Racquets at Kent Country Club

Whether you are searching for a competitive or casual tennis match, a fun winter activity on our paddle courts or a quick game of pickleball, Kent’s courts are sure to meet your needs. With three paddle courts and four clay tennis courts, one court ready for pickleball play, there is plenty to be excited about on Kent’s courts.

Tennis
- Kent's four Har-Tru clay tennis courts remain some of the finest courts in West Michigan. Maintained as long as conditions allow throughout each season, the courts provide a wonderful foundation for our tennis programming. Weekly drills are offered through the summer to accommodate multiple levels of competition, as well as a series of fast-paced cardio tennis drills, and court time that can be booked easily on the website. Lessons are available throughout the season for all levels, as well.
Pickleball
- The pickleball community at Kent continues to grow each year, and our pickleball offerings span everything from a high-level interclub group to our entry-level Learn & Play. We also offer a series of fun, high-energy mixers throughout the year. We currently play most of our pickleball on our platform courts, and we also have one clay tennis court lined for pickleball. Lessons are also available as long as weather allows.
Paddle
- The paddle facility at Kent is a landmark in the West Michigan paddle community. Our three, recently updated, courts and the paddle lounge overlooking the courts are a perfect home for a paddle community that has been a pillar of the sport in our area for decades. Weekly games are conducted by members, and we have multiple tournaments and mixers offered through the season. Court time is available via the website or app, and lessons can be booked by reaching out to the Director of Racquets.
Racquets Instruction
- Racquets lessons are available with our Director of Racquets, Luke Helm, throughout the year. Lessons are also available from our Assistant Racquets Professionals during the summer months. Our professionals offer a wide variety of lesson opportunities for men, women, and juniors, including individual, group, clinic, and drill lessons.
  
  For lessons, contact our Director of Racquets, Luke Helm at [email protected].
  
  Luke Helm held national rankings in both singles and doubles during his collegiate tennis career at Indiana Wesleyan University, where he won multiple conference titles playing #1 singles and doubles. Luke also won the ITA Midwest Regional, qualifying him for the ITA Small College National Championships (NAIA), where he finished 7th. After finishing his playing career, Luke began the first of two graduate degrees and began his coaching career at College Park Athletic Club outside Chicago where he served as Director of Men's Tennis, among other roles. Luke also served as the Head Tennis Pro at Twin Orchard Country Club and the Assistant Pro at Biltmore Country Club in the Chicagoland area.
  
  After moving to Austin, TX, Luke began a college coaching career that included stints with NCAA D1, D2, and D3 programs. Luke spent his last five years in Austin taking Concordia University Texas to a number of firsts: its first-ever winning season, its first All-American, its first conference championship, first national ranking (28th), and first trip to the NCAA tournament. He also added his second graduate degree while in Austin, and taught college courses in the English Department at Concordia. He has also jumped into pickleball and platform tennis and holds PPR and PPTR certifications, respectively. Luke won the 2022 Hertz Pickleball National Championship (4.5) in Orlando, FL, with his brother, Joel, and now has a DUPR over 5.25.
  
  The breadth of Luke's playing, coaching, and teaching experience has made Luke into a uniquely-equipped teacher of racquet sports. He loves helping athletes attain their goals, and he views his work on court as a privilege -- an opportunity to partner with his clients as they look to add something valuable to their lives.

In The Heart of The City

Your Home Away From Home

With our unique location just minutes from downtown Grand Rapids, Kent Country Club offers a seat that is simply unparalleled in the heart of the city. With over 120 years of culture & camaraderie and a history of tradition & excellence, Kent Country Club can quickly become your home away from home.

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