Port Royal can trace its tennis history to the mid 1980s, when the original Port Royal Racquet Club opened to become one of the rare venues with 16 hard, clay, and grass courts. Late in 2018 however, the tennis operation was moved, taking up residence on eight brand-new Har-Tru courts and two permanent pickleball courts adjacent to the golf fairways at what is now the Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club, about a quarter-mile away.
(The site formerly occupied by the old racquet club is slated to be redeveloped as timeshare condominiums.) Dale Brown has been hired as head tennis professional. Originally from Georgia, Brown trained at the Smith Stearns Tennis Academy on Hilton Head Island as a junior and went on to play for LaGrange College, where he earned a B.S. in Business Management and an M.S. in Strength and Conditioning. He bring a variety of teaching and coaching experience to this new position, having taught at the nearby Sea Pines Racquet Club and coached at both the high school and college levels. Still feeling his way into the new facility, he has begun by offering stroke-of-the-day and fast-action clinics every weekday as well as private lessons. He expects to add additional programs and services, including options for juniors, as he gets into high season.
Coming here is a homecoming of sorts. “As a child, my family vacationed to Port Royal and I took lessons during the summer at the old Racquet Club,” he told me. “I also spent countless hours training as a junior tennis player on Hilton Head at Smith Stearns. The chance to come back to the island and build onto the tennis program here at Port Royal is quite a blessing to me.”
Eight Har-Tru courts and two permanent pickleball courts adjacent to the golf fairways at what is now the Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club
Off Court
Beach: A broad beach runs the length of Hilton Head Island.
Golf Courses: Port Royal has two 18-hole designer golf courses
Barony: This 18-hole course, designed by George W. Cobb, was one of the first to be built on Hilton Head Island. Deceptively open in appearance, it becomes challenging near the greens, which are protected by think rough and unforgiving bunkers.
Robber’s Row: Willard C. Byrd designed these 18 holes to have narrow, tree-lined fairways, small, undulating greens, and the challenge of water along 10 of the holes.
Dining: The clubhouse at Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club has the Robber’s Row Grille, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are more dining options at the Westin. In addition to a poolside grill for lunch, it has two other restaurants: View 32 and the farm- and sea-to-table Carolina Room.
Accommodations
The five-story, 412-room Westin fronts the beach roughly half a mile from the racquet club. It has a spa and fitness center, three swimming pools, and a kids’ club.
Getting there
Seasons: Year-round.
Travel Instructions: By Air: Port Royal 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.
191 Reviews on “Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club - Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa”
Excellent
4.7
191 reviews
JM
Denny, Tanda and the team at Port Royal couldn’t be better ambassadors for tennis, Port Royal, and Hitlon Head in general. The courts are in great shape (hard and clay), the ProShop has great items, and it was just an all around great experience.
SS
Great place…everyone friendly, nice facilities. been there before, will go again.
TB
Owner/opporaters very friendly, courts always in great shape, daily instruction superb.
KH
Port Royal is a fabulous tennis facility in a beautiful setting. The staff are incredibly nice, accommodating and welcoming, not to mention, knowledgable! If you are a tennis enthusiast, you will enjoy working on your game at a first class club.
TL
Port Royal racquet club makes a guest feel like they’ve visited the set of “Cheers”….what a warm and friendly feeling you get immediately upon entering the clubhouse. Denny Bianco and his staff go out of their way to provide a friendly atmosphere and help arrange games. Gr88888!!!!
DB
Incredibly friendly and accomodating staff, coupled with top-notch facilities are the reason I go twice per year, every year!
SB
Terrific facilities and a marvelous staff has made Port Royal a yearly destination for both my family and my tennis group. Quite simply, this is a very well managed club where you feel like a member immediately.
WW
Great court conditions and great people at the front desk. Good lessons from Pro Dana Langston
BL
Thoroughly enjoyed the daily drills with Dana; he’s a great balance of suppport and critique! Welcoming Pro Shop and personnel. Terrific experience
JE
High energy fast action drill by Dana was just what our USTA ladies looked forward to and enjoyed while at Port Royal Racquet Club. Tanda made us welcome as well as the entire staff. Great place to vacation and get some good tennis instruction.
DB
Outstanding people and facility. Denny Bianco and his staff go the extra mile to take care of all his guests on off the court. It’s obvious to me why this club is perenially named a top tennis resort.
LK
The grounds, pro-shop and personnel were delightful to encounter. The grounds well kept, pro-shop had a great inventory of clothing and fun accessories and the personnel were welcoming and made you feel a part of the tennis community @ HHI
RP
The accommodations were excellent (Crown Reef). The staff (Tanda Bianco) at the club was fantastic. She was very helpful with the tennis, places to eat, and or visit. She is so warm and caring. We like staying there because of the people at the tennis club.
RM
We have vacationed at Port Royal Racquet Club for four years and have had a wonderful experince each time. Tanda Bianco has made us feel like family each time. We plan to come back again next year.
DL
One of the finest tennis facilities in North America. The courts are excellent, but the difference between Port Royal and all other tennis facilities is the attitude and helpfulness of the staff – especially Denny Bianco. He has gone out of his way numerous times to set up compatable players and games that were thoroughly enjoyable as well as competitive. He and his staff always went the extra mile to insure all visitors had a great tennis experience.
DH
Beautiful facility and well maintained. Tennis Director, Denny Bianco, and his staff do a tremendous job promoting tennis and arranging competitive matches for locals and visitors.
GK
Have been an island resident here for over 14 years and can certainly recommend Port Royal Racquet Club. Denny Bianco and the entire staff go out of their way to make sure your tennis experience is perfect from lessons to finding just the right tennis partner or partners. You will not be disappointed.
KJ
Great place to play tennis and meet new guests as well as playing team tennis. Denny Bianco does a GREAT job. Highly recommend to any visitors to contact this resort facility to play some great tennis.
BH
The Club is a dirtballers best friend… Denny Bianco does a great job w/ visitors, locals & out-of-towners
BK
Port Royal Racquet Club is an Excellent Tennis Facility! Denny Bianco and his staff were always very helpful and courteous allowing for wonderful tennis experiences!!
DD
the staff is excellent and assisted in setting up match play, the lessons are outstanding
RS
Top notch tennis resort with both hard and har-tru courts and great staff
RU
Enjoyed are stay this year ,customer service was great.
SA
the staff, including director, denny bianco is always more than willing to do anything to keep his visitors leaving happy and eager to return.
JB
Port Royal, Hilton Head Island, SC; great match making, long history of being player/USTA team friendly. Denny Bianco noted for great customer service. Great tennis player’s friend.
RS
The director of tennis at Port Royal (Dennis Bianco) will jump through hoops to find you a match.
PC
I have been playing tennis at Port Royal Racquet Club in Hilton Head since I started vacationing there in the late 70’s. I have always enjoyed their instructional classes and drills. The manager Denny Binaco has always been helpful and accomodating of our group needs.
AC
Denney Bianco and his staff are the best! the facility and courts are outstanding. Had a great time!
BY
I enjoyed the warm welcome offered by the staff headed by Denny Bianco and I was in heaven playing on the immaculate clay courts at The Port Royal Racquet Club.
SW
We just returned from a long week-end on Hilton Head Island and a package deal at Port Royal Racquet Club. Our instructor, Clint; was fun,extremely helpful and provided us with clear, understandable and retainable information. Even though we both have played since Jr. High, we always glean beneficial analysis and tips when we do drills or clinics at PRR. We return to Port Royal each year because the clay courts are well kept, the environs relaxing and all the staff are welcoming and happy to see us. They get that we are there to enjoy ourselves and not to become tournament level players. The court time deals are unsurpassed on the Island. We have tried drills at Palmetto Dunes and Van Da Mere but haven’t enjoyed the experience at those programs as much as our time spent at PRR. We always feel like PRR gives a damn if we return, even though we are definitely not the high level type players that pros probably most enjoy. We are in our 60’s and just trying to maintain our tennis capabilites for another decade or maybe two!
JL
I stayed at the Marriott Barony next door and was able to use the Port Royal facilities; they were fantastic and the pros and drills were so fun. I played two hours of drills in the morning (fast action drills and shot of the day) and then hit the beach with my family the rest of the day. The pros were enthusiastic and able to accommodate large groups. Be sure to reserve your spot for drills the day before i.e. don’t just show up.
GK
Honestly, all strengths! These folks are incredibly customer service oriented and so helpful, professional, and friendly. We look forward to visiting each year, sometimes twice a year.
DR
Great overall. Denny was a great help in our stay.
AW
Fantastic. Best tennis resort I’ve every been to. Courts are well maintained and the service was amazing.
GM
I brought my two daughters, 13 and 11, to Port Royal for instructional training. Alfredo worked with them. I teach tennis part-time and in just 5-6 hours, Alfredo had made them considerably better players! If you have a junior player that loves tennis, run and don’t walk to Alfredo at Port Royal! Tanda was a great host and treated us like we were family. No doubt we will return.
CS
A great facility. Excellent courts in a very pleasant surroundings with a helpful staff. Our group keeps coming bach here for a tennis week each year.
PK
The Port Royal Racquet Club in Hilton Head is the best place to play tennis on Hilton Head Island. I have been visiting the island for 15 years and find the staff and members at this club extremely accommodating and friendly. Many of the locals play at this club and Denny and his staff do their best to find you a match at your ability level. Many of my friends have spent tennis vacations at Port Royal and expressed the same positive opinions. Port Royal is like my home court when visiting Hilton Head Island!
LH
Courts are in great shape. Had to have a racquet restrung- excellent job and good price. Love to play here!
JC
Very knowledgeable and friendly staff along with excellent courts to play on. No matter what level of player you are, the staff is welcoming and very supportive.
PK
What a great tennis experience it is to play tennis at Port Royal. Lots of courts and you will enjoy all of the drill offered and the staff is great. Enjoy
LM
Great tennis courts and pro shop.
NB
Great tennis facility, very nice people. I wish they had game matching, offered more variety in clinics, and had a daily round robin. When we go, we set up a private group clinic for the week which works out well. They are very accomodating.
ML
I have been taking lessons for the last 2 years. But the instructor at Port Royal immediately helped fix some of the problems that I have been struggling with since I started. Very good instruction and insight.
JP
Great friendly service. The courts were really nice and private, with lots of shade trees.
PB
Wonderful staff, helpful and encouraging and always cheerful. Tennis instruction is excellent. Stroke of the day drills are extremely helpful and focused. Patrick Page does a wonderful job as tennis pro and Denny runs a fine facility.
BU
Outstanding tennis experience. Clint was a super instructor with plenty of passion. Tanda did a fantastic job of finding strong players to round out our doubles group. Very accommodating on short notice.
KL
Our small (3) group of 4.5-5.0 rated players just returned from a very enjoyable 4 days at Port Royal. Tanda Bianco was able to work with us to tailor a combination of professional instruction with competitive doubles play. Clint was an excellent, enthusiastic pro and gave us plenty of new things to think about in the areas of tennis strategy (who’s heard of triangles?) – no small feat given the number of years our group has playing. When one of the members of our group cancelled 2 days prior to our arrival, she was able to set up a number of skilled and personable players to fill out our doubles matches each day. We stayed in a 3 bedroom condo right down the street from the racquet club that was reasonably priced. The facility is a little older and may lack some of the amenities of nicer resorts, but for someone looking for a hard-core, intensive tennis experience, I would recommend it. In the past three years, we have gone to Saddlebrook, JW Marriott Palm Desert and Port Royal – Port Royal provided us the best overall tennis experience.
DB
I liked the group instruction. It was a lot of fun. The tennis drills were great.
MM
The tennis pro’s are excellent for the Barony owners and Pat in particualr as well as Dana. We enjoyed our week here and we are glad we did this clinic.
JC
Port Royal Racquet Club is a world class tennis resort for players at every level. Tennis instruction clinics conducted daily each morning by Dana Landin and Patrick Page are fun and productive at every level of play. They quickly diagnose a problem and then help the student overcome it. Dana is precise and incisive with instruction and Patric makes the learning experience fun. Both are excellent in their own way. The more hearty players can meet others during the clinics and schedule games later in the day. The staff does a superior job maintaining the courts in good condition. And all are friendly and helpful, down to the current resident cat, named Ace.
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191 Reviews on “Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club - Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa”
Denny, Tanda and the team at Port Royal couldn’t be better ambassadors for tennis, Port Royal, and Hitlon Head in general. The courts are in great shape (hard and clay), the ProShop has great items, and it was just an all around great experience.
Great place…everyone friendly, nice facilities. been there before, will go again.
Owner/opporaters very friendly, courts always in great shape, daily instruction superb.
Port Royal is a fabulous tennis facility in a beautiful setting. The staff are incredibly nice, accommodating and welcoming, not to mention, knowledgable! If you are a tennis enthusiast, you will enjoy working on your game at a first class club.
Port Royal racquet club makes a guest feel like they’ve visited the set of “Cheers”….what a warm and friendly feeling you get immediately upon entering the clubhouse. Denny Bianco and his staff go out of their way to provide a friendly atmosphere and help arrange games. Gr88888!!!!
Incredibly friendly and accomodating staff, coupled with top-notch facilities are the reason I go twice per year, every year!
Terrific facilities and a marvelous staff has made Port Royal a yearly destination for both my family and my tennis group. Quite simply, this is a very well managed club where you feel like a member immediately.
Great court conditions and great people at the front desk. Good lessons from Pro Dana Langston
Thoroughly enjoyed the daily drills with Dana; he’s a great balance of suppport and critique! Welcoming Pro Shop and personnel. Terrific experience
High energy fast action drill by Dana was just what our USTA ladies looked forward to and enjoyed while at Port Royal Racquet Club. Tanda made us welcome as well as the entire staff. Great place to vacation and get some good tennis instruction.
Outstanding people and facility. Denny Bianco and his staff go the extra mile to take care of all his guests on off the court. It’s obvious to me why this club is perenially named a top tennis resort.
The grounds, pro-shop and personnel were delightful to encounter. The grounds well kept, pro-shop had a great inventory of clothing and fun accessories and the personnel were welcoming and made you feel a part of the tennis community @ HHI
The accommodations were excellent (Crown Reef). The staff (Tanda Bianco) at the club was fantastic. She was very helpful with the tennis, places to eat, and or visit. She is so warm and caring. We like staying there because of the people at the tennis club.
We have vacationed at Port Royal Racquet Club for four years and have had a wonderful experince each time. Tanda Bianco has made us feel like family each time. We plan to come back again next year.
One of the finest tennis facilities in North America. The courts are excellent, but the difference between Port Royal and all other tennis facilities is the attitude and helpfulness of the staff – especially Denny Bianco. He has gone out of his way numerous times to set up compatable players and games that were thoroughly enjoyable as well as competitive. He and his staff always went the extra mile to insure all visitors had a great tennis experience.
Beautiful facility and well maintained. Tennis Director, Denny Bianco, and his staff do a tremendous job promoting tennis and arranging competitive matches for locals and visitors.
Have been an island resident here for over 14 years and can certainly recommend Port Royal Racquet Club. Denny Bianco and the entire staff go out of their way to make sure your tennis experience is perfect from lessons to finding just the right tennis partner or partners. You will not be disappointed.
Great place to play tennis and meet new guests as well as playing team tennis. Denny Bianco does a GREAT job. Highly recommend to any visitors to contact this resort facility to play some great tennis.
The Club is a dirtballers best friend… Denny Bianco does a great job w/ visitors, locals & out-of-towners
Port Royal Racquet Club is an Excellent Tennis Facility! Denny Bianco and his staff were always very helpful and courteous allowing for wonderful tennis experiences!!
the staff is excellent and assisted in setting up match play, the lessons are outstanding
Top notch tennis resort with both hard and har-tru courts and great staff
Enjoyed are stay this year ,customer service was great.
the staff, including director, denny bianco is always more than willing to do anything to keep his visitors leaving happy and eager to return.
Port Royal, Hilton Head Island, SC; great match making, long history of being player/USTA team friendly. Denny Bianco noted for great customer service. Great tennis player’s friend.
The director of tennis at Port Royal (Dennis Bianco) will jump through hoops to find you a match.
I have been playing tennis at Port Royal Racquet Club in Hilton Head since I started vacationing there in the late 70’s. I have always enjoyed their instructional classes and drills. The manager Denny Binaco has always been helpful and accomodating of our group needs.
Denney Bianco and his staff are the best! the facility and courts are outstanding. Had a great time!
I enjoyed the warm welcome offered by the staff headed by Denny Bianco and I was in heaven playing on the immaculate clay courts at The Port Royal Racquet Club.
We just returned from a long week-end on Hilton Head Island and a package deal at Port Royal Racquet Club. Our instructor, Clint; was fun,extremely helpful and provided us with clear, understandable and retainable information. Even though we both have played since Jr. High, we always glean beneficial analysis and tips when we do drills or clinics at PRR. We return to Port Royal each year because the clay courts are well kept, the environs relaxing and all the staff are welcoming and happy to see us. They get that we are there to enjoy ourselves and not to become tournament level players. The court time deals are unsurpassed on the Island. We have tried drills at Palmetto Dunes and Van Da Mere but haven’t enjoyed the experience at those programs as much as our time spent at PRR. We always feel like PRR gives a damn if we return, even though we are definitely not the high level type players that pros probably most enjoy. We are in our 60’s and just trying to maintain our tennis capabilites for another decade or maybe two!
I stayed at the Marriott Barony next door and was able to use the Port Royal facilities; they were fantastic and the pros and drills were so fun. I played two hours of drills in the morning (fast action drills and shot of the day) and then hit the beach with my family the rest of the day. The pros were enthusiastic and able to accommodate large groups. Be sure to reserve your spot for drills the day before i.e. don’t just show up.
Honestly, all strengths! These folks are incredibly customer service oriented and so helpful, professional, and friendly. We look forward to visiting each year, sometimes twice a year.
Great overall. Denny was a great help in our stay.
Fantastic. Best tennis resort I’ve every been to. Courts are well maintained and the service was amazing.
I brought my two daughters, 13 and 11, to Port Royal for instructional training. Alfredo worked with them. I teach tennis part-time and in just 5-6 hours, Alfredo had made them considerably better players! If you have a junior player that loves tennis, run and don’t walk to Alfredo at Port Royal! Tanda was a great host and treated us like we were family. No doubt we will return.
A great facility. Excellent courts in a very pleasant surroundings with a helpful staff. Our group keeps coming bach here for a tennis week each year.
The Port Royal Racquet Club in Hilton Head is the best place to play tennis on Hilton Head Island. I have been visiting the island for 15 years and find the staff and members at this club extremely accommodating and friendly. Many of the locals play at this club and Denny and his staff do their best to find you a match at your ability level. Many of my friends have spent tennis vacations at Port Royal and expressed the same positive opinions. Port Royal is like my home court when visiting Hilton Head Island!
Courts are in great shape. Had to have a racquet restrung- excellent job and good price. Love to play here!
Very knowledgeable and friendly staff along with excellent courts to play on. No matter what level of player you are, the staff is welcoming and very supportive.
What a great tennis experience it is to play tennis at Port Royal. Lots of courts and you will enjoy all of the drill offered and the staff is great. Enjoy
Great tennis courts and pro shop.
Great tennis facility, very nice people. I wish they had game matching, offered more variety in clinics, and had a daily round robin. When we go, we set up a private group clinic for the week which works out well. They are very accomodating.
I have been taking lessons for the last 2 years. But the instructor at Port Royal immediately helped fix some of the problems that I have been struggling with since I started. Very good instruction and insight.
Great friendly service. The courts were really nice and private, with lots of shade trees.
Wonderful staff, helpful and encouraging and always cheerful. Tennis instruction is excellent. Stroke of the day drills are extremely helpful and focused. Patrick Page does a wonderful job as tennis pro and Denny runs a fine facility.
Outstanding tennis experience. Clint was a super instructor with plenty of passion. Tanda did a fantastic job of finding strong players to round out our doubles group. Very accommodating on short notice.
Our small (3) group of 4.5-5.0 rated players just returned from a very enjoyable 4 days at Port Royal. Tanda Bianco was able to work with us to tailor a combination of professional instruction with competitive doubles play. Clint was an excellent, enthusiastic pro and gave us plenty of new things to think about in the areas of tennis strategy (who’s heard of triangles?) – no small feat given the number of years our group has playing.
When one of the members of our group cancelled 2 days prior to our arrival, she was able to set up a number of skilled and personable players to fill out our doubles matches each day. We stayed in a 3 bedroom condo right down the street from the racquet club that was reasonably priced. The facility is a little older and may lack some of the amenities of nicer resorts, but for someone looking for a hard-core, intensive tennis experience, I would recommend it. In the past three years, we have gone to Saddlebrook, JW Marriott Palm Desert and Port Royal – Port Royal provided us the best overall tennis experience.
I liked the group instruction. It was a lot of fun. The tennis drills were great.
The tennis pro’s are excellent for the Barony owners and Pat in particualr as well as Dana. We enjoyed our week here and we are glad we did this clinic.
Port Royal Racquet Club is a world class tennis resort for players at every level. Tennis instruction clinics conducted daily each morning by Dana Landin and Patrick Page are fun and productive at every level of play. They quickly diagnose a problem and then help the student overcome it. Dana is precise and incisive with instruction and Patric makes the learning experience fun. Both are excellent in their own way.
The more hearty players can meet others during the clinics and schedule games later in the day. The staff does a superior job maintaining the courts in good condition. And all are friendly and helpful, down to the current resident cat, named Ace.