Tennis

Althea Gibson Tennis Center

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Empie Park converted what was once a softball complex into the city's Tennis Complex. They were awarded the USTA-NC tennis facility of the year for 2013.  Althea is a member of the Wilmington Walk of Fame.  She won just about every tournament when I first started watching tennis.  She was mentored by Dr. Eaton during her days in Wilmington.  Read my Wilmington Walk of Fame section.

2013 USTA-NC Award

Ogden Park
​(off Gordon Road)

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Ogden Park is a hub of activity on Saturdays.  Cars are parked everywhere as kids of all ages are playing soccer in the spring and football in the fall. There are 9 tennis courts and about 20 of my friends show up for a lot of fun social tennis.  We usually take up 5 courts and the activity is orchestrated by the delightful Ollie Gilligan, as Irish as they come.  Come on out on Saturday.  You will find three courts in full swing by 8:00 AM.

The courts at AGTC are open to the public and there is no fee to play, but there are times that you will find that the courts were reserved and you may have trouble getting on.  There is a fee to  reserve the courts.  Most of the time you  should have no problem and there are free courts at Hugh MacRae, Ogden and Wrightsville Beach. 

Holly Tree Racquet Club

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I've been a member of Holly Tree for a few years and have never enjoyed a club as much as this one.  They have a very active over 50 group at a 3.5 and a 4.0 level.  If you like clay courts and are looking for a very reasonably priced club with a fun group of members you may want to check out Holly Tree. 

The club is very active with their league programs for all ages and skill levels.  This is not a country club, it is focused on tennis and attracts many of the best tennis players in the greater Wilmington area.