Owensboro’s Merchant Centre Court Hosting Triples Tennis Extravaganza

My life changed forever on Sunday, July 4th, 1982. That's the day I discovered what has become my single greatest passion in life. In a small camper, watching a black and white TV, I fell in love with tennis.

See, I spent that 4th of July weekend camping with my family at Windy Hollow in Daviess County. That Sunday morning happened to be the very first Breakfast at Wimbledon broadcast on NBC. I already played tennis some- against a brick wall at our house- but I had not yet discovered my immense (and rabid) love for that game. Growing up, I was primarily focused on baseball and that absorbed most of my time. But, that day at Windy Hollow, Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe changed all that forever.

Jimmy Connors' five-set win was glorious- a testament to ferocity and grit. Though my friends at the campground were trying to get me to come outside and play kickball, I would not move from that television. I was completely engrossed. It's as if I had transported myself from Windy Hollow to the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club to watch the match in person. It was exhilarating.

Like I said, that particular match changed my life forever. That sport is now part of my identity. There's not an hour of any day that goes by without me thinking about tennis in some way- maybe it's making plans to play, or checking scores from the pro tournaments, or checking X to see if there's any breaking tennis news. My love for tennis runs through my veins and I am excited that, during National Tennis Month, I get to share that love with you.

Merchant Centre Court, where I am a member and play multiple times per week, just announced plans for a huge and fun Triples Extravaganza. It's set for Saturday, May 23rd from 10am to 12:30pm and will take place on all twelve outdoor courts as well as the six indoor courts at the facility. The goal is to fill those eighteen courts with a minimum of eight players on each. We're hoping to rally (pun intended) 144 players to hit the courts with us.

If you're not familiar with Triples, here's a look at how it's played.

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Merchant Centre Court currently hosts Triples leagues on Mondays and Thursdays from 6pm to 7:30pm, and Saturday mornings from 9:30am to 11am. If you'd like more information about them, you can drop by the club or call 270-240-4213.

Registration for the Triples Extravaganza is open now through May 20th. Team captains are encouraged to form a group of eight players and submit all names and email addresses to Noel Clayton or Charly Hayden (at Centre Court). If you attempt to recruit eight players but are having difficulty, Centre Court staff will help you fill the rest of your roster. If you do not have a group or know a Team Captain to play for, reach out with your name and email address and you'll be placed on a team.

Tennis experience is recommended. Balls will be provided. Plus, following play, there will be refreshments and food to celebrate National Tennis Month.