It is Saturday evening at the John Newcombe Tennis Ranch in New Braunfels, Texas, and the Aussie pros are busy recruiting campers for karaoke night in the Billabong Bar. Songbooks listing hundreds of titles get passed around. To get things started, Chris Jacques and Sal Barbaro, who co-direct, belt out a couple of numbers. The juniors—both those who live and train at the camp and those on vacation with their parents—often succumb first, usually in trios or quartets and often accompanied by one the pros.

The adult campers hang back at first, sometimes singing along as the words appear on a television screen but reluctant to take microphone in hand and become part of the entertainment. Ralph, who's been there before, breaks the ice and brings down the house with his rendition of Elvis Presley's "You Ain't Nothing but a Hound Dog." And then others join in, doing old Beatles tunes or Billy Joel ballads and adding to the party atmosphere. When "Twist and Shout" comes on, Evelyn, a lawyer from Nashville, looks at a crowd of Generation Xers trying to do the twist and drags me onto the dance floor saying, "We have to show them how it's done."

Overview

They don't make tennis camps like Newk's tennis ranch anymore. It is the last of a breed, a vestige of the tennis-boom era when days of banging balls were followed by nights of hanging out with the pros and new-found tennis mates. Everybody played together all day and then gathered together again for dinner, merry-making and maybe a few beers, entertaining one another with songs, jokes, and conversation. The unwritten assumption was that anyone who loved tennis enough to spend five hours a day doing drills must be worth getting to know.

Former world No. 1 John Newcombe opened the ranch in 1968 with former Trinity University coach Clarence Mabry. Much of the teaching methodology continues to be based on the techniques Newk learned from legendary Australian Davis Cup coach Harry Hopman and on those Mabry used when he helped launch the careers of Dick Stockton, Brian Gottfried, and Chuck McKinley. As principal owner, Newk spends as much as six weeks a year at the Ranch, including the Fantasy events. Historic photos and magazine covers of Newk decorate the walls of the main lodge, as do posters of Australia. His influence permeates the camp.

In the adult camps, each day begins with a chalk talk, occasionally supplemented by video, which could cover anything from the physiology of making changes to strategy and tactics. From there it's out to the courts and a choice of two approaches: one weighted more heavily toward pure instruction, the other toward advanced drills. Sessions last 2½ hours, and campers can choose to do morning, afternoon, or both. Either way, the day concludes with an optional doubles round robin, which in keeping with the ranch atmosphere is as much social as it is competitive.

The ranch and its 28 courts (4 indoor), four of which are clay, sprawl through the Texas Hill Country 30 miles north of San Antonio. Originally a dude ranch with minimalist accommodations, it has a collection of condominiums which, though not luxurious, have oversize rooms, fireplaces, and complete kitchens. The cuisine has evolved with more pastas, salads, and fresh fruit where once there was mainly meat and potatoes. But the atmosphere remains unabashedly social.

Your Call

Here's what others have had to say about John Newcombe Tennis Ranch.

• "In a nutshell, Newks is about the tennis. We were there, in June, 2008. I participated in the Adult clinic while my son, who plays USTA events and HS tennis, was in the Junior Academy. The Academy has top-ranked juniors with excellent instruction and match-play, for your competitive child and a Camp for kids interested in improving their tennis game and having fun. The Adult clinic offers instruction and drills. Private lessons are available and match-play can be arranged.
  Although, Newks is about the tennis, it is also about having fun. The support staff are friendly and helpful. The kids train hard, while on the court, but are always having a great time, when not playing tennis.
  In general, the pros know the game are congenial and can teach. Joe Hogan, the Adult clinic pro, was exceptional. He was able to find the flaws in my strokes and I noticed the improvement in my game, in only one week. The video review was very instructional, as well. Joe took the time to hit with me after the clinics and also set up matches with local players, in the evening.
  Newks "is not a bloody country club." Do not expect fancy acoomadations, five-star cuisine and spectacular night-life. The value is in the friends, fun and ultimately, the tennis. Like many others, I will be back again."—M.P., Adv. Int., June 2008

• "My wife and I just returned from our tennis camp/vacation. It was everything we expected. Joe Hogan and Debbie were great instructors giving great individual attention. The food was great with my only complaint being the beds. Our condo came with two twin beds put together. Twin beds are short so my head stuck over one end while my feet stuck out over the bottom. I think this camp is really a good value. Would we go back? You bet!!!"—R.K., Int., June 2008

• "This was my second time attending Newk's - and I will continue to come back for years to come! Both of my trips have been for 5 day adult camps. The on-court and off-court staff, tennis facilities and food are all top notch. This is a players camp so don't expect a Hilton as far as accommodations go, but the friendliness of the staff and quality cuisine more than make up not having the fluffy resort amenities.
  The rooms are clean and spacious. The showers have great water pressure and the beds are comfortable which is key for any player who works hard on court each day.
  The instruction on court is varied - lots of drills, match scenarios and some fun games that really test your foot work. The court staff are quality guys that truly love tennis and want to see their guests have a good time while also improving their game. They're also keen to take you out on the town to show you some of the local surroundings if you're so inclined!
  I travel quite a bit (personally and for business) and I can honestly say that my pilgrimage to Newk's is one trip I look forward and don't want to miss each year!"—L.S., Adv. Int., June 2008

• ""—A.Z., Beg., June 2008

• "Great weeked of tennis!"—R.M., Int., May 2008

• ""—J.L., Adv. Int., May 2008

• "I attended the week long camp in April. It was better then I expected. The food was very good; had variety. I stayed in the condo which was fine - it would have been nice to have a fridge, though.
  As for the tennis staff and the camp - EXCELLENT! Cheers to Chris, Sal, Jarreth, Russ, and Christian. They are such nice guys; they treat every one the same. And they know their tennis and are really good teachers. The tennis was an awesome learning experience. You get constant feedback, and the drills are designed so you're on the move most of the time. I have so much to work on!! We had a great group of people and there was something planned every night. Definately NOT a country club attitude!
  This was my first experience at a tennis camp. It was really one of the best things I've done and price-wise - this was a great deal. For any player that wants to improve and has thought about doing a camp - it is worth it. And this place is a wonderful 1st experience. I will return!"—J.V., Adv. Int., May 2008

• "I went for the weeklong session for the second year and simply put i would not consider any other tennis destination! Newks is ROCK SOLID on all fronts ... i left aching, blistered and fired up ... can't wait til next year ...thanks again mates!"—I.W., Int., May 2008

• "My first ever trip to a tennis weekend at Newks was incredible! One of my doubles mates who was with me asked my thoughts and if it was what I expected. I had to say that it was so much more. The instructors make this a great time with their wit and professional attitude. For me, I will return often. Also, if you know the New Braunfels area in Texas, it is absolutely beautiful! Accomodations were fabulous, food great, and program was just perfect."—R.J., Adv. Int., May 2008

• "I along with 5 others from our team just returned from a weekend at the ranch. We had a fabulous time-- the staff was awesome and the food was great.. and we are always up for hours and hours of tennis... i was just expecting a lot of tennis.. i didn't expect to learn some things.. so that was an added bonus! We also are always up to dance and sing late night. The staff again was fabulous as was the entire experience at the ranch and we can't wait to go back!"—N.S., Int., May 2008

• "Great tennis weekend. Never hit so many balls in just a weekend. 17 hours of tennis I logged in. A great variety of drills, matches, precise instruction from Thursday night to Sunday morning. $436 plus room and awesome cuisine. the best is the stuff with Chris and Sal as the major goofers, but awesome pros when it comes to provide with ideas on how to improve your game.
  if you really like tennis and you are in Texas, plese give yourself the affordable luxury of coming to newks for a weekend.P.S. Remembering that the ranch is not a bloody Country club is the only condition at the door. loved it!!!"—J.A., Adv. Int., May 2008

• ""—S.D., Int., May 2008

Calendar

See Also

If you're looking for an all-day tennis camp with lots of social atmosphere, also check out:

• Bollettieri Tennis Academy, Florida
• Amherst Tennis Camp, Massachusetts Summer only
• New England Tennis Holidays, New Hampshire Summer only
• Total Tennis, New York Liveliest summer and early fall

Travel Essentials

Seasons. Year-round with the best rates coming in November, January, and February.

John Newcombe Tennis Ranch
325 Mission Valley Rd.
New Braunfels, TX 78132
830-625-9105
Toll-free: 800-444-6204
Fax: 830-625-2004
Web Link: John Newcombe Tennis Ranch

 

Travel Instructions. By air: The nearest airports are San Antonio, roughly 30 minutes to the south, and Austin, roughly 45 minutes to the north. By Car: The ranch is on Highway 46 in New Braunfels, Texas. From San Antonio, take I-35 North to Loop 337. Exit and turn left following Loop 337 to Highway 46 West. Exit, turn left (west), and drive approximately 2 miles then turn left at the large water tower marked "Newks Resort." Follow the signs to the Main Lodge.

General Tourist Information. For general information about travel in Texas, visit the Texas Tourism web site or contact them at 800-888-8TEX.

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