It's that time again fellow tennis lovers. What's going on with Gulf Harbour tennis? Although we aren't nearly as busy as we will be in a matter of weeks, we have not exactly been a ghost town either. We have had at least six courts for just about every round robin this summer, and we actually had 11 women show up for the 3.0 clinic yesterday! A pleasant surprise that was. So what's next on the agenda?
Upcoming Events
The Labor Day Tennis Event on Monday September 7, hosted by Wennie and Diane Johannes, is right around the corner and players are registering online and on the sign-up sheet adjacent to Court 1. You can register for the 8am and/or the 10am session by clicking the links above or going to the Club Calendar and going to that date (Remember, you have to log on to get to the Club Calendar. See Maria upstairs for login info).
If fewer players than anticipated register, there will be only one session from 9:00am – 11:00am. After we’ve stoked our thirsts and whetted our appetites, we’ll be moseying on over to the pool party for food, fun and fizzy beverages. Live music will contribute to the festive mood, so plan for some relaxing recreation that won’t be too labor intensive.
Although it is still a few weeks off, Gulf Harbour’s Tennis Boot Camp, held October 5 -9, will be upon us before we know it. To date we are at more than half of capacity for three of the four days. We anticipate a full house and some very dynamic tennis professionals, so if you haven’t made your reservation yet, now might be a good time to do so. We’d hate to have all that fun without you. Remember that you have to register for each day that you plan to participate.
Although it is still a few weeks off, Gulf Harbour’s Tennis Boot Camp, held October 5 -9, will be upon us before we know it. To date we are at more than half of capacity for three of the four days. We anticipate a full house and some very dynamic tennis professionals, so if you haven’t made your reservation yet, now might be a good time to do so. We’d hate to have all that fun without you. Remember that you have to register for each day that you plan to participate.
For the men who like to run a little, a singles group is taking shape. First meeting of the group is scheduled for this coming Thursday, September 3, at 6:30pm. We are forming an organized group who will play singles matches at least once per week with something on the line. Gets the competitive juices flowing...but strictly in a fun sort of way. Right boys? Email me (taniles@gulfharbour.com) for more information.
Facilities
The efforts of our Director, Mike Curran, our Tennis Committee Chair, Bob Ostrom, our GM, Rick Newman, and members of the facilities committee finally came to fruition this week. The fruit is in the form of the brand new Tread Blaster adjacent to Court 1. That makes for a much easier…and cleaner path into the Fitness Center.
And the improvements continue. Finally we will be eliminating the seasonal rapids, uh, I mean standing water between Courts 6 & 7. You will be happy to see the wettest of issues dried up by the beginning of season. Members will no longer need galoshes to access the area between those courts.
If I can take the word of the members who have commented to me about it, and I don’t see why I shouldn’t, the courts look as good as they have ever looked! Jerry Jimenez has been an invaluable addition to the Gulf Harbour tennis staff, and please don’t hesitate to offer him a pat on the back when you see him…and you will see him, which is very refreshing.
Electronic Program Enhancements
Continuing the efforts to keep our club striding into the electronic age, there is a computer in the fitness center lobby that will allow you to make your reservations online if you don’t have a computer at home. I know that absolutely makes your day; doesn’t it?
Speaking of online reservations, NetCaddy, (the name of the online system) will be launched officially on September 1. We will be offering mini workshops for those who need help beyond the online tutorials and the written instructions we will be providing.
Another note of interest for those who have been utilizing online reservations for our events, you are now able to sign-up for Saturday Round Robins online as well. Just go to the Club Calendar and click on the link for the round robin and complete the registration process.
You will be able to register one week in advance to maintain fair sign-up practices. Yes, there are still some members who prefer the paper and pencil method, and we can’t leave them out in the cold…or the heat if we’re talking this time of year.
You will be able to register one week in advance to maintain fair sign-up practices. Yes, there are still some members who prefer the paper and pencil method, and we can’t leave them out in the cold…or the heat if we’re talking this time of year.
New Tennis Members
Speaking of “welcome,” I’m sure you will join me in welcoming a few new tennis members who will be swinging racquets with us this season. They include, but may not be limited to:
Speaking of “welcome,” I’m sure you will join me in welcoming a few new tennis members who will be swinging racquets with us this season. They include, but may not be limited to:
• Fred & Donna Giovanniello• Judy Wilson
• Brian & Sunni Hammermeister
• Eric & Theresa Sterman
• John & Stacey Cleveland
• William (Butch) & Laura Shorack
• William (Butch) & Laura Shorack
The Hammermeisters and Shoracks are related to our celebrated Billy McGehee, and good tennis just seems to run in that family. From what I have seen of Judy and Donna, their games should contribute considerably to the tennis playing community. Not having seen the games of our other newcomers, I cannot comment about their play, but they too are welcome additions to the Gulf Harbour tennis family.
Gulf Harbour Teams
Our Lee County Women’s Tennis League (LCWTL) teams begin play on October 12, and, as usual, we encourage attendance at home matches. We had a very successful 2008 - 2009 season, with two LCWTL division winners (Norma Schuyler’s 50+ Gold & Diane Russ’ 3.5- Drop Shots) and one USTA team (Ron Graham’s Men’s 7.0) representing Florida at Nationals. Click here for more on last season’s successes.
Check out our Tennis Teams & Leagues page on the club website for additional information as the season progresses. We should have more on the men’s teams in our next update.
Juniors
USTA Junior Team Tennis is gearing up for the fall 2009 season, and our juniors and their parents are really looking forward to it. Despite the trials and tribulations of an inaugural season, our players represented us well and had a fun learning experience while doing so. Click here for more on our first JTT season.
In an act of generosity, cleverly disguised as marketing, one of our parents, Geoff Negin, secured a sizeable donation to the team from his company, Florida Radiology Consultants. Matches will be played on Saturday afternoons at Rutenberg Park, and spectators are welcome.
Well, I am sure that there is more going on in Gulf Harbour tennis, but that’s all I’ve got for you for now. Don’t forget to check back here and on our tennis pages at the Club website for future updates and information about Gulf Harbour tennis. Until next…game, set, match…..
