Los Angeles Tennis Club

Like a lot of Angelenos, I moved here from Back East, and missed the feeling of community I had growing up in the suburbs of NYC. Joining this club has given my family and me a chance to be a part of a community that is friendly, athletic, and full of interesting people. This is a club that is run by the members, so they get the credit for making a place that is warm, safe, welcoming, and, for the tennis players, challenging. The 2010 renovation has upgraded the quality of the experience in lots of ways from first class locker rooms, to better parking, and a first rate bar. The club offers two clay courts and 14 hard courts, so it's rare (weekend mornings) that you need to wait for a court, and there is no fooling around with only being allowed to play for some predetermined time slot. Just show up and play until you're done. more

The LA Tennis club is a great little secret in LA. It's a private club built on the Forest Hills model. Though it is private, anyone can book a lesson with the likes of Bruce Foxworth or another of their world class pros and play on the excellent hard courts. Even non-members are allowed access to the plush locker-room before playing and the modest but fun bar afterwards. My brother and I took a lesson with Bruce that was a great workout and very helpful. Then we were welcomed with open arms in the clubhouse by a solid contingent of members who were watching their beloved Trojans and having drinks. By the end of the game, we had agreed to apply for membership. Imagine something like that happening on the East Coast at the Union Club or the Meadow Club: not very likely. Pros: Great pros, lighted courts, private but accessible atmosphere. Cons: Private so you have to take a lesson in order to play. more