The Hawthorn Tennis Club, established in 1905, is one of the oldest and most prestigious tennis clubs in Melbourne. Originally located in Linda Crescent Hawthorn, near Glenferrie Railway Station, the club relocated to its current site on Swinburne Avenue in 1962. With over 115 years of history, the club has a rich heritage of friendly competition.
Throughout its history, the Hawthorn Tennis Club has achieved numerous milestones and accomplishments. From its early days with three asphalt courts, the club saw the conversion to grass courts in 1908 and won its first pennant in 1909. Major developments include the installation of lights on four courts in 1924, the construction of the seventh court in 1973, and the introduction of lighted two courts in 1981. In 2004, the club faced significant challenges after a major flooding event, resulting in required renovations to the clubhouse.
The club celebrated its centenary in 2005 and has continued to evolve with upgrades such as the installation of LED lights on all seven courts in 2020.
The club is governed by a dedicated committee, with Nadine Maloney serving as President. The committee consists of individuals who are passionate about tennis and the club's success, including Vice Presidents Madeline Penny and Andy Pang, Secretary Madeline Penny, Treasurer Dedrie Green, and General Committee members Andrew Simpson, Leona Dowman, Jake Nelson, Daniel Jacobs, Arian Madani Khoshbakht, Rich Abbey, and Jason Yuan. The committee actively seeks volunteers to contribute their time and expertise to the club.
In line with its strategy, the Hawthorn Tennis Club emphasises inclusiveness and aims to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for players of all ages and abilities. The club is committed to creating a safe and secure atmosphere, with a focus on child safety. The facilities at the club are well-maintained, including seven beautifully maintained tennis courts.
The Hawthorn Tennis Club offers a range of tennis coaching programmes for players of all ages and skill levels. Professional coaches provide personalised instruction to help players improve their skills and reach their full potential. The club also participates in various competitive tennis competitions, both locally and regionally. Additionally, social tennis sessions are organised to allow members to enjoy the sport in a relaxed and social setting.
To ensure that members have easy access to the courts, the Hawthorn Tennis Club offers a convenient court booking system. Members can easily reserve court time to practise or play matches at their convenience.
To keep members updated, the club maintains a blog and calendar with the latest news and events. The “What's New” section provides information on recent achievements, matches, and social events. The club also offers a newsletter to keep members informed about upcoming activities.
The Hawthorn Tennis Club welcomes new members who are passionate about tennis and want to be part of a vibrant and inclusive community. Membership details, including the process and fees, can be found on the club's website.
For more information about the Hawthorn Tennis Club, including membership inquiries and general questions, individuals can visit the club's website or contact the club directly.