On one of my visits to Palmetto Dunes, I opted for a bicycle to get around the resort using its extensive web of dedicated bike paths, an option popular with many of its guests (though there’s also a free on-call Dunes Buggy shuttle). My own route to the tennis courts took me through quiet tree-filled neighborhood of houses, villas, golf fairways, and lagoons. Not until I’d ridden beyond a guard gate did I come upon anything resembling commercial enterprises, though even those consisted of little more than an unobtrusive General Store; a bike, canoe, and kayak rental shop; a restaurant; the tennis center; a golf clubhouse; and the entrance road to the Marriott, one of two hotels (the other an Omni) tucked into this 2,000-acre resort. Only by then following the bike path north though a canopy of trees and then under William Hilton Parkway (Rte. 278) would I eventually leave behind the resort’s leafy neighborhoods for the collection of shops, indoor and outdoor restaurants, and art galleries (and some marina-view villas) in the Mediterranean-inspired buildings that line Shelter Cove Harbour.
There are really two faces to Palmetto Dunes. The largest section, which extends from the beach to the parkway, contains most of the lodging as well as the tennis, three designer golf courses, and most of the other recreational amenities other than those associated with the marina. And if you don’t opt to stay in a beachfront villa—which I did not on this latest trip—a bike is also a useful vehicle not only to reach the beach but to ride along it, since at low tide the extremely broad, hard-packed beach is an ideal natural bike path. You can, if you choose, ride on the beach for virtually the entire length of the island (rental bikes have fat tires suited to the hard sand). Beyond that, once you leave the resort there are some 50 miles of paved public bike paths that lace the island itself.
The Palmetto Dunes Tennis & Pickleball Center caters to a mixture of groups and vacationers. It consists of a main complex of 19 clay courts, four of them lighted for night play, along with 24 pickleball courts. Those are supplemented by an additional eight clay courts a five-minute walk away. A spacious, 3,000-square-foot clapboard clubhouse with a dark-green shingled roof anchors the main tennis complex. Inside is a brightly-lit pro shop as well as showers for men and women and offices for the professional staff. The reception is extremely friendly—these aren’t kids behind the desk but adults. All of them play tennis—many in fact are on teams—so they really do understand tennis players and their needs. Extending out from one side of the clubhouse is a long, raised wooden deck with a roof and views of courts to the right and left. The courts have been laid out in pairs, with California (angled) corners and a perimeter of trees and low shrubs. Some have small, shingle-roofed courtside pavilions and chilled water fountains.
Tennis Staff: John Kerr, a former professional player, oversees the entire tennis and pickleball operation. A fixture on the island since 1986 and at Palmetto Dunes since 1990, he has revolutionized the on-court programming, first by restructuring the roster of tennis teaching programs and later by being one of the first resort directors to undertake a full-scale commitment to pickleball. For tennis, the signature program is “S.M.A.R.T. Stroke-Next Gen”, a daily clinic that utilizes on-court, super slo-mo videotaping to provide instant feedback that helps maximize practice. His Director of Tennis Instruction, Eric Wammock, is a expert in video analysis and specialist in utilizing on-court video. An All-American at Florida State College and later All-Conference at Virginia Commonwealth University, Wammock went on to play professional tennis before settling on Hilton Head Island. He heads leads the club’s top tennis programs along with a a staff of personable pros—all with college or professional experience.
Tennis Programs: Much of the tennis programming—which runs the gamut of S.M.A.R.T. clinics to competitive-edge drills, doubles clinics, Cardio tennis, and clinics focused on serves and returns—runs back-to-back so that as a guest you can carpenter together a program day by day that could be as short as one hour or as long as 4½. Moreover, the junior programs coincide with the adult programs, so families can more easily come and go together.
Pickleball Programs: With 24 lighted pickleball courts, Palmetto Dunes Tennis & Pickleball Center ranks as one of the premier pickleball resorts in the country. There are group clinics for beginners and intermediates, pro-supervised ladder round robins that are at once social and competitive, drill sessions, and group and private lessons. Pickleball Touring Pro Sarah Ansboury heads up the instruction, staging pickleball academies several times a year and three-day adult pickleball camps during spring and fall. And as a further testament to its pickleball credentials, it is the site for one of the eight major tournaments for the World Pickleball Rankings.
Whichever sport interests you, stop by the pro shop, as I did, and you’ll find an experienced staff who are at once friendly and very service conscious. All in all, the center offers an excellent series of both tennis and pickleball programs.
Court Complex: The Palmetto Dunes Tennis & Pickleball Center has a total of 19 clay tennis courts and 24 pickleball courts altogether in two locations: the Tennis Center proper another bank a short walk away. Those at the Center fan out from a contemporary, 3,000-square-foot clubhouse. Palms, maples, pines and live oaks border the courts as do oleander and other low shrubbery. All of the courts have chilled water fountains though not all have shade. Four tennis courts and all the pickleball courts have lights on a token system so people can play when they want just by showing up.
Tennis Court fees: Guests renting through Palmetto Dunes receive two complimentary hours/day (based on availability) and pay $35/hour mornings and $30/hour afternoons for additional court use beyond that. For non-resort guests, the fee is $40/hour.
Pickleball Court fees: $25 from opening to noon; $20 from noon to closing; walk-ons, noon-4 p.m., $15; lighted courts, $20
Off Court
Beach: Palmetto Dunes fronts three miles of beach. It tends to be most crowded near the center, where the two hotels are located, but you don’t have to walk far to the east or west to have large expanses of sand all to yourself. And the farther you get from those hotels, the less obtrusive the architecture
Golf Courses: Palmetto Dunes itself has three designer golf courses, each named for its designer: Arthur Hills, George Fazio, and Robert Trent Jones. All three layouts have been named South Carolina’s “Golf Course of the Year.” There is also a golf school and new Toptracer Range at the Robert Trent Jones Course.
Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course: Designed by Robert Trent Jones and renovated by his protege Roger Rulewich, this par-72 course begins near the tennis center and flows east meandering around the system of lagoons before jogging down to the ocean at the par-5 10th hole and then working its way back westward. 6,122-7,005 yards.
George Fazio Golf Course: The most challenging of the three layouts, if not the most challenging course on Hilton Head Island, this Fazio course demands both accuracy and length. Bunkers and water hazards riddle several of its long par 4s. Par 70, 6,239-6,873 yards.
Arthur Hills: This par-72 course can be played as short as 4,999 yards or as long as 6,651, but whichever tees are chosen, the Lowcountry course stands out for its topographic beauty, ocean breezes, and off-balance lies.
Spa & Fitness Center: The resort itself does not have a spa or fitness center; however, both of the hotels do.
Palmetto Dunes 11 miles of lagoons afford opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, while the Shelter Cove Marina adds additional kayaking options as well as sailing cruises, fishing and boating charters, and dolphin tours.
Children's programs: There is much to appeal to kids at Palmetto Dunes—not only the beach, tennis, pickleball, golf, and lagoons but also Harbour Fest, held every Tuesday June into August at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina and consisting of live entertainment in the form of popular troubadour Shannon Tanner, street vendors, and fireworks (especially impressive over the harbour).
Restaurants: Dining can be as simple as sandwiches, salads, and drinks at the casual beachfront Dunes House to Continental cuisine at the lagoonside Alexander’s Restaurant or any of more than half a dozen places to eat at Shelter Cove Harbour, ranging from Frosty’s Italian ices to Mexican fare at San Miguel’s, seafood at Scott’s Fish Market, French bistro menu at Bistro 17, among others.
Accommodations
Palmetto Dunes has 1-to-4-bedroom villas, all with kitchens, and homes as large as eight bedrooms. These occupy various locations throughout the resort, including oceanfront, golf course, and the harbour. As a guest of Palmetto Dunes, you receive two hours of free tennis or pickleball court time daily per unit (based on availability). There is a three-night minimum at selected times of the year. Additional exclusive resort discounts available when renting through Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort.
Getting there
Seasons: Year-round
Travel Instructions: By Air: Palmetto Dunes 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.
188 Reviews on “Palmetto Dunes Tennis and Pickleball Center”
Excellent
4.7
188 reviews
On Court Experience
5.0
Off Court Experience
5.0
Overall Tennis
5.0
Overall Pickleball
5.0
Tennis Instruction
5.0
Pickleball Instruction
5.0
Accomodations
5.0
Resort Amenities
5.0
JJ
Great place!
TL
LG
Visited Palmetto Dunes 2/26-3/3/2023. During that time I participated in two tennis clinics, took two private tennis lessons with Tennis Director Eric, took two private pickleball lessons (Nancy and Sarah) and participated in a pickleball round robin. The pickleball courts were a beehive of activity with 3-4 round robins throughout the day and wait lists to get in most of them. Instruction was outstanding from both pros in private lessons taken by myself and one by my wife. In contrast there was minimal use of the tennis courts during my stay. I thought the level of instruction and enthusiasm exhibited by Eric (clinics and private lessons) and Head Pro Patrick (clinic) was outstanding. Eric significantly improved my backhand return of service against pace and gave me a foundation to build on with the topspin lob. He used the ball machine in the first lesson but was perfectly willing to do live hitting in the second lesson when we worked on the above as well as my net game. I have taken lessons at several of the top 100 resorts and his instruction had the greatest impact on my game. Will see him for lessons any time I visit Hilton Head, even if not staying at Palmetto Dunes. Lastly, the pro shop selection of clothes, tennis and pickleball equipment was outstanding.
SB
This is a pickelball resort that has tennis courts. Do not go thinking there is a large tennis playing community here. It may have once been a great tennis resort but they have paved over tennis courts to put in pickelball and some of the tennis instructors have converted to teaching pickelball. 2 times per day 100 people show up for the pickelball round robins, which are excellent – tons of energy. 1 time per day up to 12 people show up for the tennis round robin. Pickelball is thriving here. Tennis is dying here. The tennis clinics we did take were very good and the tennis instructors are good, but there just are so few people there playing tennis that it isn’t a lively atmosphere. One of the pickelball coaches told me that if my group wanted to play tennis on HH island, we should have gone to Vandermeer. So…that says it all !
RC
Participated in a beginner’s clinic and at the end of the hour was allowed to take part in a social round-robin. The other players patiently helped keep score (it’s a convoluted system) and first reminded me, then penalized me (appropriately) for standing in the “kitchen.” All in all a very pleasant introduction to the sport.
KC
Excellent pickle ball and tennis facilities offers g a variety of instructional programs and round robin playing opportunities 7 days a week. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable.
JF
I was part of a group of 10. We booked two units (four double beds each, plus sofa beds) for a week in April. The units (two bedrooms, two baths, living room, dining area, full kitchen at roughly $1,500 US per unit) were a two-minute walk from the courts. We were given two hours daily of court time per unit at the same time (10 a.m.) and then paid court fees if we wanted more court time (and if courts were available). Clinics were available, but we didn’t try them. For myself, I found the prices for the group clinics far too steep. The courts were in perfect condition to start each day. Later in the day, not so perfect, but playable. It would have been nice to have brooms and line sweepers available to use by ourselves. Off the courts I booked a bicycle one afternoon from the resort’s bicycle-kayak rental shop. That cost $30 US for a heavy, utilitarian, 18-speed (I think) bike. Captive market prices, I think. A few weeks later in England, I rented a very similar bicycle at a train station. Paid about $13 US to register (for a year) and about $5 US for the day. So . . . much, much less. Palmetto Dunes is a great all-around resort with a very good tennis setup. We could walk to the beach in 10 minutes. Note: Throughout the resort and much of Hilton Head there are signs warning you that automobiles and trucks have priority over pedestrians and cyclists. As a pedestrian or cyclist on the island, you learn that many motorists take this policy to heart.
PB
The Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center is outstanding. I have been traveling to the resort at least twice a year for the last five years, and I look forward to returning each time. The tournaments are well run, the island is beautiful, the drill sessions offer a great workout, and the people are extremely nice. The deli across the street is always excellent too. Their weakness is that they don’t have one or two young pros right off the tour, or right out of a D1 program with a national ranking. They could use someone relatively young that hits a big heavy ball. I do hit with one pro who is a fellow 5.0 player so I don’t mean to minimize him in any way.
DV
I went with 6 women for a custom tennis vacation and it was great. We stayed in a house close to the courts within a 5 minute bike ride. The beach was beautiful. The tennis instruction was excellent and lots of fun. Will definitely go back again.
NI
Lots of Pickle Ball courts now at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort and they are full! It is great to see so many people out playing. I played tennis and, as usual, Tennis Pro Hank Iannuzzi was the best. His instruction is easy to remember after the lesson so I am able to utilize my skills in the game.
VW
Palmetto Dunes offers a variety of programs for players at every level of experience. I arrived as an absolute beginner 3 years ago, and have taken clinics and private lessons with instructor Scott (Scotty) Clements every spring since. His approach is supportive, and doesn’t depend on a lot of technical detail. My level of play has improved quickly, so I can get out and really enjoy the game! Everyone in the pro shop is friendly and helpful, so that even a beginner feels special! Honestly, I can’t think of one negative! I have taken lessons and participated in clinics elsewhere in the last few years, and have not found the instruction nearly as helpful or positive as at Palmetto Dunes.
MC
We’ve gone to Palmetto Dunes several times and have had an excellent time every time. The pro’s are experienced, knowledgeable teachers who always improve my playing. The setting is wonderful. I found the clinics really helpful and hard work. Be prepared to be very active.
CE
Palmetto dunes is the nicest place to stay in HH. The tennis courts were the nicest (vs shipyard/Sea Pines/Royal). Intermed/advanced Clinic from 8-930 was very good. They also have beginner clinic right after that. Also did Serve clinic which was good. Return clinic was not that good. They have a round robin every day at 3pm where players can get together and play doubles. **Grounds are very well kept. Instruction was great but do wish it had the 5 hour clinic days that Saddlebrook has in Tampa.
PB
I have visited Palmetto Dunes 8 to 10 times over the last several years. I have visited other tennis resorts at Hilton Head Island as well. Palmetto Dunes offers a beautiful setting next to the beach, with outstanding clinics and game matching. It is particularly good for the advanced player, which is rare for tennis resorts, as their are local adults and juniors available for hitting.
VS
Great tennis center for ALL levels of play. No tennis snobs here! All Pros and staff make it work for your level of play, whether in clinics, round robin play, etc. Pickel ball has been a nice new addition to this center and good use of the hard courts.
DS
I love PD, Palmetto Dunes. I come here 2 times a year. I have to get there before the season starts to get a head start against my fellow players. It really gives me confidence in my game. My girlfriend and I took up Pickleball 2 years ago and Mark really helped us learn the game. Monday night exhibition is a favorite… even though we have heard Brians jokes many times…. I laugh just as hard each time I hear them. Free beer/wine and some great tennis
JO
Every year we head to South Carolina for our vacation we consider the tennis center at Palmetto Dunes a deciding reason we choose Hilton Head Island. The clinics are diverse and the instructors all top notch professionals. I always feel like a valued guest by the tennis staff. We like Hank and Scotty but there are instructors for everyone. Highly recommend!
GL
I live in the area and take most of my lessons at Palmetto Dunes. Awesome tennis experience, lots of fun and exceptional learning.
ES
The best tennis resort on the island and in the country! It feels like home and superior customer service and clinics and a full service resort with all the amenities. Beautiful!
KM
The clinics are great if you want to get in some good tennis time but are not on HHI with a group. There were several levels of players in the Doubles Clinic but I thought everyone was able to benefit from the drills. Good exercise, good instruction- fun.
DU
Another fantastic vacation at Palmetto Dunes with great tennis. The teaching staff is top notch and so easy to work with. Brian the head pro goes out of his way to make you feel completely welcome. Besides taking a clinic each morning, which was a great way to start the day, I had a couple private lessons that were very successful in helping a backhand that has been lacking. The facilities are fantastic and it was easy to find some competitive matches. the week was more than our family expected
PW
I play a lot of tennis and have taken lessons from many pros throughout the country and by far the best of the best is Brian Kiggins, head pro at Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center on Hilton Head Island. My tennis team goes down from NJ to HHI every spring for five days of personal instruction with Brian. We always look forward to this outing and come back each year with a new and improved shot or game. A great experience !
WK
I enjoyed 6 round robin events in my week at the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center. There was a pro there to organize and assign your next match. Everyone played the same number of games and a shirt was awarded to the top scoring man and woman. It lasted 2 hours and it cost $22.
JK
Great time at Palmetto Dunes. I worked with Tapi for 5 days and can honestly say my game has comprehensively improved. We were able to simultaneously improve my stroke mechanics while building in strong tactics for match play. It was such a great experience that I had Tapi work with my 4 year old daughter and she loved it. Great coach. Success! Also did the Grand Slam clinic a couple of times which was helpful as well. Can’t say anything bad about the experience…except for the humidity 😉
RD
I completed another week of lessons with Tapi again this year, my 3rd year in a row. I’ve improved every time because Tapi offers fantastic tips that are simple, memorable, and repeatable. He’s helped me improve my strokes in every aspect of the game and offered sensible match-play tips. All of this while making the lessons both entertaining and a great work-out! Tapi is truly a fantastic coach!
MF
My wife and I took tennis lessons from Tapi in June 2016. He used our strengths and made adjustments that we understood and saw immediate results. One of the best tennis instructors we meet. Hope he stays with Palmetto Dunes so we can always have him teach us.
SH
We have come to Palmetto Dunes 3 yrs in a row and we always use Tapi. He simplifies tennis for levels and makes tennis really fun again!
LE
I look forward to Cardio tennis with Tapi every year! He keeps you moving and reminds you of the simplicity of tennis with insightful instruction. The drills he uses increase your body awareness when it comes to tennis. And he is hilarious too!!! It wouldn’t be a HHI vacation without Tapi.
MK
I love the Cardio Tennis program taught by Tapi Hayrinen. It is a fun work out but includes helpful instruction. Tapi is able to pick up small details in your form and can give a variety of visual and verbal cues to help.
TH
Amazing instruction from Bryan, Keith, Lindsey, and gang! I would highly recommend Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center! Loved all of the doubles strategy! 🙂
JK
My husband and I just got back home after a week of vacationing at Palmetto Dunes where we took private and semi-private lessons with Tapi Hayrinen. His coaching was phenomenal and we can’t recommend him enough. He added dimensions to our game that we didn’t know were possible. He’s highly entertaining, is a great teacher, and seems to really enjoy sharing his knowledge. If you’re interested in moving beyond the basics, Tapi is your guy and Palmetto Dunes is a beautiful and well-run facility.
BC
Tennis at Palmetto Dunes is a wonderful experience that has kept our group coming back year after year since 2004. The drills are well-organized and well-instructed, energetic, and most of all fun. All of the pros are terrific, particularly Brian and Keith, who always make us feel extremely welcome and have us counting down the days until the following year.
SK
I had several excellent lessons with Tapi learning the modern tennis game and how to de-clutter my strokes. He is a fabulous instructor with attention to technical detail and I left there with stronger, better tennis strokes! The clinics were a lot of fun and a great place to practice what I learned from Tapi. They also had a free demo clinic where we were able to try many racquets from all of the major manufacturers.
GB
Best place around for tennis instructions, tennis matches and social tennis! Highly recommend! It will be the best tennis vacation you’ve ever had!!
SY
The staff along with facility are extremely nice. I can not think of a bad thing about it.
DB
Great clinics with pros who really enjoy being there. Good instruction for all levels of play. My wife is a 4.0 and I am a 3.5+ and we always pick up usable tips. The round robins are fun and competitive. It’s great tennis in a fantastic setting
RB
Love the entire experience at PD. The setting can’t be beat, and the people are so helpful and friendly.
MB
We’ve been coming here for 25 years…just keeps getting better and better!! Staff is the best!!!
188 Reviews on “Palmetto Dunes Tennis and Pickleball Center”
Great place!
Visited Palmetto Dunes 2/26-3/3/2023. During that time I participated in two tennis clinics, took two private tennis lessons with Tennis Director Eric, took two private pickleball lessons (Nancy and Sarah) and participated in a pickleball round robin. The pickleball courts were a beehive of activity with 3-4 round robins throughout the day and wait lists to get in most of them. Instruction was outstanding from both pros in private lessons taken by myself and one by my wife. In contrast there was minimal use of the tennis courts during my stay. I thought the level of instruction and enthusiasm exhibited by Eric (clinics and private lessons) and Head Pro Patrick (clinic) was outstanding. Eric significantly improved my backhand return of service against pace and gave me a foundation to build on with the topspin lob. He used the ball machine in the first lesson but was perfectly willing to do live hitting in the second lesson when we worked on the above as well as my net game. I have taken lessons at several of the top 100 resorts and his instruction had the greatest impact on my game. Will see him for lessons any time I visit Hilton Head, even if not staying at Palmetto Dunes. Lastly, the pro shop selection of clothes, tennis and pickleball equipment was outstanding.
This is a pickelball resort that has tennis courts. Do not go thinking there is a large tennis playing community here. It may have once been a great tennis resort but they have paved over tennis courts to put in pickelball and some of the tennis instructors have converted to teaching pickelball. 2 times per day 100 people show up for the pickelball round robins, which are excellent – tons of energy. 1 time per day up to 12 people show up for the tennis round robin. Pickelball is thriving here. Tennis is dying here. The tennis clinics we did take were very good and the tennis instructors are good, but there just are so few people there playing tennis that it isn’t a lively atmosphere. One of the pickelball coaches told me that if my group wanted to play tennis on HH island, we should have gone to Vandermeer. So…that says it all !
Participated in a beginner’s clinic and at the end of the hour was allowed to take part in a social round-robin. The other players patiently helped keep score (it’s a convoluted system) and first reminded me, then penalized me (appropriately) for standing in the “kitchen.” All in all a very pleasant introduction to the sport.
Excellent pickle ball and tennis facilities offers g a variety of instructional programs and round robin playing opportunities 7 days a week. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable.
I was part of a group of 10. We booked two units (four double beds each, plus sofa beds) for a week in April. The units (two bedrooms, two baths, living room, dining area, full kitchen at roughly $1,500 US per unit) were a two-minute walk from the courts. We were given two hours daily of court time per unit at the same time (10 a.m.) and then paid court fees if we wanted more court time (and if courts were available). Clinics were available, but we didn’t try them. For myself, I found the prices for the group clinics far too steep. The courts were in perfect condition to start each day. Later in the day, not so perfect, but playable. It would have been nice to have brooms and line sweepers available to use by ourselves. Off the courts I booked a bicycle one afternoon from the resort’s bicycle-kayak rental shop. That cost $30 US for a heavy, utilitarian, 18-speed (I think) bike. Captive market prices, I think. A few weeks later in England, I rented a very similar bicycle at a train station. Paid about $13 US to register (for a year) and about $5 US for the day. So . . . much, much less. Palmetto Dunes is a great all-around resort with a very good tennis setup. We could walk to the beach in 10 minutes. Note: Throughout the resort and much of Hilton Head there are signs warning you that automobiles and trucks have priority over pedestrians and cyclists. As a pedestrian or cyclist on the island, you learn that many motorists take this policy to heart.
The Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center is outstanding. I have been traveling to the resort at least twice a year for the last five years, and I look forward to returning each time. The tournaments are well run, the island is beautiful, the drill sessions offer a great workout, and the people are extremely nice. The deli across the street is always excellent too. Their weakness is that they don’t have one or two young pros right off the tour, or right out of a D1 program with a national ranking. They could use someone relatively young that hits a big heavy ball. I do hit with one pro who is a fellow 5.0 player so I don’t mean to minimize him in any way.
I went with 6 women for a custom tennis vacation and it was great. We stayed in a house close to the courts within a 5 minute bike ride. The beach was beautiful. The tennis instruction was excellent and lots of fun. Will definitely go back again.
Lots of Pickle Ball courts now at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort and they are full! It is great to see so many people out playing. I played tennis and, as usual, Tennis Pro Hank Iannuzzi was the best. His instruction is easy to remember after the lesson so I am able to utilize my skills in the game.
Palmetto Dunes offers a variety of programs for players at every level of experience. I arrived as an absolute beginner 3 years ago, and have taken clinics and private lessons with instructor Scott (Scotty) Clements every spring since. His approach is supportive, and doesn’t depend on a lot of technical detail. My level of play has improved quickly, so I can get out and really enjoy the game! Everyone in the pro shop is friendly and helpful, so that even a beginner feels special! Honestly, I can’t think of one negative! I have taken lessons and participated in clinics elsewhere in the last few years, and have not found the instruction nearly as helpful or positive as at Palmetto Dunes.
We’ve gone to Palmetto Dunes several times and have had an excellent time every time. The pro’s are experienced, knowledgeable teachers who always improve my playing. The setting is wonderful. I found the clinics really helpful and hard work. Be prepared to be very active.
Palmetto dunes is the nicest place to stay in HH. The tennis courts were the nicest (vs shipyard/Sea Pines/Royal). Intermed/advanced Clinic from 8-930 was very good. They also have beginner clinic right after that. Also did Serve clinic which was good. Return clinic was not that good. They have a round robin every day at 3pm where players can get together and play doubles. **Grounds are very well kept. Instruction was great but do wish it had the 5 hour clinic days that Saddlebrook has in Tampa.
I have visited Palmetto Dunes 8 to 10 times over the last several years. I have visited other tennis resorts at Hilton Head Island as well. Palmetto Dunes offers a beautiful setting next to the beach, with outstanding clinics and game matching. It is particularly good for the advanced player, which is rare for tennis resorts, as their are local adults and juniors available for hitting.
Great tennis center for ALL levels of play. No tennis snobs here! All Pros and staff make it work for your level of play, whether in clinics, round robin play, etc. Pickel ball has been a nice new addition to this center and good use of the hard courts.
I love PD, Palmetto Dunes. I come here 2 times a year. I have to get there before the season starts to get a head start against my fellow players. It really gives me confidence in my game. My girlfriend and I took up Pickleball 2 years ago and Mark really helped us learn the game. Monday night exhibition is a favorite… even though we have heard Brians jokes many times…. I laugh just as hard each time I hear them. Free beer/wine and some great tennis
Every year we head to South Carolina for our vacation we consider the tennis center at Palmetto Dunes a deciding reason we choose Hilton Head Island. The clinics are diverse and the instructors all top notch professionals. I always feel like a valued guest by the tennis staff. We like Hank and Scotty but there are instructors for everyone. Highly recommend!
I live in the area and take most of my lessons at Palmetto Dunes. Awesome tennis experience, lots of fun and exceptional learning.
The best tennis resort on the island and in the country! It feels like home and superior customer service and clinics and a full service resort with all the amenities. Beautiful!
The clinics are great if you want to get in some good tennis time but are not on HHI with a group. There were several levels of players in the Doubles Clinic but I thought everyone was able to benefit from the drills. Good exercise, good instruction- fun.
Another fantastic vacation at Palmetto Dunes with great tennis. The teaching staff is top notch and so easy to work with. Brian the head pro goes out of his way to make you feel completely welcome. Besides taking a clinic each morning, which was a great way to start the day, I had a couple private lessons that were very successful in helping a backhand that has been lacking. The facilities are fantastic and it was easy to find some competitive matches. the week was more than our family expected
I play a lot of tennis and have taken lessons from many pros throughout the country and by far the best of the best is Brian Kiggins, head pro at Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center on Hilton Head Island. My tennis team goes down from NJ to HHI every spring for five days of personal instruction with Brian. We always look forward to this outing and come back each year with a new and improved shot or game. A great experience !
I enjoyed 6 round robin events in my week at the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center. There was a pro there to organize and assign your next match. Everyone played the same number of games and a shirt was awarded to the top scoring man and woman. It lasted 2 hours and it cost $22.
Great time at Palmetto Dunes. I worked with Tapi for 5 days and can honestly say my game has comprehensively improved. We were able to simultaneously improve my stroke mechanics while building in strong tactics for match play. It was such a great experience that I had Tapi work with my 4 year old daughter and she loved it. Great coach. Success! Also did the Grand Slam clinic a couple of times which was helpful as well. Can’t say anything bad about the experience…except for the humidity 😉
I completed another week of lessons with Tapi again this year, my 3rd year in a row. I’ve improved every time because Tapi offers fantastic tips that are simple, memorable, and repeatable. He’s helped me improve my strokes in every aspect of the game and offered sensible match-play tips. All of this while making the lessons both entertaining and a great work-out! Tapi is truly a fantastic coach!
My wife and I took tennis lessons from Tapi in June 2016. He used our strengths and made adjustments that we understood and saw immediate results. One of the best tennis instructors we meet. Hope he stays with Palmetto Dunes so we can always have him teach us.
We have come to Palmetto Dunes 3 yrs in a row and we always use Tapi. He simplifies tennis for levels and makes tennis really fun again!
I look forward to Cardio tennis with Tapi every year! He keeps you moving and reminds you of the simplicity of tennis with insightful instruction. The drills he uses increase your body awareness when it comes to tennis. And he is hilarious too!!! It wouldn’t be a HHI vacation without Tapi.
I love the Cardio Tennis program taught by Tapi Hayrinen. It is a fun work out but includes helpful instruction. Tapi is able to pick up small details in your form and can give a variety of visual and verbal cues to help.
Amazing instruction from Bryan, Keith, Lindsey, and gang! I would highly recommend Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center! Loved all of the doubles strategy! 🙂
My husband and I just got back home after a week of vacationing at Palmetto Dunes where we took private and semi-private lessons with Tapi Hayrinen. His coaching was phenomenal and we can’t recommend him enough. He added dimensions to our game that we didn’t know were possible. He’s highly entertaining, is a great teacher, and seems to really enjoy sharing his knowledge. If you’re interested in moving beyond the basics, Tapi is your guy and Palmetto Dunes is a beautiful and well-run facility.
Tennis at Palmetto Dunes is a wonderful experience that has kept our group coming back year after year since 2004. The drills are well-organized and well-instructed, energetic, and most of all fun. All of the pros are terrific, particularly Brian and Keith, who always make us feel extremely welcome and have us counting down the days until the following year.
I had several excellent lessons with Tapi learning the modern tennis game and how to de-clutter my strokes. He is a fabulous instructor with attention to technical detail and I left there with stronger, better tennis strokes! The clinics were a lot of fun and a great place to practice what I learned from Tapi. They also had a free demo clinic where we were able to try many racquets from all of the major manufacturers.
Best place around for tennis instructions, tennis matches and social tennis! Highly recommend! It will be the best tennis vacation you’ve ever had!!
The staff along with facility are extremely nice. I can not think of a bad thing about it.
Great clinics with pros who really enjoy being there. Good instruction for all levels of play. My wife is a 4.0 and I am a 3.5+ and we always pick up usable tips. The round robins are fun and competitive. It’s great tennis in a fantastic setting
Love the entire experience at PD. The setting can’t be beat, and the people are so helpful and friendly.
We’ve been coming here for 25 years…just keeps getting better and better!! Staff is the best!!!