Issue No. 6
CLIFF DRYSDALE TENNIS S T Y L E MEETS S U B S TA N C E
Frances
Tiafoe In This Issue:
Behind the Biggest Smile in Tennis CDT Pro Dynamics Q&A with Danielle Collins Modern Stroke Production
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A LETTER FROM THE EDITORS
As we continue to impact and interact with more tennis players and fans from across the globe each year, our mission and focus has only become clearer. We strive to make every one of our on and off court experiences better than the last. EXPERIENCE Magazine is no different. In early 2015, Issue no. 1 was released. Ever since then, we have taken great pride in improving our reporting, content, photography and layout. This, just like a tennis player’s improvement process, is a journey. We’re happy to introduce Issue. no. 6, Style Meets Substance.
When It Comes to Style, Tennis Is Like Life When you think about style in tennis, what comes to mind? For me, it’s always the tale of two opposites; the ultimate attacking player Roger Federer, gliding gracefully around the court, and Nadal’s physically demanding, all court speed and the brute force of his forehand. The combination of their differing styles and personalities is what always makes their matches really special to watch; what has fascinated the world for over a decade.
Kimberly Arena Senior Editor
There are so many physical and mental reasons that determine each of our individual styles of play in tennis, and undoubtedly the key indicators of the best players are their ability to be versatile and change their game. In reflecting on how this applies to each of us, one should seek to be more self-aware with how you handle life in general, it is likely a mirror image. For example, my approach to life and where I derive the most satisfaction in overcoming challenges almost always reflects the phrase “work smarter not harder.” To me, this essentially means figuring out what my strengths are and building a network around me to build upon in order to reach goals in the quickest and most efficient way possible.
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Experience Magazine | www.ExperienceCDT.com
By default, in tennis, I follow Nadal’s lead as a counter-puncher. My go-to strategy is to outlast my opponents. I am aware that my strengths lie in my ability to endure, a never-give-up mentality, speed in action, and in saving myself from difficult situations. I enjoy the feeling of being proven the winner via intelligent action. My proverbial opponent is the aggressor, the risk taker, the opportunist. However, in tennis as in life, I know the only way to be balanced and whole is to know how to win both ways. Strategizing and adjusting style to be proactive and to lead. As I grow older (and hopefully wiser), I continue to evolve in my ability to be aware and to adjust accordingly. At the foundation of the Cliff Drysdale Tennis philosophy, we embrace and promote individual style and personality where it meets substance and ultimately success – from our coaches, our players, and our innovative partners. I hope you enjoy this issue of EXPERIENCE, and all the ways this sport and those who love it continue to evolve to achieve success, both on the court, and off.
Leave an Impression Whenever a player steps on the court they have the opportunity to leave an impression. Some players offer a game full of style, with incredible shots that are ESPN top-10 worthy. Others’ games focus on establishing substance across all components of their game, offering consistent decision making. The players that tend to stand out on a professional, or even amateur, level are the players that make the mix of style and substance look easy.
Katie Steck Managing Editor
Players like Frances Tiafoe—featured as our cover story—are able to blend their personal style and character on court with a solid game, while leaving you entertained. Frances continues to be a crowd favorite at all the Cliff Drysdale Signature Events, such as Tennis with
the Stars and the Miami All-Star events this past March. While he is not the highest ranked player to attend these events (Serena made an appearance at the most recent event!), his presence cannot be mistaken. Frances is a rising star that knows how to light up a crowd. Cliff Drysdale Tennis strives to have every aspect of our company embody this mix of style and substance. From our coaching staff, to members, to our diverse set of signature events throughout the year, we work hard to leave every court we encounter feeling stimulated and inspired in the game we all love so much. I believe the many coaches and members we feature in this issue of Experience do just that.
Freedom of Expression There are so many different ways to have success on the tennis court. Hard, clay, grass, indoor, outdoor; all of these elements and surfaces have an impact on how the sport is played. Strokes can be produced in a variety of different manners; and all can be effective. When we teach our junior and adult players, we place a huge emphasis that there is no one right way to play this game. This freedom has always been what’s attracted me to tennis; specifically the pro game. No two players are the same, and it allows for compelling match-ups regardless of ranking. Personally, I’ve always been a fan of great ball-striking and shotmaking, and so this issue was extremely fun to put together. You’ll see pieces on players like Frances Tiafoe and Denis Shapovalov, two young players with electric games and charismatic personalities who will have a huge impact on the sport in years to come.
This same concept of style meets substance is deeply rooted in Cliff Drysdale Tennis’ coaching philosophy. Not only are we teaching forehands and backhands, but we strive to have interactions with our clients through high energy and engaging lessons, clinics and events. Having fun on the court is a prerequisite for improvement. And still, we embrace the fact that every coach is different and has specific skill-sets. By providing a foundation to express yourself on court, we hope to inspire more people to pursue a career in tennis. And while I certainly have deep respect for the rich history and tradition in tennis, it’s time to embrace that growing our audience is dependant on engaging with young people. Through new team formats, rule changes and technological innovations, we can make tennis more accessible and attractive to a wider fanbase.
Experience Magazine | www.ExperienceCDT.com
Joey Hanf Managing Editor
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Signature Events 2018
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2019
October 10-14, 2018
Ladies Retreat at The Omni Amelia Island Plantation
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October 24-28, 2018
Ladies Retreat at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami
Oct 28- Nov 4, 2018
RBC Pro Challenge at Tyler Athletic & Swim Club
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Tennis With The Stars presented by the BNP Paribas Open at Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
May 1-5, 2019
Ladies Retreat at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa 7
Contact Katie Steck for more information or to book your reservation. k.steck@cliffdrysdale.com | 830.625.5911 Ext. 208
WHAT’S INSIDE 4
Letters from the Editors
7
Calendar of CDT Signature Events
10
Cliff Notes by Cliff Drysdale
14
Level-Based Play Is The Future
15
Universal Tennis Partnership
16
Adding Style & Substance To Your Game by Rick Limpert
20
Advantage: Tiafoe
24
HEAD MXG: Power Under Control by Joey Hanf
26
The Sunshine Swing
30
Tennis Hits The Road
33
by Joey Hanf
by Scott Colebourne
The Shoe Behind The Man
by Rick Limpert
2018 At a Glance - Photo Gallery
36
Key Biscayne: 32 Years of Unforgettable Memories
by Cameron Mofid
42
Photo: Alex Huggan
by Joey Hanf
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39
10
by Don Henderson
20
The CDT Flair
by Katie Steck
Q&A with Danielle Collins by Joey Hanf
46
Friendships Formed on CDT Courts by Katie Steck
49
The Laver Cup by Joey Hanf
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30
WHAT’S INSIDE
54
Featured Tennis Resort Previews
55 The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami, FL 56 Omni Amelia Island Plantation Amelia Island, FL 57 Omni La Costa Resort & Spa Carlsbad, CA 58 Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa Rancho Mirage, CA 59 Hawks Cay Resort Duck Key, FL 60 Stratton Mountain Resort Stratton Mountain, VT
62 Inn at Perry Cabin: New to the CDT Family
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by Kimberly Arena
64 Live Where You Play: Featured Tennis Communities 65 John Newcombe Country Club New Braunfels, TX 66 Red Ledges Club Heber Valley, UT 67 Tyler Athletic & Swim Club Tyler, TX 68 Walden Racquet Center Montgomery, TX 69 Houston Oaks Hockley, TX
Credits
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Cliff Drysdale Tennis 625 Mission Valley Rd New Braufels, TX 78132
Founder
Cliff Drysdale
Senior Editor
Kimberly Arena
Managing Editors Katie Steck Joey Hanf
Editor at Large
DiAnna Drysdale
Contributors
Rick Limpert Scott Colebourne Cameron Mofid Don Henderson
Photo Credits
Joey Hanf Alex Huggan Ben Soloman, Laver Cup
Layout & Design Stacy Alford
Printing
Pollock Printing
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CLIFF NOTES by Cliff Drysdale
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Enjoy the process, win or lose. You need a wide array of weapons to succeed at this game of tennis. Strength, stamina, speed, hand-eye coordination and stroke mechanics to name a few. It also requires, perhaps more than any other sport, mental strength, and this is my focus. In the search for this elusive goal consider the words of the games’ winners. Andre Agassi: “...each match is part of a journey.” Billie Jean King: “Pressure is a privilege.” Boris Becker: “I lost, but nobody died; we’re not at war.” Those are big picture thoughts. We are all seeking what my friend Arthur Ashe used to call being “in the zone”. Every tennis player knows this feeling, and freeing the mind is crucial to the pursuit of this goal.
Here are a few micro ideas you might use in one of those many moments of panic on the court:
1
Imagine that you are playing an opponent you beat regularly. Remember your thoughts, attitude and confidence level in those moments.
2
Your opponent is going through the same mental gymnastics you are. That’s no comfort per se, but you can take heart from that knowledge.
3
Let’s try to keep it simple. Easier said than done, but less is usually more. Try concentrating on hitting a section of the ball. The right side, for example, will put a little extra spin on the ball which will give you more margin. But the real purpose here is to vacate the demons in your head and give you a simple exercise to focus on.
4
Panic hurts your logic. Be proactive in your approach to each point, not reactive. This is another simplification exercise. Win or lose, you’ll be happier walking off the court if you played on your terms.
5
Treat the tense moments, and there are plenty of them, as an OPPORTUNITY. This is after all why you signed up for this game. Again, pressure is a privilege!
6
Think of the match you are playing as the healthy exercise that it is. So instead of going for a boring bike ride or killing yourself running a marathon, you’re having FUN on the tennis court win or lose. Your health wins either way.
7
Imagine that your coach is always watching. Every match is a chance to get better, and this will allow you to concentrate on mechanics rather than the terror of the moment.
Finally, as Becker said, it’s just a tennis match. Life goes on. Enjoy the process, win or lose. Just as you spend hours refining your strokes, remember that improving your mental approach is an ongoing challenge that we should all embrace.
Experience Magazine | www.ExperienceCDT.com
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Level-Based Play Is The Future BY DON HENDERSON
It was 1990, and I was playing in a college tournament in Santa Barbara, California. I needed a doubles partner, and our number one player, John Fox, recommended an Australian named Tom Brownhill. We ended up playing well together, battling our way to the finals before an upset and finishing as runners-up. About a month later, I got a random call from Tom asking if I wanted to quit school, buy a camping van, and tour around Europe playing tournaments. Since I disliked school, it sounded like an amazing idea and I quickly accepted his offer! We picked up our camper in Germany, competing in a few tournaments there before moving on to the UK and Netherlands. We had little success at the onset of our tour and were frustrated by the feel of the events. Along the way, we heard great things about tournaments in France, their ranking system and their tennis system overall. We put the stringing machine, clothesline and all of our belongings in the Volkswagen Farfegnugen and headed straight for Paris. Upon arrival, our first stop was to pick up our assimilated ranking at the French Federation of Tennis at Roland Garros stadium. We severely exaggerated our abilities and were given a strong ranking. We had no idea what this meant or how the system worked, so in the first tournament we entered we were surprised for Tom to start in the quarters and me in the semis. Needless to say we were both defeated 6-0, 6-0 in less than an hour and booed out of the facility as we picked up our prize money! We came to learn the tournament had been going on for a month, but because of our ranking we ended up starting out playing the strongest players in the later rounds. We drove back to Paris to try and correct our rankings and were sternly looked at by the French Federation staff member, maintaining an “I told you so” look as he changed our ranking to a much more suitable 3/6. In our next event, we had great success in playing opponents of our level, and not having to play a series of easy matches or anyone way above our ability. It was PERFECT. Once our eyes were open, we fell in love with the French tennis system right alongside the French people and culture overall. The best aspect of these tournaments is that players of all levels were able to be appropriately connected into the same event. You always played competitive matches, and as long as you remained the victor, you would continue to move up and face off against players of a slightly higher ranking.
Don Henderson CEO of Cliff Drysdale Management After my European experience, I returned home to America to start teaching. I have been frustrated with the USTA’s NTRP rating system ever since. The individual rankings are too broad. For example, if a pro has a 3.5 ladies team, and all have the same ranking, how does a pro establish who plays number one to six? The system sets itself up for stacking and is also a political nightmare! It is because of these cumulative experiences over the years as both a player, a coach and a tennis facility manager that I am so excited about the Universal Tennis Rating and UTR powered by Oracle. Beginning in the summer of 2018, UTR will be the official tennis rating and online community platform of Cliff Drysdale Management. I am personally very passionate about level-based play, and the UTR rating system is a proven winner with similarities to the French ranking system I was so fond of as a competitive player. UTR crosses age and gender lines; everyone is ranked by the same metrics from 1 to 16. Our directors and pros across the nation will be able to use UTR technology to create more play opportunities for all levels of players. And finally, we have a rating system that crosses borders; a UTR rating in Europe is the same as the US! And it’s pretty cool for a club tennis player to be on the same rating system as Roger Federer and Serena Williams. This is the future of our sport, and we could not be happier to be working with such a great group of like-minded and passionate people at Universal Tennis to help grow the game. Find out more about UTR and get rated yourself at: www.MyUTR.com
“I’m so excited about our partnership with Universal Tennis and UTR Powered by Oracle.”
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Experience Magazine | www.ExperienceCDT.com
From the pros to you, UTR (Universal Tennis Rating) is unifying tennis for everyone.
Cliff Drysdale Tennis Partners with Universal Tennis Leading Tennis Management Company Adopts Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) As Official Rating System and Event Management Partner Universal Tennis and Cliff Drysdale Tennis announced in early June 2018 a partnership to promote level based tennis and increase play opportunities for tennis players of all ages and abilities. Cliff Drysdale Tennis, one of the world’s leading full service tennis management companies with a portfolio of over 30 tennis facilities, is officially adopting the Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) Powered by Oracle rating system and UTR’s event management platform to organize tennis events, increase participation, and drive engagement across its comprehensive tennis programming. “We could not be more excited to work with the team at Universal Tennis and bring UTR to our facilities across the board,” said Don Henderson, CEO and Co-Founder of Cliff Drysdale Tennis. “UTR will significantly enhance tennis participation at our clubs and further grow our business, brand and most importantly, the game of tennis.” Cliff Drysdale Tennis will now leverage Universal Tennis’ suite of tools and technology to communicate with club members; organize better, more competitive tournaments, camps and clinics; set draws, and post scores. The organization’s professional coaches and staff can also use the UTR Powered by Oracle tennis rating to compare, evaluate and track players on a single system that works across age, gender and geography. Results from all events will automatically be included in the UTR Powered by Oracle database, which currently has over 7 million match results from 700,000 players across 200 countries. Cliff Drysdale Tennis was founded by International Tennis Hall of Fame member Cliff Drysdale and partner Don Henderson and is a global, full-service tennis management company dedicated to growing the game of tennis and providing the ultimate tennis experience. Cliff Drysdale managed locations include award winning resorts, private membership clubs as well as public facilities. “Universal Tennis is building a cutting edge technology platform for clubs and professionals worldwide to easily organize tennis events and make the game even more fulfilling for performance and recreational players,” said Mark Leschly, Universal Tennis Chairman & CEO. “We’re honored to have the support of Cliff Drysdale Tennis as we continue to build out our event management system and tools to benefit players, professionals, coaches and federations worldwide.”
Experience Magazine | www.ExperienceCDT.com
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Tennis Accessories that add
Style & Substance
by Rick Limpert: @rickroswell
to your game.
It may have been noted fashion designer, Oscar de la Renta, that said, “Accessories make everything better,” but it was the tennis player that said, “Accessories make my game better!” Accessories for tennis players come in many shapes, sizes and colors, but since they must usually fit in a tennis bag and should not get in the way of you putting away that overhead smash, it’s an 80/20, function/fashion ratio here for most tennis enthusiasts. It also might matter which area of the country you reside in or play your matches. One thing we all can agree on, is tennis accessories should be fun! “Accessories make my game better!”
1
Radical Wristband 5”
Helps prevent sweat on the tennis court. Extra long at 5’’, this wristband helps keep your hands dry. The band consists of 80% cotton and 15% nylon for a comfortable wear and 5% elastane for the necessary elasticity. The colorful blue look is a nice bonus.
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Experience Magazine | www.ExperienceCDT.com
Wallaroo Hat
2 Wallaroo hats have technology that gives serious sun protection, and they go far and beyond with a fashion-forward style. They are all designed around sun protection in an effort to help eliminate the health threats of solar UV exposure. Get a secure fit in a snappy looking hat on and off the court. Prices start around $30
Mist N’ Sip
Pro Grip
3 Dry meets comfort in the Pro Grip overwrap. Get great feel since it is super thin and very soft for extra comfort, but also features thousands of micropores for optimal sweat absorption. If you prefer a unique dry feel to your handle, you’ll have extra confidence with the Pro Grip overwrap.
4 You’ll stand out and keep hydrated and cool with O2COOL’s patented Mist ‘N Sip® products They provide a unique combination all in one - Misting and Drinking. Mist cools you on the outside, while Sip cools you on the inside, for $10. www.o2-cool.com
www.wallaroohats.com
Performance Pullover
5 The affordable quarter-zip pullover has made its way to the tennis court. Leave the hoodie or crewneck sweatshirt at home and grab a “quarter-zip” that is both comfortable and allows full range of motion on the court when that cool breeze is blowing. With makers like Hanes, Wrangler and Jerzees, a new market segment has been created for tennis players looking for fast drying technology, maximum comfort and fabric that wicks away sweat to keep you cooler.
Compression Sleeves
Tennis Sensor
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CEP Compression lets you stand out and maximize performance in any environment. CEP is a world leader in performance compression socks and apparel for athletes and frequent travelers. CEP recommends its sleeves not only for competition and exercise, but also for those that travel long distances and have to remain seated for long periods of time. Compression wear helps with blood circulation to the legs. CEP products alleviates that pain in your muscles, and no more sore feet. Try the Recovery+ Pro Compression Socks and sleeves. Prices starting at $30.
Play, train and compete with the HEAD Tennis Sensor powered by ZEPP to track your performance on court. Choose from a variety of free training sessions, analyze your serve movement with 3D serve animation and keep track of your matches, recording your best shots for a future highlight review. This is real data and analytics that help your game.
www.cepcompression.com Experience Magazine | www.ExperienceCDT.com
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Advantage:
Tiafoe Young American is translating energy, enthusiasm and fun into success on and off the court
By Joey Hanf
Speed. Power. Timing. Touch. Competitive Fire. These a just a few of the traits needed to become an elite tennis player. To become something bigger, to have a lasting impact on the sport, you need something else; charisma. 20 16
Photo: Joey Hanf
Photo: Alex Huggan
S
pend a few minutes around Frances Tiafoe, a 20 year old from College Park, Maryland, and it’s hard not to feel just that: charisma. Win or lose, on or off the court, you will probably find Tiafoe carrying a huge smile and finding something, or someone (including himself) to laugh at.
“The one thing that immediately stood out for me was that smile,” said Mike Cation, the play-by-play commentator on the USTA Pro Circuit. “It was something that was infectious from day one, when I first saw him in Sarasota 2015. He would come on to court with a grin. He is a rare player who is able to smile and laugh within a few minutes of losing a match.” Despite his youth, Tiafoe has long been in the spotlight amongst tennis circles. He became the youngest player ever to win the prestigious Orange Bowl tournament when he was 15. He won the U.S. Under 18 National Championships in Kalamazoo, as well as numerous other “first time” feats for a junior player. Success on the pro tour came quickly, as Tiafoe enjoyed success at the ATP Challenger level as a teenager. His play style is unique; he regularly switches between offense and defense, and often plays what many would call “low percentage” shots. Clearly he is changing that perception. When Tiafoe eventually made his way into the top 100 and appeared in more tour level main draws, he often stole the show with his shotmaking prowess, remarkable athleticism and engaging personality.
“The one thing that stood out for me was that smile.”
Experience Magazine | www.ExperienceCDT.com
- Mike Cation 21
Crowds flocked to his court. That didn’t always lead to wins, however. He often came up just short. And over time, some influential figures began to question his eccentric technique and overall substance on court. The forehand looked vulnerable at times. His serve was certainly not textbook. Was he really just a showman? Another promising American that wouldn’t live up to the hype? He came close to crossing the threshold at the 2017 U.S. Open. Playing Roger Federer in the first round, Tiafoe took the Swiss legend to a fifth set under the lights on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The crowd, who typically are fervorous in their support of Federer against virtually any opponent, began to rally behind Tiafoe. But he fell to Federer, 6-4 in the fifth set. Questions remained. After a slow start in Australia, Tiafoe has taken 2018 by storm, combining his incredible style with bold, clutch play in important moments. He won his first career ATP World Tour title in February at Delray Beach, highlighted by wins over his childhood idol Juan Martin del Potro and fellow young stars Denis Shapovalov and Hyeon Chung. Tiafoe became the youngest American male to win an ATP title since Andy Roddick in 2002. “I’ve played so many matches in my career so far where I played unbelievable, came up just short,” Tiafoe said. “Now I’m feeling really comfortable when it gets tight. I actually embrace it, I want it. I’m just trying to ride this wave as long as I can.” The “wave” Tiafoe referred to in Miami is inherent to professional tennis. Perhaps more than any other sport, tennis players go through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows on a nearly weekly basis. He is sure to cool down at some point, and the close calls won’t always go his way. But perhaps what separates Tiafoe from many of his counterparts is his passion for the sport and pure joy of being on court. He credits this to his tennis upbringing, which is well documented. His father worked as a maintenance worker at the Junior Tennis Champions Center in College Park, Maryland. Frances was able to join the junior program because of that, and the rest is history. Staying loyal to his hometown roots remains a key to Tiafoe’s success. “The whole DMV (D.C, Maryland, Virginia) area, I rep it hard,” Tiafoe said. “It’s where I’m from and I don’t think there’s any better place than it. I’ve got a lot of pride in the DMV; it’s a lifestyle.”
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And while many players aim to limit their emotional outbursts, Tiafoe’s demeanor on court has not changed despite playing on the biggest stages.
“Big Foe on the
Come Up” “He’s one of the rare players who visibly wears his emotions,” Cation said. “I’ve told him personally, and said on the broadcasts as well, that he is at his best when he is being himself, enjoying the moment, and playing with that spirit. It’s something that a crowd can see, and they relate, because that’s how they feel when they play.” It’s that spirit that has captured fans attention across the world, and puts Tiafoe is a position to fundamentally impact the sport going forward. He connects with audiences remarkably well, especially young people. And he’s one of the select players who truly enjoys his off court “duties” working with tournaments, charities and brands to promote the sport. Of course, he still has a long way to go. His career high ranking is #54. He’ll need to get that down to single digits to be relevant in many people’s minds. And as a leading figure of the next generation, he will undoubtedly face the questions about the lack of recent major success for Americans. Those answers will become clear in the years to come. Tiafoe has coined the phrase “Big Foe on the Come Up” to describe his rise. If he can keep that mindset even after tasting early success, the results are sure to follow. His story is just beginning.
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POWER UNDER CONTROL
Complete Line of HEAD MxG Racquets Now Available
Cliff Drysdale Tennis is a proud partner of HEAD Penn Racquet Sports, with all CDT professionals exclusively endorsing HEAD racquets.
by Joey Hanf After a widely successful launch of the MxG3 and MxG5, fans of HEAD Tennis’ newest racquet offering anxiously awaited the full line, including a smaller head-size “players” frame. May 2018 saw the official release of the MxG1, which fit exactly that bill. With a head size of 98 square inches and unstrung weight of 10.6 ounces, this new offering is certainly more geared toward the advanced level player. But for a frame that would normally be control oriented, the MxG1 is complemented by a surprisingly powerful response due to the innovative Magnesium Bridge construction that allows for longer free-moving main strings which leads to a much larger sweet spot and, ultimately, more power. Many Cliff Drysdale Tennis teaching pros have taken a liking to the MxG line and it’s unique blend of power and control. “I love the MxG racquets for the way the ball feels coming off the strings,” said Scott Colebourne, Vice President of Operations. “The racquet really cups the ball, making touch shots and heavy spin very easy to create. I did just hit with the MxG1, and at 98 square inch head size, this players frame didn’t disappoint. I was able to control the ball whilst still benefiting from the power I’d come to expect from the MxG line.” Also announced in May of 2018 was the MxG7, featuring the largest head size and lowest static weight in the racquet family. This game improvement racquet is ideal for those picking up the sport for the first time, or the crafty veteran looking to make up for a lost step. These two new features complete the first MxG line of racquets. Players looking for a stable frame that offers both power and control should look no further. For more information on all MxG racquets or to find a demo day near you, visit: head.com/mxg
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TECHNIQUES & STROKES
The Sunshine Swing EXPERIENCE Editor Joey Hanf analyzes modern stroke production and techniques players are utilizing by breaking down photos taken at the BNP Paribas Open and Miami Open, commonly known as the Sunshine Swing.
Nick Kyrgios, one of the most electric shotmakers on tour, possesses an extremely potent forehand. He creates extreme spin and power with an aggressive take-back, notably a high right elbow position. Setting the elbow high like this allows for massive racquet head speed because it naturally creates lag just before contact. We don’t always recommend this for club players, but if you’re looking to get a little more power, try the high elbow like Kyrgios.
Photo: Joey Hanf
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Experience Magazine | www.ExperienceCDT.com
Photo(s) above: Joey Hanf
Gael Monfils(left) and Juan Martin del Potro(right) in practice at the BNP Paribas Open, and Fernando Verdasco(middle) in action at the Miami Open. Modern forehands have become very dependant on the “off” hand. All three of these players use their off hand beautifully to create spacing on the ball, and allow for more natural body rotation. This setup position is crucial to proper timing at every level of tennis.
Novak Djokovic is arguably the greatest returner of all time. And a big part of that is his ability to cut off angles and be aggressive from the first ball. This was a first serve return, and Djokovic explodes from his wide base on a diagonal to not allow this wide sliding serve to get out of reach. Also notice his short backswing, which allows for easier absorption of pace.
Photo: Joey Hanf
Images like this show just how much pronation is required to generate spin on the serve. Andrey Rublev, a rising star from Russia, follows through so far right of his contact point that you might not even realize that he already hit the ball. His racquet face turned 90 degrees from before contact to his follow through. While you might not have Rublev’s level of wrist flexibility, try this method to get more kick on your serve.
Photo: Joey Hanf
Experience Magazine | www.ExperienceCDT.com
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Photo: Joey Hanf Photo: Joey Hanf
The squash shot. It’s always been around, but perhaps never as prevalent as it is now with polyester strings. When players like Frances Tiafoe, above, are on the extreme defense, they use a continental grip and swing aggressively down on the ball to create a heavily sliced shot that stays low when it hits the court.
While the pro game is certainly dominated by the two-handed backhand, 19 year old Canadian Denis Shapovalov lights up the crowd with his lefty one-hander. Most importantly, you can see just how much body rotation he gets on the shot. About 60% of his back is facing the court in this photo. When coaches say “turn!”, this is what they are looking for. Photo: Joey Hanf
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Experience Magazine | www.ExperienceCDT.com
We’re not just a Club, We’re a Lifestyle!
Chet Williams Signature Championship Golf Course Seven Dining Venues and Bars | Six-Court Tennis Complex Extensive Wine Program & Underground Wine Cave Freshly Stocked Fishing Lakes | Horseback Riding and Roping Gun Club | Family Nine Golf Course Fitness Center and Spa | Hiking and Biking Trails On-site Cottages and Hotel | Club Memberships Available the clubs at houston oaks | hockley, texas | 713-888-0000 | www.houstonoaks.com
BY SCOTT COLEBOURNE
“Tennis Hits The Road”
Cliff Drysdale Tennis provides a wide variety of custom tennis camp offerings at their locations across the country. Beautiful resorts, great tennis professionals and first class service. The goal is always to provide the ultimate tennis experience, and CDT has taken this vision to the road this summer, teaming up with Tennis Channel and Head Penn Racquet Sports to launch the “Touring Camps” where a team of pros travel to locations across the U.S., bringing energy, passion and excellent instruction to players everywhere. Scott Colebourne, Vice President of Operations, writes about the how CDT is making the sport more fun while improving players’ games.
Touring Camps In tooday’s social media age where our lives are summarized and glamorized online, I take pride that we provide real, fun experiences that enable tennis players to meet other players, coaches and enjoy tennis. I often wonder about the future of tennis and, in particular, tennis travel, camps, retreats, vacations; will these be popular in the years ahead? I’m more confident than ever, because even as we all spend more time online and connected digitally, I do believe that we all still crave human interaction and in my opinion few things are more fun than a great tennis match, lesson, clinic with friends (new and old), at an amazing location. As a tennis professional and camp director for many years I’ve always tried to balance style and substance, however I’ve come to the conclusion that you can’t balance them! You have to have both. If your program doesn’t have any substance, then players won’t improve and ultimately improvement is a big factor for all of us to keep playing and practicing. On the other side, if your program and pros don’t have the style, energy and personality, then it’s very easy for players to become bored and disconnected. 30
CDT pros like Frederico Goncalves (above) help to improve your technical and mental game.
Experience Magazine | www.ExperienceCDT.com
At our resort camps across the nation as well as our Touring Camps, we place a lot of effort in designing programs that are fun, provide a great workout, and involve competition. An example of this is one of my favorite drills called “Thigh Busters”. Just the name alone gets players laughing and smiling; the drill itself involves players racing forward from the service line towards the net trying to hit a volley. The volley that is fed from the pro is dropping quickly similar to a short lob in a match. Players then shuffle back to the service line and repeat this 8 times. After the drill portion, we move into point play, starting points with a similar short feed. This drill checks all the boxes, fun, work out and competition. However, what sets the drill apart is the enthusiasm in which our pros teach this drill. I love it when I only have 3 players on my court for the drill, then I can play in on the points and demonstrate the techniques that we’re discussing. However, regardless of the number of players on each court, we ask that our pros put “100% physical effort into each drill.” What does this mean? It means bring the high energy, the example for campers, crossing the net to help a player that may be struggling with a particular shot. Jump in and play points when a camper needs a rest. It means walking off the court with a sweat just like the campers we’re teaching. On the substance side, at our camps we ask all of our pros to truly “teach”. A lot of times in a club scenario it is easier to glance over a player’s strokes and not give them feedback or attempt technical modifications. At our camps and retreats, we take the approach that by signing up for and attending a program a camper is indicating to us that they want instruction and want to improve. As coaches, we’re always looking for ways to improve a player’s technique and in the camp environment I love it when we can help a player learn a new shot, or make modifications to existing ones to help them improve. Few things make me happier than when a camper says to me, “I loved the camp, the pros didn’t tear down my strokes, but they took my existing game and made it better.”
One of my favorite parts of any camp or retreat is when the pros compete in an exhibition in front of the campers. This is a great way for style to meet substance. Almost all of our pros enjoy playing in front of a crowd, and the opportunity to show their own quality of play in a fun, exhibition setting allows for some incredible shot making and highlights. The campers love seeing the pros they worked with throughout the week on court demonstrating the sames techniques and tactics that were a focus of the program. We obviously pride ourselves on our ability to teach players proper technique and strategy, but we spend just as much time educating our professionals on how to bring a high level of energy, fun and personality to the court when they are teaching players. This intersection of style and substance is what makes campers have the ultimate tennis experience.
High energy coaching is a signature Drysdale method
Experience Magazine | www.ExperienceCDT.com
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The Shoe
Behind the Man S TA N
S M I T H
BY RICK LIMPERT: @RICKROSWELL
Ask tennis legend, Stan Smith, what he’s best known and remembered for these days and a smile emerges from his familiar face. Most might be surprised that it’s not any of his many tennis accomplishments- the No. 1 ranking in the world, the 1971 U.S. Open singles title or even the 1972 Wimbledon Gentlemen’s singles title. It’s not the All-American honors during his college days at USC or even his 52 professional doubles titles. And not even his Davis Cup heroics or his running of a successful tennis academy and preparatory school in South Carolina for almost 20 years. While enjoying a boat ride around Hilton Head Island, SC, and dinner at a seaside resort, the 6’4” serve and volley specialist happily admits that even those who didn’t follow his tennis career know his name thanks to the all-time best-selling Adidas tennis shoe bearing his name. What was branded as the Haillet in the early 1960s, after the French player, Robert Haillet, was renamed the Adidas Stan Smith after Smith’s U.S. Open victory, and the rest is history. The white leather shoe with green trim around the heel featured Smith’s portrait and autograph on the tongue. Today, more than 50 versions of the shoe are available for purchase, and along with Air Jordans and Converse All-Stars, it’s been voted one of the top-10 sneakers ever produced. Shoe enthusiasts can also get their Stan Smith’s personalized with their own names or add over a dozen different colors and designs to the footwear. “As a tennis player, I never set out to be a name in fashion,” said Smith. “But the shoes live on.” It almost wasn’t the case as Adidas pulled Stan Smith’s from store shelves in 2012. With the advent of new technology in footwear, the Stan Smith’s really weren’t recommended for tennis or sports anymore, but branders had something else in mind.
A relaunch included millennials as a focus, and the International Tennis Hall of Fame member was excited. “They were really committed to it.’” After a two year hiatus, Adidas brought the Stan Smith shoe back with a younger demo in mind – 15 to 24 year olds. “I know that age group didn’t know who I am, but it was worth a try.” The relaunch success came quickly as a “lifestyle shoe” popular with college kids and those looking to add a sporty look to their ensemble. Footwear News named it the first-ever “Shoe of the Year” in 2014, and sales took off to the point where it surpassed 50 million shoes sold as of 2016. The shoe became a pop culture fixture thanks to the likes of Phoebe Philo, Pharrell Williams and even Gisele. All of that put an almost permanent smile on someone who wears the shoes daily himself and retired as a professional tennis player in 1985. “I’m somewhat surprised by the success of the shoe even today, but I see people from all walks of life wearing them, and it’s just fun!” Smith is hands-on with his tennis academy and remains the resident touring pro at Sea Pines Resort, as he has for the past 45 years. He owns a hospitality business and he’s the president of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. He’s starting to work on a book and loves spending time with his four kids and ten grandkids.
“But the shoes live on.” Experience Magazine | www.ExperienceCDT.com
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2018 AT A GLANCE
Above (left to right) Members of the media enjoyed time on court at Tennis With The Stars. Americans Steve Johnson and Frances Tiafoe sharing a laugh. Side (left to right) Kimberly Arena and Katie Steck of Cliff Drysdale Tennis welcoming guests into TWTS. Jelena Ostapenko, 2017 French Open Champion at Tennis With The Stars. Below (clockwise left to right) Frances Tiafoe and Scott Colebourne of CDT taking a selfie. Roger Federer in practice at the BNP Paribas Open. Cliff Drysdale at Tennis With The Stars VIP Meet and Greet Session. ACEing Autism was once again the event beneficiary of Tennis With The Stars. World # 1 Simona Halep participating in an ACEing Autism demo clinic.
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Experience Magazine | www.ExperienceCDT.com
Above (left to right) The 9th Annual Miami All Stars Tennis for Charity benefitted ACEing Autism. Nick Kyrgios leads ACEing Autism clinic at the Miami All Stars. Side (left to right) Juan Martin Del Potro and Grigor Dimitrov in action at the Miami Open. Below (clockwise left to right) Frances Tiafoe, Simona Halep, Serena Williams and Darren Cahill at Miami All Stars Tennis for Charity. 23 time major champion Serena Williams once again participated in Miami All Stars for Charity. Mark Ferland, General Manager of the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami with sponsors and players at Miami All Stars Tennis for Charity.
Experience Magazine | www.ExperienceCDT.com
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Key Biscayne:
32 Years of Unforgettable Memories
2018
MIAMI OPEN 2018 Photo: Joey Hanf
Crowds flocked to the Crandon Park Tennis Center in its final year, filling stadiums and grandstands alike
By: Cameron Mofid 2018 marked the last year the Miami Open would be played in the tropical oasis of Key Biscayne. While the move to Hard Rock Stadium beginning in 2019 was deemed necessary by tournament organizers due to the legal problems that blocked them from renovating the site, Key Biscayne holds a special place in tennis history. Since its inception in 1987, the tournament has been a stalwart of the professional circuit and left players and fans alike with the most remarkable of memories. The idea to hold an event of this caliber came from Butch Buchholz, who wanted to host the top-ranked players in the world, both men and women, as he valued the idea of equal prize money in sport. The tournament originally began in Delray Beach, followed by Boca West, until it settled and found its home in Crandon Park. The first champions in Key Biscayne were Miloslav Mecir and Steffi Graff. Since their 1987 titles, past champions have included: Seles, Agassi, Sampras, Hingis, Venus and Serena Williams, Federer, and Djokovic. The 1987 tournament finals was broadcasted to 31 of the world’s nations. Last year’s Miami Open drew 14,000 hours of global TV coverage, amassed 70 million viewers worldwide, and aired in 193 nations and territories. Few events in sporting history have seen this rapid transformation over the tournaments lifespan, and few ever will. Located 7 miles from downtown Miami, players and fans would cross over the Rickenbacker Causeway each day on their way to Crandon Park. Surrounded by the incredible waters of the Biscayne Bay on one side, and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, simply driving to the tournament was something the tennis community couldn’t find anywhere else in the world.
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Experience Magazine | www.ExperienceCDT.com
The USTA Launched Net Generation at the Arthur Ashe Kids Day during the 2017 U.S. Open
The tournament also left a powerful charitable impact as part of its legacy for other events on the circuit to follow. This year, Tournament Director James Blake led a tribute out on Center Court for those who died in the Parkland, Florida shooting. Players joined the members of the MSD high school teams on court to lead the ceremony in front of the Miami Open crowd. Blake recognized the students and said, “The resilience you’ve shown has been nothing short of remarkable. We stand with you. We love you. And we support you. You’re family.” The off-site charitable efforts were just as impressive. Cliff Drysdale Tennis and the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne hosted the 9th Annual Miami All Star Tennis For Charity. Players donated their time time to play in an exhibition alongside children to benefit ACEing Autism, a national non-profit that connects children on the autistic spectrum to tennis. The 2018 event featured star players Serena Williams, Simona Halep, Nick Kyrgios, and Frances Tiafoe. While the decision to leave Key Biscayne was one that was well thought over and discussed, the moments and memories over the last 32 years in Key Biscayne are not replicable. With the 2019 move on the horizon, the tournament staff, fans, and players are all looking forward to another memorable Miami Open experience.
First time tournament director James Blake implemented many popular changes to the 2018 tournament.
Photo: Joey Hanf
Photo: Joey Hanf
Juan Martin del Potro led the change of South American players to get huge crowd support in Key Biscayne
Experience Magazine | www.ExperienceCDT.com
The tournament was something the tennis community couldn’t find anywhere else.
For those who are familiar with the Miami Open, they should know first-hand that the event often seems it’s being played in a Latin American soccer stadium. Fans from nations all over the continent fly over for the multi-week tennis paradise. Argentinian fans would pour their hearts out for the iconic Juan Martin del Potro. Nearly every change-of-ends they would convert the entire stadium to chanting “Ole, ole, ole, ole, Del Po, Del Po” alongside them. This year the tournament featured players from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. In fact, the title sponsor of the event, Brazilian bank Itau, has exponentially increased the Latin American demographics of the event due to promotions they have set out across the continent. Crandon Park’s Miami Open will be largely remembered for the affectionate Latino fans, and their never-ending support for their beloved athletes, who contributed to the electric atmosphere of the tournament.
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Stratton Mountain is at the heart of southern Vermont adventure, arts, entertainment and the games of summer. Enjoy hiking, scenic gondola rides, live music, golf and tennis, shopping and dining in the slopeside Village and so much more. Choose from a range of accommodations and you’ll ďŹ nd that everything you love about summer is right outside your door.
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T H E
CDT
Max Mangones
F L A I R
Sal Barbaro Stewart Crerar
by Katie Steck
Energetic. Dynamic. Rock Solid. Those three words often describe a Cliff Drysdale Tennis clinic or camp at our many membership, athletic and resort facilities across the country. Our patrons often frequent these facilities for the unique set of adventures and vistas associated with the destination. While the landscapes, cuisines and activities may vary, one thing remains constant: an energetic on-court experience with a world-class professional awaits. At each facility, you will find an alluring setting with year round tennis programs that cater to a full spectrum of players, from individuals and couples to families and teams or groups. Each clinic is fast paced and packed with instruction to improve your game’s technique and strategy. The backgrounds and skills of the Cliff Drysdale team are diverse, and their commitment to excellence is unmatched. Our team is comprised of professionals from across the globe, including Australia, United Kingdom, Haiti, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, the United States, and many more. Naturally, our coaches entered the sport in different ways, at different times, with different mentors. Regardless of background, these professionals have developed a set of unique skills they are eager to share through curated experiences.
Max Mangones
The three coaches highlighted here reflect the qualities we believe are necessary to ensure each guest leaves a Cliff Drysdale facility having improved their game, while experiencing customer-oriented service at its finest.
Max Mangones grew up in Haiti. He began playing tennis using one of his father’s racquets that was nearly as big as he. Since then, he has always loved hitting a tennis ball. As a junior, he traveled representing his home on the Davis Cup team and playing several International Tennis Federation (ITF) events. Prior to joining the CDT team, he was working as a tennis professional in New York City and started to become interested in the business side of tennis. Currently, Max is the Director of Tennis at the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne in Miami, Florida. Max is known for producing an energetic, humble, and welcoming environment for all resort guests and members. His lively personality and constructive coaching style reflect Cliff Drysdale Management’s commitment to motivation because he tries to keep “constructive criticism on the positive side.” Max feels that “players respond best when they feel better about themselves.” Experience Magazine | www.ExperienceCDT.com
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Known for his vibrant attitude on court, Sal Barbaro, Director of Tennis at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation, never really knew he would have a career in tennis. Sal’s tennis story began at twelve years old at the local club his mom had played at for years. The coaches that his parents provided him instilled in him a burning passion for the game. Over the years, his on-court abilities improved and the competition increased. However, Sal continued to approach tennis as just “a fun thing to do”. It wasn’t until “player after player” began requesting lessons from him that he realized his coaching could affect people of all different abilities and ages in a positive way. Now as a coach, tennis remains the epitome of a good time. He loves learning new drills, concepts and anything that will help him grow as a tennis professional. His ‘fun-oriented’ approach to tennis has cultivated a rock-solid foundation that is indicative of our organizational commitment to providing all patrons a fun, enthusiastic environment for players to learn and grow their game and reach their fitness goals. Sal “never really planned” on making tennis a career. However, through the support of his parents, coaches and guests Sal has found his calling. He attributes a “big part of [his] success is [his] passion for tennis. He reminds himself that “in anything you do, the absence of passion can make it feel like work”.
Stewart Crerar
Sal Barbaro Stewart Crerar, Director of Tennis at In-Shape Tracy, grew up in a family of tennis enthusiasts. His family influences helped define his success and gave him the support needed to reach his high potential. As a junior, he achieved ITF Ranking and was the no. 1 player in Scotland’s Under-17 division. His impressive junior career culminated to playing college tennis and winning the European University Championships. After college, Stewart took a break from tennis to work in finance. While his work in finance was rewarding in its own regard, the tennis court beckoned. Stewart transitioned from his finance role into a full-time coaching role to “pursue his lifelong passion”. One of his proudest moments as a coach was when he was working with seven-year old Nathan. Nathan won the first orange ball tournament he played in. Stewart ranks the moment Nathan raised the trophy has one his top memories as a coach. Stewart, like all Cliff Drysdale coaches, relishes in the improvements and successes of our guests.
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Stewart has molded his teaching style and developed as a professional using methods of previous coaches and lessons learned during his playing career. The skill set and approach he brings to the Cliff Drysdale Experience is one of the most dynamic in the organization. Unsurprisingly, Stewart has quickly found success and rewards back on the court.
Each Cliff Drysdale professional brings their own set of experiences, passions, and skills to the court. They are tied together under the Cliff Drysdale brand through their obvious passion for what they do and their commitment to ensuring every guest leaves their facility completely satisfied. It is the staff that work in supporting roles and on court that make this company so exceptional. Our staff represent the diversity of Cliff Drysdale guests, in both background and experience. We guarantee each experience you have at a Cliff Drysdale facility will be provided by charismatic professionals that prepare new tips, excitement and guest experiences unlike any other in the industry. So, come play with us!
www.cliffdrysdale.com
Unmatched Getaways
Discover unmatched ladies getaways presented by Cliff Drysdale Tennis! Join our international team of tennis directors and their professional staff for the ultimate experience in tennis, dining and luxury. These 5 day, ladies-only tennis retreats offer exciting and educational drill and match play sessions combined with first-class accommodations and delightful dining.
Upcoming Dates & Locations OCT 10-14 OCT 17-21
Our tennis retreats include: • Luxurious accommodations for 4 nights
AMELIA ISLAND, FL
MIAMI, FL
• Welcome reception and cocktail party
OCT 24-28
May 1-5
• Optional South Beach Excursion
The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami Double Occupancy Starting at $2125
Omni La Costa Resort & Spa Double Occupancy Starting at $1975
Omni Amelia Island Plantation Double Occupancy Starting at $1975
MIAMI, FL
The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami Double Occupancy Starting at $2125
CARLSBAD, CA
Reserve your spot today!
Contact Katie Steck for more information or to book your reservation at k.steck@cliffdrysdale.com | 830.625.5911 Ext. 208
• 15 hours of tennis instruction, including drills, the world famous team competition, on court match play and coaching • Player’s Party- Awards presentation & video show • Optional spa services • Airport shuttle by request • Optional club level upgrade: $800/person double occupancy
please visit: bestweekintennis.com
Q&A
Danielle
Collins
Confidence in Play Breaking Top 50 with Faith and Hard Work Photo: Joey Hanf
By: Joey Hanf
Danielle Collins is a 24 year old American from Clearwater, Florida. After winning the NCAA Singles Championship twice at the University of Virginia, she turned pro and steadily made her way up the WTA rankings. Last fall she was a finalist at the $80K RBC Pro Challenge, hosted at the CDTmanaged Tyler Athletic and Swim Club. She made her breakthrough this spring at Indian Wells and Miami, going 10-2 with wins over Madison Keys and Venus Williams amongst others. EXPERIENCE Editor Joey Hanf spoke with Collins ahead of her main draw debut at the French Open. 42
EXPERIENCE: As we talk now, you’re playing a final clay court warm up tournament before preparing for main draw at the French Open and Wimbledon. 1, 2 years ago, did you ever expect this kind of success so quickly?
COLLINS:
“I’ve always been really confident in my talent and in my abilities. I don’t want to sound arrogant, but yeah, I’ve really got a lot of faith in the hard work I’ve put in. I knew that it was a matter of time before I put myself in a position that I wanted to be in. It takes some time to get to the top; you have to start playing smaller tournaments. I knew if I worked my absolute hardest and used my talent and ability to their maximum I could reach my full potential.”
Experience Magazine | www.ExperienceCDT.com
EXPERIENCE: When you played our $80K RBC Pro Challenge in Tyler last November, that was the biggest final of your career at that point. How have you translated success at the ITF level to the WTA Tour?
COLLINS:
“I think the biggest thing is you just have to keep everything in perspective and understand that tennis is tennis. In reality, some of my toughest matches have been played at $25K and $80K events. It wasn’t too long ago (November ‘17) that Sachia Vickery and I were playing in the final of a $25K and the only people there watching us were her mom and my aunt. It’s good to always keep that in perspective, she’s a top 100 player and now we’re playing at the same tournaments. Same with Sofia Kenin who I played in Tyler. It’s the same kind of opponents; now we’re just playing in much bigger events.”
EXPERIENCE: Indian Wells and Miami were both great tournaments for you, what moments stick out most from that month of tennis?
COLLINS: “I think the biggest moment was probably when I came from a set and break down against Taylor Townsend
in the first round of Indian Wells. Had things gone a little differently, couple points don’t go my way, I could have easily lost that match. I was mentally tough and persevered through that, which ended up being my most important win. If I had lost that, I definitely wouldn’t have gotten the recognition that I did.”
EXPERIENCE: You had some big wins after that, including a run to the Miami Open semifinals, taking out Venus Williams on center court. How was that experience?
COLLINS: “Yeah it was a really cool experience. I grew up playing in Florida, grew up watching Venus play when I was very little. So it was pretty surreal getting to play against my idol.” EXPERIENCE: How did your four years of college
tennis at the University of Virginia (including 1 year at the University of Florida) aid in your development?
COLLINS: “I transferred from Florida after my freshman year, where I was basically a benchwarmer. Went to UVA and honestly didn’t even play #1 singles most of my career. I didn’t have a lot of handouts, that’s for sure. I had to work really hard to get where I wanted to be, and even after I won my first national championship, things weren’t always going my way. And I think that prepared me to work harder and do the things people said I couldn’t do. Getting the team experience, learning to work with other people and having a good group of coaches pushing me every day to be my best was huge. I was really grateful to be able to go to UVA, and best part about it wasn’t always the tennis; I really liked being in the classroom and the social aspect of being in college. I think it prepared me really well for what I deal with on a day-to-day basis on the tour, and I definitely have a different perspective that some of the girls that turned pro as teenagers. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made.”
Photo: Joey Hanf
Collins competed in the RBC Pro Challenge last November. At the time, she was ranked outside the top 200. She’s now inside the world’s top 50.
“I had to work really hard to get to where I wanted to be...”
Experience Magazine | www.ExperienceCDT.com
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Q & A: Danielle Collins
EXPERIENCE: How would describe your own game? Certainly looks from the outside that you’re not afraid to go for it, even under pressure. COLLINS: “I think I’m mentally tough and a good problem solver. I’m pretty aggressive off both sides, and I’m versatile in the sense that while I am an aggressive player, I can also play defense very well. I can stand far behind the baseline and do well, but I also like getting to the net and taking time away from my opponents. I try to put myself in the position to be a really good all-around player.” EXPERIENCE: You’ve picked up some good
wins on clay, are you comfortable with that surface?
COLLINS:
“Honestly this is my first time playing on red clay, first match on it was in Madrid. I grew up playing a lot on Har-Tru; being from Florida we’ve got tons of green clay, and that was probably the surface I played on most growing up. The best thing about this transition is that red-clay courts are much better in overall quality, and the bounce is much more predictable. I really like it and it’s actually my favorite surface.”
Photo: Joey Hanf
Collins’ coaches at the University of Virginia have continued to help her improve as she competes on the WTA Tour
EXPERIENCE: Now that you’re regularly playing tour events, have you had to reset your goals for the rest of the year?
COLLINS: “No, I think we’re just building on what I’ve done so far. There are still a lot of goals that I want to reach, and still areas of my game that I want to improve. I’m really proud of breaking into the top 100 and then the top 50 and establishing myself as a WTA player. But there’s more to be done, and we all have dreams and aspirations, and mine haven’t been met yet. Still a work in progress.”
TENNIS PROFESSIONAL ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM Turn the game you love into a career you LOVE. Are you looking to become an accomplished tennis professional with a fast-track to success in your career? To further Cliff Drysdale Tennis’ dedication to growing the game of tennis and our commitment to hiring, educating and advancing the most skilled and knowledgeable tennis professionals in the industry, we have developed a comprehensive 18 month Professional Advancement Program to fast track our most talented professionals to a tennis management position within the growing Cliff Drysdale Tennis family or at an outside facility!
Program Participants Gain An Education & Experience In: Tennis Instruction Skill Development • Adult & Junior Program Management Membership Sales & Customer Relations • Marketing Tennis Programs Administrative Duties - Management, Accounting, Human Resources
Take the Next Step! Contact our Team TODAY! Kathleen Jaroszewski, Director of Human Resources PH: 830.625.5911 ext. 203 | E: tpa@cliffdrysdale.com | VISIT: CliffDrysdale.com
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CLIFF DRYSDALE TENNIS
by Katie Steck
Friendships Formed on CDT Courts
Members and guests who play at Cliff Drysdale facilities across the country all have different backgrounds and stories, but tennis joins us all together. When we come together on a tennis court, regardless of age or goals, our stories all become one and friendships are formed. The Cliff Drysdale players highlighted below are just two of the exceptional stories we see happen on our courts across the country.
MIKE SHELLMAN
Mike Shellman joined the John Newcombe Country Club as a member in 2014. However, he has been playing next door at the John Newcombe Ranch for nearly 50 years. He started as a child and quickly became a successful junior player. Tennis has provided him an outlet to express his athleticism and learn life lessons. Mike has survived cancer twice and gone through shoulder and back surgeries. Reflecting, Mike noted “tennis taught me to never quit, to never give up.” In 2017, Mike lost to a former world No. 1 at the IRF Super Senior Regional Championships. This loss sent him home with many new goals to improve. “I realized I was not offensive enough to play at that level,” said Mike as he thought back on that match. Staying true to his life motto, Mike began taking daily lessons from Director of Tennis at the John Newcombe Country Club, Graham Miller. Graham started helping Mike work on ways to become aggressive. Even at a young sixty-seven years old, Mike continues to want to evolve his game and develop new tools. Over the years, Mike has had lots of rankings and coached at a high level, but his greatest accomplishments in the sport are the friendships he formed with “the good men and women [he] met along the way and stayed friends with—from one end of the world to the other.”
“Tennis taught me to never quit, to never give up.” - Mike Shellman
John Newcombe Country Club New Braunfels, Texas
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SAM RYAN Sam Ryan discovered the joy tennis brings at a much later age than most. During a visit to the Omni Amelia Island Plantation earlier this year, Sam realized the game he had been enjoying for two years was quickly becoming a life’s passion. While at Amelia, he had specific goals to improve his net game and backhand. He was also eager to improve his overall fitness and health while playing tennis. Tennis quickly began to compliment his time in a gym. When Sam was playing tennis, he said, “I do not have to think about pushing myself—it just happens.” Playing 4-6 hours a day for months, Sam could focus on improving his volleys, backhands, and consistency overall while simultaneously increasing his fitness. While playing tennis, Sam was also enrolled in the Biggest Loser Program, a weight loss program offered at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation, that specializes in fitness and portion control. “It was exhilarating and educational to live such a healthy lifestyle for an extended period.” Sam knew that his tennis game and health were bound to improve while working out with the Biggest Loser coaches and learning from the Cliff Drysdale tennis professionals. However, he could not have predicted making lifelong friends. Prior to his experience at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation, Sam thought “most of us lose the ability to make close friends when we become adults.” Sam formed a bond with Director of Tennis, Sal Barbaro, over the months he was visiting Amelia Island. Sam explains that his “friendship with Sal [is] one of the best things to come from the whole experience.”
Omni Amelia Island Plantation Amelia Island, Florida
Mike continues to play at the John Newcombe Country Club, and Sam has returned home to Washington D.C. Tennis continues to keep them moving, provides opportunities to continually improve, and enjoy the sport with friends and coaches. While Mike and Sam have never met, and have different backgrounds, their stories are more similar than might first appear. Their stories at Cliff Drysdale Tennis facilities embody what we hope to provide every guest and member that plays with us. Experience Magazine | www.ExperienceCDT.com
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NOT ALL
E S CA P E S ARE C R E AT E D E Q UA L .
Whether you’re playing a family match, racing down the waterslides or dining al fresco after a round of golf, the best experiences are the ones you share. Stay with Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, and let us make the most of your next chance to wander.
OmniLaCosta.com
C L I F F D R Y S D A L E T E N N I S • O M N I L A C O S TA R E S O R T & S PA • C A R L S B A D , C A
THE
LAVER CUP How Tennis’s New Attraction Combined Tradition, Talent and Innovation
Denis Shapovalov takes on Alexander Zverev at the 2017 Laver Cup. Photo: Ben Soloman, Laver Cup
By Joey Hanf
The tennis season runs from January to November, one of the longest of any pro sport. And so when the Roger Federer-led agency “Team 8” introduced the Laver Cup concept in early 2017, there was a heavy pool of critics. Undoubtedly the most common slight was that it would be “just another exhibition.” And they couldn’t have been more wrong. From first ball to last, competitors in the Laver Cup did just that; compete. The event ended with Nick Kyrgios in tears after falling in a razor tight third set tiebreak to Roger Federer. Kyrgios, a key member of Team World, said afterwards it was the team environment that made the moment so emotional.
Experience Magazine | www.ExperienceCDT.com
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“When I’m playing for myself, sometimes I don’t put the greatest effort in when I play on my own,” Kyrgios said. “When I play with these guys and I’m playing for something as a team, I’m not just playing for myself out there.” Tennis, a sport historically recognized as an individual battle, has always excelled in team formats. Davis Cup often brings out the best in players. But due to the spread out scheduling of that event over the years, many of the game’s top players have stopped participating on a regular basis. And so when Laver Cup confirmed Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and a plethora of top young guns in the game like Kyrgios, there was an instant buzz. They rekindled one of the sport’s greatest rivalries by having Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe as captains of the two teams. Tickets sold out in Prague. The stage was set. Still, the event had to deliver. And it did so by embracing innovation;
an all-black court surface, third set super tiebreaks and a camera attached to the net, just to name a few. But at the end of the day, the matches themselves needed to be competitive. And while Team Europe certainly held a strong advantage in the rankings, Team World more than held their own. Young guns Denis Shapovalov and Frances Tiafoe brought the flash and flair, while veterans Sam Querrey and John Isner brought experience. Team Europe did pull off the victory in ever narrow fashion, with Federer edging Kyrgios in one of the most riveting matches of the year. For many, the highlight of the weekend was when Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, arguably the two greatest tennis players of all time, teamed up to play doubles. At the time, the two had a combined 35 major titles between them. The Laver Cup format allowed for the singles stars to play on the same side of the net for the first time in their career. “After being rivals for so many years, to be in the same part of the court fighting for a team is something special,” said Nadal. And so as the 2018 Laver Cup approches, set for September 21-23 in Chicago,
Photos: Ben Soloman, Laver Cup
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excitement is building around tennis’ newest attraction. Federer, Kyrgios, Borg and McEnroe are all confirmed to be back, with the entire roster to be announced after rankings are published post-Wimbledon. It will be the first major tennis event hosted in the Windy City since 1991. “Chicago is a great sports city with a great sports tradition. I’m really excited to be a part of bringing a big-time tennis event, with the biggest stars in our sport, to Chicago”, McEnroe said. The Laver Cup took a chance on something new, a concept tennis isn’t always familiar or comfortable with. And it succeeded beyond measure. Of course, having Roger Federer behind an event is always going to be a massive boost. But the foundation that was created in 2017 now presents an opportunity for the Laver Cup to have an immense impact on the sport of tennis.
For more information regarding schedule and tickets for the 2018 Laver Cup, visit: www.lavercup.com
LOVE.
STRUCK.
Crush your forehand down the line. Then, go cast your fly out on the flats. They’re both waiting at Hawks Cay in the Florida Keys. Tune up your game at our legendary Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center, offering expert instruction, clinics, mixers and private lessons. Afterwards, relax by the saltwater lagoon; unwind at the Calm Waters Spa; or hook up with one of the best fishing captains in The Keys and go from game on… to fish on.
HAWKSCAY.COM • 855-659-2574
Coming Soon!
and
Final Phase!
Our team of industry professionals at ETXPG, identify, initiate and bring to life various types of real estate investment opportunities. Whether it is commercial, residential or general land development, we have the talent necessary to execute at the highest level. We provide hands-on service to landowners, professional investors and others looking to expand, or begin, their real estate investment journey. We thrive on innovation, always looking for ways to maximize each assets value, while preserving the natural characteristics of each and every square foot. This high level of attention generates real estate developments which we label as "legacy" assets. Each one carrying on the the legacy of excellence and care that was utilized at beginning of the project, extending the lifetime of usefulness long beyond our involvement. We love what we do, and it shows!
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LIVE
WHERE YOU
PLAY
TYLER, TEXAS
Ivy McMillin (903) 312-6018
Samantha Liles (903) 258-2458 THE NEWBERRY TEAM Ivy McMillin • Samantha Liles
www.OakCreekLots.com
DESTINATION: CDT TENNIS
Resort Previews
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T H E R I T Z - C A R LT O N K E Y B I S C AY N E , M I A M I , F L
MAX MANGONES
Max Mangones Director of Tennis
305.365.4300 | m.mangones@cliffdrysdale.com
SPECIAL EVENTS
•
October 17-21, 2018: Ladies Retreat
•
October 24-28, 2018: Ladies Retreat
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Weekly live music, cantina nights, Sunday brunch, & lounge parties •
RESORT FEATURES
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10 Har-Tru© courts, 1 Champion hard court
•
2 outdoor heated oceanfront swimming pools and whirlpool Water recreation: windsurfing, sailing, and kayaking
YEAR ROUND
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Private beachfront access
•
Daily Clinics, Lessons, Junior Programs & Adult Leagues
•
20,000 square foot Mobil 4-Star luxury spa and salon
•
Customizable Camp Experiences Experience Magazine | www.ExperienceCDT.com
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OMNI AMELIA ISLAND PLANTATION RESORT A M E L I A I S L A N D, F L
SAL BARBARO
September 13-16, 2018: Racket Wars Adult Tournament
•
#1 tennis resort in the world by Tennis Resorts Online
•
October 10-14, 2018: Ladies Retreat
•
23 Har-Tru© tennis courts
•
Nature inspired signature spa
•
3 miles of uncrowded beaches
•
54 holes of Championship golf
•
All encompassing fitness center
• Sal Barbaro Director of Tennis
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RESORT FEATURES
•
•
904.277.5151 | s.barbaro@cliffdrysdale.com
SPECIAL EVENTS
•
Monthly Sprouting Project Dinners YEAR ROUND
Daily Clinics, Lessons, Junior Programs & Adult Leagues Customizable Camp Experiences
Experience Magazine | www.ExperienceCDT.com
OMNI LA COSTA RESORT & SPA C A R L S B A D, C A
BRYCE CUNNINGHAM
Bryce Cunningham Director of Tennis
SPECIAL EVENTS
•
July-August 2018: • Home matches for the San Diego Aviators of World Team Tennis
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August 31-September 3 2018: Labor Day Weekend Festivities
•
RESORT FEATURES
13 hard courts and 4 red clay courts (7 lighted)
•
Luxuriously appointed rooms, suites and villas
May 1-5, 2019 Ladies Retreat
•
YEAR ROUND
Two championship golf courses designed by PGA legends
•
The Spa at La Costa, a renowned wellness spa ranked in the top 5 spas in the nation
•
Award Winning PFC Fitness Camp experiences
•
Customizable Camp Experiences
760.929.6387 | b.cunningham@cliffdrysdale.com Experience Magazine | www.ExperienceCDT.com
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OMNI RANCHO LAS PALMAS RESORT & SPA RANCHO MIRAGE, CA
ELLIOT PEGG
•
November 23-25, 2018: Desert Arts Festival
•
December 1, 2018: Festival of Lights
•
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RESORT FEATURES
•
25 Championship Hard Courts
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Lazy river, two waterslides and more water fun!
March 4-8, 2019: Indian Wells Adult Tennis Camp
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Four Star resort restaurant
•
March 5, 2019: Tennis With The Stars
•
50,000 square feet of flexible meeting space
•
Weekly live entertainment at Blu Ember, Yoga at the Spa and family entertainment
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27-hole Ted Robinson designed golf course
•
20,000 square foot European Spa with 26 treatment rooms
Elliot Pegg Director of Tennis 760.837.2342 | e.pegg@cliffdrysdale.com
SPECIAL EVENTS
YEAR ROUND
•
Daily Clinics, Lessons, Junior Programs & Adult Leagues
•
Customizable Camp Experiences
HAWKS CAY RESORT D U C K K E Y, F L
HANNAH THOMPSON
•
SPECIAL EVENTS
Hawks Cay Rises: Celebrate the reopening of Hawks Cay Resort after restoration from Hurricane Irma. Re-open date will be announced soon! YEAR ROUND
Hannah Thompson Director of Tennis
RESORT FEATURES
•
4 Har-Tru© courts, 4 Champion hard courts
•
Full service fitness center & spa
•
Island lagoon beach area & 5 swimming pools
•
•
Daily Clinics, Lessons, Junior Programs & Adult Leagues
Water sports including: para-sailing, kayaking, and jet ski tours
•
Customizable Camp Experiences •
Snorkeling and scuba diving
305.743.7000 Ext. 1571 h.thompson@cliffdrysdale.com Experience Magazine | www.ExperienceCDT.com
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STRATTON MOUNTAIN RESORT S T R AT T O N M O U N TA I N , V T
ROBERT MENZIES
Robert Menzies Director of Tennis
SPECIAL EVENTS
•
July 6-7, 2018: Tour De Grace
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August 31-September 3, 2018: Labor Day Events
•
Live music, hiking, kayaking and yoga on the mountain YEAR ROUND
•
Daily Clinics, Lessons, Junior Programs & Adult Leagues
•
Customizable Camp Experiences
802.297.4236 | r.menzies@cliffdrysdale.com
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RESORT FEATURES
•
7 Har-Tru© courts, 8 red clay courts and 2 indoor courts
•
Big mountain skiing and snowboarding on 94 trails and top rated terrain parks
•
Hiking, biking, fly-fishing and many more activities!
•
Indoor and outdoor pools
•
27 hole golf course
D I S C OV E R H O W
EXPER IENCES C A N B R I NG YO U
TOGETHER.
There are many reasons to book your stay at Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa. Escape to Palm Springs and retreat to one of our three sparkling pools, enjoy a round of golf on our 27 - hole championship golf course, world class tennis under the direction of Cliff Drysdale, experience complete relaxation at Spa Las Palmas or head to bluEmber restaurant for stunning views and an unforgettable meal made with locally-sourced ingredients. Stay with Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa and let us make the most of your family’s next chance to wander.
ESCAPE TO PALM SPRINGS & SAVE ENJOY UP TO 15% OFF YOUR STAY. Based on availability. Valid for stays through December 31, 2018.
O M NI H O T E L S . C O M / PA L M SP RI NG S 7 6 0 -5 6 8 -2 7 2 7
Inn at Perr y Cabin
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NEW CLUB
St. Michaels, Maryland
Inn at Perry Cabin
Rob Wright
Director of Tennis 410.745.2200 | r.wright@cliffdrysdale.com
by Kimberly Arena
C
liff Drysdale Tennis is pleased to announce our newest resort partner, the Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels, Maryland. The newly designed tennis facility and programs at the waterfront resort will be ready in June 2018.
“We are thrilled to introduce a partnership and tennis program with this world-class tennis and fitness company,” said Michael Hoffmann, General Manager, Inn at Perry Cabin. “Inn at Perry Cabin has long been a destination for sailing and yachting enthusiasts, and with the addition of the Inn at Perry Cabin Tennis Club by Cliff Drysdale, we look forward to enhancing this tradition by welcoming tennis enthusiasts to our stellar facilities.” Steeped in history and style, Inn at Perry Cabin is consistently ranked one of the best luxury resorts in the Mid-Atlantic, including #1 in the region by Condé Nast Traveler. The intimate resort, nestled along the Chesapeake Bay on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, boasts spectacular waterfront lawns and sweeping bay views, as well as a pristine fleet of sailboats and performance yachts, docked at the Inn’s private harbor. The new Tennis Club includes three state-of-the-art outdoor Har-Tru tennis courts, lighted for both day and night play. Beginning this year, guests of the Inn will also have access to Links at Perry Cabin, the new 18hole championship golf course designed by legendary architect Pete Dye. Additional guest amenities include the spa, full service fitness center, outdoor pool, sailing school and additional water activities. “We’re really happy to add Inn at Perry Cabin to our resort portfolio,” said Scott Colebourne, Vice President of Operations for Cliff Drysdale Management. “This is a beautiful, world-class location and we hope to elevate the tennis experience through exceptional tennis instruction and service for resort guests and members alike.” The tennis program at Inn at Perry Cabin will be led by Director of Tennis Robert Wright. Originally from Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, Wright is an LTA-certified teaching pro with more than a decade of coaching experience. Since joining CDT in early 2016, Wright has held many key roles at resorts across the country, including the Omni Amelia Island Plantation, Stratton Mountain Resort, and most recently at Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa where he served as Assistant Director of Tennis. Programming is set to begin in April 2018 and will feature an expanded offering of adult and junior programs as well as special events and seasonal camps.
For more information about Inn at Perry Cabin, visit: www.belmond.com/Belmond/StMichaels, or please contact Director of Tennis Rob Wright at r.wright@cliffdrysdale.com or call 410-745-2200.
Experience Magazine | www.ExperienceCDT.com
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PRIVATE TENNIS COMMUNITIES & CLUBS
Live where you play.
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JOHN NEWCOMBE COUNTRY CLUB NEW BRAUNFELS, TX
CAL LOVERIDGE GRAHAM MILLER
If your idea of a perfect environment for your family includes a peaceful hill country landscape as your backdrop, then John Newcombe Estate & Country Club is your dream destination! Our Club veranda overlooks our show courts and it is a perfect spot to have a glass of wine with friends and wind down.
(L) Cal Loveridge (R) Graham Miller Directors of Tennis
We are occasionally honored with a visit from our honorary members, the beautiful white tail deer. Our fitness center boasts a state of-the-art facility with unrivaled equipment for any and all of your workout needs. Our fitness experts are the finest in Central Texas and are up on all the latest innovations in the fitness industry. Our team offers junior performance training, group fitness classes, which includes yoga, pilates and aerobics to name a few. If your excuse to not workout is that you have small children, well, then guess again!
830.625.2005 c.loveridge@newkscc.com g.miller@newkscc.com
Experience Magazine | www.ExperienceCDT.com
PROPERTY FEATURES •
Acreage home sites and luxury custom model homes
•
Parks and nature trails
•
World class tennis instruction
•
13 Lighted Championship Hard Courts
•
Kids club
•
State of the art fitness center
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Junior olympic pool
•
Volleyball, beach tennis court & basketball court 65
RED LEDGES CLUB H E B E R VA L L E Y, U T
MICHAEL TOPP
Nestled in beautiful Heber Valley, with the majestic background of the Timpanogos Mountains, Red Ledges is a private community that offers a one of a kind experience. We offer an array of activities in our community year round. Being part of a four season landscape offers you the best of both worlds. In the summer you are surrounded by beautiful views of natural red sandstone ledges, while in the winter you get the unmatched experience of Park City. It may take you a little time to adjust to the altitude, but rest assured; our tennis programs will give you everything you need to succeed.
Michael Topp Director of Tennis
66
847.997.8429 m.topp@cliffdrysdale.com
Experience Magazine | www.ExperienceCDT.com
PROPERTY FEATURES
•
Acreage home sites and luxury custom model homes
•
Parks and nature trails
•
4 Lighted Championship Hard Courts
•
Award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course
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12-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Park
•
Jim McLean Golf School
TYLER ATHLETIC AND SWIM CLUB TYLER, TX
MATTHEW COERVER
Tyler Athletic and Swim Club has received rave reviews as an all-inclusive, premier lifestyle club. Located along the fast growing Old Jacksonville corridor, Oak Creek continues the vision of the developers as a place where residents come to live, work, and play. The new club features a 14,000 square foot clubhouse, outdoor pool and recreation areas, as well as 12 lighted tennis courts. The amenity is available to transitioned members of the old Tyler Tennis & Swim club located on Shiloh Rd, Oak Creek residents, as well as a limited number of single and family memberships for the public.
Matthew Coerver Director of Tennis 903.561.3014 m.coerver@cliffdrysdale.com Experience Magazine | www.ExperienceCDT.com
PROPERTY FEATURES
•
Acreage home sites and luxury custom model homes
•
12 Lighted Championship hard courts
•
14,000 square foot clubhouse
•
Outdoor pool and recreation area
•
Kids Club
•
State of the art fitness center
•
World class tennis instruction
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Synthetic grass premium athletic field
•
State of the art indoor/outdoor fitness center 67
WALDEN RACQUET CENTER M O N T G O M E R Y, T X
ROB LOWE
Walden on Lake Conroe is a prestigious community planned for 5,200 dwellings. Five thousand acres of the Lake Conroe are located within the Sam Houston National Forest. In addition to the lake, a privately owned 536slip marina, a breathtaking privately owned 18-hole golf course, a 16-court tennis facility, swimming pools, children’s playgrounds and “hike and bike” trails are among the many recreational amenities available to Walden residents. Social activities, community events, athletic competitions and volunteer opportunities occur year-round -- guaranteeing an active schedule for those who want to get involved.
Rob Lowe Director of Tennis
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936.582.1022 r.lowe@cliffdrysdale.com
The Racquet Center offers 14 outdoor courts (4 covered), with 10 lighted courts for evening play. Walden Racquet Club has a full service Tennis Pro Shop, offering rackets, tennis shoes and most recent fashions in tennis and fitness apparel. Experience Magazine | www.ExperienceCDT.com
PROPERTY FEATURES •
14 outdoor courts (4 covered, 10 lighted)
•
21,000 acre lake
•
Marina
•
18 hole golf course
•
Swimming pools
•
Hike and bike trails
THE CLUBS AT HOUSTON OAKS H O C K L E Y, T X
MICHAEL DONALD
Michael Donald Director of Tennis 713.888.0000 m.donald@cliffdrysdale.com
The Clubs at Houston Oaks, located just 35 miles northwest of Houston, is an exclusive private membership club and community offering a number of first-class facilities for the entire family. Amenities include a new Chet Williams designed 18-hole Championship Golf Course, a separate “Family 9,” Tennis Facility, Gun Club, Fish Camp with stocked fishing lakes, an Equestrian and Ranch Facility, a variety of luxury lodging options, a main clubhouse, Park House, Fishing Lodge, Gun Club Lodge, Family Pool with Lakeside Beach, Adult Infinity Pool, and soon to be completed “Bunker 55” wine cave, all set within 950 acres studded with beautiful old growth oaks and lakes. The combination of unique, first-class amenities, natural beauty and proximity to Houston create a truly special private club and retreat. Experience Magazine | www.ExperienceCDT.com
PROPERTY FEATURES
•
6 professional LED lighted, medium speed courts, including pro shop
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Chet Williams designed 18-hole Championship Golf Course
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Gun Club- one of the top shotgun shooting facilities in Texas
•
Equestrian Club
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Wellnes Club including fitness center, spa and lakeside beach
•
Fishing Club including 18 stocked lakes and ponds, retail shop, lighted dock and fishing pier
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Social Club including luxury accomodations and kids club 69
COMPLETE FACILITY DIRECTORY
Tennis Resor ts
California OMNI LA COSTA RESORT & SPA 2100 Costa Del Mar Rd Carlsbad, CA 92009 PH: 760.931.7501 OMNI RANCHO LAS PALMAS RESORT & SPA 41000 Bob Hope Dr. Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 PH: 760.837.2342
Florida HAWKS CAY RESORT 61 Hawks Cay Blvd. Duck Key, FL 33050 PH: 305.743.7000 Ext. 1571 OMNI AMELIA ISLAND PLANTATION RESORT 39 Beach Lagoon Amelia Island, FL 32034 PH: 904.277.5151 THE RITZ-CARLTON KEY BISCAYNE, MIAMI 415 Grand Bay Dr. Key Biscayne, FL 33149 PH: 305.365.4300
Maryland
INN AT PERRY CABIN 308 Watkins Ln. St. Michaels, MD 21663 PH: 410.745.2200
Vermont
STRATTON MOUNTAIN RESORT 10 Arbor Rd. Stratton, VT 05155 PH: 802.297.4230 70
Experience Magazine | www.ExperienceCDT.com
COMPLETE FACILITY DIRECTORY
Membership Cl ub s & P ublic C ou r ts
California IN-SHAPE EL DORADO 4242 Sports Club Dr. Shingle Springs, CA 95682 PH: 530.672.1699 IN-SHAPE FAIRFIELD DOVER 3001 Dover Ave. Fairfield, CA 94533 PH: 707.425.1483 IN-SHAPE FAIRFIELD RANCHO SOLANO 3250 Rancho Solano Pkwy. Fairfield, CA 94534 PH: 707.421.8600 IN-SHAPE STOCKTON MARINA 6545 Embarcadero Dr. Stockton, CA 95209 PH: 209.478.1922 IN-SHAPE TRACY BLVD 101 Tracy Blvd. Tacy, CA 95376 PH: 209.830.1344 IN-SHAPE VACAVILLE BROWNS VALLEY 3446 Browns Valley Rd. Vacaville, CA 95688 PH: 707.449.6465 IN-SHAPE VISALIA 909 N. Demaree Visalia, CA 93291 PH: 559.622.0480
Colorado
North Carolina
ARROWHEAD AT VAIL 1200 Arrowhead Dr. Edwards, CO 81632 PH: 970.306.8022
LAKE NORMAN TENNIS CENTER 205 Overhill Dr. Mooresville, NC 28117 PH: 980.444.2280
BACHELOR GULCH 137 Benchmark Rd Avon, CO 81620 PH: 970.306.8022 BEAVER CREEK TENNIS CENTER 310 Offerson Rd. Avon, CO 81632 PH: 970.754.5781
Florida BLUEWATER BAY TENNIS CENTER 777 Bay Dr. Niceville, FL 32578 PH: 850.897.8010 CRANDON PARK TENNIS CENTER 7300 Crandon Blvd. Key Biscayne, FL 33149 PH: 305.365.2300
New York SOUTHAMPTON RACQUET CLUB 665 Majors Path Southampton, NY 11968 PH: 631.488.4791
Texas TYLER ATHLETIC AND SWIM CLUB 11208 Oak Creek Blvd. Tyler, TX 75703 PH: 903.561.3014 THE CLUBS AT HOUSTON OAKS 22602 Hegar Rd. Hockley, TX 77447 PH: 713.888.0000 WALDEN RACQUET CENTER 11800 Walden Rd. Montgomery, TX 77356 PH: 936.582.1022
INDIAN CREEK COUNTRY CLUB 55 Indian Creek Island Rd. Indian Creek Villiage, FL 33154 JOHN NEWCOMBE ESTATE & PH: 305.866.5751 COUNTRY CLUB 625 Mission Valley Rd. THE TENNIS CENTER AT New Braunfels, TX 78132 GROVE ISLE PH: 830.625.2005 4 Grove Isle Dr. Miami, FL 33133 PH: 305.860.4360
Utah
WESTON TENNIS CENTER 16451 Racquet Club Rd. Weston, FL 33326 PH: 954.389.8666 Experience Magazine | www.ExperienceCDT.com
RED LEDGES 1851 E. Center St. Heber City, UT 84032 PH: 435.657.4055 71
DESIGNED LIKE NO OTHER P L AY S L I K E N O O T H E R
.COM/TENNIS
MXG 7
MXG 5
MXG 3
MXG 1
POWER UNDER CONTROL