There is a lot of shouting going on in the Billabong Bar. Some 60 of us have turned up at Newk’s Tennis Ranch on a balmy October weekend, and after introductions to the pros, an hour of lively drills, and a dinner of steak, salmon, scalloped potatoes, sautéed vegetables, salad, and chocolate cake we’ve reconvened in the bar, divided now into two groups, Team Australia and Team USA, for a pep talk with our respective captains and camp co-directors, Chris Jacques and Mitch Joyce.
The actual Davis Cup-style competition won’t take place until tomorrow when we gather as teams in two separate bleachers to cheer on our respective captains and their partners in a pro doubles exhibition. Tonight, however, we’re being introduced to the fine art of “barracking,” which consists chiefly of shouting loudly to support your team coupled with hurling insults at the opponents. And for those of us on Team Australia that also means a rehearsal of the classic cheer: “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oy, Oy, Oy.” The team meetings over, many of us grab a drink at the bar and head outside to a pavilion and firepit for s’mores, entertainment by the Grand Slams—an informal band comprised of several of the pros—and a chance to get to know more of our fellow campers.
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 beverage, and entertaining one another with songs, stories, 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 employed 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 two Fantasy events (see Calendar below. Historic photos and magazine covers of Newk decorate the walls of the main lodge, as do posters of Australia. His influence permeates the camp.
The property was, in Newk’s words “a run-down dude ranch,” when he and Mabry first looked at it, but its location in the Texas Hill Country, 20 miles north of San Antonio and 30 miles south of Austin, appealed to Newk who wanted a retreat from the circuit when he was in the U.S. Today the ranch has 31 courts, four of them indoors and another four that are clay. The original ranchhouse has a pro shop, dining room with tables for eight or more, and the Billabong Bar. Behind the ranchhouse stretches a terraced deck with picnic tables in the shade of several large live oaks—a camper favorite for lunch on pleasant days—just steps from an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub. From there it is a short stroll to the adult accommodations, which consist of a mixed bag of rooms, cottages, casitas, and one- and two-bedroom condos. As the ranch has grown, so has the town of New Braunfels, so the spread no longer feels so rural and isolated as it did when I first visited—particularly given that John Newcombe Estates, a housing development and country club, has spring up on the adjacent 200 acres. Still, I surprised a couple of deer on campus as I walked to breakfast one morning and another camper spotted a javelina.
Phil Hendrie has been the Director of Tennis for the John Newcombe Tennis Ranch for the past 40+ years, overseeing both the adult and junior programs. Throughout his time at the Ranch he has coached players such as Lleyton Hewitt, Li Na, Michael Venus, Nicole Melichar, Ryan Harrison, and many more. He also has a high success rate of getting young players college scholarships. Phil heads up a staff of more than a dozen tennis professionals including Stephen Rogers and Max McDulin, the Directors of Adult Tennis.
Tennis Programs: In the adult camps, each day begins with a basic overview of the strokes on the day's agenda, generally focused on basics of technique. From there it's out to the courts and a mixture of drills, half of them with the pro doing the feeding, the other half live ball sessions, pitting campers against each other or one or more pros. There is often one or more pros who rove, pulling aside individual campers for specific advice on improving a particular stroke. Each of the morning and afternoon sessions lasts 2½ to 3 hours and often conclude with some sort of informal doubles competition. Midweek sessions add videotaping to the mix.
Court Complex: 27 hard courts (4 covered) and 4 Har-Tru courts
Court fees: None
Off Court
Fitness Center: Although it is hard to imagine why anyone who spends 5 hours on court would feel the need for a fitness center, the Ranch does in fact have one in a cinderblock building near the covered courts, principally intended for the full-time junior academy students but available to adults who feel a need for it. It has the usual weight machines and Cardio equipment along with a battery of devices intended for tennis specific exercises, including medicine balls and balance platforms. It may also come into play, as it did during my visit, in the case of rain, sending part of the group to the covered courts, part to the fitness center for an overview of tennis-specific exercises. There is no spa; however, there is a massage therapist on call.
Accommodations
Campers can choose from a variety of accommodations, all clustered around or near the courts. These range from simple rooms with two double beds to one- and two-bedroom condos, the latter with fireplaces, full kitchens, and washer-dryers.
Getting there
Seasons: Year-round with the lowest rates available from November through February.
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.
Newks is simply wonderful. The quality of instruction is well worth the price of admission. Chris & Sal do a great job of teaching, coaching & having fun. I left Newks with a new serve and improved ground strokes. The accommodations are just OK. But the coaching makes up for it. You are hardly in your room expect to sleep and shower. The coaching staff is great and the other staff members are very nice as well. I would & have recommended to my friends. But I would highly recommend to anyone who loves tennis and would like a weekend FILLED with tennis. Oh yeah, we meet Mr. John Newcombe on our stay. How awesome is that???
AE
The John Newbcombe Tennis Ranch has always been a favorite of mine. Ever since I attended in the Summer of 2008, I have always wished that my grandparents had sent me there years ago! It is the most fun I have ever had, and I improved more there than anywhere else. The staff is WONDERFUL. All of the pros are uplifting and enthusiastic, are available for private lessons in spare time, and just generally want to help out anyone that needs it. This tennis program really motivates you to go further and be better!
MH
The tennis camp and drills are exceptional in a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Accommodations are a bit dated, but everything was very clean and the food was good. There are also several good restaurants nearby if you want to go out. Will definitely go again.
IH
I’ve never been to a tennis camp or thought of having a week of tennis lessons in my life, but I read the reviews and this resort seemed a pretty good bet. It was just as most of the reviews said. If you are there mainly for the tennis, it’s great. I knew in early May there mightn’t be too many others on the week, and there weren’t (there were 5 and then 3 of us) so if you want a crowd, take a later week. The only downside to that was that after the lessons, there was nobody to have a game with, to put into action all this newfound improvement. Otherwise, all good. The combination of Jake and Kike, and Stefan, meant I had someone looking at nearly every shot, exactly what I wanted. As a professional ski instructor in a past life, along with one of the other guys on the week, I thought the level of attention and effort and skill in imparting the message was excellent, and since coming home I’ve noticed the benefits – I should have done this ages ago. The guys were also personable and sociable, not always that easy to be day in day out, so top marks on the tennis front and to personnel, and I should also mention the other staff there, from Julie Yoe down, all very helpful for a foreign visitor. Accomodation and meals are as indicated, ranch style. Which is to say, perfectly ok though make sure you take a room with a quiet aircon system, some are a bit noisy. Food was excellent, and as a good Aussie bar should be, the beer was excellent too. You’re a bit out of town, so its a place where if you have your own crew you could really enjoy yourself socially, with the pool and spa there too. To sum up – would I go there again? Definitely.
MS
I read many stellar reviews about this camp, but I can’t say that my entire experience was stellar. I’m a beginner tennis player (less than a year), and they told me I would be fine. When I got there, all of the players were in the 3.5 – 5.0 range which was very discouraging at some points, but it did force me to play my best. For the first few days, the instruction was very spotty. I had to ask questions to get any feedback. On the last couple days, the instruction improved greatly mostly because someone from our group complained. Other than that, I’d say it was a positive experience, but I would probably try a different camp next year. I imagine this was just an off-week for the camp, but I still feel it’s worth mentioning. I hope to come back here in a few years and have a much improved experience. Extra notes: Despite the somewhat negative review above, I would like to take a moment to mention a few good things: – I came in with a horrible serve, and they helped me figure out what was wrong with it. I feel that with a little more practice, I will be VERY confident in my serve. – I came in with a flawed backhand slice, and non-existent top-spin one-handed backhand. After a bit of help, my slice is much better and my one-handed topspin backhand is going to become a serious weapon in the future. – I got to practice numerous strokes that I wouldn’t normally learn on my own (approach shots, overheads, various volleys, etc). – I feel WAY more positive about my game now than before I went.
DG
You really get the most for your money at “Newks” In addition to great tennis instruction, Chris and Sal are first class entertainers with their funny quips. They give a lot of personal attention to all.
MS
Never more than 5 players to a pro. Lots of information over a weekend. Very personable staff. A bit rustic facilities. Great food and lots of it.
MJ
I have attended the October men’s Tennis Fantasies camp every year, beginning in 1993, and have also attended either or both of the before/ after weekend sessions for almost all of those years. I have also attended weekend sessions during other times on the year on an ad hoc basis over the last decade and a half. Meanwhile, I have been to numerous other tennis resorts and tennis camps throughout the US many, many times. I can say with great certainty that Newk’s is simply the best. First, let’s get the bad out of the way. The accommodations are only ok. They are always clean, but they are not “upscale” in the least. If you are looking to be pampered with satin sheets and dark chocolate and a rose on your pillow every night, this is not the place for you. As long time Newk’s teaching pro is fond of saying, This Ain’t No Bloody Country Club!! But that negative, if it is one, is only slght and actually turns into a positive. Indeed, this is NOT a country club, and it does not purport to be one. It is a TENNIS CAMP, where you eat, sleep, drink (more on that later), breathe and otherwise exhume tennis. If tennis is your thing, this is the place to be. You will definitely — if you put in the work, that is — come back a better player merely by spending a week here. It is not unheard of for 2.5’s to return as 3.0’s, for example. Even if you are already a 4.5 or better (which is about my level), you will get better. Guaranteed. What can I say about the pros? They are simply the best. Over the years I have come to know many, many of the pros who have worked at Newk’s. All of them have gone on to head pro or similar status at other locations around the US, and beyond. All of them have been hand selected by either Newk himself or his trusted staff, and all of them are super great people. I have stayed in touch with a lot of them, and they continue to be good friends. If you take the time to meet them, they will become your friends too. These are not only wonderfully good tennis players, but they are also great and nice people. They will help you with your game in the most minutely detailed way, or talk eastern philosophy with you if you want. The food at Newk’s is what I would call Texas Hill Country stick-to-your-ribs good. It is not gourmet stuff (except during Tennis Fantasies week, when they kick it up a notch), but it is very satisfying, tasty stuff. It energizes you and satisfies your hunger, which will definitely happen because of all of the tennis and running that you will do, but it does not make you fat or feel gross. It is the perfect accompanyment to the tennis. Weekends are like parties for grownups. The beer and tequila does flow pretty heavily in the bar area on Friday and Saturday nights, mores so on Saturdays when there is a rip-roaring fun karaoke party every week. I am convinced that many people just like to attend Newk’s more for the Saturday night parties than for the tennis. The parties are THAT good. Awesome is the word that I would use to describe some of the legendary parties that I have attended in the past. I will just leave it at that. If you go, you will see what I mean and come back with your own ideas of what may be legendary. Anyway, if you like tennis, if you like people, if you like to have fun and enjoy yourself, THIS is the place for you. You simply must go once. You will keep going back again and again anbd again, just like me and all of the other “mates” who have been to Newk’s.
BW
Had a lot of fun. Got a great workout. Actually learned some things that I can’t wait to try in my game.
MR
I’ve been for the weekend adult camp 3 times this year and I always have a great time! Great courts, pros and food. I’m already looking forward to going again!
JR
I have been to about six different tennis resorts across the country, but the one that I return to year after year is the John Newcombe Tennis Ranch. This will be the 17 th year that I have returned to Newks. The staff there is more like family than employees. I have also made lifelong friends at Newks and continue to see these friends and the staff at tennis events and on vacation. While at the John Newcombs tennis Ranch you can play tennis with friends, pros, legends, and top juniors. You can play in clinics till your arm falls off or sit courtside with a cold beer and watch the action. What I love about Newks is that they embrace the Aussie notion of fighting hard on the court and being good mates off the court. And off the court has carried over to the evening parties with singing and dancing to the out-of-state friendships. I am 46 so the weight room, exercise facility, pool and jacuzzi are as important as the tennis courts these days.Depending on your condition you can drill, play matches and play in tournaments or play in just one event and hit the jacuzzi. I am looking forward to seeing Newks mates old and new this October.
MH
Chris Jacques is the BEST EVER !!!!!!!!
SP
I had a blast…both on and off the court! The tennis instruction was rock solid!!
DC
I was at the John Newcombe Tennis Ranch last weekend to celebrate friends birthdays it was absolutly amazing.Everybody who plays tennis should go for the experience no matter what level of tennis you play at you will be made to feel so welcome by all the staff they are all so amazing and very very friendly. The pros are all very profesional as well as being so funny. Laugh I have never laughed so much for such a long time. Everything at the ranch was an amazing experience and can not wait to go back again.I came back feeling sooo good.So a great big thank you to all you tennis pros for an absolutly amazing weekend you are all AWSOME!!!
TM
Newks is a strong tennis program with outstanding leadership from the staff. Chris is not only professional but provides excellent tennis knowledge while still making tennis fun!
MJ
What a great way to really focus on your game! I would highly recommend starting the weekend with a personal lesson to get the feel of the camp and then just take in as much as you can the rest of the weekend! We all enjoyed the hospitality of our instuctors and the feel good vibe of the region!
SF
I have been every year for the last 9 yrs and it never fails to please! The staff are amazing not only are they excellent tennis pro’s but most of them could make a career in show biz. the resort is set in peaceful woodland in the Texas hill country with low level ranch style accommodation blending nicely with the surroundings. Food is wholesome home cooked and plenty of it. All in all the best value vacation you can find.
LV
My teammates and I have attended Newk’s for 2 years. Being newer tennis players, we were very nervous but quickly put to ease. The pro staff is top notch and goes out of the way to make sure that we are having fun. They are very patient and give personalized attention to identify and correct flaws in technique. Everyone is very friendly and you will feel right at home. I look forward to this camp every year. Your game will improve greatly over just a few days!
LL
Newk’s Tennis Ranch the place to be! Everyone from front desk, kitchen to pros are outstanding,professional and extremely friendly! The rooms are awesome. The Pros are amazing and will answer any question and help you with anything you need help with and make it very easy to talk to them. They are fun on and off the courts! I even took my husband who does not play tennis and he had a great time with the beginner group! I absolutely had a ball and would recommend this camp to everyone! The evenings are incredible as well! Great food, great fun, great friends for a lifetime!
JC
Newks is a fun, action packed tennis resort. I had a blast! It’s nestled in the heavenly Texas Hill Country with the Guadalupe river flowing, and live music everywhere. Whether on the court or off, it’s a wonderful place! AND, the best pros & instruction! I especially loved working with Sal Barbaro. He’s an awesome coach, and there’s not doubt that my game is better for having worked with him!
KC
I’ve been to Newk’s Ranch 9 times! I’m usually the organizer for a weekend get-away for a group of ladies. We had 34 in our last group! Sal & Chris are great Tennis Directors, always making it a great learning experience as well as a really fun time at Karaoke Night! The Ranch has a really nice “down home” feel to it and the food is great as well. And of course, I’ll be going back!
JA
6 hours of engaging clinics/drills for tennis enthusiasts of all levels… followed by an all-pro evening of entertainment! Newks pros are available on and off the court… joining guests during meals to continue encouraging and helping improve their game… making the most of your time spent at the ranch. The weekend definitely ended too soon… I look forward to this weekend every year!
SP
My son and I attended Newks Tennis Ranch during Spring Break and as always the tennis pros were awesome, the drills and play were great. My son is begging for me to send him back for a summer camp! I would definitely recommend Newks Tennis Ranch for any level of instruction.
SD
This place is GREAT! I have been lucky enough to get there at least once a year for the past five or so years (twice in 2009!), and have thoroughly enjoyed my Newk’s experience each time. The accomodations are great…plenty of room to relax before or after sessions on the court, and comfy beds. The food is delicious and plentiful (I love their bacon almost more than life itself). The staff went out of their way in all respects to make sure that EVERYONE had a great time, on and off the courts. I am already planning this year’s return trip to Newk’s with my tennis pals, and am looking forward to making more friends there this year.
AB
If you are looking for a tennis camp where you work hard and play hard, then the John Newcombe Adult Tennis Camp is the place for you. As a lifelong athlete, I have attended numerous sports camps, and this was by far the most I have learned at a camp and the most fun I’ve had at camp. My team was very impressed with the wide variety of drills as well as the amount of time spent on the tennis court. If you want to improve your game and take it to the next level, I highly recommend this camp. If you want extra instruction, take advantage of the private and semi-private lessons available. The instructors were very professional, and all of them were very enthusiastic and positive. The Adult Tennis Camp offers nightly entertainment for the guests which fits well with the camp’s “work hard, play hard” philosophy. Not only will you improve your tennis, but you will have fun doing it. Everyone at Newks was very hospitable and accommodating. If you want to learn to play tennis better and have fun at the same time, this is the camp for you.
JC
Last year was my first year at Newk’s, and I had only had 5 lessons before i went. Everyone was so helpful and fun. I had such a great time that I went back again this year. The atmosphere is so comfortable and friendly, its like you belong there from the beginning. The Staff is so friendly they make you not want to leave. AND the food is so good, it made me look forward to breakfast lunch and dinner. I can’t wait till next year!
AH
This was my first tennis camp experience & it was great! The pros, Sal & Chris, were very knowledgeable, enthusiastic & patient. Next time I plan on staying for a week since I only got to experience a weekend there. It was a great learning vacation!
JL
This was my first experience at a tennis camp and I am very happy that I chose Newks. The pros (Sal, Chis, Kike) were rock solid guys on and off the court. They were very encouraging and always willing to help us improve our game. The food was excellent and the total experience was awesome. Will definately go back. Great tennis, good friends, good times…
PL
As a relative newcomer to the game, I was apprehensive at first as to what my experience at Newks would be like. The Pros were so encouraging, attentive, informative, and kind – I soon felt right at home. The group I played with were all such interesting characters. Each one was so helpful to me, and I never once felt like an outsider. The work ethic of the pros was amazing. I could see them from early morning to end of day working with others of all ages with the same enthusiasm that had been so beneficial to me. I returned home with both technical and inspirational equipping for a great tennis future. Thanks guys, your the greatest!!!
BD
Fantastic experience. Great instruction, food and overall atmosphere. Instructors provided meaningful drills and insightful coaching to help improve and refine your game. Laid back atmosphere really helped to keep focused and relaxed. Instructors feedback always positive and encouraging. Live play also solidifies the drills and brings it all together. I would go back in a heartbeat.
JB
The Ranch is a great place for superb instruction. The pros were very professional and made heart pounding drills seem like fun. Interaction with other players from all over made the days very interesting. Love to go back..the week was too short!
CB
My friends and I had a great time at this weekend camp! There were many, many drills and plenty of instruction…. never a dull moment. Our group was made up of 3.0 and 3.5 tennis players. The pros make the entire learning experience fun and entertaining!!
MM
Me and five of my friends just returned from a weekend camp at Newk’s, in the gorgeous Texas hill country. From check in to check out, everyone at the ranch went over and beyond to meet our every need. The staff were exceptionally knowledgable, talented and entertaining! They called EVERYONE by name, which was extremely impressive considering there were 40 of us there. The instruction in all areas of the game was excellent. They were always willing to stop and take the time to completely explain and demonstrate the techniques and shots. Instructor to student ratio was about 1:4! The weekend was an awesome experience and just plain ol’ fun! On Saturday evening after dinner we all enjoyed karaoke, name that tune and dancing right there in the big, comfortable lodge. I hope to return in the fall for another weekend of great tennis! If you are considering a tennis camp, I highly recommend Newk’s Tennis Ranch, no matter what your level of play is! You definitely won’t be disappointed.
AZ
The first time I went to this camp was in 1981. It is still a very pleasant place to visit and tennis is just as much fun and the tradition of good instruction has been pased on from Jeremy and Phil (back in 81)to Sal / Kike / Chris and Josh(this trip). Enjoyed it immensely. Thanks guys.
AP
We had a fabulous time. The tennis instruction was excellent, the pros were so much fun, food excellent. We will definitely return to the camp at some point.
AP
Such a great week! Excellent instruction, facilities and food. The pros made the drills and match play FUN. Kids were in the junior camp and really enjoyed it too!
LC
Had an awesome time. The pros are great, the drills get you moving and learning. I would love to take my whole tennis team there to get us ready for the USTA season. The only downside is the cleanliness of the rooms. Or lack there of. But the focus is on the tennis. And with a 1 to four ratio of instructors, there is no lack of attention on the courts.
FP
I had an absolute blast during the week-end camp. The pros pushed us just hard enough, and provided great feedback on all aspects of my game. The week-end atmosphere was awesome, a good balance of hard work and fun. I will come back!
DG
My friend I just got back from a 5 day stay at the John Newcombe Tennis Ranch. We went to this camp specifically based on a recommendation from another friend of ours. We had the best time ever. The pro’s are young but they know their stuff. They were professional, helpful, entertaining and knowledgeable. The ranch was very much an old school camp. The accomodations were adequate, and the food was good. My only complaint was it would have been nice to have the room cleaned more than just adding towels and making the beds.
DM
I took my wife and 2 daughters there for our spring break and had a fantastic time. We all learned so much from the great staff of Chris, Sal, Kika and Josh. They were entertaining as well as knowledgeable. I have no problem recommending this place. Davo
TR
I just returned from a weekend camp with a group of guys…. This is an awesome tennis camp; easily the best that I’ve ever attended! Chris, Sal, and the guys deliver excellent, intuitive, and individualized instruction – blended with with a lot of top-notch Aussie inspired fun, both on and off the court! I’ll definitely be back again soon. Cheers boys!
CP
Sal and Jake were terrific! The instructors were great and the tennis fantastic! We will definitely be back!
WP
Pretty sweet camp, although the junior camps food selections could have been better.
BB
My husband and I just got back from a weekend adult clinic at the John Newcombe Tennis Ranch. We had a GREAT time! It is a lot of information over a short time, but that gives us plenty to practice for a while. We do intend to go back for at least another weekend if not a week long clinic. The off the court activities were also a lot of fun. At first, we thought it might be a little cheesy, but it was not at all. All the instructors were very helpful, and had great, entertaining personalities. The only thing that was not well above average was our room. However, it was more than adequate, and we were rarely there. The bathroom was a bit dated, but we loved the strong shower pressure. It helped sooth our aches a bit after a FULL day of tennis.
BH
Newks is alot of fun!! If you love tennis you will love Newks. The accomodations are not top shelf but the pros and entertainment on and off the courts are.
LA
This is my 3rd year back and I love it! The pros learn your name the 1st night and are happy and energetic all weekend! I have learned alot from them. I will be back next year!
NB
The live ball competition / instruction is great. The pro’s really take time to get to know you. There is a healthy amount of Australian humor and it goes both ways. The pro’s always eat and drink with you and when it’s time to go home it’s hard to leave. We will be back….
AL
This is the 4th year in a row that our family spent the last week of the year at Newk’s. Tennis is outstanding, instruction is high level, the pros are superb, the atmosphere is fun! We cannot imagine going to any other tennis camp ever.
WW
We’ve just returned from a week at our first tennis camp. The pros were extremely welcoming and accommodating. The value was fantastic, with a high pro to student ratio. The pros were high-energy and hilarious, leading drills endlessly and organizing match play. The good quality food gave us the fuel to keep going. We’d return in a heartbeat.
WB
This was our 2nd trip back to the Ranch. My husband and I had a wonderful tennis weekend just after Thanksgiving – terrific and professional coaching, fun, good food and meeting with like-minded fabulous people. Sal, TK and Andrew are first-class coaches: encouraging, patient, outstanding work ethics and great sense of humour. What a great team family atmosphere. Thank you so much! Andy and Wai
We want to see your racquet sports vacations! When you’re documenting your trip, tag @TennisResortsOnline on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn and use #TROAdventures for a chance to be featured on our page.
458 Reviews on “John Newcombe Tennis Ranch”
Newks is simply wonderful. The quality of instruction is well worth the price of admission. Chris & Sal do a great job of teaching, coaching & having fun. I left Newks with a new serve and improved ground strokes.
The accommodations are just OK. But the coaching makes up for it. You are hardly in your room expect to sleep and shower.
The coaching staff is great and the other staff members are very nice as well. I would & have recommended to my friends. But I would highly recommend to anyone who loves tennis and would like a weekend FILLED with tennis.
Oh yeah, we meet Mr. John Newcombe on our stay. How awesome is that???
The John Newbcombe Tennis Ranch has always been a favorite of mine. Ever since I attended in the Summer of 2008, I have always wished that my grandparents had sent me there years ago! It is the most fun I have ever had, and I improved more there than anywhere else. The staff is WONDERFUL. All of the pros are uplifting and enthusiastic, are available for private lessons in spare time, and just generally want to help out anyone that needs it. This tennis program really motivates you to go further and be better!
The tennis camp and drills are exceptional in a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Accommodations are a bit dated, but everything was very clean and the food was good. There are also several good restaurants nearby if you want to go out. Will definitely go again.
I’ve never been to a tennis camp or thought of having a week of tennis lessons in my life, but I read the reviews and this resort seemed a pretty good bet. It was just as most of the reviews said. If you are there mainly for the tennis, it’s great. I knew in early May there mightn’t be too many others on the week, and there weren’t (there were 5 and then 3 of us) so if you want a crowd, take a later week. The only downside to that was that after the lessons, there was nobody to have a game with, to put into action all this newfound improvement. Otherwise, all good.
The combination of Jake and Kike, and Stefan, meant I had someone looking at nearly every shot, exactly what I wanted. As a professional ski instructor in a past life, along with one of the other guys on the week, I thought the level of attention and effort and skill in imparting the message was excellent, and since coming home I’ve noticed the benefits – I should have done this ages ago. The guys were also personable and sociable, not always that easy to be day in day out, so top marks on the tennis front and to personnel, and I should also mention the other staff there, from Julie Yoe down, all very helpful for a foreign visitor.
Accomodation and meals are as indicated, ranch style. Which is to say, perfectly ok though make sure you take a room with a quiet aircon system, some are a bit noisy. Food was excellent, and as a good Aussie bar should be, the beer was excellent too. You’re a bit out of town, so its a place where if you have your own crew you could really enjoy yourself socially, with the pool and spa there too. To sum up – would I go there again? Definitely.
I read many stellar reviews about this camp, but I can’t say that my entire experience was stellar. I’m a beginner tennis player (less than a year), and they told me I would be fine. When I got there, all of the players were in the 3.5 – 5.0 range which was very discouraging at some points, but it did force me to play my best.
For the first few days, the instruction was very spotty. I had to ask questions to get any feedback. On the last couple days, the instruction improved greatly mostly because someone from our group complained. Other than that, I’d say it was a positive experience, but I would probably try a different camp next year. I imagine this was just an off-week for the camp, but I still feel it’s worth mentioning. I hope to come back here in a few years and have a much improved experience.
Extra notes: Despite the somewhat negative review above, I would like to take a moment to mention a few good things:
– I came in with a horrible serve, and they helped me figure out what was wrong with it. I feel that with a little more practice, I will be VERY confident in my serve.
– I came in with a flawed backhand slice, and non-existent top-spin one-handed backhand. After a bit of help, my slice is much better and my one-handed topspin backhand is going to become a serious weapon in the future.
– I got to practice numerous strokes that I wouldn’t normally learn on my own (approach shots, overheads, various volleys, etc).
– I feel WAY more positive about my game now than before I went.
You really get the most for your money at “Newks” In addition to great tennis instruction, Chris and Sal are first class entertainers with their funny quips. They give a lot of personal attention to all.
Never more than 5 players to a pro. Lots of information over a weekend. Very personable staff. A bit rustic facilities. Great food and lots of it.
I have attended the October men’s Tennis Fantasies camp every year, beginning in 1993, and have also attended either or both of the before/ after weekend sessions for almost all of those years. I have also attended weekend sessions during other times on the year on an ad hoc basis over the last decade and a half. Meanwhile, I have been to numerous other tennis resorts and tennis camps throughout the US many, many times. I can say with great certainty that Newk’s is simply the best.
First, let’s get the bad out of the way. The accommodations are only ok. They are always clean, but they are not “upscale” in the least. If you are looking to be pampered with satin sheets and dark chocolate and a rose on your pillow every night, this is not the place for you. As long time Newk’s teaching pro is fond of saying, This Ain’t No Bloody Country Club!!
But that negative, if it is one, is only slght and actually turns into a positive. Indeed, this is NOT a country club, and it does not purport to be one. It is a TENNIS CAMP, where you eat, sleep, drink (more on that later), breathe and otherwise exhume tennis. If tennis is your thing, this is the place to be. You will definitely — if you put in the work, that is — come back a better player merely by spending a week here. It is not unheard of for 2.5’s to return as 3.0’s, for example. Even if you are already a 4.5 or better (which is about my level), you will get better. Guaranteed.
What can I say about the pros? They are simply the best. Over the years I have come to know many, many of the pros who have worked at Newk’s. All of them have gone on to head pro or similar status at other locations around the US, and beyond. All of them have been hand selected by either Newk himself or his trusted staff, and all of them are super great people. I have stayed in touch with a lot of them, and they continue to be good friends. If you take the time to meet them, they will become your friends too. These are not only wonderfully good tennis players, but they are also great and nice people. They will help you with your game in the most minutely detailed way, or talk eastern philosophy with you if you want.
The food at Newk’s is what I would call Texas Hill Country stick-to-your-ribs good. It is not gourmet stuff (except during Tennis Fantasies week, when they kick it up a notch), but it is very satisfying, tasty stuff. It energizes you and satisfies your hunger, which will definitely happen because of all of the tennis and running that you will do, but it does not make you fat or feel gross. It is the perfect accompanyment to the tennis.
Weekends are like parties for grownups. The beer and tequila does flow pretty heavily in the bar area on Friday and Saturday nights, mores so on Saturdays when there is a rip-roaring fun karaoke party every week. I am convinced that many people just like to attend Newk’s more for the Saturday night parties than for the tennis. The parties are THAT good. Awesome is the word that I would use to describe some of the legendary parties that I have attended in the past. I will just leave it at that. If you go, you will see what I mean and come back with your own ideas of what may be legendary.
Anyway, if you like tennis, if you like people, if you like to have fun and enjoy yourself, THIS is the place for you. You simply must go once. You will keep going back again and again anbd again, just like me and all of the other “mates” who have been to Newk’s.
Had a lot of fun. Got a great workout. Actually learned some things that I can’t wait to try in my game.
I’ve been for the weekend adult camp 3 times this year and I always have a great time! Great courts, pros and food. I’m already looking forward to going again!
I have been to about six different tennis resorts across the country, but the one that I return to year after year is the John Newcombe Tennis Ranch. This will be the 17 th year that I have returned to Newks. The staff there is more like family than employees. I have also made lifelong friends at Newks and continue to see these friends and the staff at tennis events and on vacation. While at the John Newcombs tennis Ranch you can play tennis with friends, pros, legends, and top juniors. You can play in clinics till your arm falls off or sit courtside with a cold beer and watch the action. What I love about Newks is that they embrace the Aussie notion of fighting hard on the court and being good mates off the court. And off the court has carried over to the evening parties with singing and dancing to the out-of-state friendships. I am 46 so the weight room, exercise facility, pool and jacuzzi are as important as the tennis courts these days.Depending on your condition you can drill, play matches and play in tournaments or play in just one event and hit the jacuzzi. I am looking forward to seeing Newks mates old and new this October.
Chris Jacques is the BEST EVER !!!!!!!!
I had a blast…both on and off the court! The tennis instruction was rock solid!!
I was at the John Newcombe Tennis Ranch last weekend to celebrate friends birthdays it was absolutly amazing.Everybody who plays tennis should go for the experience no matter what level of tennis you play at you will be made to feel so welcome by all the staff they are all so amazing and very very friendly. The pros are all very profesional as well as being so funny. Laugh I have never laughed so much for such a long time. Everything at the ranch was an amazing experience and can not wait to go back again.I came back feeling sooo good.So a great big thank you to all you tennis pros for an absolutly amazing weekend you are all AWSOME!!!
Newks is a strong tennis program with outstanding leadership from the staff. Chris is not only professional but provides excellent tennis knowledge while still making tennis fun!
What a great way to really focus on your game! I would highly recommend starting the weekend with a personal lesson to get the feel of the camp and then just take in as much as you can the rest of the weekend! We all enjoyed the hospitality of our instuctors and the feel good vibe of the region!
I have been every year for the last 9 yrs and it never fails to please! The staff are amazing not only are they excellent tennis pro’s but most of them could make a career in show biz. the resort is set in peaceful woodland in the Texas hill country with low level ranch style accommodation blending nicely with the surroundings. Food is wholesome home cooked and plenty of it. All in all the best value vacation you can find.
My teammates and I have attended Newk’s for 2 years. Being newer tennis players, we were very nervous but quickly put to ease. The pro staff is top notch and goes out of the way to make sure that we are having fun. They are very patient and give personalized attention to identify and correct flaws in technique. Everyone is very friendly and you will feel right at home. I look forward to this camp every year. Your game will improve greatly over just a few days!
Newk’s Tennis Ranch the place to be! Everyone from front desk, kitchen to pros are outstanding,professional and extremely friendly! The rooms are awesome. The Pros are amazing and will answer any question and help you with anything you need help with and make it very easy to talk to them. They are fun on and off the courts! I even took my husband who does not play tennis and he had a great time with the beginner group! I absolutely had a ball and would recommend this camp to everyone! The evenings are incredible as well! Great food, great fun, great friends for a lifetime!
Newks is a fun, action packed tennis resort. I had a blast! It’s nestled in the heavenly Texas Hill Country with the Guadalupe river flowing, and live music everywhere. Whether on the court or off, it’s a wonderful place! AND, the best pros & instruction! I especially loved working with Sal Barbaro. He’s an awesome coach, and there’s not doubt that my game is better for having worked with him!
I’ve been to Newk’s Ranch 9 times! I’m usually the organizer for a weekend get-away for a group of ladies. We had 34 in our last group! Sal & Chris are great Tennis Directors, always making it a great learning experience as well as a really fun time at Karaoke Night! The Ranch has a really nice “down home” feel to it and the food is great as well. And of course, I’ll be going back!
6 hours of engaging clinics/drills for tennis enthusiasts of all levels… followed by an all-pro evening of entertainment! Newks pros are available on and off the court… joining guests during meals to continue encouraging and helping improve their game… making the most of your time spent at the ranch. The weekend definitely ended too soon… I look forward to this weekend every year!
My son and I attended Newks Tennis Ranch during Spring Break and as always the tennis pros were awesome, the drills and play were great. My son is begging for me to send him back for a summer camp! I would definitely recommend Newks Tennis Ranch for any level of instruction.
This place is GREAT! I have been lucky enough to get there at least once a year for the past five or so years (twice in 2009!), and have thoroughly enjoyed my Newk’s experience each time. The accomodations are great…plenty of room to relax before or after sessions on the court, and comfy beds. The food is delicious and plentiful (I love their bacon almost more than life itself). The staff went out of their way in all respects to make sure that EVERYONE had a great time, on and off the courts. I am already planning this year’s return trip to Newk’s with my tennis pals, and am looking forward to making more friends there this year.
If you are looking for a tennis camp where you work hard and play hard, then the John Newcombe Adult Tennis Camp is the place for you. As a lifelong athlete, I have attended numerous sports camps, and this was by far the most I have learned at a camp and the most fun I’ve had at camp. My team was very impressed with the wide variety of drills as well as the amount of time spent on the tennis court. If you want to improve your game and take it to the next level, I highly recommend this camp. If you want extra instruction, take advantage of the private and semi-private lessons available. The instructors were very professional, and all of them were very enthusiastic and positive. The Adult Tennis Camp offers nightly entertainment for the guests which fits well with the camp’s “work hard, play hard” philosophy. Not only will you improve your tennis, but you will have fun doing it. Everyone at Newks was very hospitable and accommodating. If you want to learn to play tennis better and have fun at the same time, this is the camp for you.
Last year was my first year at Newk’s, and I had only had 5 lessons before i went. Everyone was so helpful and fun. I had such a great time that I went back again this year. The atmosphere is so comfortable and friendly, its like you belong there from the beginning. The Staff is so friendly they make you not want to leave. AND the food is so good, it made me look forward to breakfast lunch and dinner. I can’t wait till next year!
This was my first tennis camp experience & it was great! The pros, Sal & Chris, were very knowledgeable, enthusiastic & patient. Next time I plan on staying for a week since I only got to experience a weekend there. It was a great learning vacation!
This was my first experience at a tennis camp and I am very happy that I chose Newks. The pros (Sal, Chis, Kike) were rock solid guys on and off the court. They were very encouraging and always willing to help us improve our game. The food was excellent and the total experience was awesome. Will definately go back. Great tennis, good friends, good times…
As a relative newcomer to the game, I was apprehensive at first as to what my experience at Newks would be like. The Pros were so encouraging, attentive, informative, and kind – I soon felt right at home. The group I played with were all such interesting characters. Each one was so helpful to me, and I never once felt like an outsider. The work ethic of the pros was amazing. I could see them from early morning to end of day working with others of all ages with the same enthusiasm that had been so beneficial to me. I returned home with both technical and inspirational equipping for a great tennis future. Thanks guys, your the greatest!!!
Fantastic experience. Great instruction, food and overall atmosphere. Instructors provided meaningful drills and insightful coaching to help improve and refine your game. Laid back atmosphere really helped to keep focused and relaxed. Instructors feedback always positive and encouraging. Live play also solidifies the drills and brings it all together.
I would go back in a heartbeat.
The Ranch is a great place for superb instruction. The pros were very professional and made heart pounding drills seem like fun. Interaction with other players from all over made the days very interesting. Love to go back..the week was too short!
My friends and I had a great time at this weekend camp! There were many, many drills and plenty of instruction…. never a dull moment. Our group was made up of 3.0 and 3.5 tennis players. The pros make the entire learning experience fun and entertaining!!
Me and five of my friends just returned from a weekend camp at Newk’s, in the gorgeous Texas hill country. From check in to check out, everyone at the ranch went over and beyond to meet our every need. The staff were exceptionally knowledgable, talented and entertaining! They called EVERYONE by name, which was extremely impressive considering there were 40 of us there.
The instruction in all areas of the game was excellent. They were always willing to stop and take the time to completely explain and demonstrate the techniques and shots. Instructor to student ratio was about 1:4! The weekend was an awesome experience and just plain ol’ fun! On Saturday evening after dinner we all enjoyed karaoke, name that tune and dancing right there in the big, comfortable lodge.
I hope to return in the fall for another weekend of great tennis! If you are considering a tennis camp, I highly recommend Newk’s Tennis Ranch, no matter what your level of play is! You definitely won’t be disappointed.
The first time I went to this camp was in 1981. It is still a very pleasant place to visit and tennis is just as much fun and the tradition of good instruction has been pased on from Jeremy and Phil (back in 81)to Sal / Kike / Chris and Josh(this trip). Enjoyed it immensely. Thanks guys.
We had a fabulous time. The tennis instruction was excellent, the pros were so much fun, food excellent. We will definitely return to the camp at some point.
Such a great week! Excellent instruction, facilities and food. The pros made the drills and match play FUN. Kids were in the junior camp and really enjoyed it too!
Had an awesome time. The pros are great, the drills get you moving and learning. I would love to take my whole tennis team there to get us ready for the USTA season. The only downside is the cleanliness of the rooms. Or lack there of. But the focus is on the tennis. And with a 1 to four ratio of instructors, there is no lack of attention on the courts.
I had an absolute blast during the week-end camp. The pros pushed us just hard enough, and provided great feedback on all aspects of my game. The week-end atmosphere was awesome, a good balance of hard work and fun. I will come back!
My friend I just got back from a 5 day stay at the John Newcombe Tennis Ranch. We went to this camp specifically based on a recommendation from another friend of ours. We had the best time ever. The pro’s are young but they know their stuff. They were professional, helpful, entertaining and knowledgeable. The ranch was very much an old school camp. The accomodations were adequate, and the food was good. My only complaint was it would have been nice to have the room cleaned more than just adding towels and making the beds.
I took my wife and 2 daughters there for our spring break and had a fantastic time. We all learned so much from the great staff of Chris, Sal, Kika and Josh. They were entertaining as well as knowledgeable. I have no problem recommending this place. Davo
I just returned from a weekend camp with a group of guys…. This is an awesome tennis camp; easily the best that I’ve ever attended! Chris, Sal, and the guys deliver excellent, intuitive, and individualized instruction – blended with with a lot of top-notch Aussie inspired fun, both on and off the court! I’ll definitely be back again soon. Cheers boys!
Sal and Jake were terrific! The instructors were great and the tennis fantastic! We will definitely be back!
Pretty sweet camp, although the junior camps food selections could have been better.
My husband and I just got back from a weekend adult clinic at the John Newcombe Tennis Ranch. We had a GREAT time! It is a lot of information over a short time, but that gives us plenty to practice for a while. We do intend to go back for at least another weekend if not a week long clinic.
The off the court activities were also a lot of fun. At first, we thought it might be a little cheesy, but it was not at all. All the instructors were very helpful, and had great, entertaining personalities. The only thing that was not well above average was our room. However, it was more than adequate, and we were rarely there. The bathroom was a bit dated, but we loved the strong shower pressure. It helped sooth our aches a bit after a FULL day of tennis.
Newks is alot of fun!! If you love tennis you will love Newks. The accomodations are not top shelf but the pros and entertainment on and off the courts are.
This is my 3rd year back and I love it! The pros learn your name the 1st night and are happy and energetic all weekend! I have learned alot from them. I will be back next year!
The live ball competition / instruction is great. The pro’s really take time to get to know you. There is a healthy amount of Australian humor and it goes both ways. The pro’s always eat and drink with you and when it’s time to go home it’s hard to leave. We will be back….
This is the 4th year in a row that our family spent the last week of the year at Newk’s. Tennis is outstanding, instruction is high level, the pros are superb, the atmosphere is fun! We cannot imagine going to any other tennis camp ever.
We’ve just returned from a week at our first tennis camp. The pros were extremely welcoming and accommodating. The value was fantastic, with a high pro to student ratio. The pros were high-energy and hilarious, leading drills endlessly and organizing match play. The good quality food gave us the fuel to keep going. We’d return in a heartbeat.
This was our 2nd trip back to the Ranch. My husband and I had a wonderful tennis weekend just after Thanksgiving – terrific and professional coaching, fun, good food and meeting with like-minded fabulous people. Sal, TK and Andrew are first-class coaches: encouraging, patient, outstanding work ethics and great sense of humour. What a great team family atmosphere. Thank you so much! Andy and Wai