Club TImes: March/April 2023

Tennis Anyone? A Letter From Your Tennis Chair

As I write this column, it is late January. The Australian Open is in full swing and more exciting than ever as it enters its’ second week. What is especially exciting to me is the large number of up-and- coming American women and men (14) who have made it through to the second week and the round of 16. This is more than in any year I can

As with the KPMG golf tournament in 2021, many volunteers are needed to put on an event like this. There is a need for Ushers, Ticket Takers, Hospitality, Transportation, Lodging, and Court Monitors, to name a few of the positions required. By the time you read this, you may have already signed up, but if somehow you would like to volunteer and haven’t yet been contacted, you can reach out to our Tennis Director, Jeff Chandley or you can sign up directly on the tournament website: www.usprowomenstennis.com. Please make sure you check out the full tennis section later in this issue for all the great activities and events Jeff and his team are planning for tennis and pickleball this spring. Thank you to all our great members for your support of our racquet programs. I’m especially thankful to our fantastic 2022-23 Tennis Committee; Scott Levy (Vice Chair), Tim Klespies, Eddie Koller, Matthew Lee, Christi Luskin, Lisa Mannion, Alex Marchetti, Val McMichael, Randy Moore, Lori Morlan, Dave Strickland, and Tory Whipple. Every member of the committee has put his and her heart and soul into making our racquet programs among the best in the country. It has been my honor to serve as your Committee Chairman this past year. Kevin Case

remember. Long before Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff, or newcomer Katie Volynets were performing in front of millions at the Majors, they earned their stripes playing in regional pro events. Tournaments like the U.S. Women’s Pro Clay Court Championship that will be played at the Atlanta Athletic Club from May 8-14, 2023. Not only will we have the chance to watch world-class tennis right in our own backyard, but it is FREE for AAC members. Like Coco, who has previously played in this tournament, or Katie, who won the tournament last year and is pictured nearby, many of the competitors have a WTA ranking of 200 or better. There are 32 singles competitors, and 16 doubles teams all vying for a share of the $100,000 purse as well as points toward qualifying for the 2023 French Open. This is an event you will not want to miss! In addition to the great tennis, there will be several other special events throughout the week for you to participate in. In past years, the week featured a Kids Day, a Play Day for middle and high school ages, a VIP Player Party, a Celebrity Pro-Am for 16 and older, a Meet and Greet Cocktail Party, and a few other fun activities. The tournament has partnered with a handful of worthwhile community non-profits; AYTEF (Atlanta Youth Tennis and Education Foundation), Georgia Tennis Foundation, LSA (Love Serving Autism), and the ALTA Tennis Foundation.

Chair of the Tennis Committee & Chair of the Athletics Committee

You’ve Come A Long Way Baby, since 1930 and the Virginia Slims Tour. Pictured is Katie Volynets, winner of the 2022 U.S. Women’s Pro Clay Court Championship.

ABOUT THE COVER The cover design takes inspiration from a Golf Guide issue from 1931, celebrating Bobby Jones’ Grand Slam.

Helen Wills Moody, the Bobby Jones of women’s tennis; 1930 winner of the U.S. Open and French Open.