Though upstaged by the high-profile Sea Pines Racquet Club in another part of the development, the South Beach Racquet Club deserves consideration, especially if you simply love to play. Its welcoming clubhouse resembles a Lowcountry cottage, with a porch that wraps around two sides. Rocking chairs on the porch, which overlooks Court 1, a 1,000-squarefoot deck at one end, and free morning coffee (except in summer) all encourage people to drop by and hang around. “Many of our members have their own rocking chair,” notes Don Sigmon, who owns and operates the club with his wife Rachel. Those avid members account for much of the activity; however everyone is welcome, whether or not they’re staying within the resort. Or as Sigmon puts it: “To play here you need to like tennis and enjoy having a good time.”
The club is just a few steps from the shops, restaurants, and watersports center at South Beach Marina and about 300 yards from the beach. Bicycles can be rented at the racquet club, and at the end of the day lots of people wander over to the Salty Dog Cafe, a favorite place for beverages and snacks.
Tennis Staff: Owners Don and Rachel Sigmon take an active part in the club’s operation. The very popular Brian Kiggins, who had been head pro in the past, has returned after a stint at another Hilton Head Island resort, this time as Director of Tennis.
Tennis Programs: Apart from private lessons, South Beach runs stroke-of-the-day clinics for adults and, in summer, a variety of clinics for children (ages 5-8), pre-teens, and teens. With roughly 175 members—about half of them full-time residents—to draw on, the staff can often put together competitive matches for anyone who asks. Another way to meet players—apart from just dropping by—is to attend one of the twice-weekly round robins, which attract anywhere from a few to 16 players. Beyond that there are adult clinics and drills and several junior sessions (by age or ability) every Monday through Friday.
Court Complex: South Beach has 13 clay courts, six of them in a cluster anchored by the clubhouse and another seven among the trees across the road. Fees are $20/hour walk-in, $25 with a reservation (although those who rent through certain agencies get free or discounted rates—check with the pro shop for up-to-date information).
223 Reviews on “South Beach Racquet Club”
A hidden gem in HHI. Great staff!
We have belonged to South Beach Racquet Club on Hilton Head for the past 10 years and have found a great tennis home there. Every year the Sigmons sponsor wonderful tennis parties with marvelous teams and prizes and fun. Including the “BillyBob Tournament” with age related brackets, and all sorts of holiday extravaganzas. The staff is wonderful, the pros are fun and extremely talented and gifted.
South Beach is a real Tennis Center, with great pros, programs, Tennis camps and lots of competitive U.S.T.A. and Combo, and Flex leagues. There are men’s and women’s 70+ teams as well as many different levels. They have a great Sunday Mixed tennis group created by 2 snowbirds and the club is open to suggestions. This year these northern snowbirds introduced the Davis Cup Competition with 8 countries represented and lots of tennis. We would like to see a better Guest package and long-term snowbird package. There are two more huge events coming up one is The Canadian/American competition and the other is The Billy Bob Tournament which attracts over 100 people and is age related. The owners are very friendly and willing to try new things. A new outside deck has been added and it makes for wonderful gathering place to watch all the tennis.
I live here half the year and play 2 USTA tennis teams here at South Beach. Even if coming on vacation or staying a short time, the club can get you in to clinics, games and socializing. SBRC is a very unique tennis spot and super friendly!
Great club and courts! Instructors had fun energy and really knew their stuff. Attended several group sessions, one was fast paced doubles(lots of fun) with some great players and the other one was a drill session which really broke down the fundamentals!! Actually made plans with some players to hit back at home!
One of the best tennis resorts I have visited. The proshop staff was super friendly and accommodating. They even found a babysitter for me in the mornings, so that I could participate in the clinics. The pro, Garrett, did a fantastic job leading the clinics, and improved my overhead in a few short minutes. I look forward to my next visit.
Everyone makes you feel welcome…Place is wonderful The reception ladies were very professional, fun and efficient. They really help you find games if you are new to the Club. Garrett, the pro, is so enthusiastic, energetic, and a good teacher that he gets you to work even harder at improving your game. The clay courts are in excellent condition. It’s our 6th visit and we loved it.
Garrett Leal was an excellent instructor for my two sons. They had a great time and improved with just a few lessons.
We have been fortunate to participate in clinics, social round robins, but South Beach as well accommodated round robins for family retreats. In addition to a number of courts, a well stocked store, and gifted teachers, the setting is wonderful for friends and fans. A few steps to the Salty Dog, marina or walk on the beach. It works well if you are playing, sitting in a rocking chair watching tennis or enjoying the surroundings while you wait.
My wife and I did stroke of the day 2 days while we were on vacation and we loved it. Good instructors, good workout.
I have been visiting Hilton Head Is. for many years. One of the main reasons I return is because of the South Beach Racquet Club. Don and Rachel do a great job of running the Club and everyone in the Pro Shop is friendly and helpful. Together they make a visitor feel like one of the family. Add to this well-maintained courts and you have a wonderful experience. I can not think of any weaknesses.
I took 2 drill clinics at South Beach Racquet Club in Hilton Head. The instructor, Garrett Leal, was an exceptional teacher and wasted no time with his very beneficial and high speed drills. What a skilled and wonderful teacher of tennis skills.
I enrolled my two grandchildren, 12 year old Emily and 14 year old Steven for tennis instruction. South Beach Racquet Club’s Krystina Fluty was their instructor. The experience was wonderful. Emily and Steven are continuing to play. Their father, my son, is playing tennis with his children. South Beach has terrific instructors and appropriate tennis equipment for all ages and skill levels.
Garrett Leal, the head pro, was fantastic! We did 2 hrs of drills with him almost every day, and he had a lot of patience and energy. He was very knowledgeable and the session was a lot of fun! I would highly recommend Garrett and South Beach.
Wonderful vacation with top notch tennis instructors.
Outstanding facility – gracious and courteous staff – and Mike was a really talented, patient and effective pro who greatly advanced our games – myself, my wife, and our 12 year old son, in private lessons all week. Mike – you’re one of the best coaches we’ve had – thanks for a great week!
The South Beach Racquet Club was the site of a match between Westminster College, Pa vs Shepherd Univ W. Va. We had 9 courts for a dual M&W match Wed 3/12/14 Courts were in excellent condition in spite of rain during early AM “club” personnel very friendley and helpful and we felt VERY “welcome”. Match went quite well and lasted about 2 1/2 – 3 hrs
We weee delighted to have the opportunity to play there.
SBRC on Hilton Head Island, SC has well maintained Har-Tru courts with lighting. Great tennis instruction, clinics and round robin events as well as tournaments are held at SBRC. Staff members are courteous and helpful. Great viewing area from the porch decks with comfortable seating. If you go to SBRC be sure and browse through their well stocked pro shop and ask about their socials held after many events. Although there is no food on-site, several restaurants are nextdoor to the tennis club.
A laid back and friendly atmosphere, along with beautiful courts. What a great place!
Courts and grounds are well-maintained. Great location on Hilton Head Island. Love the rocking chairs on the clubhouse porch. Staff does a good job matching up players for visitors.
The clay courts were immaculate and as well kept an as any I have ever seen. The setting is beautiful. The staff is friendly and very accommodating. It was very easy to pick up a fourth player since our group consisted of only three. It was a wonderful tennis experience and I would highly recommend South Beach Racquet Club to any tennis player looking for a tennis get away.
I’ve been vacationing in Sea Pines for over 20 years and have played at the South Beach Racquet Club every visit. It has consistently been a great club and great tennis experience. The courts are fabulous and beautifully maintained. The staff is teriffic and knowledgeable. The clubhouse is charming and the atmosphere is friendly. A great tennis club.
Great facility in Sea Pines Resort. Our two teenagers took the Advanced Stroke Class every day, and eagerly got up every morning to go hit it. Excellent instruction, small class size and reasonable rates. With a well stocked pro shop and friendly staff, what’s not to like?! I loved watching the class from a rocking chair on the porch!
This a beautiful facility. It is well-run, and its owners, Rachel and Don Sigmon treat all who come to the club with care and respect. Due to an injury, I can no longer play tennis. However, I love visiting the club whenever I am at South Beach.
The lessons I had with Mike Sutcliffe at South Beach Racquet Club improved my game tremendously. I feel more confident and I’m having fun winning.
This was our 19th year at South Beach. We love staying in the vacation rentals and playing on the south beach racquet courts. This year 22 women made the trip. I alway have a tennis tournament for the ladies. If you have a group that plays tennis. This is the perfect spot. Beach, biking and salty dog….I never want to leave.
Several times a year we visit South Beach on Hilton Head with friends as well as with family members. When we are there with friends we play daily tennis and are always impressed by the condition of the courts and the friendliness of the staff. One year we needed an extra player and Rachel at the club offered to make some phone calls to help us out. We also rent bikes through them and several of us have taken some group lessons. My son (4.5 from Richmond) took a lesson from one of the pros (Mike) this summer and was very impressed with his teaching skills. There’s always plenty of activity at SBRC and they have an excellent pro shop as well.
We have come to Hilton Head/Sea Pines from France for several years in the month of August and have been playing tennis at SBRC almost every day during our stay. We have always enjoyed the relaxed and at the same time professional atmosphere at the Club; we like the friendliness of the staff and owners who are all personally involved and adjust to you needs; we also like the store where we found a lot of nice and useful tennis accessories, and have been renting the well-maintained beach bikes from the rental that is part of the club. We have also taken some tennis lessons, clinics etc. that were always fund and useful. We can recommend the Club to anyone, at any level of tennis, who likes to enjoy a great setting and improve his or her tennis game.
My husband, my daughter and I have been going to Hilton Head/Sea Pines for the past few years. We spend the month of August on the island. We can vouch for the fact that the South Sea Pines Tennis Club offers multiple services, from top rate pros for individual coaching, to more relaxed tennis events where individuals meet up to play tennis together, and improve their ground stroke, their backhand and anything else they want to work on. This Club has the great advantage of offering a hospitable environment where you can easily meet new folks travelling on vacation as well as locals. The Club also offers a bike service which has the great advantage of delivering your bike to your doorstep. It’s hard to beat this wonderful tennis club, a family based enterprise which has the warmth of the owners touch.
South Beach Racquet Club is nestled in the beautiful Sea Pines Plantation on Hilton Head Island, SC. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The tennis instruction was top notch. I was absolutely delighted that Instructor Mike Sutcliffe really got my daughter excited about the game. Watching her progression with him was fabulous.
We have had another wonderful 2 months @ SBRC. Courteous and friendly staff and Mike Sutcliffe, the pro, ranks with one of the best!! Joanne and Bob Awrey
Strengths – very friendly staff, good court availibility, courts in good shape, wonderful teaching pros, good pro shop, good restaurants near by Weaknesses – can’t think of any.
I love this club great courts and great people we try to come back every year
Just a great experience all around. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Other players were nice and fun. And the lessons I took with Jeremiah and Mike were awesome.
I took a series of five half hour private lessons from Mike. He was,by far,the best tennis instructor I have ever had. I wanted to modify my game to a more senior style of play and he helped me immensely towards achieving my goals. He is a great listener and tailors your lessons to precisely what you need and want.
Our two boys (9 and 11) took private lessons here with Ryan. They enjoyed the lessons and definitely improved. Ryan was a great teacher — perfect for their level. He kept them interested and enthusiastic! The staff were friendly and helpful. We would definitely recommend South Beach.
Scott and his staff gave terrific instruction, but more importantly, made it fun. Couldn’t have asked for a better time.
We had a great weekend at the Drysdale tennis school at Stratton. The weather was perfect, the pros were great and my game improved! Would highly recommend the Drysdale school.
Great faciilties, friendly staff and great teaching pro!
I recently took my semi-annual vacation to Sea Pines and once again took a few private lessons with Michael O’Keefe, the Head Pro. As usual, Michael was outstanding. He recalled our prior lessons from over 7 months prior and we were able to dial in to lessons that were really helpful to me based on how my game had evolved over that time.
Michael pays great attention to the smallest details and also provides great “real world” examples that I can use during my USTA matches as well as practice sessions. I would highly recommend South Beach Racquet Club and Michael specifically for those vacationing in the greater Hilton Head Island/Sea Pines area!
Great Instruction
Great place to play tennis and the personel are always great to work with and entertaining.
Skills taught were excellent, used many of the techniques they taught, and practiced them, I ranked very high in the round robin, LESSON’S…… it was a major difference in my game trying to employ these techniques.. I will be a better player…Great Jobs to the teaching pros….
The pro shop had the best selection of clothing, shoes, etc that I have seen. It was great and also had some items on sale.
Absolutely loved the club. Took lessons all week, and learned so much, and am a much better player now. All the staff was extremely nice, and were very helpful. I’ll always come back every time I’m near the area.
Michael O’Keefe is excellent. My sons, now 9 and 11, tooks a couple semi-private lessons from him two years ago and learned a lot of good basics and got interested. This year we were back in April and the boys went to him again for a couple semi-private lessons. He corrected a couple technique issues in the first five minutes and pumped them up with tennis energy again. He is super fun and obviously works hard at being a tennis instructor.
The facilities are superb, not too big to still be comfortable. Clay courts are in terrific condition. Well organized and managed in all aspects. Did have trouble getting a court a couple times but that is because the place is so popular and weather was ideal. Not as big as Sea Pines club but Michael is the best for us.
The value of the lessons offered is incredible. Probably double of the number of balls hit during a lesson at my courts at home. It is an encouraging experience that makes me want to continue to work hard and be a better tennis player. I can not think of any weaknesses at this club.
To tune up for the New Jersey outdoor season, my husband and I took five days of semi-private lessons with tennis director Michael O’Keefe. He understood what we wanted our focus to be and responded with good tips and drills. His instruction was excellent…most insightful, carefully explained and each session was fun. By the end of the week, we felt we were not only back in the swing, but improved. The courts were in good shape and the pro shop staff very pleasant.
I had the most wonderful experience at South Beach Racquet Club. The instructors were knowledgable and dynamic making the clinics educational as well as great fun! The pro shop was stocked and the staff was helpful. Thank you all for such a great vacation!
Michael’s ability to explain technique in a way that seems fresh and specific to you individually makes my clinic experience the best ever. He is fun yet professional and squeezes the best out of you as a player while never letting you doubt for one second that you are on vacation.