Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/955218
FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | APRIL 2018 55 Tennis Club March came in like a polar bear. Whether it goes out like a lamb, you will know when you receive the Breeze. Despite a wintery chill, we had a great February Play Day on a sunny, wind-free morning. The courts were full and everybody was getting in to games and matches. Afterwards, some gathered at Smitty's for pizza and camaraderie. The BNP Paribas Open Tennis Tournament was held March 5 to 18. Many members and other tennis fans went to Indian Wells for the first two days for qualifying and practice rounds. The qualifiers who were trying to play their way into the tournament draw played some amazing tennis, exerting their full energy and power on every shot, even as they were having to race left and right to return the exacting shots of their opponents. Qualifying for the tournament is important, because then the players can make some money and not have to pay $25 to park. One disappointment was that left-hander Rafael Nadal withdrew from the tournament because of an injury to his "poor widdle wristy-wrist." What a namby-pamby. I have a bad knee, a bad elbow, a bad shoulder, a bad back-hand, a bad attitude, and an inflated prostate, and I still play. Not well, of course. As of the press deadline for the Breeze, final planning for our March 10, first ever Social Inter-Club Tennis Event involving Four Seasons Beaumont and Sun Lakes Tennis Club players is underway. Plans are for Mixed Doubles, Women's Doubles, and Men's Doubles matches. Planned for after the matches is a barbecue lunch for players, friends, and guests. Thanks to cooperation from our Ping Pong colleagues, the lunch was to be held in the Multipurpose Room at The Courts. Other activities have included the start of a "Newbies" tennis group for new and restarting tennis players with tutelage from Irve, Chuck, and other Club leaders who actually have something to teach. Those sessions are on Saturday mornings. Not necessarily club activities, but there are other tennis playing opportunities throughout the weeks, including a Ladies Group that Bernadette Martin convenes on certain Tuesdays. There are also groups that play on most Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Sometimes there are opportunities to join in, so come out and ask the players about it. And we have monthly Play Days on the last Saturday of each month, beginning at 9 am until the weather heats up. ~ Steve Hovey Post play pizza party Sachia Vickery wins qualifier at BNP Paribas Open