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Summer Tennis Programs at Garden of the Gods Club

During the summer season, Garden of the Gods Club’s tennis courts come alive with activity. Set against the base of Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods Club Members and guests enjoy connecting over tennis while taking in the gorgeous mountain views. Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Tom Van De Hey, Garden of the Gods Club’s director of tennis, about what makes the summer tennis programs unique. Keep reading to learn more.

Garden of the Gods Club (GGC): Tell me a bit about the summer tennis programs offered at GGC.
Tom Van De Hey (TV): We really offer something for nearly everybody. In addition to private and group lessons for nearly every tennis level, we also offer adult and junior leagues, a variety of tennis drills, social mixers, and other social events. We try to cover all the bases. If somebody is looking for instruction, we’ve got that, but if somebody is just looking for a great place to hit some tennis balls, we also offer that.

Further, we also work with the United States Tennis Association (USTA), which is a multi-layered organization. This means that tennis players who want to compete can do so at the local level, the district level, the sectional level, and even the national level, depending on their individual progress and goals.

GGC: What is some of the feedback that you have received from GGC Members and guests about the summer tennis programs?
TV: Well, when I first started directing the tennis programs at GGC nine years ago, there was little activity in the tennis department. Since then, we’ve grown the tennis programs tremendously. A Member who brings her two children for tennis lessons recently let me know how pleased she is with the high level of instruction and passion we incorporate into every lesson.

Another GGC Member in his mid 80s, who is used to getting out on the court at least four to five times per week, recently had a knee replacement. He needed some help getting back into the sport, and he has communicated to me his gratitude for the help in regaining his strength.

I think what truly sets the tennis programs at GGC apart from others is the genuine, personalized  service and attention that people receive when they’re here. I’m just passionate about what I do. After spending nearly 40 years teaching, directing, and playing tennis with a wide variety of people, I’ve encountered nearly everything out there. And that’s really shaped my drive to meet people where they are while helping them to develop their game.

GGC: Can you tell me about the tennis pros who you will be working with this summer?
TV: Yes. When I hire the summer tennis pros, I have the opportunity to hand-pick them based on their character. Ethan and Alec, this summer’s pros, are really great guys. I’ve known them since they were eight and nine years old, and they have really developed over the years. They’ve participated in most of the programs that they’ll be helping to facilitate. They are two solid, sharp kids who address more than just the mechanics of tennis when they’re out on the court. They have a personal interest in helping others and in helping kids develop their game. They’re very enthusiastic and attentive people.

GGC: Can you describe the Pikes Peak Pow Wow, GGC’s summer tennis tournament (July 12-14)?
TV: The intent behind this tournament is for both locals and non-locals to gather for a weekend and play as much tennis as possible. The tournament format allows people to come in, play tennis, and meet a variety of other tennis players while enjoying camaraderie with one another. It’s a great, socially competitive weekend.

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The summer tennis programs at Garden of the Gods Club are a great way to develop your game while meeting others who enjoy tennis. To learn more about sports memberships at Garden of the Gods Club, contact Membership Director Tracey Kalata at 719.520.4980 or tkalata@ggclub.com.

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Golf Video Series: The Golf-Fitness Connection

Those of you who have played sports or who have been involved in physical activities know that injuries can happen to the best of us. Garden of the Gods Club Golf Dierctor Gene Gabelmann, PGA, knows this all too well. After sustaining a back injury and undergoing surgery in September 2012, Gene worked with Titleist Performance Institute (TPI)-certified Sports Club Manager Lauralee Beerman to regain essential back and core strength, flexibility, balance, and other physical attributes that are critical to golf performance.

This spring and summer, we invite you to follow Gene’s journey each Wednesday as Lauralee helps him get back in shape for a great golf season. Click “play” on the video below to watch Gene’s initial evaluation as he prepares to meet his fitness goals for the 2013 summer golf season. In future videos, Lauralee will demonstrate specific exercises and strategies that will help Gene improve his overall fitness — and ultimately his golf game!

Following a well-rounded fitness program can help you play your best out on the course!  In addition to access to our championship, 27-hole golf course, Golf Members at Garden of the Gods Club enjoy access to our Sports Club, which features personal trainers, a variety of group fitness classes, cardio and weight equipment, and other amenities designed to help Members stay active.  To learn more about membership in Garden of the Gods Club, we encourage you to contact Membership Director Tracey Kalata directly at 719.520.4980 or tkalata@ggclub.com.

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For Our Readers: Special PPIHC Lodge Offer

Colorado Springs is no stranger to natural beauty! Stunning views of Pikes Peak and the Rocky Mountains often awake the adventurous side of both residents and visitors. Perhaps one of the most daring events of the summer season is the annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC), a much-anticipated automobile and motorcycle race in which the face of Pikes Peak morphs into an international raceway.

Also referred to as the “race to the clouds,” the PPIHC is one of the oldest automobile and motorcycle hill climbs in the United States. During this celebrated event, competitors race a 12.42-mile course up to the summit of Colorado Springs’ beloved “fourteener,” Pikes Peak.  National and international racers alike hope to make it to the finish line at 14,110 feet. To view some excellent photography captured from last year’s PPIHC, check out the official online photo gallery.

In honor of this internationally-celebrated race, the Lodge at Garden of the Gods Club is pleased to offer a special guest room rate for those who simply can’t get enough of the gorgeous view of Pikes Peak during the event.  From Thursday, June 27, through Monday, July 1, those who are in town for the PPIHC can enjoy a special rate of just $189 per night for a Club room (a savings up of up to $35 per night!). In addition to this great deal, Lodge guests will also receive a voucher for a 15 percent discount if they stay at the Lodge again next year, during the 2014 PPIHC. Click here to make your reservation now using the promo code “PROHIL.” If you have any questions about this Lodge special, please contact Sales Manager Bliss Krucas at 719.520.4989 or bkrucas@ggclub.com.

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*This special rate is valid from Thursday, June 27, to Monday, July 1, 2013, is not valid on previously booked reservations, and may not be used in combination with any other discounts or offers.

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Fun Spring and Summer Events In and Around Colorado Springs

As the weather (finally!) begins to warm up, many residents of Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas look forward to a variety of fun festivals and events. For both residents and visitors alike, festivals and other events are a great way to enjoy art, music, education, wine, camaraderie, and other activities. This spring and summer, grab your family and friends and check out one of these events; you will have a blast!

1. Cañon City Music and Blossom Festival – May 2 – 5. The Cañon City Music and Blossom Festival is a longstanding city tradition, with the first recorded festival taking place in the 1860s. This eclectic festival includes a carnival, a parade (Sat., May 4), a variety of craft fairs, concerts, a 5K race, and marching band competitions. To learn more, click here.

2. 20th Annual Hummingbird Festival – May 11. Bird lovers will not want to miss this fun event! On Saturday, May 11, grab your family and head to the Starsmore Discovery Center in Colorado Springs.  Children will enjoy arts and crafts, magicians, and educational booths. There will also be a silent auction, great food, and live bands. For details, click here.

3. 1st Annual Jackie Bullard Trail Run and Ranch Festival – May 11. This festival is put on by the Fight Against Melanoma Research & Education Foundation, and will take place at the Historic Triple B Ranch in Woodland Park. In addition to 5K and 2K trail runs, there will be a day even open to the public that will feature hayrides, arena rides, a bounce house, and more. Click here to learn more.

4. Passages: Experience the Bible Like Never Before – starts May 16. Passages is a “40,000-square-foot, interactive living-history attraction that chronicles the remarkable story behind the most-debated, most-banned, best-selling book of all time: the Bible.” This exhibit includes the world’s largest collection of rare biblical text and artifacts, interactive activities, rooms, games, and more. For more information, visit the Passages website.

5. Territory Days – May 25. This Labor Day weekend, visit nearby Old Colorado City for the historic Territory Days festival. With an “old west” theme, this festival combines live entertainment, food, crafts, demonstrations, and more to deliver a fun time. Click here for additional information.

6. Manitou Springs Colorado Wine Festival – June 1. If you are a wine lover, you won’t want to miss one of Colorado’s best wine festivals. On Saturday, June 1, visit Memorial Park in Manitou Springs to enjoy wine samples from 25 Colorado wineries, as well as delicious food and live entertainment. Click here for details.

7. Springs Spree – June 15. The Springs Spree has grown to become one of the most popular weekends in Colorado Springs, with a wide mix of food, music, and vendors. This festival will take place in Memorial Park in Colorado Springs. To learn more, click here.

8. Pikes Peak Celtic Festival – June 28 – 30. The first annual Pikes Peak Celtic Festival will take place in Memorial Park in Colorado Springs, staring on Friday, June 28. This festival will be a celebration of Celtic culture, featuring Celtic rock groups, traditional music, dancers, food, Pipe bands, and more. Click here for more info.

9. Pikes Peak Arts Fest – July 5 – 7. From July 5 – 7, art lovers of all kinds are encouraged to visit America the Beautiful park in Colorado Springs for the 9th annual Pikes Peak Arts Fest. This event is free to the public, and it features more than 100 visual artist booths. Stage performances and other activities will captivate those who are artistic at heart. Click here to learn more.

We hope you have the opportunity to experience one of these fun events! If you will be traveling through the Colorado Springs area in the near future, consider staying at the Lodge at Garden of the Gods Club, which is conveniently located within minutes of local family-friendly attractions such as Garden of the Gods, Rock Ledge Historic Ranch, Seven Falls, and Cave of the Winds. In addition to a wide array of popular area events and festivals, you and your family will enjoy incredible mountain views and an unusually spacious guest room or suite. To learn more about the Lodge, or to make a reservation, visit us online.

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Be Naturally Inspired With a Meeting at Garden of the Gods Club

At Garden of the Gods Club in Colorado Springs, meetings and retreats are truly unique experiences! The Club is a place where excellent service, gourmet cuisine, and stunning mountain views come together perfectly to help each organization reach its peak of productivity. If you’re intrigued by the idea of planning your next meeting or event at Garden of the Gods Club, then we invite you to watch the short video below to learn more.

Has this video convinced you that your company’s next meeting or retreat belongs at Garden of the Gods Club? If so, then you may be interested in a limited-time program that we’re offering to meeting planners. The “Pick Your Perks” program offers generous rewards for meeting planners who sign event contracts by May 31, 2013, for events this year. For details, please contact sales manager Bliss Krucas at 719.520.4989 or bkrucas@ggclub.com.  We look forward to hosting you!

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