A Highland calling for championships Second oldest tournament takes place in Pitlochry
Organisers of Scotland’s second oldest tennis tournament are sending out the rallying call ahead of the event later this year.
Entries have opened for The Tennis Championships of the Highlands which take place at Pitlochry’s Atholl Palace Hotel in September.
The Perthshire-based courts have been serving up a successful tournament since 1896 with its popularity continuing to rise.
Simon Coom, an ITF Seniors Tour player who is on the organising committee, is encouraging the people of Perth and beyond to get involved.
“The tournament genuinely offers something for everyone with open, over-45, over-60 and handicap events,” he explained.
“It’s supported by players of all ability from top class internationals in the open events to club standard players in the
The event is held within the grounds of the Atholl Palace Hotel senior and handicap events. ‘cabaret’ on the Friday evening
“The tournament has, in the and a more traditional ceilidh and past, been voted Scotland’s dinner is held on the Saturday after tournament of the year and boasts finals. a prize fund of £3000 which is “The committee and referee apportioned across all events. make every effort to accommodate
“The hotel offers great value time and travel restrictions. packages, and fabulous food is laid “And I can assure you that it is a on for competitors each evening friendly and sociable event - you along with a social programme. will make friends for life.”
“The players put on their own Simon is hoping clubs across the Perthshire area can make the tournament a regular fixture in their sporting calendar.
“We would love to see clubs in the Tennis Tayside region look at this event as their local ‘must do’ tournament,” he said.
“The hotel has lodges in the grounds, so if a group of members wish to hire one, these are available at a reduced rate for the week.
“When the sun shines in September there is no better setting for tennis, and if it doesn’t shine we just get on with having fun regardless.
“The tournament runs from Monday, September 10 to Saturday, September 15.
“Many competitors come up on the Saturday before the event and depart on the Sunday after the ceilidh.
“Golfers are encouraged to bring their clubs, either to play on the short course at the hotel, or at discounted rates at Pitlochry.”
Visit the LTA website to enter the tournament.