Nestled in the heart of the Southbridge community, the Chatham Racquet Club stands as a testament to perseverance, community spirit, and the love of the game. Owned by Phillip and Mackenzie Whiteley, this club has evolved into a hub of activity and camaraderie since its establishment in 1970 as the Chatham Tennis Club.

The Chatham Racquet Club, originally known as the Chatham Tennis Club, was once the premier tennis facility in Savannah. Over the years, it saw a decline, but Phillip and Mackenzie saw potential where others saw disrepair. In December 2022, they purchased the club with a vision to transform it into a nationally acclaimed junior academy, while also providing comprehensive adult programming and preserving its welcoming neighborhood atmosphere.

The transformation of the Chatham Racquet Club has been nothing short of remarkable. When the Whiteley's took over, only six tennis courts were playable. Today, the club boasts ten clay tennis courts, six hard pickleball courts, and six clay pickleball courts. The facility is not only functional but also a beautiful and inviting place to play and socialize. The junior members of the club have been making waves, winning numerous USTA and UTR tournaments, and two of their athletes have been recognized as area players of the year for boys and girls high school tennis.

Revitalizing the Chatham Racquet Club has been no small feat. The Whiteley's inherited a fixer-upper with infrastructure that needed urgent attention. They tackled the dilapidated hard tennis courts by converting them into pickleball courts and transformed two overgrown clay tennis courts into additional clay pickleball courts. They replaced the well, installed new AC units, converted a storage building into a Pilates and Yoga studio, rebuilt the clubhouse deck, resurfaced all the tennis courts, upgraded the locker rooms, painted court fences, and hung new windscreens. The support from club members, who generously donated their time, resources, and skills, has been invaluable in this transformation.

Chatham Racquet Club offers a variety of services and programs for both tennis and pickleball enthusiasts. Adult clinics range from beginner to advanced levels, and junior clinics cater to youth aged three and up. Advanced juniors can participate in year-round academy sessions. The club also hosts USTA teams for men and women and has teams competing in the Savannah Thursday League. This fall, they will introduce Paddle War pickleball leagues. Private and group lessons, as well as court rentals for private events, are also available.

For the Whiteley's, the most enjoyable aspect of running the Chatham Racquet Club is the sense of family within the Southbridge community. From the moment they took ownership, they were met with support and love. Volunteers eagerly helped with the club's restoration, proving that in Southbridge, a helping hand and a warm smile are never far away.

Choosing Southbridge as the club's location was a strategic decision. The club's proximity to downtown Savannah, without the hassle of traffic or parking issues, and its close access to the airport make it ideal for both local and out-of-town guests. The location's quick access to major freeways and ample parking further enhance its appeal.

A typical day at the club begins early, with groundskeeper David Daniels preparing the courts at 6:30 AM. The clubhouse and pro shop open at 9:00 AM, and clinics and lessons start shortly after. With seven lighted tennis courts and six lighted pickleball courts, activities continue well into the evening. To respect the neighbors, play is usually concluded by 9:30 PM, with stadium lights off by 10 PM.

For Phillip and Mackenzie, the most rewarding part of running the Chatham Racquet Club is the relationships they have built with their members and the wider community.

If you're in need of a new racket or paddle, August is the perfect time to visit the Chatham Racquet Club. All new rackets and paddles are 20% off throughout the month.

For more information, stop by the Chatham Racquet Club located at 80 Wedgefield Crossing, Savannah, call 912-777-7934 or visit their website at chathamracquetclub.com