“If people like watching Wimbledon they will enjoy this even more. Watching real pros in action,” Parsla Gagainis, Tall Oaks Tennis Club president said.
Talk Oaks Tennis Club introduced the Pro-Am last year to give any Sun City resident an opportunity to challenge one of the Tennis Pros. The event is scheduled this year on August 27 from 1-4 p.m. on the Stadium Court. Any resident will have a chance to play against a pro, but with a decided handicap such as playing with a wooden tennis racket, or different lines.
Robin Chambers, Tall Oaks Tennis Club membership chair, said, “It’s for a good cause. We will have some betting, raffles, and prizes. It’s open to the entire community. Proceeds from the event will be donated to Sun City’s Charter Clubs, The Sew N Sews Charter Club, and the Model Railroad Club.”
Gagainis said, “This is the second year we are hosting a Pro-Am Tournament. It showcases our pros playing one another as well as allows anyone else to play the pros. This year we want to support the good works of the Sew N Sews and the Railroad Clubs with our 50/50 Raffle. I received one of the quilts the Sew N Sews make, and it is so beautiful. They make these and just give them away to people going through illness or other difficulties. The Railroad Club is open to the public to show off their model railroad setup, which is really an amazing sight.”
The Railroad Club is still in need of fixing the outdoor display and the Sew N Sew club will be needing new sewing machines. They have been there for the community during covid, making masks for anyone who needs them, comfort quilts, walker bags, chemo caps, and outside of the community as well.
“It is for a great cause helping charter clubs out in their time of need as well as having fun. It’s a win-win for everyone who likes to help others,” Mare Roccosanto, Vice President of Tall Oaks Tennis Club said.
“Let everyone in Sun City witness your tennis skills, challenge a pro at our Pro AM and walk off the courts with a win. Anything is possible at our Pro Event,” said Pat Cox. Tall Oak Tennis Club lesson coordinator.
Duane Fontana played with a pro and challenged a pro last year. How did it go?
“I did enjoy playing against the pro. The handicap I chose was to have the pro defend the doubles court while I had to only defend the singles court. I would do it again. It’s for good causes. I also enjoyed playing doubles with the pro against another pro and tennis member. However, I was a little nervous until the pros assured me before the match, they wouldn’t embarrass the amateurs.”
Do You want a chance to play with the pro? Or against a pro? Give it a try.
It’s all for a good cause. Contact Anna Alagna if you want to take up the challenge at aalagna@aol.com. You do not have to be a member of the Tall Oaks Tennis Club to participate.
