Member Perks: Private Tennis & Pickleball Courts at The Cliffs

The Cliffs may be more well-known for spectacular golf, but there’s just as much passion here on the court as there is on the course.

Between our seven luxury mountain and lake communities, you’ll find a total of 22 courts — 16 of which are premier Har-Tru clay courts — with even more private tennis courts and complexes coming soon. 

The racquet sports program at The Cliffs welcomes members and players of all levels to participate in regular clinics, private and group lessons, personalized matches (personally arranged according to skill level), exciting events and more. In other words, racquet sports at The Cliffs is a grand slam! 

So join us for a clinic or competition, or go one-on-one with one of the community professionals. No matter what, our amazing tennis complexes, superior instruction, and thrilling competition are sure to get your game in its best shape ever.

Get Out There and Start Playing Racquet Sports

Racquet sports culture at The Cliffs is inclusive of players of all levels and our private tennis and pickleball courts are bustling with activity every day of the week with singles, mixed doubles opportunities, and so on. 

Here at The Cliffs, our members benefit from tennis and pickleball in many ways. As both sports continue to gain in popularity, The Cliffs aims to offer its members high-quality tennis and pickleball courts. So why should you get out there and start playing? There are numerous benefits associated with both sports, including:

• Excellent form of cardio 
• Can lower your blood pressure
• Stress and anger are reduced
• Helps manage anxiety and depression
• Increases muscle tone
• Boosts weight loss
• Improves flexibility

No matter how new to the world of racquet sports you are, or how regularly you enjoy the sport, each of the regions at The Cliffs offers the courts and resources you need to improve your skills. 

Meet the Racquet Sports Pros at The Cliffs

The Cliffs has invested in three professionals to serve each of the regions in our racquet sports programs. Together, they work with the Wellness Directors at each club to provide meaningful programming, distinct opportunities for beginners, intermediates, and advanced players, along with fun and inclusive competitive tournaments. 

Ralph Dunbar | Director of Racquet Sports at The Lake Region

Although Ralph is relatively new to The Cliffs and The Lake Region, his years of experience have allowed him to concentrate on designing an integrated program that will benefit all region residents. 

According to Ralph, racquet sports at The Lake Region are just getting started! With established tennis courts and newly built pickleball courts, The Cliffs at Keowee Falls offers a complete playing experience. Currently, The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards are constructing new pickleball courts in addition to their private tennis courts. The Cliffs at Keowee Springs will have new courts coming soon as well — so many options to play and get active!

When it comes to playing pickleball, he says to “make sure not to miss your return of serve.” Why? According to Ralph, you want to make them play!

Adri Atkinson | Director of Racquet Sports at The Cliffs

Adri Atkinson is head of the racquet sports program at The Mountain Region. In the early morning hours, she takes private and group tennis and pickleball lessons. She helps beginners to advance players to perfect their swing. For members of The Mountain Region that are looking for a little healthy competition, she can also organize doubles matches. 

A view of The Cliffs Valley’s eight private tennis courts can be enjoyed from the Wellness Center, one of her favorites. In addition, she appreciates the natural view from the pickleball courts at The Cliffs at Glassy. Adri also says that she is eager to visit The Cliffs at Mountain Park when the courts are completed there. 

Both tennis and pickleball players, she advises staying relaxed and not to “death grip your racket or paddle”; so be sure to loosen up!

James Kirkham | Racquet Sports Professional

Meet James Kirkham, the pickleball and tennis pro for The Asheville Region home to The Cliffs at Walnut Cove. James spends anywhere from four  to seven hours a day working with members to help them become better players. Aside from clinics and private lessons, he even participates in some doubles matches. 

James shares the importance of playing loose and relaxed, stating that it helps you lessen your chance of sustaining injuries. 

Embrace Health and Wellness at The Cliffs

We say, take charge of your health and play your heart out! Racquet sports are an excellent form of exercise and a fun way to get to know your neighbors. Here at The Cliffs, we are committed to furthering the health and wellness of members through racquet sports and well-maintained private tennis and pickleball courts, state-of-the-art fitness centers, outdoor pursuits, and so much more. As a result, our members are healthier and happier than most — see for yourself! 

Discover the difference that living at The Cliffs can make. Contact us to learn more about our amenities and what sets us apart from other communities.