Bakersfield Pro Doubles
After a 25 year drought, men’s pro tennis returned to the San Joaquin Valley. The Stockdale Country Club hosted the first Mercedes-Benz of Bakersfield Men’s Pro Grass Court Doubles Tennis Championships from September 25-27. This $5,000 USTA sanctioned Pro event attracted 16 of Southern California’s top men’s doubles players.
The South Bay’s Jeff Tarango and Rylan Rizza survived three days of playing in sweltering heat to win the Mercedes-Benz of Bakersfield 2009 Men’s Professional Grass Court Doubles Championship at Stockdale Country Club.
Tarango and Rizza defeated Rudy Siwy and Nima Roshan 6-4, 7-6 in the championship match.
Tarango, who played on the ATP circuit for 13 years, and Rizza, who’s played in 14 ATP World Tour events in 2009, received a check for $1,000 each.
“It was exciting to see tennis like this in Bakersfield,” club pro Hank Pfister told the Bakersfield Californian. “I talked with a number of people that said they thought our grass was equal to or better than some of the Wimbledon outdoor courts.”
In 2010, the event will increase its prize money to $10,000 and will be held from September 10-12. For more info contact bolitsky@stockdalecountryclub.com.
Victoria CC to Host Doubles Event
Victoria Country Club in Riverside will host a doubles tournament December 12-13. All agaes are welcome from junior to adult. Entry deadline is Dec. 6, Call Marty Montigel at 951-682-6243.
