Top 10 Old Money Sports Ranked: History, Prestige, and Luxury

When it comes to old-money sports, these activities are much more than just games—they’re cultural cornerstones, steeped in history, exclusivity, and prestige. Participating in these sports often requires significant financial resources, private memberships, and access to elite circles. From perfectly manicured polo fields to the serene greens of a golf course, old-money sports exude elegance, class, and tradition.

In this article, we’ll rank the top 10 old-money sports, jump right into their fascinating histories, explain why they are associated with wealth and old-money, break down the costs of participation, highlight the luxury brands that support them. 

1) Polo: The Sport of Kings

History of Polo

Polo dates back over 2,000 years, originating in Persia as a training game for cavalry units. By the 19th century, British colonisers in India adopted and popularised the sport, eventually introducing it to European aristocracy. Its nickname, “The Sport of Kings,” speaks to its legacy as a pastime for royalty and nobility.

Why is Polo Old Money

Polo requires access to horses, private fields, and extensive training, making it inherently exclusive. Elite clubs with membership fees in the tens of thousands maintain the sport’s exclusivity. Polo is also a social event, often accompanied by champagne, designer outfits, and high society gatherings.

Cost to Play Polo

• Owning and maintaining a polo pony: $10,000–$40,000 annually per horse.
• Club membership fees: $5,000–$25,000 annually.
• Professional lessons and tournament fees: $200–$500 per session.

Polo Luxury Brand Sponsors 

Brands like Ralph Lauren, Cartier, and Veuve Clicquot are synonymous with polo, sponsoring events such as the Cartier Queen’s Cup and St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow.

King Charles III 

 

2. Golf: The Gentleman’s Game

History of Golf

Golf originated in Scotland in the 15th century, with early players hitting pebbles over sand dunes. By the 18th century, the game became organised, with formal rules established by the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers.

Why is Golf Old Money

Golf has long been associated with exclusivity through country clubs, many of which have steep membership fees and an emphasis on tradition. Elite golf courses like St. Andrews in Scotland or Augusta National in Georgia are symbols of wealth and status.

Cost to Play Golf

• Annual club membership: $5,000–$50,000 (exclusive clubs may charge $100,000 or more).
• Equipment: $500–$2,500 for high-end clubs.
• Greens fees: $50–$500 per round at luxury courses.

Golf Luxury Brand Sponsors 

Luxury brands like Rolex, Callaway, and Titleist dominate the golfing world, while events like The Masters attract corporate sponsorships from Mercedes-Benz and Omega.

3. Equestrian Sports

History of Equestrian Sports

Horseback riding has been a symbol of power and wealth since ancient times, with equestrian sports gaining prominence in Europe during the Renaissance. Events like dressage, show jumping, and eventing became formalised in the 20th century.

Why is Equestrian Sports Old Money

Owning and training horses requires a significant financial investment, and participating in prestigious equestrian events often involves connections to old aristocratic families. Events like the Royal Windsor Horse Show are quintessential old-money gatherings.

Cost to Participate in Equestrian Sports 

• Horse purchase: $10,000–$100,000 (champion horses can exceed $1 million).
• Annual maintenance: $20,000–$50,000 per horse.
• Competition fees: $500–$5,000 per event.

Equestrian Luxury Brand Sponsors

Hermès, Longines, and Gucci are major sponsors of equestrian events, reinforcing the sport’s luxury appeal.

4. Sailing and Yachting

History of Sailing

Sailing began as a practical means of transportation, but by the 19th century, it became a recreational activity for Europe’s elite. The America’s Cup, first held in 1851, is the world’s oldest international sailing competition and remains a pinnacle of the sport.

Why is Sailing and Yachting Old Money

Owning a yacht or sailing vessel is a clear indicator of wealth. Sailing regattas, such as the Cowes Week in England, are exclusive events where the world’s wealthiest gather.

Cost to Participate in Sailing and Yachting

• Yacht purchase: $100,000–$500 million.
• Maintenance and docking: $10,000–$50,000 annually.
• Crew salaries: $30,000–$150,000 annually.

Sailing and Yachting Luxury Brand Sponsors

Luxury sponsors include Louis Vuitton, Rolex, and Loro Piana, all of whom align themselves with sailing’s opulent lifestyle.

5. Tennis: The White Sport

History of Tennis

Modern tennis traces its roots to 19th-century England, but it evolved from an earlier version called “jeu de paume,” played in French royal courts. Wimbledon, established in 1877, remains the sport’s most prestigious tournament.

Why is Tennis Old Money

Tennis clubs were historically exclusive, admitting only the wealthy elite. The tradition of wearing all white at Wimbledon reflects the sport’s aristocratic roots.

Cost to Play Tennis

• Private club memberships: $1,000–$15,000 annually.
• Private lessons: $50–$200 per hour.
• Tournament participation: $100–$1,000 per event.

Tennis Luxury Brand Sponsors 

Lacoste, Rolex, and Patek Philippe are synonymous with tennis, and Wimbledon is famously sponsored by Pimm’s and Jaguar.

6. Fencing: The Noble Art

History of Fencing

Fencing evolved as a form of swordsmanship during the Middle Ages, becoming a regulated sport in 19th-century Europe. It remains deeply tied to nobility and aristocracy.

Why is Fencing Old Money

Fencing was historically practised by noblemen as a skill for duels and self-defence. Today, it is often taught at elite academies and private schools.

Cost to Participate in Fencing 

• Equipment: $500–$1,500.
• Private lessons: $50–$150 per session.
• Competition fees: $200–$500 per event.

Fencing Luxury Brand Sponsors 

Fencing has fewer mainstream luxury sponsors, but brands like PBT Fencing and Allstar produce high-end equipment for professionals.

7. Skiing

History of Skiing

Skiing began as a practical means of transportation in snowy regions but gained popularity as a leisure activity among European elites in the early 20th century.

Why is Skiing Old Money

Skiing requires access to high-end resorts and specialised equipment, making it a luxury pastime. Destinations like Aspen and St. Moritz attract affluent visitors worldwide.

Cost to Ski

• Equipment: $1,000–$5,000.
• Resort passes: $1,000–$5,000 annually.
• Lodging: $500–$2,000 per night at luxury chalets.

Skiing Luxury Brand Sponsors 

Moncler, Bogner, and Gucci are among the luxury brands associated with skiing.

8. Rowing

History of Rowing

Rowing dates back to ancient Egypt but became a competitive sport in 18th-century England. The Henley Royal Regatta, established in 1839, is the sport’s most prestigious event.

Why is Rowing Old Money

Rowing clubs, especially at elite universities like Oxford and Cambridge, are symbols of tradition and wealth.

Cost to Participate in Rowing 

• Club memberships: $500–$5,000 annually.
• Equipment: $2,000–$10,000 for high-end boats.

Rowing Luxury Brand Sponsors 

Hackett London and Brooks Brothers are key sponsors of rowing events, emphasising the sport’s heritage.

9. Hunting

History of Hunting

Once a necessity for survival, hunting became a leisure activity for the aristocracy during the Middle Ages, with elaborate hunting parties and estates.

Why is Hunting Old Money

Hunting requires access to private land, specialised equipment, and exclusive events like pheasant shoots on country estates.

Cost of Hunting

• Equipment: $5,000–$20,000.
• Access fees: $1,000–$10,000 per hunt.

Hunting Luxury Brand Sponsors 

Barbour and Purdey & Sons produce high-end hunting gear, cementing its luxury status.

King Charles III and Prince Harry on a shoot

10. Lacrosse

History of Lacrosse

Lacrosse originated with Native American tribes and was later adopted by Canadian elites in the 19th century.

Why is Lacrosse Old Money

Played primarily at elite private schools and universities, lacrosse has become a symbol of preppy culture and wealth.

Cost to Play Lacrosse

• Equipment: $300–$1,000.
• Club fees: $1,000–$5,000 annually.

Lacrosse Luxury Brand Sponsors 

While not as heavily sponsored, brands like Nike and STX dominate lacrosse gear.

The top 10 old-money sports embody tradition, exclusivity, and luxury, often requiring significant financial investment and access to elite social circles. Polo leads the list, followed by golf, equestrian sports, sailing and yachting, tennis, skiing, rowing, hunting, and lastly, lacrosse. Together, these sports not only signify wealth but also celebrate timelessness and exclusivity.

Old-money sports are more than hobbies—they are traditions steeped in history, exclusivity, and class. From polo fields to tennis courts, these sports reflect a lifestyle of privilege, often supported by luxury brands that further elevate their status. While participation requires significant investment, the allure of old-money sports lies in their ability to blend competition with sophistication, making them timeless symbols of wealth and refinement.

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