Warrnambool Lawn Tennis Club set to re-open grass courts

Warrnambool Lawn Tennis Club president Kim Tobin is excited to offer tennis competition to the south-west community again.

It's been a long wait for the club due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But WLTC has been proactive in preparing for a return to its iconic grass courts on Pertobe Road.

The club is offering a new suite of activities, including a doubles competition, open to men and ladies, on Monday nights.

Tobin said the club had shifted its focus to providing options during the week.

"We've had Saturday afternoon pennant for many years," she said.

"We just decided weekends are hard for people to commit to for a regular team event.

"So Saturday afternoon is just going to be social tennis for those who want to come down.

"And our competitions will actually be on week nights."

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The mixed doubles competition starts on the porous courts 7pm tonight but Tobin flagged a return to the grass courts for round two "because that's a real attraction for people to play on grass".

The grass courts will re-open for Thursday night's Corporate Morton Cup which starts at 6pm.

It's a Fast4 (short-form) competition for the next four Thursdays.

Only three weeks ago the grass courts were flooded due to the heavy rain which also saw much of Port Fairy underwater.

"(Curator) Ross Corbett has done a great job looking after that flood issue," Tobin said.

"They will be ready for this week.

"They're lined and looking good and ready to go."

By Saturday more than 50 junior players will get their chance to play on the lawn courts.

In a positive sign for the future, Tobin said the club was confident it had a group of junior players keen to come through the ranks together.

She explained there would be two separate seasons for juniors.

One until Christmas and another which will start in line with the term one school calendar.

The president said it meant new players could join in for the second season.

WLTC has another new addition coming besides the mixed doubles competition.

Tobin said the club hoped to get a Friday evening Cardio Tennis social night up-and-running.

Cardio Tennis is a group fitness program for adults.

Tobin added Beachside Tennis Academy coaching was back in full swing as were the club's usual Cardio Tennis clinics.

She said it had been a tough year.

"The club has a lot of fixed costs to maintain the facility, it's vital we get as many feet back on those courts as possible to just give us the ability to keep the courts maintained," she said.

"It's just so important for everyone to have the opportunity to get involved in a physical activity again after so many months of inactivity."

People interested in signing up for the mixed doubles competition are encouraged to contact Beachside Tennis Academy.

Further details on competitions can be found here: http://www.warrnamboollawntennis.com/

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