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Volume 22 Issue 2
“Success Secrets” By Pat Whitworth, USPTA Master Professional
Crieg Matthieson
C
reig has been serving as Director of Tennis at St Ives Country Club since 1993. Before joining St Ives Country Club, Creig served as Director of Tennis at Las Colinas Country Club, a premier club in Irving, Texas. Creig also served as Director of Tennis at the University Club of Dallas. He has worked with the former ATP Pro, Bill Scanlon, and Tom Cain, former ATP Tour, and SMU collegiate player. Creig and the St Ives Tennis Staff have coached numerous ALTA and USTA champions for both adults and juniors resulting in 158 representations at city finals. Creig has been a certified member of the USPTA with an Elite Professional rating for the past 40 years. He has also held board positions for tennis organizations, served as CoTournament Director for the USPTA national championships, and served as Co-Convention Chairman for the TPTA. Creig, I understand that you still work more than 40 hours a week. Why do you put in so many hours? Currently, we have a very active club with 30-40 teams each season, special events, and plenty of member play. The club is closed on Monday’s, but we run a busy on court day while golf and the club are closed. Add all the off-court with a very successful tennis/lifestyle shop which I own, a healthy stringing business, and the day-to-day administration, and it leads to very full week. In fact, I have been working over 70 hours a week since 1980. What are you looking for when hiring a professional? Fortunately, I have been blessed to have staff with me for 6-16 years. All staff are encouraged to be certified and show that they are serious. In order to move up to a director, they should be certified. I look for people that are fun, that are not too serious. Good, positive
energy is also a must. They do not have to be a great player to be a good communicator and instructor. They also have to be able to handle the hours. A strong candidate turned down a job offer when they learned they would have to work into the night, and weekends. As the director, we look to have a well-rounded staff and fill positions with the right people. This might mean a younger, more energetic person to be with the young junior tennis players. What threats do you see that are facing our industry? My big concern is there is not really an incentive to become a director of tennis. When I was in my twenties, the director I worked for made all tennis commissions, all of the pro shop, income from tournaments and events, and more. This was a business. As a career, these options are rapidly changing. Managers do not want to offer 100% of all lessons or the pro shop. At St Ives, I own the pro shop, all teaching equipment, the ball machines, and all the balls. This is my business within the club. I hope to get involved with the CMAA once I retire and help to offer education on the tennis side of the club. Many hires are expected to do the maintenance of the tennis courts and facility. When I took my current job, the GM wanted me to cover maintenance. My response was that I will do this IF you offer me the same salary as the director of golf, and require him and his golf assistant staff. to maintain the golf course. Courts are part of the grounds, and I was not hired as a maintenance person. However, I or the tennis staff will assist with maintenance as needed. When something needs to be done, and be done now, any of us are ready to get the tennis facility ready for member play. What business skills do younger pros need to be working on? In my opinion, programming is so important. The many events, holiday mixers, etc. Learn from a current director
how to build the P&L for events and various programs (all staff play in the mixers at St. Ives. It adds a neat touch). I produce an event calendar that is mailed out to all members each January. The Tennis Information Calendar has pictures of staff with bios, tennis rules, and more info (visit usptasouthern.com for a digital version). Learning how to read the club budget, P&L, income and expenses, for both the tennis department and the entire club. It is also important to just walk around and be seen while people are playing. I will walk the area with my racket to offer tips, maybe hit a few, and just be active with the members. Do you see other racquet sports like pickleball, paddle tennis, as contenders or just a fad? Well, pickleball is here to stay. We will be building 4 pickleball courts in the very near future. It is easy to learn and play. To be competitive, it is important to offer courts and a program. Will you hire a pickleball pro or train your current staff? I would not hire but will train. Two staff play in the pro-level pickleball tournaments, so they have the skills. What is your niche in this industry? Interestingly, I was at a social about 10 years ago, and a member asked how I have been so successful at St Ives, a tough place. At first, I did not have an answer, and another member jumped in and said “Creig, I know exactly how you have done it. It was never about you; it was always about all the members. You have been service to others”. Are you still involved in playing tennis? YES. I still play league play. We have the most winning ALTA team with our AA1 Senior team (highest level 45s). We are going for 17 consecutive years as city champions. I also play in some 60s tournaments. I have been able to hold high rankings in 60s age groups and father/son, and I still love to play.
