Following a year of permit processing delays, the University of Texas Golf Club opened its newly expanded facility in Steiner Ranch on March 2. The $8.8 million tennis addition includes six indoor courts and four outdoor courts with the capacity to hold more than 600 spectators between the two structures.
A $2 million resort-style 88,000-gallon recreational pool is set to open at the club in June. About 30 to 35 new employees will be added to the current 70 club staffers to accommodate the expected increase in tennis and social memberships resulting from the projects.
Although it bears the University of Texas name, the UT Golf Club was constructed in 2003 through private funding. The club's highlight is a par 71 golf course with a 16,000-square-foot clubhouse. University officials approached the UT Golf Club in late 2009 about building a tennis facility. The club's management agreed there was a need for new tennis courts in the Austin area—both indoor and outdoor—and seized the last opportunity to build on available land in the 16-acre Steiner Ranch tract.
New facility brings relief to tennis enthusiasts, collegiate teams
Construction began in June on the Edgar O. and Melanie A. Weller Tennis Center housing Central Texas' largest indoor tennis facility. The Whaling/Snyder courts boast the official U.S. Open green-and-blue-colored surface to allow for easier ball tracking by both players and spectators.
Although the UT tennis team will continue primarily to use its existing courts in downtown Austin, the new 45,000-square-foot indoor facility could be used to host NCAA tournaments. Prior to the completion of the Four Points–located indoor facility, tournaments scheduled with out-of-town teams were forced to relocate to Houston or San Antonio on bad weather days.
"With indoor courts, you don't have to battle the elements of rain or wind," said Steve Termeer, UT Golf Club general manager and chief operating officer. "Having the consistency of playing tennis indoors will enhance a player's ability in the sport."
The extra courts will give a much-needed boost to an athletic community short on playing surfaces, Director of Tennis Steve Bryan said.
"Four Points is thirsty for this tennis facility," Bryan said. "There are eight courts in Steiner Ranch open to the public, and it's still difficult to get a court."
Bryan, a UT two-time All-American and NCAA singles national champion, joined the UT Golf Club management group in September and plans to focus on the club's ladies league and junior programs.
"We've got so many kids in this community," Bryan said. "We knew they wanted to be involved in tennis here as opposed to playing elsewhere."
To allow for easy access to the courts, the UT Golf Club management is limiting the number of tennis members to 250 and, as of opening day, had already filled half of the available openings.
Termeer said that a count of 40 to 50 members per court is the average in the industry for tennis clubs in Texas. However, by limiting its allotment of tennis memberships, the UT Golf Club will be able to provide a ratio of 25 members per court, which is commonplace for the upper end of tennis clubs, he said.
The UT Golf Club offers a variety of memberships including golf, tennis, fitness, swimming, dining and social options. The UT Tennis Center is open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.
Recreational pool slated for Memorial Day opening
Construction on the University of Texas Golf Club's pool complex is under way with opening day scheduled for Memorial Day, May 27. The 4,200-square-foot swimming pool is available only during the summer months and features a beach-like entry into the 4-foot-deep pool with a baby pool and splash pad planned for children. A full-service cabana is planned to provide members with meals and snacks.
"We want people to come here and relax," said Steve Termeer, UT Golf Club general manager and CEO. "We don't want you to have to work too hard."
