The Call of Y'all

Longer days and warmer temperatures— combined with travel starting to feel more accessible—means the season is ripe for tennis getaways. Ready to get back into the swing of things? Pack your gear and point your compass towards one of these SOUTHERN STATES

- Rebecca Wallwork

1:GEORGIA

As it is in the Carolinas, some of the best tennis opportunities in Georgia can be found by the ocean. On the southeastern coast of the state, Sea Island is an iconic resort boasting 16 Har-Tru clay courts, with clinics and USPTA-level instruction available. A range of accommodations, five miles of private beach, a yacht club, shooting school and three golf courses round out its impressive list of amenities.

On Jekyll Island—a barrier island located midway between Savannah and Jacksonville—a robust conservation program makes for a beautiful blend of unspoiled beaches and mature maritime forest. The Jekyll Island Tennis Center is a public facility with 13 Har-Tru clay courts and is a popular host for USTA tournaments. The courts are framed by live oak, moss and wild palmettos, giving players a taste of what’s in store after tennis.

Further inland, in Georgia’s lake country, the Reynolds Lake Oconee golf community is a great place for a country retreat-style getaway. Guests can stay at vacation rental homes and cottages, or at The Ritz-Carlton hotel. The grounds include four marinas, six golf courses and the eight-court Reynolds Lake Club Tennis Center, operated by Peter Burwash International.

Even if you’re not looking to play on your spring getaway, you may want to swing by the ITA Collegiate Tennis Hall of Fame on the University of Georgia campus in Athens. Peruse more than 1,800 rare photos of players and coaches who’ve been enshrined.