Great Missenden Lawn Tennis Club ushers in a new phase with its two new padel courts

Despite morning rain, the club’s annual Open Day proved to be a great draw with people visiting the club for the first time to sign up as members. The opening of its two state-of-the-art padel courts was the centrepiece of the day.

“Our club is always seeking ways to grow and remain a hub of healthy and social activities” said Roger Hill, club Chair. “In addition to all weather clay and traditional grass courts, the club has now invested in padel courts. Padel is a world wide phenomena, and one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Its something that is easy to play and attracts all ages.”

The club resisted the temptation to allow padel to be run as a lucrative business. “This is for our members and an extension of our successful club. We have opened up the courts for non-members to pay-and-play, but our ultimate aim is to get as many people as possible playing all forms of tennis. We hope that padel enthusiasts will come here for the courts, but then fall in love with our club and become full members and enjoy the social aspects too.”

The courts were built by UK firm Hexa Padel. Andy Rasmussen, club president, was impressed with the way that they worked with the club through all stages of the build. “The Hexa Padel team were great, and giving up their time on Open Day to provide taster sessions really bought the courts to life for everyone”. Andy looked on as Bucks LTA President Jill Newby cut the ribbon to formally open the padel courts.

The club signed up a number of new members on the day who were attracted by the new membership categories. Roger explained “We introduced new categories this year to make the club more affordable for young adults and adults under the age of 40. The pricing provides great value for money, as there is no further charge for use of the clay, grass or acrylic courts.”

GMLTC 1 – Jill Newby cuts the ribbon at the court with Andy Rasmussen in attendance

GMLTC 2 – Jill and Andy give the courts a go

GMLTC 3 – Volunteers and members of GMLTC celebrate opening of the new courts

GMLTC 4 – Team Hexa and Team GMLTC show the crowd how it done in an exhibition match