Top 100 Resorts & Camps For 2013
May 1, 2013. Tennis Resorts Online has just published its annual rankings of the Top 100 Tennis Resorts and Camps for 2013. Kiawah Island Golf Resort in South Carolina and the Roy Emerson Tennis Weeks in Gstaad, Switzerland, held on to their No. 1 rankings, a testament to their consistent efforts at catering to the needs of avid tennis players. As always, these rankings are based on reviews of vacationers themselves, since they know best what the actual tennis experience is like. The rankings are divided into two parts—the Top 75 Tennis Resorts and the Top 25 Tennis Camps—each determined by a broad assessment of amenities and services, on court and off, with heavier weighting allotted to those having to do with the overall tennis experience. Check it out for yourself and then help to determine next year's rankings by rating those resorts and camps your know first hand.
National Tennis Center Get Smaller In Order To Expand
The United States Tennis Association has come to an agreement with New York City that will allow it to proceed with its proposed expansion of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The USTA needed an additional .68 acres of Flushing Meadow parkland and to get it they've given up 1.56 acres (which includes five practice courts) east of David Dinkens Circle. Local Borough of Queens officials had objected to any plan that reduced the already precious public recreational space, so instead of making improvements elsewhere in the park, which was part of the USTA's original proposal, the USTA opted to return part of the acreage currently under lease.
"Today's announcement is welcome news and shows just how much we value every acre of parkland here in Queens," said Queens Borough President Helen Marshall. "My support for the USTA proposal was conditioned on the need to replace any alienated land in our borough's flagship park."
In addition, the USTA plans to maintain and repair the five courts, at it has done in the past, and would have usage during the US Open and, possibly, other major tennis events.
Dennis Van der Meer To Be Inducted Into PTR Hall of Fame
Renowned coach and camp director Dennis Van der Meer will 
be the first person inducted into the new Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) Hall of Fame. Originally from what is now Namibia in southern Africa, he had a brief career as a tournament competitor—which included playing for the South African Davis Cup team—but made is reputation as a coach and teacher working with such marquee players as Margaret Court and Billie Jean King and started a series of camps in the Lake Tahoe, Nevada area with King. I first met him at his tennis camp at the Van Der Meer Tennis Center on South Carolina's Hilton Head Island, where he was impressive both in his eagerness to help everyone improve and his phenomenal memory, ending a day's session by recalling not only the name of every one of the 60 to 100 campers but also demonstrating what they were working on to improve. He founded PTR in 1976 to standardize the method of teaching tennis, an organization that has grown to more than 13,000 pros in 126 countries. His induction will take place on May 2, 2013, during PTR's annual Symposium.
|
Vic Braden Tennis College 2013 Dates Announced
Vic Braden, Mr. Laugh and Win, will personally conduct three sessions of his Vic Braden Tennis College at Coto Valley Country Club in Trabuco Canyon, CA. 
The Friday-Sunday camps begin with Braden's impassioned review of the science behind what he teaches but soon move out of the classroom onto the courts, tackling each stroke individually. Braden's focus is on proper biomechanical technique, reinforced by videotaped sessions—which Braden personally analyzes—and the opportunity to hit thousands of tennis balls. Courses are scheduled for May 3-5, July 19-21, and Oct. 4-6, 2013. The cost is $510. Lodging is not included nor available at the club; however, the staff can provide a list of nearby hotels. For more information, phone (949) 589-5000.
Billie Jean Kings Joins Board of Roddick Foundation
After retiring from the tour last year, 
Andy Roddick relocated his Andy Roddick Foundation to Austin, Texas, and transformed it from an all-volunteer charity to a not-for-profit organization. Its focus, according to the press release is now on "after-school programs that teach character and life lessons to underserved youth." Among those joining him on the board he chairs is Billie Jean King, winner of 20 Wimbledon titles. Additional plans for the Foundation include the construction of a seven-court, 10,000-square-foot Roddick Tennis & Learning Center to provide after school and summer programs. For more details about her appointment, the board, and the foundation, visit Andy Roddick Foundation Announces New Board of Directors for Future Growth.
Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Debuts "Zennis"
For yogis, tennis enthusiasts, or those simply looking to get moving with a fun new workout, Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain 
in Phoenix, Arizona has launched a new on-court program dubbed "Zennis." The one-a-week clinic blends yoga with tennis in a movement-based tennis clinic that emphasizes the principles of sport-specific yoga along with functional stretches. Participants focus on body awareness, movement and mechanics, heightening their sense of balance and allowing dormant skills to naturally emerge through the program. The Zen portion of Zennis helps promote relaxation, proper alignment and the fluidity necessary for the athletic portion of tennis.
New Todd Martin Tennis Camp In Northern Florida
Wilson Collegiate Tennis Camps has partnered with former touring pro Todd Martin for a long-weekend camp at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. Martin, who played is collegiate tennis at Northwestern University, went on to rank No. 4 in the world, reaching the finals of two Grand Slam tournaments. Since retiring in 2004, he has coached Novak Djokovic and Mardy Fish, among other ATP standouts, as well as aspiring juniors. His camp at UNF is open to all levels, however, from beginner to elite. For more details, visit Todd Martin Tennis Camp.
Roland Garros Planned Expansion In Jeopardy
French news sources are reporting that Roland Garros's plans to expand have been put on hold after local residents raised concerns about the potential environmental harm to Porte d'Auteuil site, whose botanical gardens are a national monument. The administrative tribunal of Paris sided with them, condemning the plan as "illegal," the contribution of the French Tennis Federation (FFT) inadequate, and the information available inadequate. The FFT and the City Council of Paris had reached an agreement roughly two years ago, which, among others things, would have allowed the renovation of the main Philip Chatrier court to add a retractable roof and the construction of a new 5,000-seat stadium as the site expanded from 21 to 35 acres. Now, however, that may be in jeopardy, although FFT President Jean Gachassin says they plan to appeal and are confident of ultimately being able to proceed.
Play Wii Tennis, Develop the Skills of a Surgeon
A research study, Play To Be a Surgeon had first- and second-year surgical residents play Wii Sports Tennis, Wii Sports Table Tennis, and Battle at high altitude—games chosen for their "high demands of eye-hand coordination, movement precision, depth perception and 3D visualization"—and then tested their skills on a laparoscopic simulator. After five weeks of playing an hour a day, the Wii players group showed significantly more improvement in simulated surgical skills than the control group. The Atlantic published a very readable overview of the study.
Hotel at Topnotch Resort and Spa To Close Until Mid June
Topnotch in Stowe, VT has closed the hotel in order to complete the third and last phase of its expansion and renovation. Construction will begin on the long-planned 50-room south wing coupled with a renovation of the existing 68 rooms and the addition of a new restaurant, a lounge and cafe, a conference room, a wedding venue, outdoor terrace, and more. All the work should be completed by July. Crucially, however, the spa and tennis center will remain open. Stowe Today has additional details.
Your Recent Reviews
Here's a sample of recent critiques of the top resorts and camps by other vacationers.
-
Boca Raton Resort & Club, Florida
"Very dedicated instructors who are adept at analyzing your strength and weaknesses and in a systematic fashion take your game on its worse day and elevate so your better days improve each instructor in the clinics work on technique as well as court presence and awareness and keep things interesting. They go out of their way to match players in clinics so each player finds it challenging even if they have to add a pro and court to do so"—T.K., Adv., May 2013
-
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, South Carolina
"We have been to several tennis resorts, but Palmetto Dunes Tennis Resort was the absolute tops! Run by head pro Brian Kiggins, the daily drills are started on time, run at top speed with efficiency and all with humor and the utmost of teaching skill. The daily drills for Advance/Intermediate were the best drills for starting your tennis morning. Repetition was stressed, but it went so quickly and with such fun, the hour and half went so fast. We learned doubles strategy as well as accuracy.
Scott was the best for overhead, Keith the very best for strategy and Brian for overall tennis...and don't miss his daily jokes! And take a separate lesson on serving with Tapi. He got me so mad, but when I returned to my club, my serve was completely different and amazingly improved! Tapi has his own style, but he does produce "magic" improvements. Thanks to all at Palmetto Dunes for the great tennis."—S.O., Adv. Int., June 2013
-
Seabrook Island Club, South Carolina
"Great courts and teaching/support staff. Exceptionally friendly and they work to set up games with residents and other guests."—C.M., Adv. Int., June 2013
-
Yonahlossee Resort & Club, North Carolina
"Fabulous facilities, and the most accommodating staff you'll ever want to meet. So friendly and helpful. Good selection of clothing and shoes in the pro shop, too. You couldn't find a better place to play tennis. The courts are well maintained, in a beautiful mountain setting."—J.P., Int., June 2013
-
Pinehurst Resort, North Carolina
"It was a great weekend, lots if tennis great instruction the video instruction of my serve finally allowed me to visualize the changes that needed to be made. The food was wonderful. Had the upgraded accommodations and the hotel was lovely."—M.D., Int., June 2013
Exclusive Packages and Specials
Discounts, room upgrades, and special packages only available on Tennis Resorts Online.
John Newcombe Tennis Ranch, Texas
TRO Exclusive: Save $100!
Tennis Resorts Online users can claim a special $100/person discount on any adult all- inclusive week-long camp program. To get it, telephone reservations toll-free at 800-444-6204 or email the Ranch. You must mention Tennis Resorts Online to get the discount. Request a brochure.
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, x4200 and ask for the Tennis Resorts Online Upgrade.
*Subject to availability at the time of booking
Julian Krinsky School of Tennis, Pennsylvania (Juniors)
JKCP Special: Save on Jr. Packages
Tennis Resorts Online has secured a discount of $250* off residential and $100 off day* bookings on any tennis camp you book at the Julian Krinsky School of Tennis. To get it, email imagine@jkcp.com or apply online at www.jkcp.com/tennis and use one of these codes: for Residential camps, TRORES2013, and for day camps, TRODAY2013.
Not sure what you want? Send an online brochure request.
*Note: May not be combined with other discounts.
On the Road
Dispatches from my latest travels
Sea Island, Georgia, and the Jensen Brothers
Cliff Drysdale Tennis at Hawk's Cay Resort, Florida
A Northern California Tennis Odyssey
Big Island's Kohala Coast: Where Hawaiian Royalty Vacationed
Soaring Above Phoenix, Arizona
Update on Florida's Alluring Panhandle
Guide to Hilton Head Island Tennis
Newport, Rhode Island, For Tennis Players
indicates a tournament
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. John Isner is the defending champion.