San Francisco Tennis Club Tourney's

[eastbayliz]

Anyone in the Bay Area here? After a 15 year tennis hiatus I am for the first time playing competitively as an adult rather then a Junior player. SF Tennis club is hosting almost a tournament every month in 2013. So far I've played two matches....lost 2 and 2 in 4.5 and then took two games off a real hotshot junior playing Open. I almost laughed after each game I won as this player was as a good as any (actually better)then any of the Juniors I played in 16 and under Nationals a lifetime ago.

What I like about the SF Tennis Club is that I can get there via public transportation without too much trouble, the courts and the club are very nice, and most of all the draws for the women's side have about more players then in Oakland.

What I don't like about is that I have to get there early so I don't stress about being late. And nothing makes nerves worse than having an hour to kill before you play.

Alas it is fun to be back playing...but it'll be even more fun if I can get a few wins.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

San Francisco Tennis Club is... meh

Cons:
- Charges WAY too much
- Charges WAY too much for court time on top of monthly charges
- There is no space beyond the alleys on the middle courts. Everyone go with the "SFTC slice serve" on the deuce court, or the "SFTC short-kick" on the ad court.
- For a club that charges as much as they do, you can't turn on the AC? It's so stuffy in there.
- There's a constant and loud humming background noise. Don't bother calling shots out, because your opponent won't hear you. Resort to hand signals instead.
- The pro shop sucks.
- Restaurant/bar sucks too.

Pros:
- It's indoor, so you can play during the Dec-Feb rainy months.
- Faster courts.

 

[LeeD]

5th and Brannan?
I hit there the first week they opened, a while ago.
Pea, Marisa, and Ronnie Louie worked as instructors there.
Haven't been there in 30 years.
Do they still have the upstairs restaurant that overlooked the first couple of indoor courts?
I usually play in Berkeley, mostly SanPablo courts, mostly pickup doubles.

 

[eastbayliz]

I would never be able to play at a place like this were it not for a tournament. My head spins when I think of how much money they probably charge for a membership and court fee's.

First courts I have seen inside in California. I'm from Utah where it snows so I grew up playing inside half the year..from the darkest most claustrophobic bubbles to some outstanding indoor clubs and facilities. I'm just thrilled to have a chance to play tournaments with bigger Women's draws.

 

[eastbayliz]

Yep on 5th just a few blocks up from where The Giants play at ATT Park. They do have still have the bar overlooking courts. First four courts are great for spectators but from there the views are minimal.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

I would never be able to play at a place like this were it not for a tournament. My head spins when I think of how much money they probably charge for a membership and court fee's.

First courts I have seen inside in California. I'm from Utah where it snows so I grew up playing inside half the year..from the darkest most claustrophobic bubbles to some outstanding indoor clubs and facilities. I'm just thrilled to have a chance to play tournaments with bigger Women's draws.

I've asked them about membership, because the thought of playing on fast courts with near perfect conditions is something I will always fancy.

- Initiation fee is something ridiculous like $500-$1500. They don't have a set price and fluctuate depending on the season.
- Monthly dues can be anywhere from $180-$250/month.
- Add $$$ court time fees on top of your monthly dues.

Even if I overlook that ridiculous initiation fee, ~$200/month+court fees for stuffy, overbooked, poorly designed courts (no room beyond the alleys), and non-impressive amenities.

Please...

 

[slowfox]

Yeah, tennis clubs are obscenely priced. But it is what it is. For the amount of real estate they take up (especially in a town like SF), I guess it has to priced that way.

 

[jdubbs]

I just quit my membership there. My monthly bill was running to about $600 a month!

You can never get a court. Old timers who paid a one time fee back when they were desparate for people have the system perfected. They pay no court fees and have an extremely low monthly to none so its great for them, but sucks for the rest of us.
The service there is horrible. Employees are instructed to get those fees wherever and whenever possible. they'll have a member appreciation night with mediocre food and charge $50. They do what they can to extract super high fees from you for every little thing, including parking. Court fees are outrageous, considering its usually decent weather outside, if slightly chilly.

Definitely one of the worst rip offs for tennis anywhere. Stay away.

 

[OrangePower]

First courts I have seen inside in California.

Just as an aside, Clubsport over in Pleasanton has indoor courts, which are pretty nice. I'm not a member but some friends of mine are. I think monthly dues are around $200, which is not bad considering Clubsport is a pretty comprehensive fitness center (weights, aerobics, pilates/yoga/classes, pool, daycare, etc) in addition to the tennis. And I don't think members pay any extra for court time.

I would probably join if I was closer (I live about 30 mins away).

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Just as an aside, Clubsport over in Pleasanton has indoor courts, which are pretty nice. I'm not a member but some friends of mine are. I think monthly dues are around $200, which is not bad considering Clubsport is a pretty comprehensive fitness center (weights, aerobics, pilates/yoga/classes, pool, daycare, etc) in addition to the tennis. And I don't think members pay any extra for court time.

I would probably join if I was closer (I live about 30 mins away).

Clubsports do require you to pay attention court time fees I believe. I had a tournament at the Fremont Clubsport, and I had to pay to try out the courts prior to the weekend.

 

[Joeyg]

Clubsports do require you to pay attention court time fees I believe. I had a tournament at the Fremont Clubsport, and I had to pay to try out the courts prior to the weekend.

Neither Clubsport Pleasanton or Clubsport Fremont charge court fees on top of the monthly dues. I am a member of both and I am 100% sure.

A single tennis membership is $163 and a couple is around $245 for either location. A gold membership that allows you to play at both locations is available and has a higher monthly fee.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

I just quit my membership there. My monthly bill was running to about $600 a month!

You can never get a court. Old timers who paid a one time fee back when they were desparate for people have the system perfected. They pay no court fees and have an extremely low monthly to none so its great for them, but sucks for the rest of us.
The service there is horrible. Employees are instructed to get those fees wherever and whenever possible. they'll have a member appreciation night with mediocre food and charge $50. They do what they can to extract super high fees from you for every little thing, including parking. Court fees are outrageous, considering its usually decent weather outside, if slightly chilly.

Definitely one of the worst rip offs for tennis anywhere. Stay away.

If you play against SFTC people outdoors in a league match, they'd b!tch a lot about the sun, slight breeze, and everything that involves being outside.

 

[eastbayliz]

sftc

My interest in SFTC is solely based on the tournaments they hold. I think how people rate courts is very relative to what courts they have played on. For me SFTC is 10 times better than anything I've played on the last year. Who knows maybe in a year I will have a different view. I do wish they were better set up for spectators. And the echo is pretty bad. I wonder how the outdoor courts play? I know they are on the roof.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

My interest in SFTC is solely based on the tournaments they hold. I think how people rate courts is very relative to what courts they have played on. For me SFTC is 10 times better than anything I've played on the last year. Who knows maybe in a year I will have a different view. I do wish they were better set up for spectators. And the echo is pretty bad. I wonder how the outdoor courts play? I know they are on the roof.

It can get pretty windy up there.

 

[slowfox]

Has nothing to do with the SFTC, but whenever I'm in the Bay Area I go to SF State to play. Just saying...

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Has nothing to do with the SFTC, but whenever I'm in the Bay Area I go to SF State to play. Just saying...

I do too. However:

Con:
- It's slow as hell there, courts are like sandpaper. Some people like it, but I don't.
- Some of the courts are simply uneven, ESPECIALLY the middle rows, court 9 and beyond. If you look at the lines from a certain angle, you can see the unevenness. And if you hit your spot right, you can get some monster kick serves without trying.
- Whoever positioned the courts need to be fired. Depending on the time of the day, one side of the court stares directly into the sun.

 

[LeeD]

Haven't been to State courts since the late '70's. Do they still have like 19 courts down below street level?
This is CALIFORNIA, where it's sunny every day (or 5 days a week), and outdoor activities year round is possible.
Today was 62 degrees, uncrowded at the 6 courts in SanPablo, and pickup doubles for an easy game.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Haven't been to State courts since the late '70's. Do they still have like 19 courts down below street level?
This is CALIFORNIA, where it's sunny every day (or 5 days a week), and outdoor activities year round is possible.
Today was 62 degrees, uncrowded at the 6 courts in SanPablo, and pickup doubles for an easy game.

Yep, and either halves of those 19 courts STILL stares directly into the sun throughout the day.

 

[LeeD]

Well, most courts do face N and S, instead of a combination of W and E, so you're gonna get sun no matter which courts they are, at some time of the day.
GoldenGatePark's 20 courts get glary sun in winter mornings...on one side.
As do Dupont, VincenteSt., and every court in Berkeley, since they're all aligned N and S.
Don't play between 9 and 1PM.
I'm a lefty, and I like the challenge of facing the morning sun.

 

[grolson1993]

Has nothing to do with the SFTC, but whenever I'm in the Bay Area I go to SF State to play. Just saying...

Same here! It's a great place. Also GGP is okay, but some great courts are up on 9th and Pacheco, JP Murphy Playground. 3 courts, newly surfaced, and the scenery is really nice up there. If you ever wanna hit shoot me an email, always looking for new hitting partners

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Well, most courts do face N and S, instead of a combination of W and E, so you're gonna get sun no matter which courts they are, at some time of the day.
GoldenGatePark's 20 courts get glary sun in winter mornings...on one side.
As do Dupont, VincenteSt., and every court in Berkeley, since they're all aligned N and S.
Don't play between 9 and 1PM.
I'm a lefty, and I like the challenge of facing the morning sun.

Courts are usually built so the path of the sun travels perpendicular to the court. So either half of the court is exposed to the sun by the side. Not directly at it either in the morning or the afternoon.

 

[Overdrive]

Thank goodness for public courts here!

 

[LeeD]

Ah, you forget, summer and winter, the sun is rising, pathing, and setting at a different spot.
And fall and spring is different.
Every court get's glare sometime of the day, sometime of the year.

 

[barringer97]

I only paid $25k for my membership up here in the Bay Area. :/

Ridiculous, but glad I did it.

 

[LeeD]

Yes, you need it with all the rainy days we're having, and the lack of public courts in the SFBayArea.

 

[slowfox]

Yes, you need it with all the rainy days we're having, and the lack of public courts in the SFBayArea.

Public courts keep disappearing whenever I go back and visit. Not sure when, but Helen Wills became a basketball court...

 

[LeeD]

Which one is HelenWills?
Is it the one in the PacificHeights district, overlooking the bay somewhat?

 

[slowfox]

Which one is HelenWills?
Is it the one in the PacificHeights district, overlooking the bay somewhat?

I think Broadway near the tunnel, Russian Hill-ish (?). The longer I'm away, the more I forget...

 

[LeeD]

Oh, I thought the one on HydeSt. and Greenwich was called AltaPlaza, but I could be wrong.
I used to live on Pacific /Larkin, and don't remember courts nearby.

 

[slowfox]

Oh, I thought the one on HydeSt. and Greenwich was called AltaPlaza, but I could be wrong.
I used to live on Pacific /Larkin, and don't remember courts nearby.

Not that one. Helen Wills is Broadway/Larkin I believe...

 

[LeeD]

Yeah, you might be right.
I did remember seeing 2 courts on Broadway, just before entering the tunnel, and we lived the next street up, Pacific, like 1527, 3rd floor.

 

[Raul_SJ]

I've asked them about membership, because the thought of playing on fast courts with near perfect conditions is something I will always fancy.

- Initiation fee is something ridiculous like $500-$1500. They don't have a set price and fluctuate depending on the season.
- Monthly dues can be anywhere from $180-$250/month.
- Add $$$ court time fees on top of your monthly dues.

Even if I overlook that ridiculous initiation fee, ~$200/month+court fees for stuffy, overbooked, poorly designed courts (no room beyond the alleys), and non-impressive amenities.

Please...

I had visited the SFTC several years ago and seem to recall that initiation fees were several thousand dollars... Maybe I misunderstood or perhaps they have reduced the initiation fees since then?

 

[Raul_SJ]

I only paid $25k for my membership up here in the Bay Area. :/

Ridiculous, but glad I did it.

Was that for Membership at the San Francisco Tennis Club?

 

[Raul_SJ]

Anyone in the Bay Area here? After a 15 year tennis hiatus I am for the first time playing competitively as an adult rather then a Junior player. SF Tennis club is hosting almost a tournament every month in 2013.

Are these monthly tournaments official USTA tournaments? Or just tournaments organized by the club?

 

[sam_p]

Are these monthly tournaments official USTA tournaments? Or just tournaments organized by the club?

They are USTA tournaments. The new general manager has put in a schedule of more frequent tournaments and hired a person to run the tournaments. Don't know if they are monthly all year round though.

 

[tennis tom]

Could you please explain the format for the tournaments: singles, dbls, mxed., reg. scoring, no-ad., 2/3 sets, pro-sets., age-groups, NTRP? What time, day, open to public, members only?

Thanks

 

[Fintft]

It can get pretty windy up there.

Lol yeah it certainly seems so to a visitor like me: i.e. each time I try to play in Dolores park I curse the wind and the setup of about 8 courts side by side, making the balls go over many courts (and some people chasing them like headless chicken). And I come from Canada, mind you.

Recently they've renovated the public courts by 19th and Valencia (forgot the name of that community center) and b/c it's only two courts, they are much better sheltered.
Would love to try the Golden Gate ones, but I usually just stroll through there on my way to the beach or to tour the beaches from W to E (Embarcadero).

Are the courts in Golden Gate park free/public?

Cheers!

 

[eastbayliz]

Are these monthly tournaments official USTA tournaments? Or just tournaments organized by the club?

These are USTA NTRP and Open tournaments. Great way to use (IMHO) a nice facility and courts. You do have to have a USTA membership.

 

[eastbayliz]

Could you please explain the format for the tournaments: singles, dbls, mxed., reg. scoring, no-ad., 2/3 sets, pro-sets., age-groups, NTRP? What time, day, open to public, members only?

Thanks

Singles and doubles regular scoring. 2 out of 3 sets with a tie breaker in lieu of third set (lame IMO).

Anyone with a USTA membership can play in the tournaments. Friday-Sunday. This year it looks like there is one nearly every month.

Here is the link to the next tournament:

http://tennislink.usta.com/tournaments/TournamentHome/Tournament.aspx?T=125744

The way to get here is as follows:

Go to USTA.com
Click on NORCAL section
Click on Adult link
Click on Tournaments
Click on Schedule
Then choose NTRP (if that is what you are interested in)
This gives you by the month all NTRP tournaments.

 

[LeeD]

Those courts in the alley at 19th and Valencia are great, but noise from the pool can sometimes be distracting.
GGPark is a public pay court, the fees something like 5 bucks per hour per player, which usually causes time constraints.

 

[tennis tom]

Singles and doubles regular scoring. 2 out of 3 sets with a tie breaker in lieu of third set (lame IMO).

Anyone with a USTA membership can play in the tournaments. Friday-Sunday. This year it looks like there is one nearly every month.

Here is the link to the next tournament:

http://tennislink.usta.com/tournaments/TournamentHome/Tournament.aspx?T=125744

The way to get here is as follows:

Go to USTA.com
Click on NORCAL section
Click on Adult link
Click on Tournaments
Click on Schedule
Then choose NTRP (if that is what you are interested in)
This gives you by the month all NTRP tournaments.

Thanks EBLiz, I might check 'em out, used to be a member there a while back.

 

[Raul_SJ]

--------------

 

[Fintft]

Those courts in the alley at 19th and Valencia are great, but noise from the pool can sometimes be distracting.
GGPark is a public pay court, the fees something like 5 bucks per hour per player, which usually causes time constraints.

What pool? Don't remember one...There is a soccer field, that in the past had been noisy, but not as much recently + a playing area for kids and basketball court.

Thanks about GGPark!

 

[tennis tom]

What pool?

Larsen Pool, 19th Ave. & Vicente.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Larsen Pool, 19th Ave. & Vicente.

That court is actually quite terrible. One side is slow and bouncy, the other side is kind of fast, with many funny bounces on both sides.

 

[tennis tom]

That court is actually quite terrible. One side is slow and bouncy, the other side is kind of fast, with many funny bounces on both sides.

Haven't played on it since I was a kid, just see it driving by, but after decades of neglect they finally resurfaced it relatively recently, you could see the weeds growing from the cracks from the boulevard--but maybe duh mayor didn't do such a good job--the city that used to know how--frisco.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Haven't played on it since I was a kid, just see it driving by, but after decades of neglect they finally resurfaced it relatively recently, you could see the weeds growing from the cracks from the boulevard--but maybe duh mayor didn't do such a good job--the city that used to know how--frisco.

I've been there since they resurfaced it, and I'm telling you, one side plays like Roland Garros, and the other side plays like Wimbledon.

 

[tennis tom]

I've been there since they resurfaced it, and I'm telling you, one side plays like Roland Garros, and the other side plays like Wimbledon.

Hey, I believe you, maybe the guy from park/rec who was in charge of the project was stoned or the brother-in-law of one of duh mayor's mistresses.

 

[LeeD]

19th AVE and Vicente is rough, unfinished, butt ugly.
19th STREET and Valencia is two courts that were recently resurfaced, play within the confines of 3 story houses, and is also next to a public swimming pool.

 

[slowfox]

I've been there since they resurfaced it, and I'm telling you, one side plays like Roland Garros, and the other side plays like Wimbledon.

Split which way? Long ways, or does the net bisect the different surface feel?