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.
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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.
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Reed Anderson Tennis School, California
"Reed and Laurie were wonderful. Four of us ranging from 3.0 - 4.0 participated in the 3 day camp. Us two women changed from 1/2 day to full day lessons when we realized how good it was and how much individual instruction we were getting. They tailored their instruction to our needs and what we each wanted to work on. It was the perfect combination of intensity and fun, drills and match play, and we all feel like we improved our games. We have all had quite a few lessons and this was the best we've ever had for the cost. We plan on coming back."—J.T., Int., March 2013
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Seabrook Island Club, South Carolina
"The head pro, Mike Kiser was very focused on providing members and guests with the best possible tennis experience. There are various clinics, round robins and workouts available for different levels and interests."—C.S., Adv. Int., March 2013
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Caneel Bay, A Rosewood Resort, U.S. Virgin Islands
"We are a family of four that base a lot of our vacation choices on tennis. The Virgin Islands are our favorite beaches and waters. The water sports and hiking is worldclass. This was our first stay at Caneel Bay and we will definitely go back. There was high quality, experienced coaching and there were both soft and hard courts. The facilities were beautiful. The adult clinics and round robins were well attended and enjoyable. The junior tennis was top quality which is difficult to find for tournament level players. The NC Tennis Family of the Year rates Caneel Bay exceptional."—S.T., Adv. Int., April 2013
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Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, Florida
"We had a great stay at Ponte Vedra Inn and club. I went with my 13 year old daughter for her spring break. She is getting very interested in tennis, but I don't play at all. So were looking for a place where she could get lots of instruction and games and I could do other things. The Tennis staff was great. Before heading down, we set up lessons and her participation in a clinic.
Mike, the Tennis Director was very helpful and worked with me to fill her time with an appropriate level of instruction. She joined in the morning adult drills and did well -- the others were very welcoming as were the instructors. We had hoped that there would be other kids her age and skill level who we could get matches or set up a group lesson with, but that never seemed to work out. Wished that they'd have had a more organized junior program -- since it was spring break for most schools. I guess that is the only negative I would highlight. The facilities were great as was the instruction. I hadn't checked prices beforehand, but was pleasantly surprised at how reasonable the court fees and lessons were. For a non-tennis person, I found plenty to do -- with the ocean and the lap pool, I got in a lot of swimming. Weather was a little cool and windy, but I would recommend this for others in our position."—J.H., Adv. Int., April 2013
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Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, South Carolina
"I decided to put a group of friends together, for a little 'guys get-a-way' for tennis....both to just have fun but also to tune-up for Spring USTA seasons. I had stayed at Palmetto Dunes in the past with family, taken daily clinics/lessons, from Tapi Hayrinen and this time did something different. Since four of us went down together, we had automatic matches set for weekend. We booked a condo through Palmetto Dunes Rental Properties, and had a place right by tennis center. Each morning we spent a little more than an hour with Tapi for some competitive instruction and drills, then went into our first of two mathes for the day. We were very happy with Tapi and his style/professionalism.Originally, I had heard of Tapi from a teaching Pro in our area of North Carolina and his expertise. I refer Tapi to my tennis friends who are looking for insightful and technical instruction, and suggest their staying at Palmetto Dunes...since it's convenient to Tapi's venue of teaching. My friends and I would certainly return again next year about this time, to take in some great scenery, tennis instruction and some great times."—J.R., Adv. Int., March 2013
Exclusive Packages and Specials
Discounts, room upgrades, and special packages only available on Tennis Resorts Online.
Dave Marshall Tennis, Delaware
Exclusive Weekend Specials
From now through December, Dave Marshall has two special weekend (Friday-Sunday) packages exclusively for Tennis Resorts Online readers. "Singles Spectacular": a weekend clinic for one with 8 hours of instruction, match play, a tournament, and lodging in a 1-bedroom condo. Cost: $600. "Double the Fun": a weekend clinic for two with 8 hours of instruction, match play, a tournament, and lodging in a 2-bedroom condo. Cost: $850. To book, phone Dave Marshall at 302-526-5111 and tell him you want the "Tennis Resorts Online special."
Resort at Longboat Key Club, Florida
All here. All yours. All pro.
Escape to the Four-Diamond Longboat Key Club & Resort and enjoy complimentary play on our USTA award-winning, 20-court Tennis Gardens. Experience golf, spa, dining, and Sarasota’s culture and nightlife. Click here now for their Net Results Package.
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.
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
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