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Doublegate tennis continues to thrive

Scott Chancey

ALBANY — Sitting at a table situated between six hard courts and five clay courts, Doublegate Country Club head tennis pro Rick Crutcher took in the slower pace that cities like Albany offer.

Doublegate Country Club Head Pro: Rick Crutcher Years at Club: Since August Type of Club: Private (only members can play, but nonmembers can take adult and junior private lessons and participate in clinics). Hours of Operation: 8 a.m. -12:30 p.m.,  3 p.m.-8 p.m. Courts: Five Clay, six hard (all lighted). Types of activities: Social round robin mixers, USTA league and team tennis, EZ Tennis League Membership information: 229-436-6501; pro shop 229-436-9111

That’s what brought him to Doublegate — a club that has 150 active tennis players — from Atlanta in August, replacing Wade Brown.

“It’s slower, easier, it’s a better quality of life than what we had in Atlanta,” said Crutcher, who previously was tennis director at Piedmont Driving Club. “It didn’t take long to adjust.”

Not only are there 150 active tennis players at Doublegate, Crutcher added that almost 30 juniors are taking instruction.

“I think it’s very important, more important to focus on the junior players and make it fun for them,” Crutcher said.

The clay, Hartrue courts need to be watered more than once a day to keep those surfaces at optimum playing conditions, and the hard courts — despite the heat — remain excellent surfaces to compete on.

When it comes to future events expected at Doublegate, the Summer Sizzler in August is one to watch for. It is an adult doubles tournament for members and non members. Adult and junior league events also are held there throughout the year.

For now, junior clinics —open to both members and non members — are held Mondays and Wednesdays 4:45-6 p.m., and advanced classes Tuesdays and Thursdays 4-5:50 p.m.

Although Crutcher had a youthful outlook about him, he has actually been coaching tennis for more than 20 years. He had played tennis as long as he could remember, and while playing collegiately at Southwest Texas State, he taught often during the summers.

His love for teaching tennis grew while he was at Kennebunk (Maine) River Club — a summer retreat for former President George H.W. Bush. Then while in Boca Raton, Fla., where practiced with former ATP player and current ESPN commentator Mal Washington and was ranked with Dave Provence as Florida’s top-ranked 30’s doubles team, that passion grew. But on Wednesday, all that was behind him, enjoying an uncommonly cool Southwest Georgia day. While resting at the table, not long after giving some lessons, Crutcher expanded on his tennis philosophy.

“What I try to do is teach the basics and build around what skills the players already have,” he said. “It’s important for players to know what to do in different situations, and not only make the right decisions but also have the discipline to follow through on them.”

While hitting with players like Washington, Crutcher himself grew as a player and gained a new appreciation for the sport.

“I learned how much of a mental game it was,” he said. “It is physical and mental, and you have to be really prepared in both areas of the game.”

Although Crutcher’s job may seem easy, just hitting a yellow fuzzy ball all day, he assures the fact his job involves much more.

“Although it has its benefits, people sometimes misunderstand how easy they think this can be,” Crutcher said. “Just like every other job, there is the good and the bad. There are a lot of long hours, and it’s physically taxing, and you’re outdoors in the heat all the time.

“But you do get to deal with people who are not at work, so they’re at ease,” he added. “They’re there socially, and they’re just on the court to have a fun time.”

Donna Freelander, president of the Albany Tennis Association, is one of those impressed with the job Crutcher has done so far.

“He’s an excellent instructor,” she said. “He has a very good way about explaining everything.”

For more information, please call Crutcher at 436-9111.

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