GOLDEN RACQUETS
Tennis and Pickleball  Club 

Golden Racquets is generally on the lookout for new members, providing we have sufficient venues/courts.  To qualify for membership you must be 50 years of age or older and meet our minimum playing-skill level. To become a full-time member of GR playing weekly, you must fill out an application (see the “Contact Us” tab on this website).  Additionally, if you want to play tennis with GR, you must be rated as to your skill level. Normally, this process takes place during our two Open Seasons (please inquire about dates).

For most GR pickleball venues, obtaining a pickleball rating is optional.  You must obtain a pickleball rating, however, if you want to play in one of the more competitive venues.  GR has established a Pickleball Rating Committee, which is separate from its Tennis Rating Committee.

Application for membership in GR begins a process that may take some time to complete, as applications for weekly play are accepted just twice a year. Once an application is accepted for tennis play, the new member must undergo a formal GR rating evaluation, after which the newly rated member is eligible to sign up for weekly (or substitute) play at any venue for which their rating qualifies them. This evaluation is somewhat less rigorous for those desirous of playing pickleball only

For those hoping to expedite being able to play tennis, you may apply to be a “sub” at one or more venues as soon as you apply for membership. A venue captain plus the Rating Committee Chair and/or the GR president can offer interim approval and a rating, based on one or more factors (e.g., experience playing with current GR member[s]; a valid current USTA, DUPR or UTPR rating).  (NB: GR ratings are not equivalent to the ratings just noted.)  There is always a need/high demand for subs.

Golden Racquets offers both spring/summer and fall/winter season doubles play at indoor and outdoor venues.  Playing times are dependent upon venue availability.  Play at outdoor venues is 1½ hours in length but either 1½ or 2 hours at indoor venues.  The spring/summer season typically begins in May and ends in late August (usually 17 weeks).  The fall/winter season normally begins in early September and ends in early May (typically 33 weeks).

Costs vary according to the rates given to GR by each venue and the length of a season.

Our goal is to try to make sure every member has the chance to play weekly in at least one venue. To accomplish this task, before each season, you will receive an application asking you to select court(s) and time(s) you wish to play weekly and/or sub. This is known as the sign-up time. Final assignments are based mostly on seniority which, as a general rule, relates to the date you join GR – but consideration is also given to venue priority.

Once court assignments are complete, you will be sent a roster listing where members are playing or subbing.   NB: Any member who drops their membership for a season loses their seniority if/when re-joining Golden Racquets at a later date.  This means you may no longer get your first pick of playing venue.  

In addition to the social interaction at court play, Golden Racquets hosts various social events throughout the year.  We also try to hold an annual meeting/luncheon each year, either in-person or virtually.  We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you as soon as possible as a member of our tennis, pickleball and social activities in Golden Racquets.