Smashing game: Broadford’s Lorraine Keath waits to return at Geelong Lawn Tennis Club.
JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
AFTER courting national attention as a Davis Cup host, Geelong Lawn Tennis Club is thinking big.
Basking in the afterglow of a successful event, the club aims to net more Davis Cup action.
Far from drawing the line at memberships, the club wants more grass court fans, according to general manager Ken Barton.
“It was really gratifying the way the Geelong community embraced the event,” Ken said.
“We want to build on that success through increased participation in tennis around the region and growing our membership.”
Ken said the community support for the event impressed Tennis Australia, while the players and Davis Cup team lauded the location.
“We thought initially this might be a one-off but it was such a success that we feel we have an opportunity to position the club for future grass court David Cup ties.
“The club will have a close look at what would be needed to accommodate future ties and improve the setting so we can be considered a front runner.”
Ken said the club recently signed an agreement with Tennis Australia to promote the sport locally.
“As part of that agreement we want to build participation in region by assisting smaller clubs.
“The Davis Cup has already proven to be a boost for tennis participation in the region. Local coaches are reporting record levels of enrolments in programs.”
Geelong Lawn Tennis Club is a not-for-profit members club under the governance of a committee and with a full-time manager, a member services manager and part-time staff.
Ken said volunteers played a significant role, providing the engine room of assistance for the Davis Cup tie.
The 950 members form Australia’s oldest provincial tennis club, founded in 1882.
In the 1920s a member, Jack Hawkes, represented Australia in Davis Cup competition.
The club has 28 courts, with 13 grass and the remainder a mix of porous and synthetic materials.
Ken said the club had added three squash courts and a fitness studio to complement its tennis facilities.
“This is the third largest lawn tennis club in Victoria,” he emphasised, “older than Kooyong and Royal South Yarra.
“People love the softer surface plus there’s a historical connection to tennis over recent decades. It’s what sets us apart.”
The club is hosting its 2012 club championships until next Friday but welcomes casual players most other times.
Ken said more information was available by phoning 5243 2819 or visiting geelonglawntc.com.au.
