JULY

I traveled to Greensboro, North Carolina for the Girls’ 12s Clay Championships.  It was 95-100 degrees each day with terrible humidity.  The girls playing in the event struggled through the weather, without anyone dropping on the ground.  Electrolytes obviously played a big part.  What didn’t play a big part was technique.  I was not impressed by the girls, their grips, their follow through, their movement.  I loved the community.  We spent a lot of time at the Greensboro Country Club, where I played a mixed doubles exhibition for the members.  I had the privilege of teaching a clinic to ladies one morning.  The South is still charming for all of us west coasters who often wonder what is going on in our country.  The Country Club members were welcoming and the club’s  grounds were stunning, including a beautiful PGA inspired golf course.  The most fun was the swimming pool with a high dive.  It truly was a look back in time to the 1960s – conversation, play, food, ambience.  Greensboro Country Club was outstanding in every regard.  The gentleman responsible for the look, the charm, the rules, the upkeep – Friedrich Eder, the elegant general manager and keeper of the flame at the Greensboro Country Club.  Nate Palmer, the Director of Tennis is a throwback to the kind of teacher a club needs for its’ members.