Myrtle Beach Council Considers New Racquet Facility Following Tennis Club Closure

Myrtle Beach City Council members are in early discussions to construct a new public racquet facility. The initiative aims to provide local players with court space while expanding the area's sports tourism industry by adding a major venue to the Grand Strand.

The proposal gained urgency following the planned closure of the Grande Dunes Tennis Club. The Myrtle Beach Planning Commission approved a redevelopment plan in July that will replace the private tennis club with a 31-unit housing complex. The loss of those courts has left local players seeking alternative places to play and prompted municipal leaders to bring long-standing ideas for a city racquet center to the forefront.

City Councilwoman Debbie Conner stated that officials have been holding behind-the-scenes discussions over the past several weeks. Key priorities for any potential facility include finding a centrally located property large enough to host major competitive events and tournaments. Conner noted that hosting major tournaments would require a minimum of 30 courts.

One potential site currently under consideration is city-owned property located near the John Rhodes Athletic Facility, adjacent to the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Council members noted that this central location could serve both residents and visiting athletes.

Local tennis enthusiasts, including displaced members of the Grande Dunes Tennis Club, have expressed support for the concept. Players noted that Myrtle Beach is well-suited for regional tennis events and that a new municipal site would fill the gap left by private venue closures.

At this stage, no official decisions, site selections, or funding plans have been finalized. City staff members are conducting preliminary evaluations, and additional details and recommendations are expected to be presented to the City Council in the coming weeks.