Club serves up 125 years of lawn tennis
Troon Lawn Tennis Club turns 125 years old this year.
And it is celebrating with the laying of three brand new back courts and a number of special events to mark the moment.
The committee is trying to lure a big name celeb from the tennis world as a VIP guest.
The new clubhouse, part- funded with £ 50,000 from Sportscotland, also turns ten in May.
It was in 1895 when the founding membership of 40 began play on the six courts. Johnnie Walker whisky baron Sir Alexander Walker, who lived and died around the corner in Piersland House gave them the land.
It replaced the original and faded shack- like changing pavilion, though retained a teracotta coloured tile roof as a nod to the past.
Long- time member and club historian Linda Zorget said: “While it was originally grass lawn, for 85 years is was red blaes and could not be used in winter.
“Now all the courts are artificial grass carpets and can be used in most weathers. The front three are covered by floodlights to allow night play and were inagurated by top player and health club guru David Lloyd in 1994.”
The surfaces on the three back courts had not been replaced for nearly 30 years.
Ian Collins of the publishing dynasty is regarded as Troon’s most famous player.
As Lt Col I G Collins OBE, he played in the Davis Cup team and was Scottish champion between 1926 and 29.
He was president of TLTC over numerous years and the club was gifted and still retains his Davis Cup medal.