From a rural city to a world-renowned tennis destination, Newks has been attracting guests for 50+ years.

The John Newcombe Tennis Ranch has been a pillar of the Texas tennis community for over 55 years. The Ranch emerged in 1968 when No. 1 player in the world and now 26-time Grand Slam Champion, John Newcombe, purchased the rundown dude ranch to create a US home base while on tour.

Much more rural at the time, ‘Newk’ found that the Texas hill country reminded him of the Australian outback, and given his marriage to German player, Angelika Newcombe (nee Pfannenburg), they were fond of the town’s German roots.

Over the past 50 years, the John Newcombe Tennis Ranch has grown similarly to the town of New Braunfels. With 31 courts including four covered and four clay courts, an array of room options, and fun off-court activities, Newk’s has managed to grow while still maintaining the unique fusion of Aussie sportsmanship that became famous during Newcombe and his mates hey days, along with Texas hospitality.

Now the site of a world class year-round academy, junior camps, and adult camps, the Ranch has truly become a tennis mecca in central Texas and continued its tradition of excellence.

In 1978, Bernice Goldstein of TENNIS Magazine wrote “There’s a Texas institution that is almost as famous as “Southfork” and just as much fun as “Gilley’s.” It’s the John Newcombe Tennis Ranch, and for the past 10 years it has been a mecca for tennis players….”

The adult camps cater to players of all levels and are a great time for solo travelers, league teams, club friends, and couples alike. The coaches are hands-on and friendly, aiming to ensure each and every guest leaves with plenty of helpful advice while feeling as though they had an awesome visit with a group of new friends. With a maximum of six guests to one pro, players are ensured that they will receive ample attention throughout group instruction. Adult camps are offered through the week as well as weekend, and one can expect to play as much as six hours of tennis a day. Non-tennis players are always welcome should guests have a partner or friend wanting to join the trip without the tennis.

Spending six hours on-court a day could be seen as daunting, but for the coaches at Newk’s, it’s simply the norm. A lot of this stems from the dedication and passion that long-time Director of Tennis, Phil Hendrie, embodies. After speaking with him, it’s clear that he’s one of the most positive people with an unmatched joy for teaching tennis.

This enthusiasm trickles down to all the pros at Newk’s. Adult Tennis Director has said that tennis is no longer simply a hobby or a job for him, but an all-encompassing lifestyle. Adam and his staff are part tennis coaches, part entertainers as they spend a great deal of time with the adults. From dining with guests in between clinics to partying and singing karaoke with them in the evenings, an adult camp at Newk’s is a unique and treasured experience that is truly special.

COO and part owner of over 40 years, Jeremy Fieldsend, has stated that the goal is for no guest to leave their visit feeling like they didn’t get enough tennis. With two clinics during the day, private lessons available, and the courts open for guests to jump on and hit more balls whenever they’d like, it’s hard to imagine anyone could feel the need for more tennis.

Additionally, Newk’s aims to work in synergy with clubs and USTA team leaders. Being a tennis resort rather than offering daily clinics to locals affords Newk’s the unique opportunity to attract players from all over while increasing their love for tennis. The hope is that a trip to Newk’s invigorates players when they return home to their usual tennis locales. This can be seen as a plus for other clubs as Newk’s goal is for guests to have a hunger for improvement afterward, eager to take more lessons and clinics with their Club pros and continue working on any tips and tricks given by the Rach’s pros.

There are also plenty of off-court activities on the Ranch and in the city of New Braunfels to entertain any and all. The Newk’s experience is unlike any other, and the energy is apparent as soon as you enter the main lodge to check in. The Billabong Bar provides world-class fun for those wishing to partake in après-tennis libations. Karaoke and boat races are always a hit on Saturdays with both the guests and pros.

“Team-Family-Team” is the motto at Newks, and guests will certainly feel this invigorating atmosphere when hanging out with pros and fellow adult-campers. While many visitors opt for a weekend trip from Friday-Sunday, the week-long option is also popular amongst those wishing to take a longer, tennis-focused vacation. If certain weekends are booked up, Newk’s reservation staff can help with accommodating.

Weekend packages can be scheduled during the week, and additional days can be added if it fits one’s schedule. All packages are also flexible, should a guest feel they want to rest for an afternoon or sleep in after a particularly joyous evening at the Billabong Bar. Guests can customize their visit however they’d like.

John Newcombe speaks of his hunger for more tennis and more instruction throughout his playing days, and his Ranch takes pride in accommodating that hunger for all guests, ensuring that those wanting the absolute maximum amount of tennis are satisfied.

Newcombe’s biannual visits coincide with Men’s Fantasy Week in October and Co-Ed Fantasy Week in March. These events have been taking place in New Braunfels for over 35 and 20 years, respectively. John headlines the event, and legends such as Rod Laver, Roy Emerson, Fred Stolle, and many more have been in attendance over the years. This generation of tennis legends is special as they are undoubtedly some of the greatest tennis players the world has ever seen. They still enjoy getting together and putting on such a grand yet intimate event. The legends attend practices, draft their teams, coach and lead clinics, and tell stories about their playing days that the tennis-obsessed guests will remember for the rest of their lives. This type of event may sound too good to be true, but it’s absolutely an honor to be able to connect and learn from some of the most well-respected heroes of the game.

Busy seasons tend to be in October and March, especially with John Newcombe onsite for much of these months. There is always a certain buzz about the Ranch when Mr. Newcombe is present, and many repeat guests will book far in advance to schedule trips around this time in hopes of seeing John at the bar, telling stories during dinner, or giving tips about mental toughness at a chalk talk.

The John Newcombe Tennis Ranch is a particularly special place, and will feel unique in today’s world of tennis. The clinics are intense and competitive, yet they remain fun. The joy in tennis is still prevalent, whilst focusing on improving one’s game. It’s evident that John Newcombe himself cares deeply about the program as well as each staff member that makes certain that guests have a wonderful and memorable visit. Glowing reviews from the immense return business that the Ranch experiences are testament to the power of the “team family team” atmosphere that exists at this Shangri-la.

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