"Bring a Rookie Day" a Huge Success

First annual "Bring a Rookie Day" is a HUGE success!

Between the spectacular weather and the tremendous player response, we could not have asked for a better launch to our first "Bring a Rookie" day!

It was an idea submitted by David Rogers (UTA-Bitsy Grant tennis director and one of our own) when the PPL administrators asked for some fun event ideas for the 2013-14 season.

This fantastic idea allows current players to share their love of the game and watch the spark catch fire with a friend. In an effort to cover the entire metro-Atlanta area,

two "Rookie" days were planned; the first one was held Sunday, November 3rd at Cherokee Town Club and the second one will be held November 9th at Windward Lake Club.

The Cherokee event ran on both courts in one hour time slots from noon to 6:00pm with over 50 players turning out to participate.  The day started with the real rookies who had little to no previous experience with the sport. Through the teaching talent of some PPL members and Frank Thompson, a certified paddle professional at Cherokee, these rookies were quickly engaged and playing fun points. Several players came with a spouse or a significant other, but plenty of folks came as a single and were happily paired with a partner. As the day wore on, the true beginners gave way to some local squash and high level tennis talent.  Paddle was a great neutralizer as the squash players and tennis players found common ground on the paddle court. With the music playing, the beer flowing and the

snack bowls being refilled, the spectators were happy to relax and enjoy the main event of the day. PPL members recruited former college tennis players and current teaching tennis professionals

to take the courts and entertain us all with their very short learning curves, fast hands and quick feet. The day ended with lots of smiling faces and requests for the website

address to join up and be a part of the league. Ashley Massengale was our lucky winner of the raffle for a new Wilson BLX Paddle Racquet.

If you missed us at Cherokee Town Club, please join the crew at Windward Lake Club next weekend's "Bring a Rookie" on Saturday from 10:00am to 3:00pm.