10 Grass Court Tennis Destinations
Although the availability of grass tennis courts has declined dramatically over the years, it is still one of the most interesting surfaces for tennis. Here are ten destinations for playing your next match on grass.
International Tennis Hall of Fame Newport, Rhode Island
The International Tennis Hall of Fame, site of the first U.S. National Tennis Championships in 1881, offers America's only competitive grass courts open for public use. Featuring 13 pristine grass courts, the Hall of Fame also offers USPTA/PTR certified instruction for juniors and adults; adult and junior tennis camps; and daily clinics. The ITHF is also the site for several USTA grass court championships.
West Side Tennis Club Forest Hills, New York
Stepping into the West Side Tennis Club is like being transported back in time. Home of the U.S. National Lawn Tennis Championships (U.S. Open) before the move to Flushing Meadows, the 38 courts of the West Side Tennis Club (a mix of grass, clay and Har-Tru) are private, but the grounds and museum-like club house are available for viewing. The good news: Various USTA grass court championships take place here, which are open to the public.
Orange Lawn Tennis Club South Orange, New Jersey
With over 125 years of history, the Orange Lawn is one of the first tennis clubs in the U.S. Set on an expansive mountain estate, the 12 grass courts overlook a grand club house set amid manicured grounds. Orange Lawn is a private club, but regularly hosts USTA grass events, which are open to all USTA members.
Longwood Cricket Club Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
Founded in 1877, the Longwood Cricket Club includes 19 clay and 25 grass courts on 10 beautiful acres just outside of Boston. Longwood is a private club, but opens its door to several USTA national tournaments including the Father and Son/Daughter Grass Court Championships and the National 85 and 90 Grass Court Championships.
Rockaway Hunting Club Lawrence, New York
Founded as a fox hunting and steeplechase racing venue in 1887, the Rockaway is an old-school retreat in the strongest sense of the term. Located just 25 miles east of Manhattan, Rockaway features 18 classical grass courts, with a staunch dress code to boot. Membership is by invitation only, but the club also hosts USTA national events like the Men's 55 & 60 Grass Court Championships.
Seabright Lawn Tennis and Cricket Club Rumson, New Jersey
The Seabright is one of the oldest active tennis clubs in the U.S., dating back to 1886. From its expansive clubhouse to pristine grass and clay courts, playing at the Seabright is an historical experience within itself. Membership is by invitation only, but the club also hosts USTA national events like the Men's 65 Grass Court Championships.
Philadelphia Cricket Club Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
A founding member of the American Lawn Tennis Assoc. in 1881, competition continues at the Philadelphia Cricket Club with competitive men's tennis, women's interclub teams and a top-ranked junior tennis program. Membership is by invitation only, but the club also hosts USTA national events like the Junior International ITF/USTA Grass Court Championship and the USPTA Grass Court Championships.
Piping Rock Tennis Club Locust Valley, New York
Don't expect to get any work down at the Piping Rock, where cell phones and smart phones are strictly forbidden. Tennis is the business at hand and the all-white dress code is strictly enforced as well. Lucky for us, the Piping Rock hosts several USTA national events so non-members can have a go at things.
South Cowichan Lawn Tennis Club Duncan, British Columbia
Founded in 1887, the Cowichan shares the rich history with the East Coast lawn tennis clubs, but not the staunch appeal. This is a club for everyone, featuring seven grass courts, memberships under $400 a year and $20/hour grass court rates for visitors. The Cowichan also hosts USTA national events like the 122nd Annual Vancouver Island Grass Court Championships.
Desert Highlands Tennis Scottsdale, Arizona
Only 25 miles north of Phoenix, the Desert Highlands is like an oasis for great tennis. There are 150 club-ranked players regularly on court, along with WTA and ATP touring pros gearing up for Grand Slam events. The Highlands also hosts USTA national events like the Junior Grass and Clay Championships for those with Wimbledon dreams in their future.
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