The Racqueteers

by Madelyn Marconi

Life is like a game of tennis; the player who serves well seldom loses.

Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, the front doors to the Palm Beach Gardens Tennis & Pickleball Center clubhouse are swarmed by a punctual group of gentlemen eager to get out on the courts. The quirky group, known as The Racqueteers, has gathered every week to play tennis for the past 21 years. Anyone who sits down with this group will be both entertained and uplifted as they each chime in on why they enjoy their weekly tennis matches. At full strength, their group could fill five tennis courts with active play.

Walter Bone, the oldest member at 86 years old, is one of the last original group members and proclaimed leader. The weekly outings and friendly banter that is passed back and forth on the courts is what Walter, and the gentlemen, find most enjoyable. Marty Larkin, the second oldest member, cannot say enough about each member of the group.

“There is never an argument. No foul language. Everyone is congenial and very pleasant. The repartee that goes back and forth is just marvelous,” he says.

Only a few of the men have been actively playing tennis throughout their lives. Some only began playing in the last six to seven years, while others joined without any previous knowledge of the game. All unanimously agree that they enjoy tennis over any other sport because it is faster-paced and requires higher physical demand to go after the ball. The environment on and off the courts is another big reason why tennis is their go-to game.

THE RACQUETEERS pictured left to right: Bill Katzman, Walter Bone, Marty Larkin, Bill Benjamin, Mike Wyman, Jin B Sun (J.B.), Ken, John Riener, Jerry O’Hara, Peter Woititz

Photo by Madelyn Marconi

Through Challenge Comes Strength

When the COVID-19 pandemic sent the nation into a lockdown in March 2020, the group was deeply affected. For six long weeks, the lack of socialization and physical exercise was a big challenge they all had to experience together, yet alone. As lockdowns began to lift and the Tennis & Pickleball Center re-opened, the group was the very first to return. They waited patiently at the front doors, as usual, to be let in for the fresh air, exercise, and, of course, friendship they missed dearly.

Despite the pandemic and its challenges, the group continues to grow stronger. For some of the men, these are the only days they go out in public to socialize with people. The group collectively agrees that staying young in your mind and having fun keeps your body both happy and healthy. Being on the tennis courts is a large part of their lives and they look forward to their scheduled play each week.

New Clubhouse, Same Friends

In early October, the highly anticipated Tennis & Pickleball Center Clubhouse opened to the public. The Racqueteers give the new clubhouse a five-star rating. Racqueteer Peter Woititz jokes they would pray to live long enough to see the completed clubhouse. The brand-new finishes and modern restrooms are some of the favorited upgrades amongst the group.

J.B., who has been playing at the center for over 20 years, attributes his wonderful experience at the facility to the management style from Tennis Director Wendy Tatum.

“We enjoy playing here because of Wendy and the exceptional service from all of her staff,” J.B. says.

Some group members played at the center back when there were only eight courts available. They have experienced its growth to an award-winning facility with twenty hydro-grid clay courts, four hard courts, and six pickleball courts for players of all levels.

Aging Gracefully

It is evident that this fine group of gentlemen equally enjoys the game of tennis just as much as they enjoy each other’s company. The shared laughter and playful teasing are the zest that keeps this group out on the courts each week. Each member has a unique story of how they ended up in Palm Beach Gardens, but it is the game of tennis that links them.

Some may feel the game of tennis is simply two players hitting the ball back and forth over a net. The Racqueteers see a game that represents camaraderie and motivation to keep active and be healthy as they gleefully grow older.