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.
207 Reviews on “Palmetto Dunes Tennis and Pickleball Center”
Excellent
4.8
207 reviews
On Court Experience
5.0
Off Court Experience
4.9
Overall Tennis
5.0
Overall Pickleball
5.0
Tennis Instruction
4.9
Pickleball Instruction
4.8
Accomodations
4.8
Resort Amenities
4.8
AK
I visited Palmetto Dunes with 8 members of my tennis team for the second year. Brian Kiggans, Head Pro, is an excellent teacher and coach. He kept the drills moving fast, fun and gave us a great opportunity to learn new things. I can’t say enough about him. Also, we rented villas onsite which were beautiful and so easy to get to and from the courts. We will be back for Year 3!!!
HF
Strenghts are Facilities, Staff, Location, Clinics. Weaknesses are increasing prices year on year.
DB
If you want terrific tennis in a spectacular setting, Palmetto Dunes is the place for you. From the moment you walk in the pro shop the staff seems to have the single minded goal of making your tennis experience a fun and exciting one. Brian Kiggins and the other pros are friendly, knowledgeable, an dpersonable. You will enjoy your clincs or lessons no matter who you draw as a teaching pro. Great round robins every afternoon so that you can try out what you learned in the clinics. All this in a resort that has a gorgeous beach, restaurants on site, canoeing and all the water sports you might want. They have an extensive bike path network that allows you to bike everywhere, even across the highway to the boutiques at Shelter Cove. Oh Yeah, there’s three golf courses too.
TF
Strengths – Friendly staff, many options to keep busy (clinics, lessons, round robins, tournaments), and very well maintained courts. Many different clinics to focus on different areas and skill levels. Love playing in tournaments held there! Weaknesses – none
TK
easy to find, easy to park. great pro, Tapi.
SG
There is no friendlier place than the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center. The Pros are all so personable and knowledgeable. I have been coming to Hilton Head for many years, and always look forward to returning to the tennis center for lessons. The front desk staff are personable, and always remember your name. I actually used the tennis center as an example in one of my school presentations, on the perfect way to run a business and the importance of solid team work. Everyone is happy, but work hard and are professional. Nobody sluffs off, or drinks coffee or on their cell phones. Each and every clinic is top notch and instructive with a true intent on improving your tennis game. This facility is A+ in all areas. It is also nice to see a place where staff stay and the same people are there year after year – a sign of a happy work environment.
SM
Best resort for great enthusiastic tennis. The instruction is very clear and the pro’s are experienced and have see all levels of play. They are very encouraging. I would definitely go back to tune up my game. Robin Fulton was very helpful in giving me tips on positioning.
TA
Our team visited Palmetto Dunes to help us reach the next level. We are a 3.0 team, but we want to be competitive and keep moving up. The lessons and drills were lively and fun, while teaching us the techniques strategies we need. The pros were very friendly and encouraging, while keeping us working the whole time. They were very knowledgeable about the game of tennis, but also shared great restaurants and views around the island. We mostly worked with Brian and Keith, but all the pros we dealt with were great. I would recommend this Tennis Center to anyone.
JR
We have been visiting Palmetto Dunes for a number of years now and two years ago we decided to buy a property here. My two boys thoroughly enjoy the tennis camps here and always improve immensely. They have also taken advantage of some private lessons. The coaches really make the game fun for them whilst concentrating on improving their skills. My husband and I have also taken lessons with a number of the pros and found them all to be very friendly and extremely helpful at improving our strokes. The exhibition matches staged on a Monday night are always a popular choice too. The tennis facilities are second to none.
HP
Tennis instruction is excellent. Time is taken to explain the “why”. Strategy is taught and discussed in detail and the tennis pros are extremely personable and easy to work with.
MS
Great professional staff and staff at the desk. Level of play is excellent and there are endless clinics to improve my game as well as just to play.
KM
I am five days on the road, and do cardio programs everywhere I go. Tapi’s cardio tennis was by far the best experience I have had in the sport. He’s an excellent instructor and the program was well worth it! I will never forget Tapi’s motto: “Baby bird, see the sound, and exhale”! I would recommend his cardio tennis to anyone looking for an upbeat, fatburning, fun hour of tennis.
KV
Great drills and round robins. Every time I do the morning drills i come away with a new bit of knowledge that improves my game. Round robins are a great way to meet fellow tennis players.
TH
High quality resort with a great staff.
DW
Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center is the best I have ever visited. The facility is spectacular, the pros are the great, and the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. They offer many clinics for all skill levels. The pro shop is well stocked and reasonably priced. My wife and I have traveled extensively and visited many tennis resorts. PD is the best.
HM
I took lessons from Robin, great instructor. She is very energetic and teaches with so much passion. She is well rounded and has so much knowledge about the game. She takes time to know all her clients and takes pride in doing a great job. You can tell she likes to play the game, but really loves to teach.
KL
Took an advanced group of 4.5-5.0 players to Palmetto Dunes for the first time. Very good overall experience. They were able to work with us to create a custom program of 90 minutes of head pro-led drills followed by 90 minutes of doubles on our own for three days. Good mix of instruction and competitive drills within the drill session. Weaknesses – For our doubles play, several times we were assigned to a back court (Court 13?) that was, by far, in the worst shape of all the courts and had to asked to be moved. Great environment, enjoyable and we will be back, probably in 2013.
GA
Friendliness, low key, non-hassling instruction.
PR
The Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center is a superb facility with some of the best advanced drill clinics I have even taken. The tennis center is located in the Palmetto Dunes subdivision, so accomodations can vary, from private villas to the oceanfront Marriot or Hilton hotels. We stayed at the Marriot, which is a perfect beachfront location, but only slightly above average as hotels are concerned. I would rate the tennis center as one of the best out there, while the hotels in close proximity are nice, but nothing special.
JS
Rely heavily on ball machines which kept class moving but limited opportunity for individual instruction. Class size for some drills was quite large.
TR
Always a great trip!
KM
I attended the Grand Slam clinic three times during my visit. It was challenging, but still fun. The pros, Keith & Brian, provided useful feedback on technique and game strategy. I will definitely come back again!
NT
My wife and I recently had a fantastic weekend of tennis at Palmetto Dunes. Our pro Scott Lumpkin is probably the best instructor we’ve ever had. He immediately identified a few problem areas with my game, and I was playing better tennis right away. Scott has a clear way of explaining how to improve my footwork and follow-through which has eluded my pros back home. We’ll definitely be back for more of Scott’s excellent coaching.
DF
My husband and I has a wonderful experience at Palmetto Dunes. The staff was very accommodating in tailoring a combination of clinics and private lessons given we were only there for a few days. Our pro Scott Lumpkin was one of the best instructors we’ve ever had – our game has greatly improved. He really understood how to correct our strokes and was extremely patient and pleasant. We’ll be back in the fall for more tennis!
DR
I visited the Palmetto Dunes Resort for a conference. I was giving 3 lectures so I decided to get in a couple of hours of tennis lessons. The courts were immaculate. The staff were extremely helpful and friendly. But most of all, the tennis pro Scott Lumpkin was amazing. I only had 2 days but he spent 1 hour each day working with me on all aspects of my tennis game. His knowledge and passion for tennis was evident. I have been playing for about 30 years (mostly weekends since high school) and he gave me some great pointers and advice on all facets of my game. I am looking forward to coming back to improve my tennis game with Mr. Scott Lumpkin. The resort should be proud of him.
WV
I had never played on clay before and it took a while to adjust, but now I love clay! The pros we had were Brian and Scott and they gave us great instruction in all areas and I can already tell the difference in the times I have played since returning home. I loved their tips on understanding stategy and movement on the court for doubles, and their explanations about planning shots for high percentage of success. We also had a semi-private with Robin who was wonderful and gave great advice. It was a terrific week and I look forward to returning.
CH
Tennis staff was very good. Schedules were set up well. Everyone polite and welcoming.
JK
Palmetto Dunes is the gold standard of tennis instruction! The instructors are exceptional, special kudos to Brian and Keith. All the activities not only developed my skills, but also helped my point play understanding and abilities. I would recommend this tennis program to any lover of the game.
MO
I just returned from visiting the Palmetto Dunes tennis resort. What a great time. The clinics are addictive. You get the perfect blend of instruction, drilling, and competition at the end of the clinic. I am a huge fan and would recommend Palmetto Dunes to anyone that wants good tennis to be a part of their vacation.
RG
I have visited Palmetto Dunes several times vacationing with family and friends. I have never seen any other resort with the number of tennis programs available to guests. All of the pros were great and many have been at the resort for several years. I feel like I am at home at Palmetto Dunes!
RB
Strengths: Brian and the boys put on excellent clinics to suit all levels. The advanced drills were at a high pace – just what the doctor ordered. Loved the ball machines because they simulate a live ball better than balls fed from an instructor. Accommodations were excellent. Having the Tennis Channel and high speed Wifi were added bonuses. Weaknesses: clinics with a greater than ratio of 4:1 ratio were too slow. Where’s the recycling program? Everything goes into the garbage – very disappointing when beauty is all around you!
CB
My family just returned from a wonderful tennis vacation to Palmetto Dunes. We really enjoyed all of the tennis activities. There was something for all ages and was the highlight of the trip for my son. The resort offered far more than tennis. we played golf, played on the beach, rode bikes and kayaked the local lagoon system. What a great family getaway! We will be back!
DM
Excellent instruction with drills that really work on both the fundamentals of the game, tailored to your specific needs, as well as fitness.
CC
Palmetto Dunes is easy to get to and the staff is fantastic. The tennis center is well run with very good teaching professionals for all levels. Hilton Head has a great deal to offer, whether you have kids or not. It’s not a super budget vacation spot so be aware of that but there are plenty of way to cut costs.
MB
2010 is the third year in a row we have been to Palmetto Dunes. This year, our group of eight from Atlanta stayed at a very nice home in Palmett Dunes, played tennis for three days, and even managed to sneak in a round of golf. Our pros, Brian and Scotty always give us a great workout and great tennis pointers. The best souvenier I’m bring home from Hilton Head this year is a much improved overhead. Thank you, Palmetto Dunes!
TM
Went with Exploritas for 6 days/ 5 nights. The tennis instruction was excellent, Scott Lumpkin and Mike Uchno. Lots of instruction and afternoon doubles. Highly recommend the instructors and tennis center for fun, enlightening tennis located in lovely Hilton Head, South Carolina.
DL
Instructors Mike Uchno and Scott Lumpkin are exceptionally good. They are perceptive, enthusiastic and adept at assessing needs and combining drills with instruction . And they are pleasant and fun to spend the week with. I would recommend them highly for your tennis instruction.
CA
We just had an unbelievable weekend of fantastic tennis instruction. We’d played a match on the previous Thursday and could have used all of the great techniques they taught us!! Fun, smart, positive, effective – everything you could want in a tennis instructor. Keith, Brian and Hank were fantastic! I’ll be coming back soon!
JB
I did 2 one hour lessons while vacationing in Hilton Head. The instruction I received was far superior to anything I have received at other clubs and in my hometown. The lessons were fairly intense so you felt like you got a great workout while improving your strokes. I definitely would have done 2 more lessons or participated in some of their many daily clinics but the weather did not permit it. I definitely will be returning!
KD
Love Pametto Dunes Tennis Center so much that I have been coming to Hilton Head Island for six years and every year I look forward to seeing the tennis pros at Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center. The pros do a great job at making your vacation a success both on and off the court. Would highly recommend this resort.
JK
Excellent tennis program. The instruction and the facilities are top-notch. I highly recommend everything.
PW
the tennis Pro Brian is just wonderful. We have been taking lessons and clinics with him for 4 years. Each year gets better and the first year was fantastic. The tennis staff in the shop are all very nice and knowledgable. And the apparell available is huge. the food is really good and fresh. I would recommend them to everyone.
KH
I’ve been tennis camps at Bollettieri, Saddlebrook and The Phoenician and this place is my favorite! There is a wonderful white sand beach nearby, and the tall trees and lush surroundings are spectacular. The drills and instruction at Palmetto Dunes is unsurpassed. Plus, the lodging was a brand new 6 bedroom house with a private pool and Jacuzzi. And the price was a fantastic deal! The only weakness is you can’t fly non-stop from Kansas City. But the Hilton Head Airport is small and easy to get in/out. I wish I could go back next week!
EM
This was about the best tennis trip ever! Great tennis instruction (doubles strategy and refining skills). Loved the pros, Keith and Brian! Good workout every day. Amazing ball machine! Great weather every day! I will be back next year with all my sisters!
CD
This was my first experience at Palmetto Dunes and it was outstanding. I fully intend to return. The teaching pros were among the best I have encountered at a resort; they were fun but gave us a workout and good instruction in the clinic setting. The courts were in excellent condition and the pro shop full of great merchandise. What a terrific tennis resort!
MD
I was there for 3 days and had an outstanding experience. The facilities were great and the staff even better. We had three days of personalized clinics for our group and we all came away with new strategies that we are excited to employ. We were well taken care of and made to feel like special guests. I look forward to returning in the future and will recommend Palmetto Dunes to all all my friends.
SW
This was an amazing tennis vacation! Everything was top notch…lodging, facilities, staff, instructors, food, etc. I am planning on returning!
VB
Amazing tennis with an amazing team of tennis professionals. We experienced incredible tennis clinics and enjoyed the hospitality of the entire team at Palmetto Dunes. I am already booking for our next visit back
RF
My children participated in a clinic. They were quickly broken into groups according to ability. The instructors were excellent. They moved them the entire clinic for a great workout and they were so much fun and energetic. My kids loved this clinic!
RS
The lessons were great. Some of the best instructions around.
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207 Reviews on “Palmetto Dunes Tennis and Pickleball Center”
I visited Palmetto Dunes with 8 members of my tennis team for the second year. Brian Kiggans, Head Pro, is an excellent teacher and coach. He kept the drills moving fast, fun and gave us a great opportunity to learn new things. I can’t say enough about him. Also, we rented villas onsite which were beautiful and so easy to get to and from the courts. We will be back for Year 3!!!
Strenghts are Facilities, Staff, Location, Clinics. Weaknesses are increasing prices year on year.
If you want terrific tennis in a spectacular setting, Palmetto Dunes is the place for you. From the moment you walk in the pro shop the staff seems to have the single minded goal of making your tennis experience a fun and exciting one. Brian Kiggins and the other pros are friendly, knowledgeable, an dpersonable. You will enjoy your clincs or lessons no matter who you draw as a teaching pro. Great round robins every afternoon so that you can try out what you learned in the clinics.
All this in a resort that has a gorgeous beach, restaurants on site, canoeing and all the water sports you might want. They have an extensive bike path network that allows you to bike everywhere, even across the highway to the boutiques at Shelter Cove.
Oh Yeah, there’s three golf courses too.
Strengths – Friendly staff, many options to keep busy (clinics, lessons, round robins, tournaments), and very well maintained courts. Many different clinics to focus on different areas and skill levels. Love playing in tournaments held there! Weaknesses – none
easy to find, easy to park. great pro, Tapi.
There is no friendlier place than the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center. The Pros are all so personable and knowledgeable. I have been coming to Hilton Head for many years, and always look forward to returning to the tennis center for lessons. The front desk staff are personable, and always remember your name.
I actually used the tennis center as an example in one of my school presentations, on the perfect way to run a business and the importance of solid team work. Everyone is happy, but work hard and are professional. Nobody sluffs off, or drinks coffee or on their cell phones.
Each and every clinic is top notch and instructive with a true intent on improving your tennis game. This facility is A+ in all areas. It is also nice to see a place where staff stay and the same people are there year after year – a sign of a happy work environment.
Best resort for great enthusiastic tennis. The instruction is very clear and the pro’s are experienced and have see all levels of play. They are very encouraging. I would definitely go back to tune up my game. Robin Fulton was very helpful in giving me tips on positioning.
Our team visited Palmetto Dunes to help us reach the next level. We are a 3.0 team, but we want to be competitive and keep moving up. The lessons and drills were lively and fun, while teaching us the techniques strategies we need. The pros were very friendly and encouraging, while keeping us working the whole time. They were very knowledgeable about the game of tennis, but also shared great restaurants and views around the island. We mostly worked with Brian and Keith, but all the pros we dealt with were great. I would recommend this Tennis Center to anyone.
We have been visiting Palmetto Dunes for a number of years now and two years ago we decided to buy a property here. My two boys thoroughly enjoy the tennis camps here and always improve immensely. They have also taken advantage of some private lessons. The coaches really make the game fun for them whilst concentrating on improving their skills. My husband and I have also taken lessons with a number of the pros and found them all to be very friendly and extremely helpful at improving our strokes. The exhibition matches staged on a Monday night are always a popular choice too. The tennis facilities are second to none.
Tennis instruction is excellent. Time is taken to explain the “why”. Strategy is taught and discussed in detail and the tennis pros are extremely personable and easy to work with.
Great professional staff and staff at the desk. Level of play is excellent and there are endless clinics to improve my game as well as just to play.
I am five days on the road, and do cardio programs everywhere I go. Tapi’s cardio tennis was by far the best experience I have had in the sport. He’s an excellent instructor and the program was well worth it! I will never forget Tapi’s motto: “Baby bird, see the sound, and exhale”! I would recommend his cardio tennis to anyone looking for an upbeat, fatburning, fun hour of tennis.
Great drills and round robins. Every time I do the morning drills i come away with a new bit of knowledge that improves my game. Round robins are a great way to meet fellow tennis players.
High quality resort with a great staff.
Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center is the best I have ever visited. The facility is spectacular, the pros are the great, and the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. They offer many clinics for all skill levels. The pro shop is well stocked and reasonably priced. My wife and I have traveled extensively and visited many tennis resorts. PD is the best.
I took lessons from Robin, great instructor. She is very energetic and teaches with so much passion. She is well rounded and has so much knowledge about the game. She takes time to know all her clients and takes pride in doing a great job. You can tell she likes to play the game, but really loves to teach.
Took an advanced group of 4.5-5.0 players to Palmetto Dunes for the first time. Very good overall experience. They were able to work with us to create a custom program of 90 minutes of head pro-led drills followed by 90 minutes of doubles on our own for three days. Good mix of instruction and competitive drills within the drill session.
Weaknesses – For our doubles play, several times we were assigned to a back court (Court 13?) that was, by far, in the worst shape of all the courts and had to asked to be moved. Great environment, enjoyable and we will be back, probably in 2013.
Friendliness, low key, non-hassling instruction.
The Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center is a superb facility with some of the best advanced drill clinics I have even taken. The tennis center is located in the Palmetto Dunes subdivision, so accomodations can vary, from private villas to the oceanfront Marriot or Hilton hotels. We stayed at the Marriot, which is a perfect beachfront location, but only slightly above average as hotels are concerned. I would rate the tennis center as one of the best out there, while the hotels in close proximity are nice, but nothing special.
Rely heavily on ball machines which kept class moving but limited opportunity for individual instruction. Class size for some drills was quite large.
Always a great trip!
I attended the Grand Slam clinic three times during my visit. It was challenging, but still fun. The pros, Keith & Brian, provided useful feedback on technique and game strategy. I will definitely come back again!
My wife and I recently had a fantastic weekend of tennis at Palmetto Dunes. Our pro Scott Lumpkin is probably the best instructor we’ve ever had. He immediately identified a few problem areas with my game, and I was playing better tennis right away. Scott has a clear way of explaining how to improve my footwork and follow-through which has eluded my pros back home. We’ll definitely be back for more of Scott’s excellent coaching.
My husband and I has a wonderful experience at Palmetto Dunes. The staff was very accommodating in tailoring a combination of clinics and private lessons given we were only there for a few days. Our pro Scott Lumpkin was one of the best instructors we’ve ever had – our game has greatly improved. He really understood how to correct our strokes and was extremely patient and pleasant. We’ll be back in the fall for more tennis!
I visited the Palmetto Dunes Resort for a conference. I was giving 3 lectures so I decided to get in a couple of hours of tennis lessons. The courts were immaculate. The staff were extremely helpful and friendly. But most of all, the tennis pro Scott Lumpkin was amazing. I only had 2 days but he spent 1 hour each day working with me on all aspects of my tennis game. His knowledge and passion for tennis was evident.
I have been playing for about 30 years (mostly weekends since high school) and he gave me some great pointers and advice on all facets of my game. I am looking forward to coming back to improve my tennis game with Mr. Scott Lumpkin. The resort should be proud of him.
I had never played on clay before and it took a while to adjust, but now I love clay! The pros we had were Brian and Scott and they gave us great instruction in all areas and I can already tell the difference in the times I have played since returning home. I loved their tips on understanding stategy and movement on the court for doubles, and their explanations about planning shots for high percentage of success. We also had a semi-private with Robin who was wonderful and gave great advice. It was a terrific week and I look forward to returning.
Tennis staff was very good. Schedules were set up well. Everyone polite and welcoming.
Palmetto Dunes is the gold standard of tennis instruction! The instructors are exceptional, special kudos to Brian and Keith. All the activities not only developed my skills, but also helped my point play understanding and abilities. I would recommend this tennis program to any lover of the game.
I just returned from visiting the Palmetto Dunes tennis resort. What a great time. The clinics are addictive. You get the perfect blend of instruction, drilling, and competition at the end of the clinic. I am a huge fan and would recommend Palmetto Dunes to anyone that wants good tennis to be a part of their vacation.
I have visited Palmetto Dunes several times vacationing with family and friends. I have never seen any other resort with the number of tennis programs available to guests. All of the pros were great and many have been at the resort for several years. I feel like I am at home at Palmetto Dunes!
Strengths: Brian and the boys put on excellent clinics to suit all levels. The advanced drills were at a high pace – just what the doctor ordered. Loved the ball machines because they simulate a live ball better than balls fed from an instructor.
Accommodations were excellent. Having the Tennis Channel and high speed Wifi were added bonuses.
Weaknesses: clinics with a greater than ratio of 4:1 ratio were too slow.
Where’s the recycling program? Everything goes into the garbage – very disappointing when beauty is all around you!
My family just returned from a wonderful tennis vacation to Palmetto Dunes. We really enjoyed all of the tennis activities. There was something for all ages and was the highlight of the trip for my son. The resort offered far more than tennis. we played golf, played on the beach, rode bikes and kayaked the local lagoon system. What a great family getaway! We will be back!
Excellent instruction with drills that really work on both the fundamentals of the game, tailored to your specific needs, as well as fitness.
Palmetto Dunes is easy to get to and the staff is fantastic. The tennis center is well run with very good teaching professionals for all levels. Hilton Head has a great deal to offer, whether you have kids or not. It’s not a super budget vacation spot so be aware of that but there are plenty of way to cut costs.
2010 is the third year in a row we have been to Palmetto Dunes. This year, our group of eight from Atlanta stayed at a very nice home in Palmett Dunes, played tennis for three days, and even managed to sneak in a round of golf. Our pros, Brian and Scotty always give us a great workout and great tennis pointers. The best souvenier I’m bring home from Hilton Head this year is a much improved overhead. Thank you, Palmetto Dunes!
Went with Exploritas for 6 days/ 5 nights. The tennis instruction was excellent, Scott Lumpkin and Mike Uchno. Lots of instruction and afternoon doubles. Highly recommend the instructors and tennis center for fun, enlightening tennis located in lovely Hilton Head, South Carolina.
Instructors Mike Uchno and Scott Lumpkin are exceptionally good. They are perceptive, enthusiastic and adept at assessing needs and combining drills with instruction . And they are pleasant and fun to spend the week with. I would recommend them highly for your tennis instruction.
We just had an unbelievable weekend of fantastic tennis instruction. We’d played a match on the previous Thursday and could have used all of the great techniques they taught us!! Fun, smart, positive, effective – everything you could want in a tennis instructor. Keith, Brian and Hank were fantastic! I’ll be coming back soon!
I did 2 one hour lessons while vacationing in Hilton Head. The instruction I received was far superior to anything I have received at other clubs and in my hometown. The lessons were fairly intense so you felt like you got a great workout while improving your strokes. I definitely would have done 2 more lessons or participated in some of their many daily clinics but the weather did not permit it. I definitely will be returning!
Love Pametto Dunes Tennis Center so much that I have been coming to Hilton Head Island for six years and every year I look forward to seeing the tennis pros at Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center. The pros do a great job at making your vacation a success both on and off the court. Would highly recommend this resort.
Excellent tennis program. The instruction and the facilities are top-notch. I highly recommend everything.
the tennis Pro Brian is just wonderful. We have been taking lessons and clinics with him for 4 years. Each year gets better and the first year was fantastic. The tennis staff in the shop are all very nice and knowledgable. And the apparell available is huge. the food is really good and fresh. I would recommend them to everyone.
I’ve been tennis camps at Bollettieri, Saddlebrook and The Phoenician and this place is my favorite! There is a wonderful white sand beach nearby, and the tall trees and lush surroundings are spectacular. The drills and instruction at Palmetto Dunes is unsurpassed. Plus, the lodging was a brand new 6 bedroom house with a private pool and Jacuzzi. And the price was a fantastic deal! The only weakness is you can’t fly non-stop from Kansas City. But the Hilton Head Airport is small and easy to get in/out. I wish I could go back next week!
This was about the best tennis trip ever! Great tennis instruction (doubles strategy and refining skills). Loved the pros, Keith and Brian! Good workout every day. Amazing ball machine! Great weather every day! I will be back next year with all my sisters!
This was my first experience at Palmetto Dunes and it was outstanding. I fully intend to return. The teaching pros were among the best I have encountered at a resort; they were fun but gave us a workout and good instruction in the clinic setting. The courts were in excellent condition and the pro shop full of great merchandise. What a terrific tennis resort!
I was there for 3 days and had an outstanding experience. The facilities were great and the staff even better. We had three days of personalized clinics for our group and we all came away with new strategies that we are excited to employ. We were well taken care of and made to feel like special guests. I look forward to returning in the future and will recommend Palmetto Dunes to all all my friends.
This was an amazing tennis vacation! Everything was top notch…lodging, facilities, staff, instructors, food, etc. I am planning on returning!
Amazing tennis with an amazing team of tennis professionals. We experienced incredible tennis clinics and enjoyed the hospitality of the entire team at Palmetto Dunes. I am already booking for our next visit back
My children participated in a clinic. They were quickly broken into groups according to ability. The instructors were excellent. They moved them the entire clinic for a great workout and they were so much fun and energetic. My kids loved this clinic!
The lessons were great. Some of the best instructions around.