Detroit's Best Tennis Courts And Clubs
With a large number of tennis clubs in southeast Michigan, some tennis enthusiasts may feel a bit overwhelmed when deciding which to try. While many clubs will provide the most basic needs, some clubs help raise the standard by which all clubs should be measured. Given Michigan's distinct four seasons and the need to play indoors during inclement weather, the following clubs set themselves apart as being among the best the area has to offer.
Price: $28 - $36 per hour
Hours: Mon to Fri – 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sat and Sun – 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Franklin Athletic Club is regarded as one of the premier clubs in the country. Members have 13 indoor courts to choose from, all of them well lit and temperature-controlled for year-round enjoyment. The club offers a specific tennis membership, which provides members with access to tennis court reservations, locker rooms and the indoor track as well as discounts on tennis programs, clinics and leagues. Tennis members also receive "Omni" privileges at the club on the first Thursday of each month, providing access everything the club has to offer. Prospective new members can try the club on a 10-day risk-free trial with a 100 percent money-back guarantee.
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Price: $20 - $32 per hour
Hours: Mon to Sun 7 - a.m. to 11 p.m.
Farmington Tennis Club offers 10 indoor hard courts for year-round play. As a club which is dedicated to tennis specifically, it is regarded by Metro Detroit tennis enthusiasts as having some of the more well-maintained courts in the area. A full-service pro shop is also available to members as is a complete locker room facility, including lockers, showers, towels as well as a sauna and whirlpool.
Price: $28 - $36
Hours: Mon to Thurs - 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Fri - 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sat to Sun - 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The Sports Club of West Bloomfield offers members a total of 14 tennis courts. Nine of these courts are permanent indoor courts with the remaining five courts being outdoor courts during the summer months and domed indoor courts in the winter months. This facility is highly regarded as having some of the best indoor court lighting in the entire Metro Detroit area with many enthusiasts noting ideal conditions in which to keep track of the ball with ease. Membership at this club also includes access to the club's Novi facility and its 12 indoor courts. This club also offers a tennis-only membership as well as a premier-level membership which provides access to the club's other great amenities and facilities.
Price: $10 - $32 per hour
Hours: September to May - Mon to Fri – 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Sat and Sun – 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Bloomfield Tennis and Fitness offers eight indoor tennis courts as well as a 6,500 square foot workout area. The club strongly encourages its members to focus on physical fitness as well as the game of tennis itself. USTA sanctioned tournaments and team play are sponsored through this facility as well as club-only competitions and charity fundraisers throughout the year. Prospective new members can play at the club up to four times for a $10 guest fee per visit in order to determine if the club suits their needs and goals.
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Price: $12 - $24 per hour
Hours: Mon to Fri – 8 a.m. to 12 a.m.; Sat – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sun – 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Memberships to the prestigious facility are available to the general public through sponsorship. The University of Michigan's Varsity Tennis Center is a $6 million facility seated on a 22-acre parcel of land. There are eight indoor courts, with 20 foot spacing between courts and 24 feet from baseline to curtain. The facility utilizes a reflective ceiling and 16 lights per court, providing more light than required to host television coverage. The facility also contains 12 championship level outdoor courts with ample spectator seating for enjoyment during warmer weather.
Jim is a native "Michigander" and avid automotive enthusiast. An ASE certified Master Automobile Technician turned engineer and freelance writer, Jim's articles reflect a passion for Metropolitan Detroit and the many things the region has to offer. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
