By now, I suspect you've already heard the news about the phenomenal growth in tennis. According to the latest data released by the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA), tennis now ranks as the fastest-growing sport in the United States. Participation increased by a whopping 43 percent from 2000 to 2008, putting its growth far ahead of that for such traditional sports as baseball, gymnastics, football, and even golf. In absolute numbers that means roughly 27 million people consider themselves to be tennis players, and sales of racquets and balls back them up. Youth racquet sales have soared, increasing by 88 percent from 2003 to 2008. So if your local courts seem to be getting more crowded, now you know why. Here's a link to the full press release.
Meanwhile, there is also good news on the tennis resort and camp fronts. As previously announced here, Cliff Drysdale Tennis now offers its own brand of tennis camp at Stratton Mountain Resort in Vermont (I'm headed to New England in early July to report about changes taking place there), including several Legends Weekends (see Calendar). Kelly Gunterman, who'd long been at Stratton, has launched a branch of his school at the Summit Lodge in Killington. Ross Greene, who'd been assisting Michael Smookler with the tennis operation at Sugarbush, has taken over as director and continues to offer weekly programs and adult and junior tennis academies.
In Hawaii, there is now a full-time Vic Braden Tennis College at the Fairmont Orchid, on the Big Island, while at Shadow Mountain Resort & Club in Palm Desert in California, tennis director Michael McFarlane and resident manager Cindy Calquhoun took a giant leap and bought the resort, which guarantees even greater attention to tennis. At the nearby Mission Hills Country Club, Dennis Ralston has announced his lineup of adult weekend camps on selected dates from late October to early April, while the club itself added additional grass courts, bringing the total to nine.
Here's a sample of recent critiques of the top resorts and camps by other vacationers.
Pinehurst Resort & Country Club, North Carolina
Whistler Racquet Club, British Columbia Canada
Cliff Drysdale Tennis at Stratton, Vermont
Summit Lodge & Resort, Vermont
The lodge gave the appearance of the movie "The Shining", but once through the doors, nothing but helpful staff and friendly repeat guests was experienced. Loads of alternative activities (your on an off-season ski mountain). Great night life, site seeing and food options close! (within 10 minutes drive) Of all the tennis resort/camps I've been, I want to keep this one a secret. But I'm bringing my lady's USTA teams back for a fall retreat. This place offers the biggest 'bang' for your buck."—A.H., Adv. Int., June 2009
La Manga Club, Spain
The tennis camps are exceptional. The instruction is personalized and constant. The instructors are multi-lingual, enthusiastic and encouraging. My kids love the high level junior academies, which include round-robin style tournaments and awards. My kids are highly ranked in Southern California but found plenty of competition at La Manga.
Outside of tennis, the massive resort is gorgeous. One son also enjoyed soccer academy. We love the beaches, pools, pitch and putt golf course (we are not good enough to enjoy the 3 18 hole courses), and ocean sports. The weather is incredible. Vacationers from all over Europe and from the USA create a tourist-friendly atmosphere. English is widely spoken, almost to the exclusion of Spanish!
I highly recommend this spot for the perfect family vacation!"—H.H., Adv., June 2009
Drysdale Tennis School
Stratton Mountain, VT LEGENDS Weekends from $295
www.cliffdrysdale.com
Inn at Manitou, Canada
Tennis, Golf & Spa Resort 2 hrs N of Toronto; $C rates
www.manitou-online.com
indicates a tournament
WIMBLEDON. www.wimbledon.org
Rafael Nadal and Venus Williams are defending champions.
Campbell's Hall of Fame Tennis Championships, International Tennis Hall of Fame, Rhode Island, Phone: 866-914-FAME
America's last grass-court event on the fabled lawns of Newport Casino. Before play on Saturday, they will hold the induction ceremony for the newest members of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. This year's class comprises former world No. 1 Monica Seles, who won nine Grand Slam titles; Spain's Andres Gimeno, who ranked as high as No. 9 and at age 34 was the oldest man to win the French Open; Donald Dell, a Davis Cup player and captain who went on to found ProServ, a sport marketing and management company; and (posthumously) Robert "Whirlwind" Johnson, who launced the careers of Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe and founded the American Tennis Association's Junior Development Program.
Tom Gullikson Fantasy Tennis Camp, Woodstock Inn & Resort, Vermont, Phone: 203-758-8828
Former touring pro Tom Gullikson hosts a weekend of instruction, match play, and social activities.
Pat Cash in Residence, Forte Village Resort, Italy
Former touring pro and 1985 Wimbledon champion Pat Cash will be at the resort participating in a variety of special tennis events.
Family Travel Forum
Top 10 (Cheap) Getaways For Family Travelers
www.familytravelforum.com
Sports Psychologist
Mental Coaching by Phone or in Palm Beach, Florida Office
www.JohnFMurray.com
Everett Potter's Travel
Getting Into Guinness Records Consumer Travel Advice
www.everettpotter.com
Mariani's Virtual Gourmet
Weekly food, wine and travel reports from around the world
www.johnmariani.com
Discounts, room upgrades, and special packages only available on Tennis Resorts Online.
Swarthmore Tennis Camp, Pennsylvania (Juniors)
One Week Only: 10% Discount off Junior Camps
Swarthmore Junior Tennis Camp will take 10% off the normal rates for new bookings for the period from July 5-11. Just mention code TRO-SW*. To take advantage, phone toll-free 800-223-2442 or visit www.swarthmoretenniscamp.com.
*New bookings only; no other discounts apply
Port Royal Racquet Club, South Carolina
Special Weekend Group Packages
A specialist in group packages, Port Royal is offering Tennis Resorts Online users a special 4-day/3-night program for groups of 4 or more. It consists of deluxe lodging in two-bedroom villas (based on 4 people per villa), 6 hours of clinics, complimentary court time, a welcome social, souvenirs and a 15% discount on pro shop merchandise. The cost is $405/person with lodging; $150/person without lodging.
To book, call Tanda at 843-686-8803 and tell her you want the "Tennis Resorts Online Group Package."
Saddlebrook Tennis (Hopman), Florida
Free Upgrade to One-bedroom Suite + Amenity Basket
Book the Saddlebrook Tennis School (which offers five hours a day of instruction) and a regular deluxe guest room at Saddlebrook Resort and they'll upgrade you to a one-bedroom suite* at no extra cost (two-night minimum) and include a complimentary Saddlebrook Amenity basket.
To get it, phone toll-free 800-729-8383 and ask for the Tennis Resorts Online Upgrade.
*Subject to availability at the time of booking
Dispatches from my latest travels
Club Med-Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Little Dix Bay, British Virgin Islands
Boulevard Village & Tennis Club, Vero Beach, Florida
The Inn at Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton, South Carolina
Four Seasons Resort and Club at Las Colinas, Texas
Caneel Bay, A Rosewood Resort, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
Vic Braden Tennis College at Green Valley Resort & Spa, Utah