Building Community Through Tennis: The Power of Pro-Am Events

Last summer, I had the privilege of organizing a Pro-Am Men’s Tennis event, which easily became one of my most memorable racquet events. As someone who has been in the industry for many years now, it is always such an energizing experience for me when all the details that go into the planning of an event come together in a way that far exceeds expectations. Running a memorable event is not easy, and it is my goal here to relay what elements stood out in making this event so special, so you can hopefully run a similar event at your club or use these tools to create a unique event of your own.

The Unforgettable Pro-Am: A Celebration of Tennis, Camaraderie, and Community
A Unique Atmosphere of Skill and Camaraderie

Hernan Hatem

The Pro-Am event format was crucial for creating a dynamic and engaging experience for both amateurs and professionals. I first had to think through the format so I could accurately and effectively explain it when recruiting the professionals and the members to participate. The goal was to have each club member randomly paired with a professional and to play in a round-robin rotation. This would allow for each participant to face multiple opponents throughout the event.

For the B-level members, the round-robin format allowed members and professionals to see and play with each other as much as possible. Players were grouped in different banks of courts, and each round, the members played with a different professional. The advanced players also followed a round-robin format, but each player stayed with their partner. There were two different groups, and every team would play each other in their group. The top two teams from each group advanced to a semifinal round, and the winners then played in the finals. The round-robin increased the time participants spent together, and it ensured matches would finish at the same times. Round robins are also a little less competitive, which was the angle I was looking for, especially on the B-level side.

The Heart of the Event: The Invited Professionals and the Staff

As a racquet professional myself, I know how special it is to be invited to participate in a pro-am or other event at a different club. It is an honor to represent yourself and the club and play with the members in a different setting than you are used to. What makes a Pro-Am so exciting is the opportunity to connect with amateur players and share your knowledge and experience. Before advertising the event to members, it was my job to gather interest and secure enough professional players for the number of members we hoped to accommodate. I was able to recruit my three brothers to play and many other friends in the industry, along with our staff at my club. It was special for me to share this event with family and close coworkers. Connections I had made at past organizational functions such as conferences or matches came in handy, as I could call on them to come participate.

The event allowed our own professional staff to shine. Our staff expressed so much enthusiasm about the event, which was great to see! Our team of coaches would talk about the event every day, asking questions like: What level is my partner? What is the format? Are we playing with or without “Ad”? Can I go full out? That kind of energy and enthusiasm is contagious and led to a sense of unity that played a pivotal role in creating a memorable experience for all.

The Experience Beyond the Court: The Importance of Every Detail

Before the event, I had conversations with the professionals about how I envisioned the event unfolding and the atmosphere we wanted to create. It was important for everyone to understand the dress code, the proper etiquette, and, overall, what was expected interaction-wise with the membership. For the dress code, I made sure everyone knew it was all white clothing and to come with clean clothes, a collared shirt, and newer shoes. I also had to explain the rules about our cell phone policy. I wanted everyone to feel comfortable and start the event on the right foot. I made sure to bring some extra clothes and hats just in case someone forgot the dress code or needed something.

The interaction piece was explained in detail when the professionals checked in the morning of the event. I told each one how important it was to make the points long, to have fun, and to be nice to opponents. I also made sure everyone was mindful of the skill level of their partners, some of whom were less experienced or never participated in this kind of event. It was crucial that the professionals not only played their best tennis but also created a positive experience, offering guidance and encouragement throughout the matches. I wanted them to act as role models, showing patience and enthusiasm, especially since players were all from different backgrounds and levels.

Favor wise, each member was gifted a beer mug, a custom towel featuring our club logo. Each professional received a specially crafted coffee cup, two sets of strings, a customized towel with our club logo, and financial compensation for dedicating their time and expertise to making the event a success.

The Social Element: Building Community Beyond the Court

While the competitive aspect of the pro-am is undeniable, it is the social element that truly brings people together. Tennis is often described as an individual sport, but events like this show how it can unite people from different backgrounds and create a sense of community. After hours of playing, the professionals and members alike had the opportunity to bond, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company. Whether discussing strategies on the court or talking about life off the court, these interactions deepened the sense of belonging and camaraderie that the event fostered.

One particular interaction that stands out was between two players who graduated from the same university but never knew each other until they met at this event. Julian was a professional I invited to the event, and Steve was a member of the club. Both players went to Furman University but graduated from different years. We had the two of them paired together for a round of matches, and their engagement paired seamlessly. Having similar college experiences allowed them to bond pretty quickly. After the match, they grabbed drinks on the clubhouse porch and talked about their old days on the team at Furman and compared notes about coaches and players. In talking, Mark mentioned he was training for a tournament and asked Chris if he could hit with him at the club to prepare. We saw the two of them on the court together a week later, which was very special.

This social aspect is an integral piece to the success of the event. Many of the members expressed how much they appreciated the chance to interact with the pros. This sense of community, both on and off the court, is what makes events like this stand out. It wasn’t just about winning or losing—it was about creating an atmosphere where people felt happy and relaxed. Right after the group phase was over, members and amateurs had a chance to socialize over small bites and cocktails. To me, this was the best part.

Inspiring a New Wave of Tennis Enthusiasts

One of the most rewarding outcomes of the event was seeing members rediscover their passion for tennis, with many inspired to join USTA tournaments, sign up for club championships, or commit to more training. The Pro-Am provided great competition, and it reignited everyone’s enthusiasm for the sport, proving that tennis can be both challenging and deeply rewarding, no matter how busy life gets.

Building on last year’s success, the plan for this year’s Pro-Am is to elevate the experience even further. This year’s goal is to have professionals and members attend the night before for a “warmup” session, featuring a small professional doubles exhibition and dinner at the clubhouse. We also plan to run a Ladies’ Pro-Am. We are thrilled to see the excitement and energy this event will bring to our club, as well as the opportunity it provides for our female members to connect, improve their skills, and enjoy a fun, competitive experience.