Sundial to host USTA-sanctioned tournament
The community is invited to come out and enjoy some competitive tennis this weekend.
Sundial Beach Resort and Spa on Sanibel will host the 2018 USTA Southwest Florida Clay Court Championships on Sept. 28-30. Free and open to spectators, the USTA-sanctioned event will kick off at 8 a.m. Sept. 29 and Sept. 30, featuring men’s and women’s singles and doubles and mixed doubles.
“Matches will be going on all day Saturday and Sunday,” Christian Clark, Sundial’s director of tennis and the tournament director, said. “I may have a few matches late Friday afternoon also.”
He noted that singles will likely play the first day, followed by doubles the next day.
“There’s all sort of divisions,” Clark said.
Those interested in playing have until 11:59 p.m. today, Sept. 26, to register.
The competition is open to USTA members ages 18 and over. The NTRP-rated divisions are 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0, and the age divisions are open, 30s, 40s and 50s. As of Sept. 21, one division was closed.
“Right now I’m at 55 people,” he said “Which is actually more than we had last year at this point.”
Clark explained that most people sign up a few days before the registration deadline.
“I’m hoping that we get at least 85 to 90,” he said, adding that there were close to 100 players last year. “I’m pretty confident we’ll get there.”
This is third year that Sundial is hosting the championships.
“It was jam-packed the entire weekend,” Clark said of the 2017 tournament.
An informational desk will be located next to Bailey’s Marketplace.
“I’ll have cork boards set up with the draws, so people can keep track of who’s playing,” he said.
“All six courts are being used,” Clark added.
While there will be some seating, attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs.
“I would definitely bring a hat and some sunscreen,” he said.
Staff will be on hand to assist and answer questions.
“We’re looking forward to having a fantastic tournament this year,” Clark said.
Players can register online at tennislink.usta.com with tournament ID No. 150046618.
“They have to register online. It’s not something where we take phone entires,” he said. “If they have the tournament ID number, it’s very simple to find the tournament and register for it.”
The cost is $59.63 for singles and $43.50 for doubles. Player gift bags will be provided by the Kay Casperson Lifestyle Spa and Boutique, with refreshments donated by Bailey’s General Store.
The tournament includes a Saturday evening party and trophies.
“We’re voted the best tennis courts on the islands,” Clark said. “We have state-of-the-art HydroGrid, subsurface irrigated courts, and players get a chance to come out and compete at a higher level.”
Sundial is offering a special tournament rate of $199 for a fully equipped studio or island suite accommodations, which include breakfast for two and waived resort fee.
Room reservations may be made at sundialresort.com.
As for spectators, it is an event not to miss.
“It’s a USTA-sanctioned tournament, so you’re going to get some high-end players in the divisions,” he said. “It’s also just a chance to mingle and meet some of the players.”
For more information, contact tennis@sundialresort.com or 239-395-6037.
Sundial Beach Resort and Spa is at 1451 Middle Gulf Drive.