With its subtropical climate, winding trails that run along its stunning beaches and magnificent oak trees South Carolina’s natural beauty and resources make it an excellent place to play tennis.
South Carolina has something to offer for everyone, both on and off the court. Lush gardens and forests, historic sites, zip-lining, mountain biking, whitewater rafting and state parks are just a glimpse into this diverse state.
Offering competitions for players of all ages and skill levels, South Carolina’s top-notch facilities draw competitors from all over the U.S. Sports Planning Guide took a look around the state and came up with eight of the top tennis spots South Carolina has to offer.
Palmetto Dunes Tennis and Pickleball Center
Hilton Head
This oceanfront resort is the perfect destination for any tennis lover, garnering praise from foreign and domestic agencies. . Palmetto Dunes Tennis and Pickleball Center was ranked among “The 50 Greatest U.S. Tennis Resorts,” by Tennis Magazine. It’s ranked No.4 in the world for instruction and programming, No. 2 for best tennis pro shop, and is ranked within the top 25 overall by Tennis Resorts Online.
Tournaments are played year-round on its 21 clay courts and 16 pickleball courts. Four clay courts are equipped with lighting for night play. The venue housed the USTA South Carolina State Championships for adults 70 and over in April of 2019.
Minor Herndon Mickel Tennis Center
Greenville
Located within Furman University, this 40,000 square foot facility features four indoor courts and 15 outdoor courts, landing it as one of the area’s leading tennis centers. Alongside the outdoor courts, there are stadium court seats for approximately 400 spectators.
Full locker room facilities for men’s and women’s teams can be found inside the clubhouse, in addition to a player lounge, restrooms, scoreboards and viewing areas.
The center hosted the Debbie Southern Fall Classic in September of 2018, providing for 12 teams as they went head to head against the girl’s tennis team at Furman University.
Palmetto Tennis Center
Sumter
Located inside Palmetto Park in Sumter, this facility is equipped with 24 state-of-the-art, hard surfaced tennis courts with lighting. Within these courts is a shaded stadium with courtside bleacher seating. Extra services include cool water misters, a bistro-style seating area, a shelter with picnic tables, a pro shop, a pair of ball machines, stringing service, and locker room/ shower facilities.
The facility houses various tournaments throughout the year, none bigger than the $25,000 women’s USTA Palmetto Pro Open. The USTA Pro Circuit event debuted in Sumter in 2008 as a $10,000, 128-player entry event and has grown to one of three $25,000 events in South Carolina with a 64-player entry. The 2019 tournament will be held from June 10-16.
Cayce Tennis and Fitness Center
Columbia
The Cayce Tennis and Fitness Center is a world class facility. The center fields 30 lighted tennis courts and a championship-sized stadium with the capability to serve approximately 500 spectators.
The upstairs of this fitness center has a 1,200 square foot conference room that acts as a catering kitchen, , meeting space, a patio with viewing of the courts for more spectators, home base for USPTA annual workshops or just a space for athletes to use in between matches.
Across the hall you’ll find a 2,400 square foot fitness center equipped with 21 cardiovascular machines, 11 workout machines and more.
The Cayce Tennis and Fitness Center has been home to many local, sectional, and national events, including the Big East Conference Championship and the 2016 USTA Junior Team Tennis National Championships.
Van Der Meer Tennis Center
Hilton Head
With 17 hard courts, four of which are covered and lit, the Van Der Meer Tennis Center is known for its events. The facility is constantly hosting fun tennis events for players year-round while also offering free lessons and weekly round robins. In addition, they also host the Special Olympics.
The venue hosted the 2018 USTA Dennis Van Der Meer Championships in November of 2018 and the 2019 Junior USTA Southern Level 1A Championships in April.
Van Der Meer co-hosts tournaments with the nearby Hilton Head Island Van Der Meer Shipyard Resort, with matches occurring at both locations.
Discounted prices are available at nearby hotels.
Hilton Head Island Van Der Meer Shipyard Resort
Hilton Head
The Van Der Meer Shipyard Resort boasts 13 Har-Tru green clay courts and seven hard courts. The facility offers eight lit courts, including three indoors. Towering oak trees and exquisitely landscaped grounds highlight the property’s outdoor offerings.
Upon arriving, the road leading into the resort takes you to the tennis courts and a beachfront hotel called the Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island.
The legacy of legendary coach Dennis Van der Meer, has been named one of the top 50 tennis resorts according to Tennis Magazine.
Greenville Country Club
Greenville
Founded in 1905, the Greenville Country Club is known as one of the south’s most historic country clubs. The facility provides two championship 18-hole golf courses, 17 tennis courts, three pools and a wide range of dining options.
10 tennis courts provide lighting for night play. The fall of 2015 saw construction on its 44,000 square foot clubhouse, transforming it into a two-story southern style clubhouse that provides guests with facilities for banquets and meetings, a pub, locker rooms, a pro shop, fitness facility and outdoor terrace space.
Home of many tennis leagues, the Greenville Country Club also hosts multiple tournaments throughout the year, such as the upcoming Country Club Fall Classic in October of 2019.
Dr. Eddie Floyd Florence Tennis Center
Florence
This tennis center is decked out with 24 asphalt courts, six HydroGrid clay courts and a 5,000 square foot activity center, which includes outdoor seating.
Past tournaments played here include the SC Junior State Open Championships, which took place from May 10-12 in 2019. Upcoming tournaments include the Adult Doubles State Championships and the FMU/FTC Collegiate Tennis Championships, both of which will occur in September of 2019.
