Newsletter - United States Professional Tennis Association

Fast Dry / 10-S Supply USPTA Grand Prix Circuit finishes with a bang!
Michael Baldwin, USPTA Florida Vice President
First, we must thank our title sponsor, Fast Dry and
10-S Supply, and our other generous sponsors, Welch
Tennis Courts, USTA Florida Section, Stan Oley Tennis
Equipment, and tennis balls courtesy of Pro Penn.
Back in September, our Grand Prix Circuit resumed at
the always delightful Oceanside Country Club. If you
have not played this event, you are missing something
special. Host Director of Tennis, Mike Sanders, put on a
fantastic, event well-supported by his members and local
sponsors. Staying at the new official hotel, the Royal
Floridian, a beautiful resort hotel right on the beach,
truly made this a “Play-cation!”
Next stop on the Grand Prix Circuit was the always firstclass
Addison Reserve Country Club. Host Director,
Jeff Bingo, rolled out the VIP treatment with access to
his club’s top-notch amenities and a player dinner party
that was nothing short of spectacular.
And, then it was the grande finale, The Masters, at our
new home, Williams Island Country Club. Host Director,
Carlos Triana, hit it out of the park! Thanks to support
from the members and local sponsors, Wells Fargo
and Pines Ford Lincoln, pros were once again treated to
world-class facilities, fine-dining, and warm hospitality.
This year’s Masters enjoyed one of the strongest and
fullest fields, with 44 of Florida’s best pros competing
for ranking points and over a $6,000 purse!
I want to encourage all my fellow pros to participate in
the Grand Prix Circuit. It’s no coincidence that the pros
that participate, do so regularly.
You may have seen my recent “Top 10 Reasons to Play
the Grand Prix’s” but in case you missed it, here I go
again...
1. Prize Money - A minimum $4500 per event!
2. Pro Am Money - $90 for some fun customer tennis.
3. Earn a state ranking - show your clientele you can do
more than just teach the game.
4. Business networking and idea-sharing
5. A weekend with friends
6. A break from the usual grind of teaching
7. A family getaway
8. Exercise!
9. Support the clubs and fellow pros that support the
USPTA Grand Prix Circuit!
10. A shot at an invitation to the year-end Masters at
Williams Island!
Please contact me with any questions about or suggestions
for improving our Grand Prix Circuit or if you
interested in hosting a Grand Prix Event at your club.
mbaldwin@westonhillsgolf.com
Check out TA Niles’ blog about the Masters at http://
tastennisblog.bogspot.com/.
Check out more pictures from these events at the Official
USPTA Florida Division Facebook page.
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See more photos on Florida Division Facebook