Each hole rises as if by magic from undisturbed woodlands and enchanted wetlands. The Grand Strand offers many tennis facilities and more than 200 courts with a variety of surfaces, including several stadium courts. Although mild temperatures permit outdoor tennis year-round, several indoor courts are also available. Local city recreation departments provide free courts, while hotels and private tennis clubs offer other amenities such as lessons, clinics for all ages and levels of proficiency by professional instructors, ball machines and fully-stocked pro shops. Many hotels also offer tennis package vacations.
Myrtle Beach is a frequent host to regional and national tournaments and exhibits.
One of the most popular as well as successful is the GTE Tennis Festival, held annually at Kingston Plantation. The festival, celebrating eight successful years, promotes tennis in the Myrtle Beach area, as well as statewide. Some of the professional players featured in previous festival tournaments include Michael Chang, Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe. At the very worst, it's a great way to spend the day outdoors and have some interesting stories to tell when you get home. Tackle shops located on the piers will rent you the equipment you need and can supply the proper bait for what's b iting.