Experience world-class tennis at 3,000 feet elevation with Burlingame’s premium Har-Tru courts, professional instruction, and exceptional amenities nestled in North Carolina’s stunning Blue Ridge Mountains.
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Burlingame Tennis Experience: Premium Courts in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Imagine playing tennis at 3,000 feet, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. At Burlingame Country Club, our tennis facilities offer more than just a game—they provide an experience where nature and sport come together in perfect harmony. Our four professional-grade Har-Tru clay courts blend seamlessly with the mountain landscape, creating an environment where every serve, volley, and match becomes part of “The Best of Times.”

Table of Contents

• Premier Har-Tru Tennis Courts
• Court Specifications & Surface Benefits
• Professional Instruction & Programs
• Tournament & Interclub Play Opportunities
• Practice Facilities & Training Resources
• Tennis Clubhouse & Player Amenities
• Court Reservation System & Policies
• Tennis Community & Social Events
• Youth Tennis Programs & Family Activities
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Member Testimonials
• Contact Us

Premier Har-Tru Tennis Courts

The tennis experience at Burlingame begins with our four meticulously maintained Har-Tru clay courts. These courts aren’t just playing surfaces—they’re carefully crafted environments designed to enhance your game while providing an unmatched connection to our mountain setting.

Each court is positioned to take advantage of natural shade patterns throughout the day, offering comfortable play even during summer months. The courts feature professional-grade lighting for evening matches, allowing you to extend your tennis enjoyment well after sunset when the mountains take on their magical evening glow.

What makes our courts truly special is their integration with the surrounding landscape. Native stone retaining walls and carefully preserved mature trees create natural borders and windbreaks. Between points, you might catch glimpses of the distant Blue Ridge peaks or hear the gentle sounds of nearby streams that define the Burlingame experience.

Court Specifications & Surface Benefits

Our choice of Har-Tru clay for Burlingame’s tennis courts wasn’t arbitrary. This premium surface offers substantial benefits to players of all ages and abilities that perfectly align with our community values.

Har-Tru’s composition creates a playing surface that’s 25% cooler than hard courts—a welcome feature during warm Carolina summers. The slightly cushioned surface is significantly gentler on joints and muscles, allowing for longer play with reduced fatigue and lower injury risk. Many members find they can extend their tennis years well beyond what would be possible on traditional hard courts.

The surface also influences gameplay, with a moderately paced bounce that rewards well-constructed points rather than simply power hitting. Balls tend to sit up slightly higher than on hard courts, creating opportunities for players to develop more varied shot-making skills and strategic approaches.

Each court is built to precise tournament specifications with proper drainage systems that quickly restore playability after mountain rain showers. The subtle green coloring of our Har-Tru courts complements the natural surroundings, creating a visually harmonious environment that enhances the overall playing experience.

Professional Instruction & Programs

Tennis at Burlingame thrives under the guidance of our resident tennis professionals who bring experience from top clubs across the country. Our instructional approach emphasizes personalized attention and creating positive experiences for players at every stage of development.

Private lessons offer focused skill development tailored to your specific goals and playing style. Our pros excel at identifying subtle adjustments that can make significant improvements to your game, whether you’re working on a consistent serve, reliable backhand, or advanced net play.

Semi-private lessons provide a middle ground between individual attention and the social aspects of the game. These sessions are popular among friends and couples who enjoy learning together while still receiving substantial instructor feedback.

Group clinics run throughout the season focusing on specific skills or strategies. From beginner fundamentals to advanced tactical sessions, these clinics create a supportive environment where members learn from both pros and each other. Many lasting friendships at Burlingame have begun during these shared learning experiences.

For those seeking more intensive development, our pros offer video analysis sessions that provide detailed visual feedback on your strokes, footwork, and positioning. These technical insights are always delivered with the encouraging approach that defines the Burlingame community.

Tournament & Interclub Play Opportunities

The spirit of friendly competition flourishes on Burlingame’s tennis courts through our thoughtfully structured tournament program. Rather than emphasizing elimination and rankings, our events focus on maximizing court time, creating social connections, and celebrating the joy of the game.

Our signature event, the Mountain Tennis Championship, brings members together each summer for a weekend celebration of tennis. With multiple divisions based on playing style rather than strict skill levels, everyone finds an appropriate competitive outlet. The championship culminates in finals matches viewed from our clubhouse deck, creating a festive atmosphere that honors players of all abilities.

Monthly mixed doubles round-robins provide regular opportunities for casual competition and meeting new playing partners. The format ensures you’ll play multiple short matches with different partners and opponents, expanding your tennis connections throughout the club.

For those seeking competition beyond Burlingame, our interclub matches with neighboring mountain clubs create friendly rivalries and opportunities to experience different playing environments. These home-and-away events have become favorite traditions, often extending beyond tennis to shared meals and lasting friendships between communities.

Our tennis staff handles all tournament organization, from thoughtful scheduling to arranging post-play refreshments. Your only responsibility is to show up ready to play and connect with fellow tennis enthusiasts.

Practice Facilities & Training Resources

Developing your tennis skills at Burlingame extends beyond formal instruction through our comprehensive practice amenities designed for self-directed improvement.

Adjacent to the main courts, our dedicated practice area features a hitting wall with marked target zones for precision training. This space allows for concentrated repetition of specific shots without the need for a partner—perfect for working on that troublesome backhand or experimenting with new serving techniques.

Two professional-grade ball machines are available for member use, offering consistent feeds for every shot imaginable. From basic groundstroke practice to complex drilling patterns that simulate match situations, these machines provide reliable practice partners whenever you need them.

Our tennis pavilion houses a small but well-equipped training area with tennis-specific strength and flexibility tools. Resistance bands, balance equipment, and targeted exercise guides help members develop the physical foundations that support improved on-court performance.

For those interested in the mental aspects of tennis, our club library includes resources on strategy, psychology, and the inner game. Many members find these resources valuable complements to their physical practice, especially when mountain weather occasionally interrupts outdoor play.

The practice facilities embody Burlingame’s philosophy that tennis improvement should be accessible, enjoyable, and integrated with the overall club experience rather than isolated technical training.

Tennis Clubhouse & Player Amenities

The Burlingame tennis experience extends beyond the courts themselves to include our thoughtfully designed tennis pavilion and comprehensive player services.

Our tennis clubhouse serves as both functional space and social hub, featuring comfortable changing facilities, secure storage for personal equipment, and a covered viewing deck perfectly positioned to observe matches on all four courts. The pavilion’s architectural style mirrors the main clubhouse with natural materials that blend harmoniously with the mountain setting.

Inside, our tennis pro shop offers essential equipment and convenient services. Whether you need your racquet restrung with a 24-hour turnaround, require a new grip before your match, or want to demo the latest racquet technology, our shop provides solutions without the need to leave the mountain.

Complimentary towel service and water stations ensure player comfort during Carolina’s warmer months, while the pavilion’s stone fireplace creates a welcoming gathering place during spring and fall when mountain evenings bring a refreshing chill to the air.

Perhaps most importantly, the pavilion features a casual refreshment area where players naturally gather after matches. These informal post-play conversations often become cherished parts of the Burlingame tennis tradition, where friendly analysis of the day’s play blends with laughter and strengthened connections.

Court Reservation System & Policies

We’ve created a reservation system that balances accessibility, fairness, and spontaneity to ensure all members can enjoy our tennis facilities on their own schedules.

Court reservations can be made up to one week in advance through our online member portal or tennis pro shop. The system is designed for ease of use, allowing you to book courts, sign up for clinics, or join upcoming social events in just a few clicks. For those who prefer personal interaction, our tennis staff is always available to assist with bookings by phone or in person.

Prime-time slots are managed with a rotating priority system that ensures all tennis-playing members have fair access throughout the season. This approach reflects Burlingame’s community values—creating systems that serve everyone rather than just the most active or tech-savvy members.

We maintain a realistic cancellation policy that acknowledges mountain weather patterns and vacation uncertainties. While we request 24-hour notice for cancellations when possible, we never penalize members for weather-related changes or unexpected schedule conflicts. This good-faith approach reinforces the mutual respect that characterizes our community.

During quieter periods, we maintain an open court policy where reservations aren’t always necessary. Many members appreciate these spontaneous playing opportunities that align with the relaxed pace of mountain living. Our tennis staff can advise on typically quieter times for those who prefer less structured play.

Tennis Community & Social Events

At Burlingame, tennis transcends sport to become a vibrant social cornerstone of our community. Our calendar features thoughtfully planned events that use tennis as a starting point for meaningful connections between members.

Weekly social round-robins welcome players of all abilities in a relaxed format where enjoyment takes precedence over competition. These popular gatherings often continue long after the last point as players move from courts to clubhouse for refreshments and conversation. Many new Burlingame members cite these events as their gateway into the broader club community.

Our tennis mixers pair the joy of casual play with themed social gatherings. From “Whites and Wine” evenings that honor tennis traditions to light-hearted “Serving and S’mores” family events, these occasions blend athletic enjoyment with the pleasures of shared experiences.

Special exhibitions occasionally bring teaching professionals or former tour players to Burlingame for demonstrations, clinics, and friendly matches with members. These events provide both entertainment and inspiration while connecting our mountain tennis community to the broader world of the sport.

The Tennis Committee, comprised of enthusiastic member volunteers, helps shape programming that reflects community interests. This collaborative approach ensures our tennis offerings remain fresh, relevant, and aligned with what matters most to our members.

Youth Tennis Programs & Family Activities

Burlingame’s commitment to family experiences shines through our youth tennis programming, thoughtfully designed to nurture both skills and enjoyment among our youngest members.

Children’s clinics are organized by both age and experience level, ensuring appropriate challenges and successes for every young player. Our teaching pros specialize in creating engaging, high-energy sessions where fundamental skills develop naturally through game-based activities rather than technical drills.

The Junior Development pathway provides a clear but pressure-free progression for children showing particular interest or aptitude. From basic stroke development through tactical awareness and match play, young players can advance at their own pace while always maintaining the joy of the game.

Family doubles events have become cherished traditions, allowing parents and children to share the court in both competitive and cooperative formats. These multi-generational matches often create lasting memories and inside jokes that families treasure for years.

During summer months, our weekly junior round-robins and pizza parties combine tennis play with social time, helping children form friendships that extend beyond the courts. Many of our longest member relationships began with children meeting through these tennis programs, later growing into adult friendships that span decades.

All youth programming emphasizes Burlingame’s core values: respecting the game’s traditions, showing sportsmanship, enjoying the mountain setting, and building community connections that extend well beyond tennis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tennis equipment is available to rent or borrow at Burlingame?

Our tennis shop maintains a selection of demo racquets available for members to use during their stay. We also offer complimentary use of ball machines (reservation required), practice balls, and basic training aids. For those who prefer to travel light, we keep a small inventory of quality rental racquets and can provide everything needed for a spontaneous match.

How does weather affect clay court availability at Burlingame?

Our Har-Tru courts typically dry much faster than traditional clay surfaces. After light rain, courts often become playable within 30-60 minutes. For heavier rainfall, our maintenance team expedites the drying process, often making courts available within 2-3 hours. During the occasional mountain thunderstorms, our pavilion provides a comfortable shelter where members can wait while enjoying refreshments and conversation.

Are tennis lessons included in membership or priced separately?

Individual and group lessons are priced separately from membership fees. We offer various instructional packages designed to accommodate different goals and budgets. Many members opt for seasonal lesson packages that provide regular instruction throughout their stay at Burlingame. The tennis shop can provide current pricing for all instructional options, and members can easily add charges to their club account.

Member Testimonials

Experience Tennis at Burlingame

Tennis at Burlingame Country Club embodies our commitment to creating “The Best of Times” through exceptional facilities, thoughtful programming, and meaningful community connections. From the perfectly maintained Har-Tru courts to the welcoming atmosphere of our tennis pavilion, every element is designed to enhance your enjoyment of the game against the breathtaking backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Whether you’re looking to improve your skills, engage in friendly competition, or simply enjoy the special pleasure of playing tennis in one of America’s most beautiful settings, our tennis program offers experiences that become treasured memories.

For current members, we invite you to stop by the tennis shop to learn more about upcoming events or schedule your next court time. For those considering membership, we welcome your inquiry about how tennis at Burlingame might become part of your mountain lifestyle.

Your private tennis adventure awaits—we look forward to seeing you on the courts.