Serious Seniors Play Palm Desert Senior Cup
More than 750 players from as far away as Australia, Alaska, Hawaii, and Wisconsin participated in the 16th annual Palm Desert Senior Cup. The event ran from March 23-26, with the finals played M
arch 26 at Marriott’s Desert Springs Resort and Spa.
This team event continues to draw senior players from every walk of life to the California desert to participate in what has become one of the largest senior tennis tournaments in the country. The way the event is organized allows each team to know in advance exactly where, when and what time they will play.
One of the most common ongoing comments is that players appreciate the organization that goes on behind the scenes. Shirley Semon, captain of the champion 3.5 Super Senior team said “ It is such a fun, well organized tournament and we love the awards.”
The preliminary matches were played at eight private country clubs in Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage. Over 75 courts per day were used and 1008 matches were played during the first three days of the tournament. “This event couldn’t go on without the cooperation of our 20 dedicated site directors and the cooperation of the private clubs,” said Stacy Schmoldt, tournament director.
Activities began on March 23 with a breakfast at the four-star Renaissance Esmeralda where players were welcomed, team photos taken, schedules were announced, and event T-shirts were given out. On Wednesday evening, the Esmeralda once again was the site of the players/guests dinner and reception where the finalists for the next day’s Championships were announced.
“This event continues to draw tennis enthusiasts from around the country and now even from Australia, Mexico and Canada” said George Anich, founder of the event. “Our desert becomes a tennis mecca in the month of March. With the BNP Paribas men’s and women’s pro tournaments which draw over 323,000 tennis fans at the beginning of the month followed by the Palm Desert Senior Cup, this area becomes a tennis dream.
La Quinta: A World Apart
It’s one of the most grand entrances you will ever enjoy. As you turn into the Coachela Valley’s long celebrated La Quinta Resort and Club, you seem to be escorted into another world by a dual row of palms and cedars. All hail yet another visitor. And this is just the beginning. After all your breath is taken away by the stunning Santa Rosa mountains whose golden/pink colors frame this place. World class tennis and golf, an explosion of floral delights that mark back arcades and authentic Spanish architecture, this is a domain which embraces you, transporting the weary and stressed to a different space: soothing spa treatmeants that caress and over 40 different pools. There is good reason why Hollywood “A” listers and snazzy tennis phenoms (think Sampras, Andre, Steffi, Billie Jean, Austin et al) stream to this life-giving retreat.
And now there is another reason to head to La Quinta. Former tour star and past U.S. Davis Cup Captain Tom Gorman is now heading La Quinta’s (“yes, we’ve got hardcourts and clay”) program. Gorman, a former top 10 player whop reached the semis of the French, Wimbledon and U.S. Open, also captained the U.S. Davis Cup team to titles in ‘90 and ‘92. Now Gorman himself gives lessons, hosts clinics and special getaways. For info call (760) 564-3385.
PGA West Holds Benefit for Breast Cancer
The members of PGA West and their friends banded to benefit the Susan G Koman breast cancer research foundation. Tennis coordinator Jim Theisen came up with the idea to keep the center court for 24 straight hours. Players were asked to donate $45 per hour in hopes of raising $1000 towards the foundation. “Many people didn’t think it could be done, but with the help of area tennis players, members of the club, and employees of the club, the mission was accomplished,” Theisen said. Some 48 people signed up for 1-hour slots throughout the day starting at 10am on Monday and finishing at 10am on Tuesday.
Andulka Park and TC Grand Opening May 2
On May 2, the City of Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department (PRCSD) and iTennis are hosting a grand opening of Andulka Park and Tennis Center at 5201 Chicago Ave. A grand opening ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the PRCSD and iTennis will provide refreshments, live music, tours, tennis demonstrations, free clinics and lessons, an exhibition match and registration opportunities.
The Andulka Park project is estimated to cost $8.8 million and includes a tennis complex with a pro shop (eight regulation hard courts, one clay court and one tournament court).
