Tennis in Cary, NC: Complete Guide
Quick Guide for Visitors & New Residents
Start Playing Today
7-Day Visitor Plan
- Day 1: Get Cary Tennis Park annual pass ($150 resident, $300 non-resident) for unlimited court access and reservation privileges
- Days 2-3: Reserve covered courts ($8/hour) for guaranteed play regardless of weather
- Days 4-7: Join social play sessions or post on Triangle NC Tennis Facebook to find hitting partners of your level
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I find hitting partners in Cary?
For Residents:
For Visitors:
Q: What's the best way to secure court times during a 7-day visit?
Best Option: Purchase a Cary Tennis Park annual pass ($300 non-resident). This allows you to make advance reservations for outdoor courts and guarantees access even during peak times.
Alternative Options:
- Covered Courts: Reserve up to 2 days in advance by calling (919) 462-2061. Available Monday-Sunday 8am-10pm. No rainouts!
- Satellite Parks: Reserve courts at Annie Jones Park, Dunham Park, Godbold Park, McCrimmon Park, or Middle Creek Park for $8/hour
- Walk-Up Play: Outdoor courts at Cary Tennis Park are free first-come, first-served when not reserved
- Private Clubs: Some clubs like Prestonwood Country Club offer guest passes through members
Q: How do I join private or group lessons?
Public Programs (Cary Tennis Park):
- Visit carync.gov for current class schedules
- Call (919) 462-2061 for lesson request form (note: they have a waitlist)
- Group clinics: Evening Adult Tennis Level I & II, Daytime Drills (Levels I-III)
Western Wake Tennis Association:
- Email info@westernwaketennis.com for clinic information
- Try Tennis program: $40 for 6 hours of instruction plus free racquet (kids and adults)
- Weeknight and weekend programs available
Private Instructors:
Q: As a beginner to intermediate player (NTRP 2.0-4.0), how do I connect with similar-skill players?
USTA Leagues (Skill-Based):
Social Programs:
- WWTA Triples - 3v3 cardio-style program for players who can rally from baseline (2.5-3.0 friendly)
- WWTA Winter Warm UP League - doubles league in heated covered courts
- Triangle Tennis Enthusiasts Meetup - organized sessions for 1.5-5.0 players
Online Platforms:
Beginner-Friendly Programs:
- Try Tennis (WWTA) - $40 for 6 sessions, perfect for 2.0-2.5 players
- Cardio Tennis - fitness-focused, less competitive, all levels welcome
Tennis Associations
Western Wake Tennis Association (WWTA)
Website: westernwaketennis.com
Contact: info@westernwaketennis.com | laura@westernwaketennis.com
Location: 1249 Kildaire Farm Rd #144, Cary, NC
Non-profit organization promoting tennis growth in Western Wake County. Manages USTA leagues, social leagues, and beginner programs throughout Cary, Apex, Morrisville, and Holly Springs.
Programs:
- Try Tennis: $40 for 6 hours + free racquet
- USTA Adult League (year-round)
- USTA Tri-Level (2.5/3.0/3.5)
- USTA Mixed Doubles
- Winter Warm UP League (covered courts)
- Spring Mixed League (3 courts per match)
- Triples (3v3 cardio program)
USTA North Carolina
Website: nctennis.com
State affiliate of the United States Tennis Association. Cary Tennis Park is a USTA-affiliated facility hosting sanctioned tournaments and leagues.
Online Communities & Meetup Groups
Triangle NC Tennis Facebook Group
Platform: facebook.com
Members: 1,800+
Active community for finding hitting partners, organizing matches, and sharing tennis events in Cary, Raleigh, and Durham area.
Raleigh Tennis League Meetup
Website: meetup.com/raleigh-tennis-league
Members: 645
Connects players on courts throughout Raleigh, Durham, and Cary. Regular organized sessions.
The Raleigh-Durham Tennis Meetup
Website: meetup.com/rdutennis
Members: 3,696
Welcomes all skill levels. One of the largest tennis communities in the Triangle area.
Triangle Tennis Enthusiasts (TTE)
Platform: Meetup
Organizes adult tennis match play at Cary Tennis Park. Skill levels from 1.5 (beginner+) to 5.0 (advanced).
Global Tennis Network
Website: globaltennisnetwork.com
Local Players: 1,100+
Search platform to find tennis partners in Cary by skill level, availability, and location.
Tennis Courts
Public Facilities
Cary Tennis Park (CTP)
Address: 2727 Louis Stephens Dr, Cary, NC 27519
Phone: (919) 462-2061
Website: carync.gov/recreation-enjoyment/facilities/cary-tennis-park
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 8am-10pm
Courts:
- 32 total championship courts
- 25 outdoor courts
- 7 covered courts (heated, all-weather)
- 4 QuickStart courts (youth tennis)
- 1 stadium court with permanent seating
- 4 lighted pickleball courts
Description: Largest public tennis facility in North Carolina and one of the largest in the Southeast. Nestled on 24 acres with world-class amenities.
Amenities:
- Locker rooms with showers
- Meeting rooms
- Pro shop (10% discount for passholders)
- Snack bar
- Racquet stringing services
Reservations & Pricing:
- Annual Pass: $150 (resident), $300 (non-resident) - unlimited play + reservation privileges
- Covered Courts: Reserve up to 2 days in advance, $8/hour
- Outdoor Courts: Free walk-up play, reservations for passholders only
- Book via Plan-2-Play system or call (919) 462-2061
CTP Tennis Academy: Competitive junior program that has sent 35 players to varsity collegiate programs. CTP players have won 14 gold balls at Junior National Championships.
Additional Public Courts (Satellite Facilities)
Annie Jones Park
Courts: 6 lighted tennis courts
Reservations: $8/hour, available through Town of Cary
Robert V. Godbold Park
Courts: 6 lighted tennis courts
Reservations: $8/hour
Middle Creek School Park
Courts: 8 lighted tennis courts
Reservations: $8/hour
Dunham Park
Reservations: $8/hour
McCrimmon Park
Reservations: $8/hour
Pickleball Open Play: Mondays 7-9pm
Private Tennis Clubs
Prestonwood Country Club
Address: 300 Prestonwood Pkwy, Cary, NC
Website: prestonwood.com
Courts:
- 15 total courts
- 6 composition clay courts
- 9 all-weather courts
- Stadium court with lights for evening play
Programs:
- Year-round competitive and social tennis for all ages
- Men's and women's programs (beginners - 4.5 NTRP)
- Junior programs (toddlers - high school)
- 4 full-time teaching professionals
- Junior clinics 5 nights per week
- Summer camps
- USTA league teams
Additional Amenities: 54 holes of championship golf, fitness center, aquatics, Kids Club
MacGregor Downs Country Club
Website: macgregordowns.org
Private club established 1967, located on shores of Lake MacGregor. Scottish heritage-themed club offering tennis among other amenities. Membership required.
Kildaire Farms Racquet & Swim Club
Address: 162 Pebble Creek Dr, Cary, NC
Private racquet and swim club serving local neighborhoods.
Lochmere Swim & Tennis Club
Private community club combining swimming and tennis facilities.
Lessons & Coaching
Public Tennis Programs
Cary Tennis Park Academy
Contact: (919) 462-2061
Website: carync.gov
Head Pro: Reid - supervises all developmental junior and adult programming
Programs:
- Private lessons (request via online form - waitlist exists)
- Group clinics for adults
- Evening Adult Tennis Level I & II (ages 16+)
- Daytime Drills Level I, II, III
- Junior teams and camps
Note: CTP is working through a large backlog of lesson requests. Consider booking in advance or exploring other instructors.
Tennis Instruction Services
PlayYourCourt
Website: playyourcourt.com
Certified tennis pros for all ages and levels. Coaches are thoroughly vetted by staff and reviewed by clients. Professional matching service.
Tennisbloc
Website: tennisbloc.com
Year-round tennis programs and classes for kids and adults. Seasonal classes from beginner through intermediate levels.
MyTennisLessons
Website: mytennislessons.com
Average Cost: $45-65/hour
Platform connecting students with local tennis instructors. Multiple pros available in Cary area.
FindTennisLessons.com
Website: findtennislessons.com
Pricing: From $35/hour
Tennis lessons for beginners, kids, teens, and adults.
Alluvit
Website: alluvit.com
Comparison platform featuring 24+ certified tennis coaches in Cary. Compare rates, reviews, and specialties.
Private Instructors
Robert Allen Gibson
Rate: $75/hour (discounts available)
Service Areas: Cary, Raleigh, Morrisville, Apex, Holly Springs
Private instruction with flexible scheduling and possible discounted rates for local students.
Polina C.
Platform: mytennislessons.com
Independent tennis coach available in Cary area through MyTennisLessons platform.
Cardio Tennis
Raleigh Tennis Association
Website: raleightennis.com
Format: 6-week program, 60 minutes per class
Fitness-focused tennis program building stamina and skills progressively each week.
Typical Pricing
- Private lessons: $35-75/hour (individual instructors)
- Average rate: $45-65/hour (MyTennisLessons)
- Premium instruction: $60-150/hour
- Package deals: $200-500 for five 1-hour lessons
- Try Tennis (WWTA): $40 for 6 hours + free racquet
- Group clinics: Vary by facility and program
Shops & Services
Tennis Specialty Shops
Bryans Tennis
Website: bryanstennis.com
Description: Triangle area's newest tennis specialty shop serving Cary, Raleigh, and surrounding communities.
Products:
- Racquets: Babolat, Head, Wilson, Yonex, Dunlop, Prince
- Shoes: Asics, Adidas, Nike, Mizuno
- Apparel and tennis clothing
- Tennis balls and accessories
- Team sales and bulk orders
Services:
- Professional racquet stringing
- Racquet customization
- Re-gripping
Stringers
Website: stringerstennis.com
Description: Raleigh's tennis specialty shop serving the greater Raleigh area including Cary.
One-stop shop for all tennis needs including equipment, apparel, and stringing services.
High Strung Tennis
Website: highstrungtennis.com
Location: Near Crabtree Valley Mall
Description: Home-based racquet service business specializing in quality tennis stringing and grips without premium prices.
Services tailored to each player's individual needs and preferences.
Cary Tennis Park Pro Shop
Phone: (919) 462-2061
Website: carync.gov
Products:
- Tennis racquets
- Tennis balls
- Accessories
Services:
- Professional stringing
- Equipment consultation
Discount: 10% off for Cary Tennis Park annual passholders
General Sporting Goods (Tennis Sections)
While these aren't tennis specialty shops, they carry basic tennis equipment:
- PGA TOUR Superstore - Golf and tennis equipment
- Academy Sports & Outdoors - General sporting goods including tennis
- Play It Again Sports - New and used sporting equipment
- Fleet Feet - Athletic footwear including tennis shoes
Why Cary is Great for Tennis
For the Tennis Traveler
Cary, North Carolina stands out as a premier tennis destination in the Southeast United States. Here's why tennis enthusiasts from around the country make Cary a must-visit:
World-Class Public Facilities
Cary Tennis Park is the largest public tennis facility in North Carolina and among the largest in the Southeast with 32 championship courts. Unlike many major cities where top facilities are private, Cary's flagship venue is accessible to all visitors.
- 7 covered courts mean guaranteed play regardless of weather
- Stadium court hosts professional ATP Tour events
- Open year-round with extensive hours (8am-10pm daily)
- Affordable non-resident annual pass ($300) provides unlimited access
Active Tennis Community
The Triangle area (Raleigh-Durham-Cary) is the fourth-most-active tennis community in the United States. This translates to:
- Easy to find hitting partners at any skill level (1,100+ players on Global Tennis Network)
- Multiple active online communities (3,600+ in Meetup groups, 1,800+ on Facebook)
- Year-round leagues and tournaments
- Welcoming culture for visitors and newcomers
Professional Tennis Events
Cary regularly hosts professional and elite amateur tournaments:
- Atlantic Tire Championships - ATP Tour event featuring world top-15 players like Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, Jack Sock, and Tommy Paul
- Cary Tennis Championships - USTA National L3 tournament
- ITA Women's All-American Championships - Elite college tennis
- Opportunity to watch professional matches and meet players
Quality Coaching & Development
The CTP Tennis Academy has produced impressive results:
- 35 players advanced to varsity collegiate tennis programs
- 14 gold balls won at USTA Junior National Championships
- Access to professional instruction at multiple price points ($35-150/hour)
- 4+ full-time pros at Prestonwood Country Club alone
Geographic & Climate Advantages
- Mild Climate: Year-round outdoor play with occasional winter breaks
- Covered Courts: Heated covered courts at CTP eliminate weather concerns
- Location: Easy access from RDU International Airport (15 minutes from Cary)
- Amenities: Modern facilities with locker rooms, showers, pro shops, and dining
Diversity of Options
Whether you're a beginner or advanced player, visitor or resident, Cary offers:
- Free courts at satellite parks (walk-up play)
- Premium public facilities at Cary Tennis Park ($8/hour covered courts)
- Private clubs with clay courts at Prestonwood (15 courts total)
- Social leagues (WWTA, USTA) for all NTRP levels
- Competitive tournaments from local to national level
For the Community Organizer
If you're passionate about building tennis communities, Cary provides:
- Strong support from Western Wake Tennis Association (non-profit, community-focused)
- Town of Cary Parks & Recreation backing and funding
- Existing infrastructure to launch new programs
- Active online communities eager for organized play
- Facilities suitable for hosting events (stadium court, 32 total courts)
Beyond Tennis
Cary offers an exceptional quality of life for tennis travelers:
- Top-rated schools and safe neighborhoods
- Thriving food scene with diverse restaurants
- Cultural attractions including performing arts center
- Proximity to Research Triangle Park and major universities (Duke, UNC, NC State)
- Easy weekend trips to beaches (2 hours) or mountains (3 hours)
The Verdict
Cary punches above its weight as a tennis destination. While not as famous as tennis hubs like Florida or California, it offers superior public facilities, an incredibly active community, professional events, and genuine Southern hospitality. For the avid tennis traveler who values quality courts, competitive play, and authentic community connections, Cary, NC is a hidden gem worth discovering.
Additional Resources
Tournament Information
Local Tennis News
Court Finder Tools
Contact Information
- Cary Tennis Park: (919) 462-2061
- Western Wake Tennis Association: info@westernwaketennis.com
- Town of Cary Parks & Recreation: carync.gov/recreation-enjoyment
Last updated: 2025. Information subject to change. Please verify details with facilities directly before visiting.