Columbus, Georgia Tennis Guide

Your comprehensive resource for tennis in Columbus, GA

Quick Start Guide

New to Columbus or visiting? Here's what you need to know:

Essential Contact

Cooper Creek Tennis Center - 5050 Cooper Creek Parkway, Columbus, GA 31907
Phone: 706-317-4136
Office Hours: M/W/F 1:30-5:30 PM, T/TH 10:00 AM-5:30 PM
Website: corta.org

For Visitors (7-Day Stay)

For New Residents

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find hitting partners in Columbus?

Residents: Join USTA leagues through CORTA at corta.org/adult-leagues. CORTA serves Chattahoochee, Harris, Marion, and Muscogee counties and offers Adult, 55+, 65+, Mixed, and Combo leagues. Contact: 706-317-4136.

Online platforms: Use PlayYourCourt.com to connect with local players of similar skill levels.

Best way for visitors to find hitting partners?

Contact Cooper Creek Tennis Center at 706-317-4136 to ask about open play times and local players looking for matches. Use online platforms like PlayYourCourt.com or FindTennisLessons.com to schedule matches before your trip.

How do visitors book courts for a week-long stay?

Public option: Cooper Creek Tennis Center offers 55 courts. Call ahead to reserve at 706-317-4136. USTA matches have a $5 fee; recreational play fees vary.

University courts: Columbus State University has 10 courts at their outdoor recreational complex - check availability for public use.

How do I join private or group lessons?

CORTA Tennis 101: Introductory program for adults 18+ includes 6 hours of group instruction and a free racquet. Visit corta.org/adult_clinics/tennis-101.

Private lessons: Book through PlayYourCourt.com (extra person $10/hour), MyTennisLessons.com ($45-65/hour), or FindTennisLessons.com.

Country Club: Mike Greer and Steve Thiel provide lessons at Country Club of Columbus - members only.

How do beginners (NTRP 2.0-4.0) connect with similar-level players?

USTA leagues: Join appropriate level leagues through CORTA. All players need an NTRP rating or must self-rate. Visit playtennis.usta.com/columbus-regional-tennis-association.

Group clinics: CORTA offers adult clinics for all levels - great way to meet players at your skill level. Email julie@corta.org.

Cardio Tennis: Tuesday night sessions at Cooper Creek - fitness-focused tennis for all levels.

Why Columbus is Great for Tennis Travelers

Premier Facilities

Columbus boasts the largest public clay court facility in the United States at Cooper Creek Tennis Center with 55 courts. This isn't just a local gem - it's a nationally recognized facility that hosts USTA State Championships and tournaments throughout the year.

Year-Round Tennis Climate

Columbus enjoys a humid subtropical climate with mild winters (mid-50s to low 60s°F) and warm summers. The ideal playing seasons are spring (April-June, 68-90°F) and fall (September-November, 65-87°F), but outdoor tennis is possible year-round. With only about 150 rainy days annually, you'll find plenty of sunny court time.

Active Tennis Community

CORTA (Columbus Regional Tennis Association) creates a welcoming environment for visitors and newcomers. The organization runs multiple USTA leagues, weekly cardio tennis, and regular tournaments. As a tennis traveler, you'll find it easy to connect with local players through organized events and open play sessions.

Tournament Opportunities

Columbus hosts USTA Georgia State Championships including:

Affordable & Accessible

Unlike many premier tennis destinations, Columbus offers world-class facilities at public rates. Cooper Creek's budget-friendly court fees and extensive availability make it ideal for extended tennis vacations.

Community Connections

The tennis community here is known for being friendly and inclusive. Whether you're looking for competitive matches, casual rallies, or organized league play, Columbus players are eager to welcome visitors and help you find the right level of competition.

Community & Organizations

Columbus Regional Tennis Association (CORTA)

Address: 5050 Cooper Creek Parkway, Columbus, GA 31907
Phone: 706-317-4136
Email: julie@corta.org
Website: corta.org
Coverage Area: Chattahoochee, Harris, Marion, and Muscogee counties

CORTA Programs

Junior Summer Camps

Ages 4-6: 4-day camp teaching forehand, backhand, volley with focus on hand-eye coordination and footwork
Ages 7-10: 4-day QuickStart Tennis camp with modified equipment and courts
Ages 4-18: Various programs available year-round

Country Club of Columbus

Tennis Programs: USTA leagues (Adult, Junior, Mixed, Combo), monthly round robins
Pro Staff: Mike Greer & Steve Thiel offer private, semi-private, and group lessons
Website: ccofcolumbus.com (Private membership required)

Tennis Courts

Public Courts

Cooper Creek Tennis Center

Address: 5050 Cooper Creek Parkway, Columbus, GA 31907
Phone: 706-317-4136
Courts: 55 total - 39 clay courts, 12 hard courts, 4 QuickStart (60-foot) courts
Features: Largest public clay court facility in United States, championship court, 30 lighted courts
Home to: CORTA, Columbus State University tennis teams
Fees: USTA matches $5; other fees vary by use - call for rates
Office Hours: M/W/F 1:30-5:30 PM, T/TH 10:00 AM-5:30 PM
Awards: USTA Facility of the Year recipient
Website: corta.org

John W. Walden CSU Tennis Complex

Location: Cooper Creek Tennis Center (shared facility)
Courts: 12 hard courts designated for Columbus State University
Clubhouse: Judy and Roger Pearce Tennis Center with 12,000 sq ft, two-story facility
Primary Use: CSU men's and women's nationally-ranked tennis teams

Columbus State University - Campus Courts

Courts: 10 outdoor courts at campus recreational complex
Additional Facilities: Outdoor handball courts, pavilion, intramural field
Website: columbusstate.edu

Other Columbus Parks & Recreation Courts

Total Locations: 21 tennis court facilities throughout Columbus
Information: Visit parks.columbusga.gov or columbusrecparks.com
Note: Fees vary by location - some courts may be free for public use

Private Clubs

Country Club of Columbus

Tennis Courts: 6 Har-Tru clay courts (4 lighted), 2 newly resurfaced hard courts (May-October), 2 platform tennis courts, 2 pickleball courts
Pro Shop: Full selection of racquets, balls, shoes, clothing at competitive prices
Services: 24-hour racquet stringing and gripping, demo racquets ($5 fee applicable to purchase)
Membership Types: Full Golf Membership (includes all tennis facilities), Non-Resident Membership (8 tennis courts access)
Leagues: USTA Adult, Junior, Mixed, Combo leagues; monthly social round robins
Website: ccofcolumbus.com

Racquet Club of Columbus

Pro Shop: Wide selection of equipment at competitive prices
Services: 24-hour racquet stringing and gripping service
Demo Program: Reserve demo racquets for $5 (applicable toward purchase)
Website: racquetclub1.com

Lessons & Coaching

CORTA Programs

Tennis 101: Introductory group lessons for adults 18+
6 hours of instruction + free racquet
Contact: julie@corta.org or 706-317-4136
Website: corta.org/adult_clinics/tennis-101

Adult Clinics: All skill levels
Cardio Tennis: Tuesday nights - fitness-focused tennis
Junior Clinics: Beginner and intermediate programs for all ages

Online Lesson Platforms

PlayYourCourt

Service: Professional lessons on any court of your choice
Pricing: Extra person only $10/hour additional
Website: playyourcourt.com/locations/atlanta-ga-tennis-lessons/columbus

MyTennisLessons

Service: Book local coaches online
Pricing: $45-65/hour average
Website: mytennislessons.com/locations/columbus-tennis-lessons

FindTennisLessons

Service: Private, semi-private, group, and hitting lessons
Ages: Beginners, kids, teens, adults
Website: findtennislessons.com/city/columbus-tennis-lessons-ga

Alluvit

Instructors: 10+ verified tennis coaches in Columbus
Website: alluvit.com/sports/tennis-lessons/columbus-ga.php

TeachMe.To

Service: Personalized one-on-one coaching
Website: teachme.to/browse/tennis/georgia/columbus

Local Academy

Rock Tennis Academy

Services: Group practice, fitness training, mental agility training, private lessons
Contact: facebook.com/rocktennisacademy

Private Club Instruction

Country Club of Columbus

Pros: Mike Greer & Steve Thiel
Lessons: Private, semi-private, and group (juniors and adults)
Membership: Required
Website: ccofcolumbus.com

Shops & Services

Tennis Equipment & Stringing

Country Club of Columbus Pro Shop

Products: Racquets, balls, shoes, clothing
Services: 24-hour racquet stringing and gripping
Demo Program: $5 fee per demo racquet (applicable to purchase)
Access: Members and guests
Website: ccofcolumbus.com

Racquet Club of Columbus Pro Shop

Products: Wide selection at competitive prices
Services: 24-hour stringing and gripping for all racquets
Website: racquetclub1.com/pro-shop

Sporting Goods Stores

DICK'S Sporting Goods

Address: 5550 Whittlesey Blvd, Columbus, GA 31909
Products: Tennis racquets, clothing, balls, accessories
Services: Certified Racquet PROS for custom stringing and restringing
Website: dickssportinggoods.com

Hibbett Sporting (Sports Additions)

Location: Peachtree Mall, 3131 Manchester Expressway
Brands: Wilson, Rawlings, Oakley
Products: Athletic shoes, equipment, accessories
Website: hibbett.com

Academy Sports + Outdoors

Products: Tennis equipment, apparel, footwear
Note: Check local Columbus locations for availability

Walmart

Locations in Columbus:
• 3515 Victory Dr, Columbus, GA 31903
• 6475 Gateway Rd, Columbus, GA 31909
• 5448 Whittlesey Blvd Ste B, Columbus, GA 31909
Products: Budget-friendly tennis gear and equipment

Tournaments & Events

2025 USTA Georgia State Championships

Adult 40 & Over (3.0, 4.0)

Dates: June 6-9, 2025
Venue: Cooper Creek Tennis Center (clay courts)
Info: ustageorgia.com/state-championships/adult40-columbus

Adult 55 & Over

Dates: May 30 - June 2, 2025
Venue: Cooper Creek Tennis Center
Info: ustageorgia.com/state-championships/adult55-columbus

Southern Tri-Level State Championship

Dates: August 1-3, 2025
Venue: Cooper Creek Tennis Center
Info: ustageorgia.com/state-championships/trilevel-columbus

Local Tournaments

Columbus City Open: Annual tournament
Information: Check playtennis.usta.com/columbus-regional-tennis-association
Contact CORTA: 706-317-4136