The easiest ways are joining USTA leagues through the Columbia Tennis League (columbiatennisleague.net), using PlayYourCourt (playyourcourt.com) to connect with local players, visiting busy public courts during peak hours, or contacting Columbia Tennis Association (playtennis.usta.com) for community connections.
For short-term visitors, your best options are using PlayYourCourt (playyourcourt.com) to schedule sessions with local players or pros, showing up at Columbia Tennis Center or Southeast Park during busy times (weekday evenings 5-8pm, weekend mornings 9am-12pm), or posting in local tennis groups. Many visiting players also book a lesson with a local coach who can arrange hitting sessions.
For a week-long visit, the Columbia Tennis Center is your best option with guaranteed availability at $3/person/hour. Call ahead at (803) 733-8440 for reservations. Southeast Park Tennis Center operates first-come, first-served but has 16 courts making availability good. The Lexington County Tennis Complex (803-957-7676) offers 21 courts. Many city park courts are free and unreserved - check parksandrec.columbiasc.gov for locations.
Group lessons are available through Greenview Park for all skill levels (contact Parks & Recreation at 803-754-5223), the Columbia YMCA with Coach Jon Wheeler, and private clubs like Rockbridge Club (803-782-3559). Check PlayYourCourt (playyourcourt.com) and MyTennisLessons (mytennislessons.com) for group clinics and semi-private sessions.
USTA League tennis through Columbia Tennis League (columbiatennisleague.net) offers the best skill-level matching with divisions for 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0 players. The Columbia Tennis Association runs Tennis 101/102 beginner programs. Online platforms like PlayYourCourt (playyourcourt.com) let you specify your NTRP level. Group lessons at Greenview Park and Columbia YMCA organize by skill level.
Community Tennis Association affiliated with USTA serving the Midlands and Lexington areas. Offers USTA leagues, Tennis 101/102 beginner courses, and community programs.
Offers USTA Adult, Mixed, Combo, and Singles leagues - part of the world's largest recreational tennis league. Perfect for organized team play at all ability levels (18+).
Website: columbiatennisleague.net
State branch of the United States Tennis Association, one of nine states in USTA's Southern Section. Promotes tennis growth and community development throughout South Carolina.
Location: 18 Woodcross Drive, Columbia, SC 29212
Phone: (803) 781-2574
Website: sctennis.com
Home to NCAA Division I men's and women's tennis programs. Notable achievements include Paul Jubb winning the 2019 NCAA Singles National Championship - the first national champion in program history. The Gamecocks host collegiate matches and offer summer camps at their world-class facilities.
Website: gamecocksonline.com
Premier staffed public tennis facility at the heart of Columbia's tennis scene. Sponsors recreational play, tournaments, day camps, USTA leagues, and Junior Team Tennis.
Website: parksandrec.columbiasc.gov/tennis
Columbia's newest and largest public outdoor tennis facility set in a beautiful 62-acre park with thousands of shade trees.
Large public facility offering individual and group tennis lessons for all skill levels.
The City of Columbia Parks & Recreation maintains 55 total tennis courts across the city, including:
Information: Call (803) 754-5223 or visit parksandrec.columbiasc.gov/tennis
USTA award-winning facility just minutes from downtown Columbia. Features championship court with spectator seating and full clubhouse.
Home of USC Gamecocks men's and women's tennis teams. State-of-the-art facility open for camps and limited public use.
The only indoor tennis facility in the Midlands region. 55,000-square-foot, $7 million facility completed in 2021.
Premier private tennis and swim club, named USTA Outstanding Facility. Located in Forest Acres neighborhood.
Website: therockbridgeclub.com
Historic club founded in 1923, recently renovated with stunning amenities and scenic views.
Website: forestlakeclub.com
Private golf and tennis club offering robust tennis program with social and competitive play opportunities.
Website: thewildewoodclub.com
Connects you with USPTA and PTR certified tennis professionals. Database of 4,000+ coaches nationwide to find perfect instructor match.
Website: playyourcourt.com/locations/columbia-sc-tennis-lessons
Platform connecting students with local tennis instructors conveniently located throughout Columbia.
Website: mytennislessons.com/locations/columbia-tennis-lessons
Features multiple Columbia coaches including USPTA Elite Certified Professionals with decades of experience.
Private lessons with Coach Jon Wheeler providing personalized one-on-one instruction tailored to your skill level and goals.
Website: columbiaymca.org/sports/tennis
Certified teaching professionals provide instruction for members and non-members at one of Columbia's finest tennis facilities.
Comprehensive junior tennis programs including Junior Team Tennis and leagues using progressive tennis methods.
Introduction to tennis for youth learning basic skills to start playing quickly.
Premier camps for young players who want to learn and improve their skills. Led by USC Head Men's and Women's coaches.
Youth-focused tennis organization offering private lessons.
Website: ddandjfoundation.org
Local tennis shop in the vibrant Five Points neighborhood offering equipment, apparel, and expert servicing.
Website: breakpointcola.com
Premier destination for tennis and pickleball enthusiasts with over 80 years combined staff experience.
Website: toddandmoore.com/pages/tennis
Full-service pro shop at the Rockbridge Club offering merchandise and professional services.
Fully stocked pro shop at the county's premier tennis facility.
Columbia, SC offers an outstanding tennis experience for both residents and visitors, making it an ideal destination for tennis enthusiasts who love the game and enjoy connecting with diverse tennis communities.
Columbia's mild Southern climate allows for nearly year-round outdoor tennis. The Carolina Indoor Tennis Center provides the Midlands' only indoor option for extreme weather days, ensuring you can play 365 days a year.
With 55 public tennis courts maintained by the city and additional county facilities, Columbia provides remarkable access to quality courts. The $3/person/hour rate at Columbia Tennis Center and free courts at neighborhood parks make tennis affordable and accessible.
The Columbia Tennis League and Columbia Tennis Association create a welcoming environment for players of all levels. USTA league play is robust with multiple divisions, making it easy to find competitive matches and build friendships through tennis.
Players can experience both hard courts and clay courts at public facilities - a rarity for municipal parks systems. The Rockbridge Club's premium Har-Tru clay courts and Southeast Park's clay courts offer traditional surface variety.
The University of South Carolina's NCAA Division I tennis programs bring championship-level tennis to Columbia. Watching Gamecocks matches at the Carolina Tennis Center provides inspiration, and summer camps offer access to collegiate-level coaching.
Columbia's central location in South Carolina makes it a convenient hub for tennis travelers. The city offers:
Columbia's tennis community embodies Southern hospitality. Whether you're looking for casual rallies, competitive league play, or just someone to hit with while visiting, you'll find friendly players eager to share courts and tennis stories.
Columbia hosts a NCAA Division I Tennis Championships regional tournament in May 2025.
Southeastern Conference championship matches at USC's premier tennis facility.
Full Calendar: sctennis.com/calendar-2
WTA 500 tournament featuring half of the Top 20 women's players (2 hours from Columbia).
Website: creditonecharlestonopen.com
Guide last updated: 2025 | Columbia offers outstanding tennis opportunities for players of all levels. Whether you're visiting for a week or making Columbia your home, you'll find a welcoming tennis community, excellent facilities, and year-round playing conditions. See you on the courts!