Third on our prestigious list, we navigate into the world of yachting and sailing — a pastime synonymous with the salty sea air, azure waters, and unbounded affluence.
The sport’s roots are as old as human civilisation itself, tracing back to the first seafaring cultures that dared to explore uncharted waters.
Sailing as a competitive sport, however, began to take shape in the 17th century — with the formation of the world’s first ‘yacht club’ in County Cork, Ireland.
So, why is sailing tied so intricately with ‘old money’?
There are two aspects to this.
First, owning and maintaining a yacht or a sailing boat is a costly affair.
There’s the initial purchase, the maintenance, the crew — it all adds up.
Yacht racing and sailing regattas — with their glitzy after-parties — have always been viewed as playgrounds for the upper classes.
The second reason is somewhat less tangible but equally important — the social connections that yachting and sailing foster.
These pursuits often serve as the backdrop for socialising, business dealings, and forming connections within high society.
Turning our attention to American aristocratic families, the Vanderbilts are synonymous with yachting — a love tracing back to the family patriarch, Cornelius Vanderbilt.
The Kennedy family too, has a rich history with sailing — a passion famously shared by President John F. Kennedy.
On the royal front, the Norwegian royal family has a welldocumented history with yachting.
King Harald V himself is a seasoned sailor, even participating in the Olympics.
Then we have Prince Rainier the 3rd of Monaco, whose love for the sea was legendary. His legacy lives on in the Principality’s famed Yacht Club de Monaco.
#4 Rowing: The Rhythmic Dance of Power
Our fourth entrant into this exclusive list is the elegant sport of rowing, a discipline swimming in tradition, teamwork, and a certain rhythm that’s as mesmerising as it is demanding.
Dating back to the ancient Egyptians, rowing in its modern form came into its own in the 17th and 18th centuries in London.
It was initially a professional sport with wagered races on the River Thames, before it evolved into an amateur pursuit for the upper classes.
So, what ties rowing to ‘old money’?
There are multiple facets to this connection.
On one hand, rowing demands a high level of commitment, both in terms of time and resources.
The acquisition and upkeep of boats, oars, and other equipment require considerable investment.
Add to this the need for specific locations — calm water bodies — and access to them, it’s no wonder that rowing is tied to affluence and exclusivity.
An integral part of this ‘old money’ sporting tapestry is the institutions that have rowing embedded in their culture.
The universities of Oxford and Cambridge in the UK and their annual Boat Race is a shining example.
The Ivy League institutions in the United States — particularly Harvard and Yale — also take enormous pride in their rowing teams.
These institutions, the veritable headquarters of ‘old money’ in the U.S., use rowing as a symbol of their tradition and prestige.
Turning to aristocratic families, we see a rich history of rowing in the Roosevelt family in the United States, with both Franklin D. Roosevelt and Theodore Roosevelt being enthusiastic oarsmen during their Harvard years.
Looking to royals around the world, the Danish royal family, particularly Crown Prince Frederik, has shown an interest in rowing.
Thus, if someone you meet is an experienced oarsman or woman, it’s likely you’ve found someone with more than just one cursory experience engaging some of the “old money” types in your area.
#5 Squash: Swatting Towards The Sky
Finally, to round off our list of quintessential ‘old money’ sports, we delve into the fast-paced, dynamic world of squash.
Born in the posh confines of Harrow School in the mid-19th century, squash was initially a pastime of the schoolboys.
It rapidly gained popularity and soon found its way into the adult world, becoming a staple in gentlemen’s clubs and exclusive sporting venues across Britain.
What imbues squash with an ‘old money’ aura?
For starters, playing squash requires access to a specialised court — a feature that is often only available in exclusive clubs or personal residences.
The maintenance and upkeep of these facilities, along with the requisite training, demand substantial financial resources.
Furthermore, squash has maintained a close relationship with private clubs and societies that are often seen as bastions of ‘old money’.
The game is a fixture in prestigious establishments like The Racket and Tennis Club in New York and The Lansdowne Club in London.
Its association with these exclusive institutions amplifies the sport’s connection to the upper echelons of society.
Turning to the aristocratic families, the Rockefellers in the United States have a long-standing affinity for squash.
John D. Rockefeller Jr., in fact, had squash courts built in his residences.
In terms of royal families, squash has found a keen participant in King Abdullah II of Jordan — who is known to enjoy the gameenhancing squash’s image as a sport of the elite.
All in all, squash isn’t just a game of agility and quick reflexes; it’s an emblem of tradition and exclusivity.
Honorable Mentions
As we wrap up our exclusive journey, it is worth acknowledging the sports that, although not making our top list, have had historical ties to ‘old money’.
Golf, Skiing, and Tennis spring to mind immediately.
Yet, the landscape of these sports has undergone a profound shift over the last century.
Today, these sports, once common activities of only the elite, have transcended their ‘old money’ confines and have become more democratised — embraced by middle classes worldwide.
This broader appeal has somewhat diluted their earlier connotations of exclusivity.
But let’s not be too hasty in dismissing them.
While knowledge of these sports may not be an unequivocal indicator of ‘old money’ — the “where” can reveal a great deal.
Golfing in Augusta, skiing in St. Moritz, playing tennis at private clubs in the Hamptons — these are clear hallmarks of the highstatus, ‘old money’ lifestyle.
Among other sports often mentioned in ‘old money’ parlance are fencing and kitesurfing.
Fencing, with its roots in swordsmanship, retains an air of aristocratic tradition.
Kitesurfing, on the other hand, is a more recent entrant, with its high costs and association with exclusive beach locations making it a favourite among the well-to-do.
Thus the world of ‘old money’ sports is a fascinating blend of tradition, exclusivity, and changing trends.
As the baton of wealth and status continues to pass through generations, so do the sports that define them.
