- November 23, 2024
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Tommy Paul gets a point from a backhand winner. Photo by Jeff Dawsey
Facundo Arguello, Juan Ignacio Londero, Julian Bradley and Isaiah Strode Photos by Adelet Kegley
Renta Tokuda and Tommy Paul
The Palm Coast Tennis Center recently wrapped up two weeks of hosting the USTA Pro Circuit Men’s Futures Tournament for the eighth straight year.
The tournament attracted tourists from around the U.S. as well as from other countries.
“The length of stay for the tournament is very attractive for us,” said Executive Director of the Flagler County Tourist Development Office Matt Dunn, who watched the men’s final. “This is not your typical weekend activity. We always look forward to studying each year to see what affect this tournament has on our tourism and hospitality communities.”
Also in attendance were City Council Member Nick Klufas and Mayor Melissa Holland, who says she often draws inspiration from the “real pros” to use in her play, whenever she plays socially — but competitively.
“Anytime we can get a professional tournament to one of our facilities,” she said, “it really adds value and brings recognition. It’s an economic boost. Those visitors are spending money on our businesses, eating in our restaurants, and they’re looking at Palm Coast as a beautiful recreational community.”
Tournament Director and Palm Coast Tennis Center Supervisor Debbie Stanfield and Dunn both mentioned the goal of hosting more tournament, including other USTA adult tournaments and junior and women’s tournaments.
“If we could get some more courts, that would be helpful, Stanfield said. “And we would also need a bigger facility as far as the clubhouse. Right now, we use fire station showers. It would be great if we had more amenities here. Ladies tournaments are required to have showers on premises, so we need to get locker room facilities.”
