There is a lot of USTA (United States Tennis Association) competitive tennis in the Sandhills.

On October 27, 28, 29, The Pinehurst Tennis Club, Seven Lakes Country Club, Beacon Ridge Country Club, The National Club, and The Country Club of North Carolina will host the North Carolina Super Senior State Tournament. Winners from this state championship will join winners from similar tournaments in eight other Southern states to compete in the Southern Sectional Championship. This year's Southern Sectional will be held in Columbus. Winners there will advance to compete in the National tournament.

Super Senior teams are made up of players age 60 and older, you read it right, 60 and older. Wait, we also have Super Dooper Teams, with players 70 and older. We're definitely not doing Bingo here. In each age group you have different levels of play, which makes the competition fair. Last year, five teams from our local league (The Pines) won the State Tournament and went to the Sectional Championship in Pelham, Alabama. The 3.0 70's ladies from the Seven Lakes Country Club won the Sectional Championship. There was no National play for them, but we understand that there will be this year, but they have to win again to get there.

Our local leagues are usually under the direction of Ruth Bondurant, she's been doing such a good job, they've let her do this FOREVER!

Last year there were hundred's of player's competing here in the Pinehurst area. They stay at our elegant hotels, eat in our many fine restaurants and shop at our many great shops. You'll probably remember all those "older" people dressed in tennis outfits all over the place -- now you know why. Keep those dates in mind, October 27, 28 and 29, and come watch some really great tennis. You never know who you'll run in to on the courts, could be your neighbor, or your grandmother or grandfather.

Moving right along, things are really poppin' over at the Lawn and Tennis Club. On Oct. 9, Don Campbell is bringing a new pro on board. Ryan Peterson will be moving from Topeka, Kan. and will assist Don who will continue at the club as the director of tennis. "The demands for lessons and service has grown at such a rapid pace, the addition of Ryan will help to satisfy the demands" said Campbell.

Leagues are in full swing, with the ladies Thursday evening league having a great time at their last two Thursday night events. Twenty-four ladies participated.

Congratulations are in order to Toni Davenport who has held her top position on court one since the league began. And also to Dan Infantini who won 18 games on court one, which just goes to show you that the "club ladder system" is thriving. Friday evening mixed doubles play started on Sept. 15. This is a weekly social event. Player's bring refreshments to share and enjoy the tennis and social interaction.

The junior programs continue to grow. Maria Sumner is helping to teach the many children enrolled in the various clinics. For more information call Sue Campbell at 692-7270.

Over at the Pinehurst Club the After School Tennis Clinic is about to start lessons for kids from 5 to 15. They will be held on Tuesday and Thursday. Groups will be divided into Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Intermediate. What a great way for the kids to start. For information call the Pro Shop at the Pinehurst Club at 235-8556 and speak to either Carol McKenzie or Matt Dowling.

The Pinehurst Tennis Club is listed as one of the top 50 tennis facilities in the country, what an honor -- definitely deserved.

Out in Seven Lakes Tennis Club, things are really picking up. A great turnout of kids for the group clinic's is really encouraging. There is nothing like the look on the little face when they hit ball for the first time, especially when you're 5 or 6 years old! These grassroot programs can most certainly lead to a life long experience of fun and exercise. Kids are so lucky to have all of these programs available to them here in Moore County. Bruce Adams, the new head pro, is doing a super job with them.

They also have some really great activities planned. A fun one is in the works -- the "Challenge Tennis Tournament." That is where tennis players from the North Side and South Side will play against those from the West Side. The event is open to everyone in all three communities (of course, you must be a tennis player), and there are a lot of good competitive player's in Seven Lakes. It should make for a great afternoon of tennis. The winning team get's to keep an old clock that has hung in the club house for years, until they play for it again next year. Rumor has it if the North/South player's lose, they won't give up the batteries. I'll let you know how things turn out.

Today you have learned a little more about "Local tennis 101," but there are so many interesting people involved in this sport, I hope to fill you in on them all, especially the pros.

Do you know what MTA stands for? Well, it's the Moore Tennis Association. Next time I'll give you the scoop on them, very interesting! There is so much exciting tennis coming in October, I hardly know where to start!

Until next time, see ya on the courts!