South Beach is a separate fiefdom within Sea Pines, the legendary development at the southern tip of Hilton Head Island. It clusters around the South Beach Marina, a collection of New England-inspired buildings containing shops, restaurants, and a bargain-priced inn. For tennis players, however, the lure is the South Beach Racquet Club, whose 13 courts attract their own coterie of avid players with a blend of homey, Low Country architecture and a friendly, clublike atmosphere.

Tennis Features

Pro Shop: 843-671-2215

Though upstaged by the high-profile Sea Pines Racquet Club in another part of the development, the South Beach Racquet Club deserves consideration, especially if you simply love to play. Its tiny, welcoming clubhouse, partly shaded by a giant live oak tree, resembles a Low Country cottage, with a porch that wraps around two sides. Rocking chairs on the porch, which overlooks Court 1, and free morning coffee (except in summer) encourage people to drop by and hang around. "Many of our members have their own rocking chair," notes Don Sigmon, who owns and operates the club with his wife Rachel. Those avid members account for much of the activity; however everyone is welcome, whether or not they're staying within the resort. Or as Sigmon puts it: "To play here you need to like tennis and enjoy having a good time."

The club is just a few steps from the shops, restaurants, and watersports center at South Beach Marina and about 300 yards from the beach. Bicycles can be rented at the racquet club, and at the end of the day lots of people wander over to the Salty Dog Cafe, a favorite place for beverages and snacks.

Tennis Staff. Owners Don and Rachel Sigmon take an active part in the club's operation.
Tennis Programs. Apart from private lessons, South Beach runs stroke-of-the-day clinics for adults and a variety of clinics for children (ages 5-8), pre-teens, and teens. With roughly 175 members—about half of them full-time residents—to draw on, the staff can often put together competitive matches for anyone who asks. Another way to meet players—apart from just dropping by—is to attend one of the twice-weekly round robins, which attract anywhere from a few to 16 players. Beyond that there are adult clinics and drills and several junior sessions (by age or ability) every Monday through Friday.
Courts & Fees. South Beach has 13 clay courts, six of them in a cluster anchored by the clubhouse and another seven among the trees across the road. Fees are $20/hour (although those who rent through certain agencies get free or discounted rates—check with the pro shop for up-to-date information).

Your Call

Here's what others have had to say about South Beach Racquet Club.

• "Participated in daily drills with Alfredo, the Head Tennis Pro, for one week in each of the last 6 years. Each day there are different drills with points played the last 20 minutes of the session. Alfredo is an excellent instructor who explains strategy and why you should hit a shot a certain way. These daily drills are the highlight of my week in Hilton Head!"—T.C.,  October 2008

• ""—A.M., Adv. Int., August 2008

• "My favorite place to play. Great courts, setting, and people. I highly recommend it."—B.H., Adv. Int., July 2008

• ""—A.R., Adv. Int., May 2008

• "SBRC is a long time favorite. Great setting, great staff, great tennis!"—C.C., Adv. Int., April 2008

• "South Beach Racquet Club is great. The club is operated by very nice and accomodating people. Fantastic pro shop right next to the courts with rocking chairs for your sitting/viewing pleasure. The pros were excellent and very friendly - easy to pick up some new tips.
  I love the biking and the easy access to the beach. The restaurants were also unique and really fun. I have visited twice over a two year period and both times I wished I could stay longer. I did not check out the spa availability or services."—N.K., Int., April 2008

• "My 12 year old son signed up for a group clinic, but after the first day he was the only attendee. Alfredo Soliz was the pro and he was very good with my son. He saw that he was a relative newcomer and he taught him alot of bsics that he is using now that he has returned home. He loaned my son a different racquet that made a world of difference. After returning home, the instructor at his club at home has recommended he move up already."—M.F., Beg., April 2008

• "I love the courts at South Beach. They are always well maintained and I can usually play in the shade of one of the many tall trees!"—R.N., Low Int., April 2008

• "My wife and I were introduced to South Beach about 5 years ago and have been back at least once every year since. The management, staff and courts are excellent! We plan to be back for many years to come."—G.N., Adv. Int., April 2008

• "great facility! the pros were very professional and the staff was friendly and knowlegable"—L.T., Adv. Int., April 2008

• "Alfredo the head pro was genial and very practical. South Beach Raquet Club is a small very friendly place at the tip of Hilton Head. Great tennis along with a great location."—B.B., Beg., April 2008

• "I have visited South Beach Racquet Club on many occasions and have always found the resort to very welcoming. The emphasis is on tennis and fun. With 13 courts, several pros, a fully stocked pro shop and friendly staff the resort always meets all my needs. When my time on the court is done, the covered deck with great rocking chairs makes relaxing easy. I highly recommend South Beach Racquet Club."—K.H., Adv., April 2008

See Also

If you like the friendly informality of the South Beach Racquet Club, also check out:

• TOPS'L Beach & Tennis Resort, Florida
• The Homestead, Michigan
• Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort, South Carolina

Travel Essentials

Seasons. Year-round though busiest during the outdoor season from June into September.

South Beach Inn & Vacation Rentals., Inc.
232 S. Sea Pines Dr.
Hilton Head Island, SC 29938
Phone: 843-671-6498
Toll-free: 800-367-3909
Fax: 843-671-7495
Web: South Beach Inn & Vacation Rentals

South Beach Racquet Club
230 South Sea Pines Dr.
P.O. Box 5994
Hilton Head Island, SC 29938
843-671-2215
Fax: 843-671-1044
Web Link: South Beach Racquet Club

Internet Rates! Other Hilton Head Island Lodging. Check For Internet Specials at Hotels, Condos, and Villas

Travel Instructions. By Air: South Beach is 45 miles from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) in Georgia and 95 miles from Charleston International Airport (CHS). Major airlines serve both of those gateways. It is also possible to fly directly to Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH), on commuter service from US Airways Express, via Charlotte, NC. Rental cars and shuttles are available at all three airports.

General Tourist Information. Visit the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau web site or contact them at 1 Chamber Dr., P.O. Box 5647, Hilton Head Island, SC 29938; 843-785-3673 or toll-free 800-523-3373.

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