Bermuda Tennis Clubs and Associations
Unlike soccer and cricket, tennis was not introduced to Bermuda by the British forces. It was actually a pastime for the Admirals and Governors of Bermuda and their wives and friends. So the first set of tennis courts in Bermuda were seen at the
Admiralty House in Spanish Point which was the home and office of the Admiral of Royal Navy, and at the
Government House which was the home of Bermuda's Governors.
It was in 1871 when a Bermuda based merchant helped the game to be properly introduced in the island. He learned the game in England and was a keen follower. He brought racquets and other equipment from England and gave it to his friend Sir Brownlow Gray. Sir Gray constructed tennis courts at his home and finally made the game popular in the island.
His daughter Mary was the first woman's tennis champion of Bermuda. In fact, Mary out of her own initiative introduced the game first time in a club in the U.S. Yes, the tennis was introduced to US from Bermuda.
In Bermuda there are more than 100 private and public tennis courts. Below are some of the main tennis associations and clubs in the island.
Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association
Founded in 1967, The BLTA (Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association) is the governing body of tennis in Bermuda. The association works towards promoting and developing tennis talents in the island.
William Joell Tennis Stadium
Located in Pembroke and is owned by the Government of Bermuda. Anybody including tourists can play here by paying a fee. The rush hour starts after 5pm on the weekdays. Until 2003, this was known as the Government Tennis Stadium.
There are eight courts in the stadium - 3 clay courts and 5 hard courts. Three of the courts are lit at night. There is a pro who provides tennis lessons here. There is a shop selling cold drinks, tennis balls etc.
2 Marsh Folly Road (Cedar Avenue), Pembroke. Phone: 441/292-0105.
8am –10pm (Monday – Friday), 8am –5pm (Saturday and Sunday).
Pomander Gate Tennis Club
There are five Hard courts for year-round tennis, four of which are lit at night. The facility has a clubhouse and an honor bar for refreshments. There are televisions with cable channels, a pool table, table tennis and a small gym. Shower facilities and locker rentals are also available. The club organizes and participates in regular tournaments.
Port Royal Tennis Club
There are four all-weather plexi-pave tennis courts. Two of them are lit at night. The tennis club is located within the Port Royal Golf Club property.
5 Middle Road, Southampton. Phone: 441/238-9430
Whaler Inn Tennis Club
X Temporarily Closed
Located within Fairmont Southampton Hotel property. It has six plexi pave hard courts, three of which are lit up at night. Non guests can also play by paying an hourly fee. You can also take lessons from resident pros. There is a pro shop that sells some of the finest Nike wears and gears. Hours: 8 a.m. to midnight. 101 South Road, Phone: 441/239-6950, Email:
[email protected].
This is a club that runs on private memberships. Located in Paget parish. There are 8 clay courts maintained to ATP Tournament Standards. 3 of them have flood lights for night play ($20 per hour for court lights). Lessons available from skilled coach. You can also buy refreshments, full set of equipment and attire from the Tennis Shop. Tennis racquets are available on rent as well. There are also shower rooms; towels are provided. Traditional all-white attire is required. You need to book your court in advance. Other activities in the club includes two championship Squash courts, Croquet lawn, bowling lawn, games room, 18-hole putting green for golf etc.
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 By Raj Bhattacharya
Raj, a seasoned travel writer and Bermuda destination expert, has extensive global travel experience. This website reflects his profound insights, garnered over nearly two decades of dedicated findings and research on the island. Raj has assisted countless Bermuda-bound visitors by providing direct, personalized responses to their queries and imparting his wealth of knowledge through this platform. This site serves as an indispensable guide for those seeking informed and reliable insights into Bermuda's treasures.
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