Callawassie Island turns No. 9 fairway into (temporary) tennis courts

As Wimbledon nears for tennis fans, Callawassie Island tennis enthusiasts are getting to experience what it’s like to play on grass courts.

On Friday morning Ryan Watson, golf course superintendent, and his staff dug holes and sprayed paint on Number 9’s fairway of the Dogwood Course to create two grass tennis courts for the annual Callawassie Island Wimbledon.

The community has six clay courts.

Bill Hoppe, USTA and PTR certified professional at the private community, says it gives residents a feel for Wimbledon.

“They’ll (residents) probably have to volley more” Hoppe said, referring to last night’s heavy rain made which made the ground soft.

The fairway will be returned to normal soon after play, although the lines for the court will remain visible for a mowing or two.

This story was originally published June 23, 2017 at 12:06 PM with the headline "Callawassie Island turns No. 9 fairway into (temporary) tennis courts."