Game, Set and Match—presented by Hilton Head Island

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Since Charles Fraser first began its development in the mid-1950s, South Carolina’s Hilton Head Island has served as the ultimate hub for tennis enthusiasts. Known for its natural beauty and unique Lowcountry views, Hilton Head Island has become a favorite destination for travelers, seeing over 2.5 million visitors each year. The sport’s popularity and accessibility on the island has led to its incredible growth­—Hilton Head Island is now home to over 350 tennis courts, arguably the most per square mile in the United States.

Because of its ideal conditions­—the island sees around 220 days of sunshine a year—Hilton Head Island quickly established itself as a favorite for families and tennis enthusiasts. Since its inception, the 12-mile-long island has been a favorite recreational destination and was a popular tennis haven throughout the 1960s.

In 1971, Stan Smith, Wimbledon and US Open Champion and the No. 1 ranked player in the world, joined the island’s Sea Pines Resort as a touring pro, a move that would set an exciting new precedent for the area’s clubs and resorts. Smith’s arrival would shepherd in an era that would see two-time Grand Slam winner Rod Laver start a tennis center at the Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort and tennis legend Billie Jean King join the Shipyard Racquet Club.

“The people in the area were so warm and welcoming, and the facilities—especially those for tennis—are world class,” King says. “It was an honor for me to be the touring pro for Shipyard and represent them as I traveled the world.”

In 1971, King’s former coach and founder of the island’s own Professional Tennis Registry (PTR), Dennis Van der Meer, established the Van Der Meer Tennis Center, home to the Van Der Meer Tennis Academy.

The island’s tennis history extends well beyond the incredible list of professional players that have called the island home. The Family Circle Cup debuted at the Sea Pines Resort in 1973. During the 28 years it was held on the island, the tournament grew to historic proportions, becoming the first women’s tournament to offer $100,000 in prize money, as well as the first of its kind to be broadcast on national television.

“That tournament was the first women’s tennis event to raise the bar for the tour and for professional tennis,” King says. Tennis legends like Steffi Graf, Martina Hingis and Chris Evert all claimed impressive victories at the Family Circle Cup and made the tournament a must-see event every year.

Hilton Head Island continues to host a number of tournaments each year for both serious and casual players, including ITF and USTA-sanctioned tournaments for players of all ages. PTR holds several tournaments each year, such as the PTR Wheelchair Championships and exciting events like the International Tennis Symposium.

For those looking to improve their game, there is no better place than HHI. Ranked amongst some of the best in the world by Tennis Resorts Online, the island’s major tennis centers offer first-class play on clay and hard courts.

In addition to the Van Der Meer Tennis Academy, there are several world-class teaching facilities developed by renowned players and coaches. Smith partnered with coach Billy Stearns in 2002 to develop the Smith Stearns Tennis Academy, located at the Sea Pines Resort. Each offer year-round and summer programs to help juniors (and players of all ages) develop their games.

But Hilton Head Island is not only fun and games. With idyllic getaways like the oceanfront properties of Sea Pines Resort, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, Sonesta Resort and the Hilton Head Island Beach & Tennis Resort, visitors to the island will find beautiful properties that contain all of the comforts of home along with the services of resorts.

Whether it’s taking a rejuvenating spa day with a hot-stone massage, listening to the waves crash on the beach or spending an afternoon at one of the many shopping centers, it is easy to unplug and unwind on HHI. There are also ample opportunities to take advantage of the natural beauty that surrounds the island’s world-class recreational centers and resorts. Hilton Head Island boasts 20-plus championship golf courses, 60 miles of biking and walking trails, zipline courses and even a FootGolf course.

Beyond the incredible resorts and recreation, Hilton Head Island has many hidden gems to discover. It is home to a blooming art, music and theater scene and visitors to the island can peruse galleries and take in local culture. History buffs can take guided tours through the island, learning about Gullah culture or visiting historical sites, while adventurers can get a thrill looking for dolphins on a coastal boat tour.

After the sun goes down, HHI comes alive with a nightlife reflective of its people: relaxed, easygoing and fun. Visitors can enjoy the many neighborhood bars and bistros to take in live music or relax with a handcrafted cocktail infused with local flavors.

Foodies will rejoice at all that Hilton Head Island has to offer. Local farm-to-table cuisine gives visitors an opportunity to refuel after a long day on the courts. Already well-known for its seafood, including fresh fish, shrimp and oysters, the island also offers diverse dining options like traditional Gullah cooking, southern dishes, Mediterranean fare and Italian family-style meals.

With two airports servicing the island, arriving at HHI has never been easier.Savannah/Hilton Head International is located just 45 miles south of the island and offers nonstop flights from 13 major cities, including New York and Boston. Just five miles from most resorts is Hilton Head Airport, offering another quick and easy route to the island.

No matter what brings you to Hilton Head Island, one thing is for sure: You will find many incredible reasons to return and make HHI your new favorite tennis destination.

To find out more about planning your tennis vacation to Hilton Head Island, visit PlayHiltonHeadTennis.org.