Here's what others have had to say about John Newcombe Tennis Ranch.
"My wife and I attended for a weekend session. Based on the reviews here, we were wonderfuly surprised & pleased with the accomidations. They were somewhat spartan, but clean, comfortable, and right next to the courts! A real plus was the washer & dryer in unit...
The tennis instruction was phenominal. Chris, Sal and Adrian were all fantastic. Upon departing I was quite sad, as I remarked to my wife, "there is a lot more tennis I can learn here".
Two small demerits. At the end of the first day one of the women in our small group of 9 asked one of the pro's "If there was one thing you could change about each of our game, what would it be?" I expected a fluffy generic answer. This guy went through each person and gave an amazingly tailored response. Everybody was just wide eyed and nodding as the knowledge came forth...until it came to me...when my turn came he confessed he hadn't seen my game enough. (this was while we were drinking the beer he had just brought out in a cooler for us...so really, I was still very happy).
The other demerit would be more on me. The last of the 3 sessions over the weekend were serve/return. I had been looking forward to the serve piece all weekend..well...for weeks really. The group we were with was struggling with slice serves/conti grip, so that was where the serve time was spent. I'd been hoping for the time to take my serve to another level, but recived reinforcement for something I was already comfortable with. Bad on me for not raising my hand and saying "this is not what I want, I want this...".
Two small demerits...and a trunk full of kudos. The best tennis instruction I have ever received. More eye opening comments/critiques than I have ever experienced. My groundstrokes are better, my volley is massively improved. My wife and I are -talking- tennis to each other! I am already negotiating with my wife on when we can go back for a full week. That could not be any higher compliment..I want to do business with Newk's again, giving them both my dollars, and more importantly to me, my time."—M.H., Int., April 2012
"Two years ago I was invited to attend a Newks weekend with the ladies on one of my leagues. After my first weekend there, I decided I was going to be a "lifer" every year at Newks as these ladies are! Newks is the perfect mix of...
- Non-stop tennis drills, instruction, and match play
- Incredibly funny, kind, and engaging pro's
- Hard-worked days and fun-filled evenings
I have met people from all over the country as the atmosphere is relaxing and social. Everyone is included! You can go there as a single, with a group of friends or family. They know how to teach all levels and definitely cater to your current tennis needs.
The price is right! On my way home I was shocked at the value remembering the amount of court time, instruction, food, accommodations, and entertainment. The pro's really put in an amazing effort to make your experience special!!
I can't wait for our next trip!!"—M.B., Adv., April 2012
"John Newcombe Tennis Ranch is the best place for me and my team to interact and have a ball with one another. There is something for all of us with its outstanding combination of fun social time and exceptional tennis instruction. Counting the days until we get to come again next spring!!"—M.B., Adv. Int., April 2012
"I had the best time at the John Newcombe Tennis Ranch this past Feb. ! It was my first visit to the Ranch, along with my whole tennis team. We loved the Pro's, and their staff! All of them gave great technique advice. And of which I took home and used to improve my game! We will be back for more learning and drills! A big thanks to them all!!"—D.A., Int., April 2012
"I’ve been organizing different annual group trips to Newks for many years now and every year the group has thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Organizing a trip for a large number of people to anywhere can be difficult, so I’ve always appreciated the Newks reservations team who are cheery, helpful and try to make everything as easy as possible. The Ranch itself feels nicely remote (even though it isn’t so much anymore), so it's easy to leave everything behind, relax and concentrate on spending a fun weekend with friends on the courts or in the bar. As most people have mentioned, the accommodations are fairly basic, but over the years, they have been steadily updated and we've always found them to be clean, comfortable and more than adequate for our stay. And for those who like to stay connected to the outside world, each room has a TV and free Wi-Fi. The buffet-style food is good and greatly welcomed after being worked to exhaustion on the courts. As someone else said earlier, the food is a mixture of healthy and comfort. Also, the kitchen will cater for individual dietary requirements if you let them know in advance. The pros are DEFINITELY what make Newks special. Sal and Chris, in particular, have been there for several years and yet somehow they keep everything fresh, lively and entertaining. I don't think I’ve seen more upbeat enthusiasm in one person than I have in Sal – and it never wanes! Even though the instruction is serious, the pros are always joking and keeping things light-hearted and fun. Our group is usually a mixture of every level of player and everyone is catered for in terms of appropriate instruction. Each year there are new drills and games covering every single part of our game and most of the group will come away with something new to practice. This is what keeps us coming back. That and the evening entertainment – the pros make sure everyone has a great time both on and off the courts! All of the other staff we come in contact with over the weekend (reception, bar, kitchen) are friendly and helpful and contribute to the whole experience. At first glance, it may seem a lot to spend on a weekend but considering all that's included (two nights' accommodation, a full day and a half of tennis instruction & drills, all of your meals and evening entertainment), we think it's very good value. We just went last month, and I know that at several points over the coming year, people will ask me when we're going again. And it won’t be long before I’m starting to organize another visit! As a final note, just to warn you… it is a LOT of tennis so, if you like to fill your weekend with laughs and contented, sheer exhaustion, this is the place for you!"—A.J., Adv. Int., April 2012
"I’ve been organizing different annual group trips to Newks for many years now and every year the group has thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Organizing a trip for a large number of people to anywhere can be difficult, so I’ve always appreciated the Newks reservations team who are cheery, helpful and try to make everything as easy as possible. The Ranch itself feels nicely remote (even though it isn’t so much anymore), so it's easy to leave everything behind, relax and concentrate on spending a fun weekend with friends on the courts or in the bar. As most people have mentioned, the accommodations are fairly basic, but over the years, they have been steadily updated and we've always found them to be clean, comfortable and more than adequate for our stay. And for those who like to stay connected to the outside world, each room has a TV and free Wi-Fi. The buffet-style food is good and greatly welcomed after being worked to exhaustion on the courts. As someone else said earlier, the food is a mixture of healthy and comfort. Also, the kitchen will cater for individual dietary requirements if you let them know in advance. The pros are DEFINITELY what make Newks special. Sal and Chris, in particular, have been there for several years and yet somehow they keep everything fresh, lively and entertaining. I don't think I’ve seen more upbeat enthusiasm in one person than I have in Sal – and it never wanes! Even though the instruction is serious, the pros are always joking and keeping things light-hearted and fun. Our group is usually a mixture of every level of player and everyone is catered for in terms of appropriate instruction. Each year there are new drills and games covering every single part of our game and most of the group will come away with something new to practice. This is what keeps us coming back. That and the evening entertainment – the pros make sure everyone has a great time both on and off the courts! All of the other staff we come in contact with over the weekend (reception, bar, kitchen) are friendly and helpful and contribute to the whole experience. At first glance, it may seem a lot to spend on a weekend but considering all that's included (two nights' accommodation, a full day and a half of tennis instruction & drills, all of your meals and evening entertainment), we think it's very good value. We just went last month, and I know that at several points over the coming year, people will ask me when we're going again. And it won’t be long before I’m starting to organize another visit! As a final note, just to warn you… it is a LOT of tennis so, if you like to fill your weekend with laughs and contented, sheer exhaustion, this is the place for you!"—A.J., Int., April 2012
"Newk's NEVER disappoints! The tennis instruction is great thanks to the best pros in the south. It is a great way to spend a weekend if you are a tennis fan. All levels of players are welcome and the pros make sure you get the appropriate instruction for any level you play.The food is excellent too! If you have never been to Newk's you've gotta go and if it's been a while since you've been it's time to go back!"—M.H., Adv., April 2012
"I was so impressed with the weekend camp at Newks. Even though it rained most of the time, we didn't feel like we missed anything because of the covered courts and the enthusiasm of the pros. Sal is such a talented and fun pro! He does a great job keeping the drills exciting and educational, has a great rapport with the other coaches, and also is very entertaining... great sense of humor! It was a weekend I will never forget and can't wait to go back!"—B.T., Int., April 2012
"I love Newks! What a great tennis experience. I've been twice. The first time I was a relatively inexperienced player and then 4 years later with a little better skill set. Both experiences were outstanding. The pros are professional yet fun and honest. I walked away with new skills, a tan, and a few new friends. What more could you ask for? Oh, and if the tennis development program kids are there you can see some of the best young talent in the world playing! The rooms are sparse but clean and comfortable (you are there for the tennis, right?). The downtime is fun. I was there with a big group the first time and a small group the second. Both times the staff managed to make the evenings a blast. I would highly recommend Newks to those looking for a great tennis experience but not a spa:) I loved it and am working on the plans for my next trip!"—M.A., Int., April 2012
"I love this place!! This was my 9th time to attend and my 19 year old son attended with me for the first time. Everyone was extremely friendly & welcoming. The coaching staff at Newk's is exceptional. Chris & Sal are extremely talented and go out of their way to work on your specific game and to keep everyone's interest level high. Adrian ia a real asset to the staff too. Best of all the coaches continue to stay in touch with their guests and show a genuine interest in hearing how their games have improved. Can't wait to book my next trip!!"—A.M., Adv. Int., April 2012
"The adult program is run by Sal, who is one of the most talented pro's I have ever come across. However, all of the pro's are very knowledgeable and enthusiastic, always working to help improve your game. The facility had a laid back atmosphere, yet provided as an intense experience as you wanted it to be. My game improved greatly, as did my son's, he participated in their junior program. I would highly recommend this facility to anyone looking to improve their game as well as to have some fun!"—A.R., Int., March 2012
"This is the BEST CAMP ever !! Not only have I gone to NEWKS for the week long tennis but I have been fortunate enough to have been to several Texas Sectionals held at NEWKS. The Pros not only warmed us up but they were most supportive during the weekend. They are the BEST !! For the week long camp you not only get alot of drills but also alot of strategy. It never seems like hard work . even though it is "NOT A COUNTRY CLUB" it seems like "COMING HOME". Thanks Sal,Chris and Adrian..looking forward to another great week in April."—P.B., Int., March 2012
Rates vary seasonally at Newk's, reaching lows from November through February, when they offer a lot of 2-for-1 specials. All packages include accommodations, tennis instruction, and all meals. Prices are quoted per person assume double occupancy. Single-occupancy rates are also available.