With 31 hard and clay courts, 12 of them indoors, and a six-court stadium for the UVA tennis teams, Boar’s Head appears as a very bright blip on any tennis vacationer’s radar. That’s a huge complex for a resort with only 168 rooms, and the fact that it sits in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains near such historic sites as Thomas Jefferson’s mountaintop home Monticello and the handsome University of Virginia campus that he founded only adds to the allure.
The entire resort, including its expansive Sports Club, is owned by the University of Virginia Foundation. As a result, the club also serves as the home site for the University of Virginia’s tennis teams. They can play, train, and host tournaments outdoors on their dedicated complex of six hard courts or indoors at the Boar’s Head Sports Club. What’s more, there are ATP and WTA Pro Challenger events that take place during the spring and fall which provide opportunities to see great tennis up close at no cost (Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek are past participants).
Boar’s Head Sports Club, which has long served local members and the University of Virginia teams magnificently, also has an interest in the needs of hotel guests. With a deep roster of tennis professionals under head pro Troy Porco, it has the staff to mount a broad program of weekly events, including several weekly clinics of various sorts—Beginner/Intermediate, Advanced, Cardio, and “Drills For Thrills”—every day of the week. There are also year-round junior camps/clinics (available to the children of hotel guests), run by Ohio State University standout and former ATP touring pro Ralf Steinbach, and an adult tennis academy—with customized programs offered most weekends—headed by seasoned ALTA coach Brian Glass.
Tennis Staff: Troy Porco oversees the entire Boar’s Head Tennis Club program. He played collegiate tennis at Florida International University and then went on to coach the Auburn University women’s team and helped to coach the UVA women’s team before joining the Boar’s Head staff.
Court Complex: There are 9 outdoor hard courts and 10 outdoor clay courts. Those are supplemented by 12 indoor hard courts. Pickleball has six indoor courts (on courts they share with tennis) and 6 permanent outdoor courts. All of that is in addition to the new 6-court stadium reserved for UVA tennis teams and competition.
Off Court
Golf Courses: Davis Love II recently redesigned the resort’s championship Birdwood Golf Course creating what is, in fact, a brand-new golf course, to the degree that some of its holes are on new land and others are now played in the opposite direction. Six sets of tees mean the par-71 course plays from 4,000 to 7,200 yards. Its signature 16th, 17th, and 18th fairways wrap around the historic Birdwood Mansion. In addition, there is a 6-hole, pad-3 course.
Spa & Fitness Center: The Boar’s Head Spa is once again open following a complete renovation. The tennis courts are part of the Sports Club, a sprawling complex comprising a Junior Olympic swimming pool and two other pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center with a Cardio theater and Cybex weight-training, a climbing wall, squash and racquetball courts, some 55 weekly classes (among them Pilates and water aerobics), kids’ programs, and child care.
Dining: There are four food outlets at the Boar’s Head, chief among them the recently renovated Mill Room in the restored 1834 grist mill. It focuses on fresh, local ingredients and has a lounge and outdoor seating. In addition, you have the choice Racquets Restaurant and the outdoor Deep End Bar & Grill, both located at the Sports Club, as well as the Birdwood Ba & Grill in the golf clubhouse.
Accommodations
The 170 rooms occupy four four-story buildings in stone and cafe-au-lait-colored clapboard with gables on their shingle or metal roofs. The decor runs to four-poster beds and brass lamps, typical of a country estate, but with modern amenities like high-speed Internet access. Some have fireplaces and balconies. Views tend to be of the lake or verdant countryside.
Getting there
Seasons: Year-round
Travel Instructions: The nearest airport is Charlottesville-Albemarle Regional Airport (CHO), which is 10 miles from the resort.
Visited Boars Head for a tennis academy. The tennis professionals and facilities were top notch and I learned so much. Would definitely recommend and will be returning again for more!
MG
Brian Glass puts on an exceptional tennis clinic. It is very well run and we always come away with new techniques and strategies.
KS
Love coming here with my tennis friends for tennis clinics, visits to nearby wineries, and enjoying the resort.
CM
JC
We came to Boars Head Inn with our tennis team for a Tennis Academy. The facilities were outstanding and the instruction was geared perfectly for our level. We all belong to a tennis club but really appreciated the level of skill that the pros possessed. We all excitedly discussed all the tips we had learned at the end of each evening over wine in the beautiful resort. I can’t wait to return next year
KV
AB
AO
Great tennis clinics. Brian Glass was exceptional once again. Loads of fun with great instruction.
RR
Absolutely fantastic for a 3 day camp session. Came with a total of eight players and received exceptional training. The staff and facilities are absolutely world class. The indoor facility is amazing and ensures you won’t miss a session because of weather. We do this every year because it’s great instruction, great facilities and they treat everyone amazingly!
VJ
AW
Fantastic experience! The staff are amazing! I highly recommend!
VM
We visited boars head for a group tennis academy and it was fabulous. Our entire team had a wonderful time and learned so much from all the pros, who were knowledgeable, fun, and incredibly well organized by Brian. We have been back three times and we have already booked for next year!
JR
The Boar’s Head Tennis Academy is an annual event for our Suburban tennis team just prior to the start of our Spring season. It’s a great way to get our team members primed and prepared for our competition and shake off the winter….many players don’t have access to indoor courts over the Winter. Brian Glass and his team of Pros are always very welcoming and highly skilled. They keep us moving on the courts and runs awesome drills. Brian keeps a watchful eye on everything and will slow things down for us if there are certain skills that need more work. 3 hours is a perfect amount of time to learn and execute and play. Our team wouldn’t miss the opportunity to attend a Tennis Academy at Boar’s Head. I went twice this year already!!
DH
DC
KS
KM
Brian and his team run a wonderful program. This was my 2nd year at the tennis academy with our team and it will not be our last! We look forward to going again next year.
LF
LG
DG
EW
BW
BG
JD
KS
JH
JK
The tennis academy was really great. Brian Glass is a fantastic pro, and kept us engaged and learning the entire time while making it high energy and fun! My game and doubles strategy has definitely improved!
EM
Brian Glass’ programs at the adult tennis academy are simply excellent. He is a motivating, knowledgeable and kind tennis professional.
JD
Brian, Troy and Tyson created a great environment for our ladies tennis weekend. They were encouraging, taught us new skills and tactics, gave good feedback and lots of opportunities to reinforce what we were learning. And they kept us moving and engaged throughout. We look forward to coming back!
AB
Absolutely wonderful! Thanks to Brian, Tyson, and Betsy for outstanding instruction and making our day such fun! Annette Bradley
EF
Great staff! Here are some of our favorites….we loved Brian Glass, Betsy Nugent and Troy Porco in particular! Very lively. Encouraging. Professional. When I returned, I felt like family.
CP
I have taken multiple groups of 8 – 16 players to the Boars Head tennis academy twice a year for over five years. I find the facilities and instructors to be excellent. They are very experienced – some of them coaches for the University of Virginia Tennis Teams – and able to be flexible in customizing the program for the needs of participants. There are many good restaurants in the area, as well as wineries, breweries, distilleries and Cideries (is that a word?). I have also been at the facility for USTA championships and find the courts and facilities to be great. I highly recommend the Boars Head Resort Tennis Programs.
SR
This is a great place to get fit, play tennis, enjoy the Blue Ridge, golf, and is very close to a ton of wineries, brewpubs, and distilleries. There is a lot of history. If you like biking you can bike or hike. Charlottesville is a fantastic area.
ST
It is “Covid time” yet they have not adjusted the staffing versus the amenities offered. If insufficient staffing then reduce what it offered. Better to have fewer amenities that are good to excellent than trying to do something that is not well staffed and all have an awful experience.
EO
For the money – this is as good as it gets — all w/in a short drive of incredible hiking and beauty of the Blue Ridge
JM
Tennis staff is phenomenal; as are clinics and the junior program. Wonderful pro support of USTA teams and beautiful indoor and outdoor facilities.
SL
I. Think the food options at the sports club are terrible. There is no social space for tennis players to have a beer after tennis and a good meal. Even the food at Birdwood is very limited an unhealthy.
RF
This is one of the top racquet resorts in the world, hands down!
PB
i’ve been a member of the bhsc for decades.great facility,friendly members and staff.well maintained.
JN
There are more tennis courts here than you can count including indoor, outdoor clay and outdoor hard courts. The tennis vibe here is outstanding – there are tons of people of all ages playing regularly. The resort is top-notch too with excellent dining and a new golf course including a par-3 course. Atop that, Charlottesville is a great mountain town with lots to do.
PB
Brian Glass and his team of pros did a terrific job of keeping us moving, entertained and learning. The setting and the weather just couldn’t be beat, also. We will definitely be back!
LD
The staff is excellent and knowledgable and very courteous We have truly enjoyed being a member of the Boars Head Sports Club for many years and it continues to improve. We feel very fortunate to have such a great facility to enjoy and use!
JA
Boar’s Head Sports Center is a terrific resource for me, other members and guests. Great facilities and superb pros and support staff. Both indoor and outdoor courts are great. They have made the facilities available as much as possible during Covid19 outbreak.
MF
Staff is great tnd they make sure you get to play with good players and the overall experience is fantastic: skill and fun and friendly
GM
The facilities are amazing. Plenty of players at all levels. Super instruction. Can’t imagine a better tennis club.
RR
Recent renovations are lovely! Spa was not yet open & I look forward to going back for tennis & spa weekend. Request a newly renovated guest room.
JN
The instruction at Boar’s Head is incredible. The staff knows how to keep us moving and is always willing to stop for just a second to give a tip without disrupting the flow of the program.
MM
Strengths: great accommodations, excellent group of tennis instructors, excellent facilities (both indoor and outdoor), good restaurants, beautiful physical location, weaknesses: no reallyoutstanding tennis shop
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105 Reviews on “Boar's Head Resort”
Visited Boars Head for a tennis academy. The tennis professionals and facilities were top notch and I learned so much. Would definitely recommend and will be returning again for more!
Brian Glass puts on an exceptional tennis clinic. It is very well run and we always come away with new techniques and strategies.
Love coming here with my tennis friends for tennis clinics, visits to nearby wineries, and enjoying the resort.
We came to Boars Head Inn with our tennis team for a Tennis Academy. The facilities were outstanding and the instruction was geared perfectly for our level. We all belong to a tennis club but really appreciated the level of skill that the pros possessed. We all excitedly discussed all the tips we had learned at the end of each evening over wine in the beautiful resort. I can’t wait to return next year
Great tennis clinics. Brian Glass was exceptional once again. Loads of fun with great instruction.
Absolutely fantastic for a 3 day camp session. Came with a total of eight players and received exceptional training. The staff and facilities are absolutely world class. The indoor facility is amazing and ensures you won’t miss a session because of weather. We do this every year because it’s great instruction, great facilities and they treat everyone amazingly!
Fantastic experience! The staff are amazing! I highly recommend!
We visited boars head for a group tennis academy and it was fabulous. Our entire team had a wonderful time and learned so much from all the pros, who were knowledgeable, fun, and incredibly well organized by Brian. We have been back three times and we have already booked for next year!
The Boar’s Head Tennis Academy is an annual event for our Suburban tennis team just prior to the start of our Spring season. It’s a great way to get our team members primed and prepared for our competition and shake off the winter….many players don’t have access to indoor courts over the Winter. Brian Glass and his team of Pros are always very welcoming and highly skilled. They keep us moving on the courts and runs awesome drills. Brian keeps a watchful eye on everything and will slow things down for us if there are certain skills that need more work. 3 hours is a perfect amount of time to learn and execute and play. Our team wouldn’t miss the opportunity to attend a Tennis Academy at Boar’s Head. I went twice this year already!!
Brian and his team run a wonderful program. This was my 2nd year at the tennis academy with our team and it will not be our last! We look forward to going again next year.
The tennis academy was really great. Brian Glass is a fantastic pro, and kept us engaged and learning the entire time while making it high energy and fun! My game and doubles strategy has definitely improved!
Brian Glass’ programs at the adult tennis academy are simply excellent. He is a motivating, knowledgeable and kind tennis professional.
Brian, Troy and Tyson created a great environment for our ladies tennis weekend. They were encouraging, taught us new skills and tactics, gave good feedback and lots of opportunities to reinforce what we were learning. And they kept us moving and engaged throughout. We look forward to coming back!
Absolutely wonderful! Thanks to Brian, Tyson, and Betsy for outstanding instruction and making our day such fun! Annette Bradley
Great staff! Here are some of our favorites….we loved Brian Glass, Betsy Nugent and Troy Porco in particular! Very lively. Encouraging. Professional. When I returned, I felt like family.
I have taken multiple groups of 8 – 16 players to the Boars Head tennis academy twice a year for over five years. I find the facilities and instructors to be excellent. They are very experienced – some of them coaches for the University of Virginia Tennis Teams – and able to be flexible in customizing the program for the needs of participants. There are many good restaurants in the area, as well as wineries, breweries, distilleries and Cideries (is that a word?). I have also been at the facility for USTA championships and find the courts and facilities to be great. I highly recommend the Boars Head Resort Tennis Programs.
This is a great place to get fit, play tennis, enjoy the Blue Ridge, golf, and is very close to a ton of wineries, brewpubs, and distilleries. There is a lot of history. If you like biking you can bike or hike. Charlottesville is a fantastic area.
It is “Covid time” yet they have not adjusted the staffing versus the amenities offered. If insufficient staffing then reduce what it offered. Better to have fewer amenities that are good to excellent than trying to do something that is not well staffed and all have an awful experience.
For the money – this is as good as it gets — all w/in a short drive of incredible hiking and beauty of the Blue Ridge
Tennis staff is phenomenal; as are clinics and the junior program. Wonderful pro support of USTA teams and beautiful indoor and outdoor facilities.
I. Think the food options at the sports club are terrible. There is no social space for tennis players to have a beer after tennis and a good meal. Even the food at Birdwood is very limited an unhealthy.
This is one of the top racquet resorts in the world, hands down!
i’ve been a member of the bhsc for decades.great facility,friendly members and staff.well maintained.
There are more tennis courts here than you can count including indoor, outdoor clay and outdoor hard courts. The tennis vibe here is outstanding – there are tons of people of all ages playing regularly. The resort is top-notch too with excellent dining and a new golf course including a par-3 course. Atop that, Charlottesville is a great mountain town with lots to do.
Brian Glass and his team of pros did a terrific job of keeping us moving, entertained and learning. The setting and the weather just couldn’t be beat, also. We will definitely be back!
The staff is excellent and knowledgable and very courteous We have truly enjoyed being a member of the Boars Head Sports Club for many years and it continues to improve. We feel very fortunate to have such a great facility to enjoy and use!
Boar’s Head Sports Center is a terrific resource for me, other members and guests. Great facilities and superb pros and support staff. Both indoor and outdoor courts are great. They have made the facilities available as much as possible during Covid19 outbreak.
Staff is great tnd they make sure you get to play with good players and the overall experience is fantastic: skill and fun and friendly
The facilities are amazing. Plenty of players at all levels. Super instruction. Can’t imagine a better tennis club.
Recent renovations are lovely! Spa was not yet open & I look forward to going back for tennis & spa weekend. Request a newly renovated guest room.
The instruction at Boar’s Head is incredible. The staff knows how to keep us moving and is always willing to stop for just a second to give a tip without disrupting the flow of the program.
Strengths: great accommodations, excellent group of tennis instructors, excellent facilities (both indoor and outdoor), good restaurants, beautiful physical location, weaknesses: no reallyoutstanding tennis shop