Absorbing the Force James Croll investigates how a revolutionary cushioned tennis surface is not only having an impact on performance at all sporting levels but is being particularly kind to the health and well-being of the older sporting community
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n October 2021, Corinthian Park Tennis Club in Shelley, Western Australia completed the transition from its grass courts to all weather Laykold cushioned courts. As one of Perth’s oldest and most prestigious clubs, the prospect of a move from traditional grass to a synthetic surface required much consultation with members and indepth research to ensure that the transition was going to be truly beneficial to all. Fortunately, the transition proved a huge success particularly amongst the older members who heralded the more joint-friendly all-weather courts as a revelation. The decision-making process for the new surface was conducted by Corinthian Park Tennis Club President, Denzil Morrell, and his team. They completed a comprehensive feasibility study focusing on several different cushioned surface brands and because of their study, they ended up selecting APT’s Australian Made Laykold Masters Gel system. They saw the surface as the most durable and hard-wearing surface in comparison to the other products they had surveyed. Morrell explained “based on our research, Laykold provided a cushioned surface that could withstand the test of time. “A number of the other cushioned surfaces were simply not as durable. This was one of the main reasons we chose Laykold Masters Gel.” While durability was key, Morrell and his team were also aware of the need to transition to a surface that would be 38 Australasian Leisure Management Issue 148
Corinthian Park Tennis Club’s court transformation. The old (above) and new (below).
