review: total tennis vs newks vs saddlebrook

[MrCLEAN]

I'm going for the week long session next month, can't wait!

[GZim]

I am very seriously thinking of going to Saddlebrook sometime in February (an in from NYC) alone for 3 days midweek. I do not mind eating alone at a bar. It sounds like a lot of tennis (which I like) and get a massage after. I am a 4.0 player in my mid 40's

Does this sound like a good idea?

My experiences so far has been; to the tennis camp in Essex,Vermont (New England Tennis Holidays) but it was a pretty bad experience, First day was me and an older retired Dr. he was pretty good, sneaky lobber, dropshotter, so not really challenging.
the next day a husband and wife who were 2.5's and me and the Dr. all day with one pro.
the next day a few 3.5'ers showed up, a 2nd pro.. but overall not good. I understand they have another camp in New Hampshire, but after they wasted my time, I would never go near them.

This past holiday break, my wife and I went to Palm Springs. we did 2 days at Reed Anderson's (I canceled the 3rd day to go elsewhere) as it was not challenging at all. I was only on Reed's court for 1/2hr. Can't figure out why, but he was only on the beginners court, and the better players had someone else who never hit a ball. We mostly worked on hitting the inside and the outside of the ball. After he saw me hit, He tried to tell us that pro's never hit an inside out cross court forehand - I said I guess you don't watch the pro's much.

The next day I went to JW Marriot in Desert Springs. They don't have a camp, just 90 minute clinics. I took their 4.0 drill clinic and after I had an hour private with Jim Leupold. This was one of the best private I have ever had. He works Very hard on the court and has a really great attitude. I highly recommend him and can't wait to go back. He very quickly assessed my ability and helped work on my shot preparation.

Thx,

[aldekeuk]

GZim - i have done exactly what you describe (minus the massage) for the past three February's and loved it. Even at that time of year there should be at least one court of 4.0 guys they can match you up with. It is a lot of tennis so if you enjoy that it's really not that big a deal going by yourself. Saddlebrook is the best tennis program i have found.

[GZim]

Originally Posted by aldekeuk

GZim - i have done exactly what you describe (minus the massage) for the past three February's and loved it. Even at that time of year there should be at least one court of 4.0 guys they can match you up with. It is a lot of tennis so if you enjoy that it's really not that big a deal going by yourself. Saddlebrook is the best tennis program i have found.

I am debating if it is worth the $2000 for 3 days (all in with airfare etc)
or if I just take a bunch of private lessons at my home club for a month and spend much less. . . .

[all3ofus]

Originally Posted by GZim

I am debating if it is worth the $2000 for 3 days (all in with airfare etc)
or if I just take a bunch of private lessons at my home club for a month and spend much less. . . .

How did you like the JW Marriott? Would you go back? That place is about a 2hr drive from my house and I keep telling myself I am going to spend the weekend or even just a night to check it out.

[GZim]

Originally Posted by all3ofus

How did you like the JW Marriott? Would you go back? That place is about a 2hr drive from my house and I keep telling myself I am going to spend the weekend or even just a night to check it out.

I really liked the facility and especially Jim Leupold the Head Pro. He is one of the best I have taken a lesson from. I also liked that they have 3 court surfaces.. mostly hard courts. but they had 3 or 4 HarTru and 3 grass too.

Check out their website.. they have clinic's every day. I only took the 4.0 and it was pretty good.

if you do go, I'd like to hear what you thought. the place is beautiful.

Best

[aldekeuk]

Originally Posted by GZim

I am debating if it is worth the $2000 for 3 days (all in with airfare etc)
or if I just take a bunch of private lessons at my home club for a month and spend much less. . . .

i assume you mean for three full days of tennis? the first time i went i stayed two days and felt it was a little short, especially for the cost / effort required. it definitely isn't cheap.
if you are looking to get away and do something different then Saddlebrook would be a great idea - like i said the tennis program is top notch. if you just want to play a bunch, maybe just do the lessons.

[GZim]

Yes I would do 3 full days. still thinking about it, but I am leaning towards just doing a bunch of privates.

Thanks

[vinouspleasure]

added clubmed sandpiper

[tennis-player]

Thanks for reviews. I hope things at SB are still as good as you described (planning a trip there)

[DCaicedo]

Thanks for the review- planning on staying at least 1 night in January.

[gavna]

I will be at Newk's from Dec 27th thru the first - Youngest son at the academy and we decided to grab a condo - FYI prices excellent for that week!

Did the legends week again this past fall (7th time) and if you can do it its an amazing week.

[TenS_Ace]

Newks rocks hands down!! Just sayin'...

[gavna]

Was at NEWKS the week from Dec 26 thru Dec 31 with the wife.......cost was awesome just over $800 for the both of us for the full week with the deals they had running.

Had a solid group of 40+ players with about 10 of us in the 4.5 to 5.0 group - on the 28th another 18 people showed up for the weekend and they had some more solid 4.5/5.0 players.

Weather was good - chilly in the 50s and 60s all day and a little cloudy - rain on the final Monday made us play indoors for the a.m. drills. Almost 6 full hours on court per day and the groups had a max of 4 on court per pro. Typical Newks with solid instruction with a light touch - at the levels over 4.5/5 they really try to keep it simple with one "tip" or adjustment you need to make.....they don't try to force too much on you.

It's my 10+ time there but the first in almost 15 yrs at Xmas - will for sure do it again. The other good news was my Jr son won the singles competition and this being a Top Gun Camp for the kids was a very nice capper for the week.

[luisdepaula2001]

Really planning to attend the Newk camp in April. Price is right and keep reading all those great reviews.