The Palm Desert Tennis Club

Quorum Article - December 2001

It’s been called the best kept tennis secret in the Coachella Valley.....

The Palm Desert Tennis Club is a gated community of 100 condominiums, spread over 20 acres, located off Mesa View, in South Palm Desert.

Homeowners Association President Gene Nelson says "The Club is a virtually unknown little jewel, and a great place to live or visit. We’re high off the desert floor, with spectacular mountain and valley views."

The Club has a rich tennis tradition; it was developed in 1973 by Beverly and John Fleitz. Bev was a Wimbledon finalist in 1955 and was ranked as the number one female tennis player in the United States in 1959. Grand Slam champ Rod Laver was an original condominium owner.

For the new 2002 season The Club has revitalized and expanded its tennis program and is offering a few non-resident tennis memberships on an annual basis.

Joining the staff are Ken Kuperstein as Director of Tennis and Tory Fretz as Tennis Coordinator. Kuperstein is a current US National Champion, winner of the national "over 30" USTA grass court tourney in Scottsdale, Arizona this summer. His impressive record includes a win over a "young" Pete Samaras several years ago.

Fretz has been a frequent competitor at the US and French Opens, and at Wimbledon, and was ranked among the top ten US women players for four years.

All condos at The Palm Desert Tennis Club are one-story, three bedroom, two bath units. They measure about 1600 square feet in area. Each has front and back patios and a fireplace. Condos surround five separate garden areas, each with its own pool and Jacuzzi.

In addition to eight lighted tennis courts, there's a full pro shop, open seven days a week. Other facilities include a large lap pool and an indoor handball/racquetball court. Clubhouse facilities include billiard room, fitness center and library. Breakfast and lunch are available on weekends.

The Board has been challenged by rising costs and the need to keep facilities in top shape. All swimming pools were recently redone, and all roadways in the complex are being completely replaced. New roofs and complete exterior painting are planned soon. And there is a "Five Year Plan" looking forward to more upgrades and additions to The Club.

Dues currently are $368 per month, which includes all maintenance as well as unlimited use of the tennis facilities.

The Club has employed Terry Basham as its full time on-site General Manager since 1996. Basham is active in community affairs and last year was honored by the Palm Desert community as "Mr. Palm Desert". Basham says he manages The Club to reflect the Board of Directors' and owners’ desires "to make the place sparkle." He is supported by a small office and maintenance staff. Pool maintenance is done by the staff.

Outside suppliers include: Bruce Wilcox, CPA for accounting; Torres Gardening Service for landscaping; C & T Pool and Spa for pool supplies; Hi-Tech Irrigation for sprinkler supplies; Simplot for Landscape materials; H & H Ornamental for gate maintenance.

All units are privately owned; about 15% are occupied by year-round residents. Basham says homeowners are from Southern California and the Pacific Northwest, but also from places like Kansas City, Toronto and Washington, DC.

Turnover is low, says Basham, and recent sales have been in the $190,000 to $250,000 range. A few units are available for rental on a 30 day minimum basis.

Kuperstein, who has been recognized and honored by his peers as the best teaching pro in the United States, offers lessons for players at all levels. Kuperstein says, "This is a fun place; and we work hard to arrange matches for players at all levels. We’ve got good facilities, good people and we’ll be offering an on going program of tournaments, clinics, junior programs and social mixers...and more."

[Special acknowledgement and thanks to Howard Back of The Club for contributing this article]