Sedgwick Farm Tennis Club: About Sedgwick Farm Tennis Club

Hours of operation:

Officially

May 31st through September 30th

(but call 474-5494)

9:00am -8:00pm Monday-Friday

9:00am -7:00pm Saturday & Sunday

Facilities and Operations

The Sedgwick Farm Tennis Club, with its nine red clay courts, has been located in the Sedgwick Farm Neighborhood of Syracuse, New York since 1897. Unlimited play is available to members without the need for reservation. The Club is officially open from Memorial Day Through September, but, weather permitting, courts may be available before and after those dates. We have arranged for low-cost indoor time with Gold's Gym in Dewitt when our courts are unavailable due to inclement weather. The Club also has reciprocal arrangements (See Affiliations).

Sedgwick Farm employs a USPTA certified professional, Steve Pekich, to oversee all aspects of tennis and facilities operations. Programs range from children's camp to senior's camp. All levels of team tennis are available for both men and women. The monthly Sunday mixed doubles round robins are also popular events.

Sedgwick Farm is a friendly environment where families are encouraged to socialize, especially on family night when tennis and pizza are shared. The Club has a men's and women's locker room and a spacious clubhouse with excellent facilities, including a fully equipped kitchen. The Clubhouse is available to members, at a small charge, for parties and family events.

Matches and Tournaments

Sedgwick hosts the Central New York "Red Clay" Junior Championships each year, all sanctioned by the Eastern Tennis Association and the United States Tennis Association (USTA) with which the club has been affiliated for many years. It also hosts the CNYTA Level 2 Junior Tournament, as well as the CNY Adult Tournament.

History

The Sedgwick Farm Tennis Club opened in June 1897 at the northeast corner of Brattle Road and Sedgwick Drive. There were 8 clay courts and a small clubhouse.

In 1899 the club hosted its first New York State Championship. It was so successful, the tourney returned to the Club in 1900. Among the players were Malcolm Whitman (National Champion in 1898, 1899 and 1900), Fred Alexander and William Hackett (National Doubles Champions), R.D. Little, Beals Wright (National Champion in 1905), and other leading players of the day.

In 1907 the club premises were traded for the present location - 422 De Witt Street. A new larger clubhouse was built and ready to use for the 1908 season.

The club flourished at its new location. In addition to 10 of the finest clay courts in the East, there was a large three-story clubhouse which contained squash courts, bowling alleys, ballroom and dining room. The Thursday night Dinners were highlights for many years. Among the many famous tennis players who played at the club were "Big Bill" Tilden and Frank Shields (Grandfather of Brooke Shields).

The old clubhouse was razed in 1949 and a small, one-story clubhouse was built, utilizing some of the original stone foundation. The building was renovated with a second floor added between the 1965 and 1966 seasons.

The area now occupied by Courts 1 through 5 has been in constant play since 1908. Courts 6 through 10 were allowed to "go to grass" during World War II. Their refurbishment began in the late 1950s with the clearing of Courts 7, 8 and 9.

The club was very active in the 60's and 70's when tennis was in vogue. Then, references were required, there was a waiting list for membership and an initiation fee was in effect. At present, interest in tennis has cooled somewhat and the club is more accessible to new members.

SFTC continued to be active in the 80's and 90's. Jimmy Arias, winner of the Italian Open and once ranked number 3 in the world, played on our courts. Pete Sampras sent a congratulatory note to the club on its 100th anniversary in 1997.

The club has no debt and is running a small surplus. It is selectively seeking members in order to support both competitive and recreational tennis and to fully utilize its facilities.

Tennis everyone!