The Grass is Always Greener
November 23, 2008 by HeatherM
Tennis whites, while maybe a thing of the past, will always evoke a certain kind of style, as will grass tennis courts. It’s that country club connotation, as in, “I’m going to the club to frolick with Dabney and Percy.” (Don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about.)
But Wood N Racket Farm (get it?) goes against all of that. Three parts athletic club, two parts social, the Farm is a racquet sports club boasting the only grass tennis courts in all of Virginia. And it’s just 30 miles from Charlottesville, toward Richmond. If you’re an avid tennis player and you’ve never had the pleasure to play on grass, here’s your opportunity. But remember to bring your sense of humor (that, or your A-game) because let’s just say the ball doesn’t always bounce the way you’re used to. There’s always the har-tru courts if you get seriously frustrated. Plus, in the winter, when the grass is “dormant,” the courts are turned into a croquet field.
Located on 40 acres that include nature trails and a beautiful lake, the scenery alone is worth the trip. Wood N Racket Farm also has one of only two doubles squash courts in Virginia (the second is our own local Boar’s Head). Are you thinking this is all too athetic for you? How about a game of badminton? Remember 7th grade gym glass? Well, forget it! I played recently at the Farm and couldn’t believe how great a workout it was, but the best part is that anyone can pick it up. So, hang out on the porch, fire up the barbecue, or play a few games of ping pong, but you’re sure to have a good time at the Farm!
There are a variety of membership plans (and “try-it-out” incentives) available that will accommodate your needs. (Already a member at Farmington, Glenmore, ACAC? Plan a fun group outing for your team.) Mostly, owner Tommy Richards just wants to get folks interested in racquet sports again. He’s a great coach with an even better attitude. His one rule? “Leave your ego at the door.” (Think more Chris Evert and less John McEnroe.)
This ain’t your grandaddy’s country club!
Sounds like too much fun! Camp for adults. But do I have to wear white??
awesome! i’m popping my collar right now and definitely going to check that out!!
What!?! Frolicking at the country club with Dabney and Percy is the best!
I understand from their website, owner is a U.of Richmond former tennis coach, and the lake is private/underfished with hiking trails, offer indoor badminton for winter fitness AND squash, and grass tennis? (one of my life goals is to play on grass!)….is this my personal heaven?
Love it! wish i could partake in the fun, sounds like a blast.
I was out there for a game day. It’s hard to describe the fun and relaxing atmosphere without just going! I think the grass courts are closed until the spring, but it’s still worth a trip out there to enjoy The Farm. Tommy is great and very helpful and willing to teach/answer questions for the games we haven’t played in so many years.
Great update, HM
Croquet field!? No way.. who wants to go for an afternoon croquet game?
Should I unearth my old Davis Imperial wood racket (excuse me, racquet), though its badly warped, to bring to stay in style w. the grass? Or is it ok with the farm etiquette to play w. crude graphite cinder blocks/modern rackets? Also, since many of us don’t get the chance to play badmitten often and don’t own a racket and shuttlecock, nor a squash racket, does the farm rent them? Can’t wait to try out this place! JB
JB, please bring your Davis Imperial racket, I will trade you a graphite something, so I might add the Davis to my collection. When you come to the farm, never worry about equipment, I have everything you will need, and I PROVIDE, I would never rent something to a guest ! Hope to see you at the farm sometime soon…..Coach
JB - my mistake, Coach spells it racket (both are correct)! You heard it from the horse’s mouth — don’t let a lack of equipment stop you from heading out, although i would definitely recommend calling ahead or organzing a group. But your Davis Imperial will fit in perfect with the decor — tons of old school racquets, shoes, balls, cans, etc. set up over the fireplace mantel. Very nostalgic!
It IS like camp for adults, and no, you do NOT have to wear white, but popped collars would get a laugh. Rod Lavers would be stylish as well! Maybe we can give people nicknames like Muffy and Mimsy? ; )
It truly is a wonderland of entertainment!
Hey Heather: Enjoyed reading your nice portrayal of the atmosphere at the Wood n Racquet Farm. How about you & I teaming up to challenge Dabney & Percy in a doubles match.
I joined over a year ago, after not having played competitively for almost 15 years. Coach Richards got me excited about playing again and after getting my A-game (uh, maybe B+-game) back, I’m confident playing with the big girls back in Richmond again. There really is something for everyone at The Farm. Check out his website and see for yourself. http://www.woodnracket.org/index.htm
John B and Johnny P - we should get together a group and have our own dubs fun down there next spring! Can I borrow some “white’s”?? ; )
By the way, does anyone else notice how large and long the racquet that lady at the top has?? Makes today’s oversize racquets look small! Bet it’s got an awesome sweet spot, eh?
I know Dabney, but WHO is Percy?
HH–sounds like a fun road trip for some dubs down memory lane, but I don’t have grass memories?~~yet!…and I’m getting my 5 wt. fly line ready for some spring action on that underfished lake…the bluegills and largemouths will have NO chance
speaking of size! Check out the size of Chrissie’s racket? Isn’t that a standard Wilson Jack Kramer with the short grip not accommodating the two hand backhand, circa 1975? Its approx. the same size as her. I’ve already heard some ABC folks may get a membership at The Farm!
This place sounds awesome. Can’t wait for warm weather and a round robin in the spring. Thanks for your review, Heather!
Anyone know of indoor courts other than Boar’s Head?
Tommy (or Heather, I forget which) had a great quote on tuesday…
“Instead of a country club, Wood N Racket is a club in the country.” I finally played the badminton and was just laughing the whole time. Incredible fun.
Sounds to me like it gives new meaning to the phrase, “Whichever way the ball bounces…”