Dad's Club Critique Corner

Greetings!

After a lot of hard work, and the usual trials and tribulations one encounters when starting a new company, I find myself finally at the point where I can start my 'Dad's Club Critique Corner' blog. I will be taking pictures of all the clubs we attend for USTA Tournaments...both inside and outside, then posting them in this section with critiques. I'm also going to be giving recommendations about lodging...usually regarding the places we stay when traveling. We spend a LOT of time hanging out in these clubs and hotels during USTA Tournaments, and this is the place to exchange our experiences and feelings with others! I hope you find this section interesting and enlightening. I welcome you to share any of your positive experiences concerning clubs or accommodations by emailing me through our contact page.

Welcome to the first website specifically geared for our tennis youth!
Sincerely,

Robert Botsford, President and CEO, Brie and Bobby Tennis

OCEAN VILLAGE FORT PIERCE FLORIDA

We spend a lot of time going to different clubs here in Florida to play tournaments. Ocean Village, in Fort Pierce has become one of our favorite places to play tournaments at. The club sits right on the ocean..... In between matches the kids put their swimsuits on and head over to the beach (which is NEVER crowded) or hang out at the pool with our other favorite tennis family, the Decoste's, who happen to live in this great place. The DeCuba's host a great tournament everytime and I highly recommend you playing there.

City of Palm Beach Gardens Florida Tennis Facility

Brie and Bobby just played in a tournament held at this public facility run by the City of Palm Beach Gardens. The facilty is awesome!!! We had a wonderful time there and the tournament directors, among them Bill Mcdermott really had their acts together and ran a nice tournament. The kids had plenty of room to play and chill out when they werent playing, and lots of good restaurants and stuff close by. We certainly look forward to going back there and recommend it to any of you parents thinking about entering your kids there.

Fairfield Mercy Healthplex

This facility's tournaments are run by our all time favorite Director, Brian. Brian is the life of the party at all tournaments, and keeps everyone smiling while there. One thing that Brian does that I have NEVER seen any other tournament directors do, is get the attention of all the spectators when he presents trophies to the kids. This detail helps to make all the hard work the kids put into these tournaments to win extra special. Kids love it, and I applaud Brian for fostering such a supportive and special environment for matches. The viewing area for the Healthplex is quite elevated and nice. This facility is part of the Mercy Healthplex chain and is indeed a very nice faciltiy

HF Racquet and Fitness Club

The Homewood-Flossmoor Racquet Club, just outside of Chicago in Homewood, IL., is truly a wonderful facility. It's one of the largest we have seen. Viewing areas at the courts are very nice, and there is plenty of room for players to lounge around while waiting for their matches. The staff are top of things, run a tight ship, and are extremely personable. Player's names are posted on a court board which enables you to look at a court and then go find our who you are watching; something that I found to be very helpful. Sylvia Gothard, the Tennis Director, is delightful. If you have any questions about her club, feel free to call her at 708-799-1323

Bob's First Blog 5-26-2009

It should only be fitting that my first hotel recommendation for Brie and Bobby Tennis is the Venerable Ambassador East of Chicago. I have been coming to this hotel for over 30 years. Its located on the Magnificent Mile. Lake Michigan and killer shopping and restaurants are just steps away from the hotel. The hotel staff are friendly and gracious, and the rooms are wonderful. The hotel is located in a quiet brownstone neighborhood and is VERY VERY family friendly. If you come to Chicago for a tournament...no matter where in Chicago, I highly recommend staying at the Ambassador East. You will NOT be disappointed. We stay in the actual suite that Frank Sinatra lived in when he was in Chicago. The hotel also features the famous Pump Room. Decorating the walls are dozens of pictures of the celebrities that have dined or drank there over the years! The phone number of the hotel is 312-787-7200 or 312-646-5587. Ask for Bill Smith, Director of Rooms when making your reservation. Mention that you're there for a tennis tournament and hopefully he will give you a deal!