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”
We took 4 lessons and we loved them. Our instructor, Angela, was very encouraging and helpful. It was lots of fun to play.
Angela Donoslovic- Skala was an exceptional instructor. One of the best clinics I have taken. Watched my stroke knew in a moment what needed to be tweaked. Would recommend her to anyone wanting to improve your strokes.
Great facility with plenty of clay courts, affordable rates and friendly staff! No negatives.
While vacationing on Hilton Head Island from September 14-20, 2017, I took 5 outstanding 90-minute, Stroke-of-the-Day Clinics on rubric courts for a reasonable price at the beautiful South Beach Racquet Club at Sea Pines. Each of these clinics was taught by 1 of the their excellent pros—Brian Kiggans and Angela Donoslovic. Brian and Angela have taught for many years in different tennis venues, and South Beach Racquet Club is extremely fortunate to have them as teaching pros! Brian and Angela each showed me various ways to improve my strokes with my response to each explanation being, “That makes sense!” I played my usual doubles tennis at home the next day and got complimented on many shots that resulted from instruction I received from Brian or Angela. I strongly recommend taking the stroke clinics at South Beach Racquet Club with either Brian or Angela!
Great club with nice clay courts. Took the drills class which is a great mix of focused stroke training and match strategy. Angela is a great instructor that helped fix my backhand and get more power on my serve. Only weakness is that I wish they separated ability levels a little more in the drills class. But the class wasn’t that large (2-3 players) so understand why. You got extra instruction which was nice
We took a semi-private with Angela and she is a true professional with a keen eye. We are usta rated 4.5 players and could not have been happier. Oh and drinks at the Salty Dog after makes SBRC and South Beach a must stay.
If you are searching for high end glitz and glamor, Hilton Head is not the correct choice for your vacation. However, if a laid back low country beach atmosphere supported by a family atmosphere sounds appealing Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island is for you. During our years of vacationing in Sea Pines I have participated in drills and round robins at a variety of the local tennis camps. This year scheduling resulting in my trying the drills at the SOUTH BEACH RACQUET CLUB, the experience was fantastic. Again, nothing “fancy” just well maintained courts, an extremely courteous and helpful staff, and good tennis. The pro who conducted our drills is named Angela. Now admittedly there were only a couple of participants in the drills, but in 5 minutes she began asking question about our different strokes. Was this comfortable, did I feel off balance, etc. With just a couple of minor modifications, my stroke improved, it felt more comfortable and the percentage hitting in bounds increased.
I greatly enjoyed South Beach Racquet Club. I did the daily stroke and drill clinic each day during our recent vacation. Very fun, lots of balls, great workout. Garrett was a superb pro, really helpful, very upbeat. The setting is beautiful. I will definitely be back!
Best tennis resort and best pro’s ever. If your tennis team is looking for a fun weekend away with some excellent clinic time this is the place! Whether you are a new team looking for beginner lessons or a seasoned team looking for some fine tuning these pros are fabulous. Garrett & Jimbo are top notch ch!! Excellent courts in the back yard of Salty Dog.
This tennis resort has always met and exceeded our expectations with regards to quality of court surface, booking a court, and friendliness of service. The owners, Rachel and Don are always very accommodating, and keep their tennis shop up-to-date with the newest apparel and equipment. The tennis drills have always been very helpful as well.
Garrett Leal, the Head Tennis Professional is excellent and highly recommended. As I am a low intermediate player, and not naturally athletic, he was able to analyze my many mistakes and help me correct them. I can see improvement quickly when I remember to implement them. In the lessons he is unfailingly supportive and positive and empathizes with my not fully comprehending and implementing immediately. He remembers one’s game and in passing a court on which I am playing, he will sometimes call out and compliment my succussful whatever, or suggests a better approach on my technique. This is very friendly as Garrett knows almost all the regulars at the Club, and only does this appropriately. Thank you Garrett.
Beautiful resort for a tennis vacation. Instructional clinics are exceptional! I learned a lot! Doubles tips from the pros definitely will help me to excel in my home league matches!
Great instructors for everyone. Jim and Angela were great. Pro shop staff was very friendly and accommodating unlike another pro shop we visited on the Island. South Beach racquet club is highly recommended. We have been playing there for years.
Great clinics run by instructor Garrett Leal. He was energetic, knowledgable, approachable, and very engaging. We will definitely keep coming back as long as he is teaching!
Tennis Program is great! Lowcountry feel and style makes it very inviting! Great place to play and enjoy Tennis!
Angela Donoslovic is the best instructor I have ever met. She provides a perfect balance between verbal instruction and practice/play. She has great attitude (positive/supportive) and personality (fun/patient) and loads of energy. Her assessment of technique weaknesses is spot on and she communicates effectively with understandable prompts for easier and quicker incorporation into a student’s game. Improving a student’s tennis skills seems more a passion than just a job to Angela. I give her my highest recommendation.
The SBRC continues to provide me with the best tennis holiday. We came to the area for two weeks last year and decided to double our fun with a month this year. We were not disappointed. We are returning to the area and the South Beach Racquet Club next year. Why you ask? The tennis club is so very welcoming and committed to providing a superior tennis experience. The courts are well maintained and the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable about their products. The club pro Garrett has the characteristics that all great instructors possess. He is able to instruct, motivate and give the participants of his private lessons and group activities a great deal of fun. You will come away with a smile on your face and added confidence in your abilities. The other great asset of the club is its members. They are welcoming and encouraging. Members such as Lisa help visitors become part of the greater tennis community that is SBRC. Being invited to play with other club members makes this a truly memorable tennis experience. I would like to thank the owners, staff and club members of South Beach for providing this avid tennis player a really wonderful tennis holiday!!!
excellent court maintenance, very nice accmmodating people, pleanty of courts, easy to meet people and get games
A great place to call my home tennis club!
Great club. Lots of variety in terms of players. Great pros, too.
An exceptional facility and club. Many activities for both young & old. I love their yearly Billy Bob tournament. It’s fun, yet competitive. Highly recommend South Beach. If I lived in Hilton Head, I would definitely join this club.
The pros at South Beach run the most fun, dynamic and challenging clinics on the island. Participating in their programs have upped my game significantly!
Friendly staff & excellent tennis instructions! Daily clinics are wonderful!
Fabulous location, great proshop with the best selection tennis clothes on Hilton Head. Head pro Garrett is very knowledgeable in the sport.
South Beach is a very fun place to play tennis. Great instruction and clinics. Although the courts are not always in the best condition, Hilton Head is a great place to play because of the great number of players visiting and residing here. It is a tennis dream come true for me. Homey and comfortable
South BeachRacquet has everything. It cators to the higher ranked, pros and tournament players as is does the club player who is on the courts just to have some relaxation and fun. SBRQ also entwines the members and resort guest in a way that everybody feels comforable and all have fun. SBRC participates in manyTennis Club, Tennis Island activities ,Collgre player competions and lots of fun socials for all. If you in the area, Y’ll come down. You will be glad that you did.
I love the condition of the courts and the setting of the club… they have a good pro there but I do find it farther away then I care to drive if my matches end over the evening traffic… I live in the area so I have not had occasion to stay there but I have played on a team there and played against them also. I can not answer some questions because I live about 40 min. away.
South Beach Racquet Club is wonderful. Great place for tennis and friends. Lovely owners!
Excellent staff. Very friendly and accommodating. Clinics available every day. Lots of fun tournaments. Always courts available.
A favorite tennis destination for me & my family. It is a very relaxing atmosphere with a constant buzz of tennis activity, from round robins to drills & lessons. You can never go wrong with a trip to south beach.
I love everything about South Beach Racquet Club. We are all so lucky to be here and experience the wonderful staff and facility…Love it!
Great staff, clinics and very open to visitors
Strength – variety of socials and mixers and holiday events make for a great tennis atmosphere! Weakness – only two lighted courts if you want to play at night.
Spent a week playing tennis at this incredible club. Wonderful staff and terrific programs. There is something for every level of player. You come as a guest and leave as part of the family. Can’t wait to go back!
Phenomenal staff and services offered to all members and guests alike.Tennis programs geared to all ages and skill levels.Owners are tennis players themselves and are always available and hands on in their expert management of this facility. Only weakness inclement weather which would involve the temporary closure of the courts, ie. rain.
Great place to play tennis while on Hilton Head Island! Relaxing environment, fun staff and well maintained facility. The pro Angela was amazing and fun for early morning clinics and private lessons.
Fun and friendly!
I was impressed with the availability of the courts and the exceptional coaching staff. I have already implemented strategies that were taught during my stay, and they are really making a difference. The South Beach staff was friendly, outgoing, and very helpful, and I will return there soon!
We had a group lesson with Garrett Leal and had a wonderful class!!! He was wonderful to work with and so personable. Very knowledgable about the game!!!! A joy to be with!!!!! Can’t wait to come back:-))))
We have traveled the world seeking tennis .. We found that South Beach Racquet Club on Hilton Head Island is one of the finest environments we have ever found. The staff welcomes you every morning like the sun coming up..warm and friendly. This is a club catering to friends, guests and locals. No, this does not have a famous name attached to the courts in an all inclusive resort type feel. This has a home away from home feel.. can’t wait to get on the courts feel! You will be glad you stopped by. You can also rent your bikes from here so you can ride to your match! Give them a call..you will thank me later!
Excellent instruction and a very friendly staff. In particular, Angela Donoslovic-Skala can’t be beat as a teaching pro. Highly recommended.
I took 6 hours of one on one lessons from Angela at South Beach. She was a fantastic teacher of tennis. She was able to communicate in a clear manner fine details of tennis strokes and strategy. I learned so much from her in one week. I will definitely come back again to take additional lessons from her.
We have vacationed at Hilton Head Island. SC.for the past 30 years. The high point of every visit has always been the time spent at South Beach Racquet Club, founded and run by Rachel and Don Sigmon. They are perfect hosts, with skilled coaches and bright, enthusiastic staff. You can always be sure of a warm welcome, with imaginative tennis programs to suit every age and ability and a variety of entertaining off-court activities.
great court conditions, warm professional staff excellent coaching and clinics
A delightful, very welcoming and inclusive club.The teaching staff is very competent and available to help us all improve our games. The staff in the clubhouse is excellent. If you want a game, talk to them and they will point you in the right direction to set one up. The owners, Rachel and Don Sigmon are very hands on and always welcoming and friendly to all members and guests alike.
Super adult tennis environment. Friendly staff, friendly players and Garrett is a great instructor.
This is an extra special place – friendly owners and staff, great pro’s and an excellent atmosphere both on and off court
A very friendly and accommodating club! They are always ready to sponsor an event to involve others. 13 soft courts, only a short walk to the beach.
This is an outstanding tennis facility. The pro and assistant pro are both excellent and quickly understand the court needs of all ages and levels of tennis players. Members are inclusive and open to meeting new players. The owners, Rachel and Don ensure a constant presence and are very helpful. All the staff is efficient. Activities are varied and provide a wonderful venue for meeting new friends and like minded tennis enthusiasts.
Wonderful setting for tennis with a beautiful deck overseeing the courts, great selection in the shop, Garrett is a young pro beyond his years, always smiling and encouraging. Good socials as well.