Tennis Pro Tourney Coming January 4-6

On January 4-6, 2013, The Racket Club (a Crystal Lake Park District facility) will host its biggest pro tournament to date, the Walt Herrick Sr. Memorial Men's Prize Money Tennis Tournament.  Tennis players already committed include worldwide-ranked professionals, former nationally-ranked collegiate players, and even recent NCAA champions. The $4,000 prize money distribution is as follows: Prize money is guaranteed. SINGLES: Champion - $1600, Finalist - $800, Semifinalists - $300. DOUBLES (per team): Champions - $600, Finalists - $300. Players may register online at: http://tennislink.usta.com/Tournaments/TournamentHome/Tournament.aspx?T=132034

The Racket Club is located at 9101 South Route 31, one mile south of Rakow Road in Algonquin. The public is invited to stop by and watch the tournament action. Admission is $5 for the entire tournament or $3 daily. There will be great close up views through the spacious lounge windows.

This tournament is a fundraiser for the Walt Herrick, Sr. Memorial Fund. Walt Herrick, Sr. was a Crystal Lake businessman who founded The Racket Club in 1972.  The Fund was created to provide scholarships to promising junior players who would otherwise not be able to afford access to tennis lessons and memberships at The Racket Club.

The Racket Club is truly excited about the opportunity to host this tournament for the 4th straight year. "Not only does this event provide the Club's members and the public a rare and special opportunity to observe great professional-quality tennis players on court, it also allows spectators the chance to interact closely with players when they are not competing," said Rob Laue, Club Manager at The Racket Club.

Any businesses or community members with an interest in promoting the great sport of tennis through a sponsorship of this event should call Rob Laue at 847-658-5688 or email him at rlaue@crystallakeparks.org. Most of the proceeds from this tournament are derived from business and individual sponsors. Sponsors and their guest will have access to courtside seating, literally putting them mere feet from the action.