WTA and ATP Ascend on Desert Community

By Sandra Eggers

Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley is a great travel destination if you're a tennis player, or just a fan. This is one of the few places in the world where tennis is equally as important as golf and other popular activities. You'll find many private clubs in the area, but there are also plenty of public courts where you can pick up a game.

If you get the opportunity to visit Palm Springs, be sure to stop by the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Even better if you can go during the annual tennis event held there during March. The weather is perfect and the competition is exciting to watch as top men and women professionals show their stuff.

Watching the pros at Indian Wells is much more personal than you might have thought. You can buy a day pass and watch the practice courts where you will be literally just feet from Andre Agassi or Monica Seles. The early round matches also give you the opportunity to see some lesser-know players and local talent compete.

Tennis isn't the only thing going on in the desert. There are plenty of golf courses, restaurants and shops to occupy your time. The weather is near perfect during this time of the year, but bring along a light sweater as it does cool off a bit when the sun goes down.

If you are a tennis player, and want to get some court time of your own, pay attention. Before you arrive, be sure to let the local resorts and hotels know that you'll be in town, when you are available to play and what your level is. They may actually comp your court time to fill in and play with their guests. Its also a great way to see some of the private courts without paying the high prices.

For other great deals, be sure to pick up the local newspaper, the Desert Sun. It's full of coupons, ads and specials for all kinds of things. Plus they have a comprehensive listing of events in the community that you may be interested in, as well as all the movies and playing times.

You should also check out the freebie local magazines in the golf shops and grocery stores. They are filled with discounts for golf and restaurants that you might not otherwise know about. There's nothing wrong with saving a buck or two, especially during high season when local merchants charge what the market will bear.

Most importantly, if you plan a trip to the desert, bring along a hat and plenty of sunscreen. There may or may not be cloud cover overhead, but the suns rays are strong and you will burn easily. Sunglasses will also provide protection for your eyes.

The desert is one of the best tennis and golf destinations you'll even find. Go if you get a chance, and have a great time!

About the Author:

I'm a native Californian, born and raised. My passion in life, besides than my husband, is tennis. Other interests include travel, golf and line dancing. I also dabble in real estate.

After 20+ years in the technology industry, I set out a few years ago to try my hand at freelance writing. While I have since been published, and am a contributor to several websites, I still haven't quit my day job. I've been told that any writer who has a "real job" isn't really a writer. I like to think otherwise, and I'm pretty good at multi-tasking.

Sandra may be contacted by email at  10spro@suite101.com.