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The GPYC's Paddle Tennis courts are open from October through March. The two courts are a great place to get some exercise in the dreary winter months and our warming house provides that perfect place to relax and watch other matches. The club hosts two to three Paddle Tennis Mixers throughout the season and all members are encouraged to participate. Keep watching for dates and times.
Many ladies from the GPYC participate in the East/West Paddle Tennis League where clubs from the eastside and westside compete with each other. The GPYC is often a site for their events. If you would like to get more information about joining the league, please call Nancy Orr at (313) 886-4945.
The Paddle Tennis facility is also a great place to host your own individual get-together. It's a fun and unique way to celebrate a birthday, hold an office party or entertain your family and friends! Courts can be reserved with the GPYC Front Gate (313) 640-7001, and your menu items can be arranged with our catering office (313) 640-7006 or (313) 630-7007.
Paddle tennis balls are available for purchase through the front desk and the club also has paddles for loan.
Please see the GPYC Paddle Tennis Rules for more information and stay tuned to future issues of The MAST or this Web site for more information.
Paddle Tennis Rules
Click here to view the GPYC Paddle Tennis Rules.
GPYC's Paddle Tennis Courts
At a time of year when frigid temperatures and snowfall tend to keep Michiganders cooped up indoors, the GPYC offers the perfect reason to bundle up, get outside and participate in an exciting wintertime sport.
Dale Hohlfeldt and his wife Nancy, co-Chairs for the Club’s Paddle Tennis Committee, are among the small crew of members who enjoy participating in the sport. The doubles game is played from October through March.
“It gives me a reason to get outside in the winter for some fresh air and exercise,” says Hohlfeldt, who has been playing for about 10 years. “It’s a great workout that is close to home.”
Throughout the years, GPYC’s paddle tennis courts have changed. The original courts were constructed of wood and were not heated, and the warming hut was a trailer. Then, over 15 years ago, the current modern courts and clubhouse were constructed. The courts are well-lit, as well as heated from below, to prevent snow and ice from forming on the courts.
In an effort to recruit paddle tennis players, a Paddle Tennis Open House was held at the Club on Wednesday, January 16, from 7:30–9:30 p.m. The Hohlfeldts were ready and waiting to give lessons and teach the rules of the game.
“We encourage everyone – beginners included – to come out and learn the game,” Hohlfeldt said. “We’d like to build up enthusiasm for the sport and see a lot of activity on the courts this season.”
He also mentioned that those who are already tennis players should consider spending time in the winter at the paddle tennis courts. “Someone who plays tennis has a huge advantage, as the strategy and rules are similar,” he says.
Besides offering a fun outdoor workout during the winter months, there’s another big reason to play: it requires no investment. It’s completely free, and extra paddles are provided at the Front Desk. “All you need is layered clothing, thin gloves and a beanie hat,” Hohlfeldt says.
To learn more about paddle tennis (also called platform tennis), go to www.platformtennis.org.
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