The Saratoga Golf & Polo Club has named John Ireland executive chef.

Over the past two years, Ireland has provided his culinary skills to Panza’s Restaurant. Prior to that, he served five years as executive chef at the Wine Bar. He has also worked for the Ritz Carlton and the Comus Inn in the Washington, D.C. area. 

Since moving from Washington, D.C. to upstate New York, Ireland has been named one of the area’s Rising Star Chefs in 2010 by the Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival. In 2012, Ireland won the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region Iron Chef competition and the Saratoga Farmers Market Iron Chef challenge.

Ireland, 32, lives in Malta with his wife Shayna and their daughter Everlie.

Founded in 1896, the Saratoga Golf & Polo Club is the third-oldest recognized private golf club by the United States Golf Association. The club has a diverse membership and offers full amenities, which include golf; four grass, four hard court and clay tennis courts; a full-service pool and cabana; practice facilities; dining and special-function opportunities in the grand clubhouse. For more information, call 584-8121 or visit www.saratogagolfpoloclub.org.  

--Jennie