About the club
Tucked away in the heart of the West Sussex countryside, Petworth is a picturesque town with a magnificent House and Park, renowned music, literary and fringe festivals, and numerous antiques shops and eateries. Cricket and football are played in the park. Petworth Lawn Tennis Club was founded in 1946 at its present site in Sheepdown Drive following the merger of the Grove Tennis Club and the Petworth Park Lawn Tennis Club. It offers a relaxed and friendly environment for players of all ages and playing abilities. If you haven't played on grass before, Petworth Lawn Tennis Club is the place for you. And if you'd like some gentler exercise, the Bowls Club is next door.
Our Facilities
Whilst we are only a small club, we are proud of our facilities and what we offer to our members.
Grass Courts
We have two superb grass courts which are open from April through to September each year.
- Bookable online
- Open to all members
- Maintained regularly
Hard Courts
Our two all-weather hard courts are open all year round.
- Recently re-painted
- Open all year round
- Bookable online
Table Tennis
We have two table tennis tables inside the clubhouse which can be used by all members.
- Bats available
- Annual tournaments
- Great when it rains!
Clubhouse
Our clubhouse is well equipped and maintained.
- Male and female changing rooms
- Showers
- Showing shower facilities
- Kitchen with kettle and fridge
Social Areas
Our family members love to socialise after a game, often with a drink and nibbles.
- Dedicated barbecue area
- Veranda from which to watch play
Training Aids
If you want to improve your game, practise in-between lessons, or just want to get some more exercise.
- Training bounce-back net
- Ball machine
Professional Coaching
At Petworth Lawn Tennis Club we have an excellent club professional who is fully accreditated with the LTA and has many years or coaching experience. He offers a variety of options for anyone looking to improve their game, or to those who are just starting out.
Junior Lessons
Oli offers coaching tuition for all juniors or any age. These lessons are great for players looking to start learning the game, or to improve the technique.
Individual Lessons
Oli gives coaching sessions for individuals who are looking to improve their game or to iron out any bad habits. Oli has worked with lots of members to become confident and proficient players.
Group Tuition
If a group of friends wishes to have coaching together, Oli will provide fun and challenging group sessions tailored to the needs of all individuals.
Our Club Professional: Oliver Ormsby
Hi! I'm Oli. I have over 20 years of coaching experience teaching players from all standards, from beginners to national level players. My ethos is to teach people how to play “tennis” and how to maximise your ability to be able to compete at your best possible level - not just how to make your strokes look pretty.
Why take lessons?
Tennis is a great sport, but not an easy one! The more you can improve your knowledge and playing level the more fun it is! There is always more to learn and something to tweak with your game to keep things fresh and give yourself a challenge no matter what level you play at!
Contact Details
You can contact Oliver on oliver@beactiveplaytennis.co.uk or by telephone on 07714293328.
Playing Opportunities
Open Play
From the 10th April 2024, social sessions will be on Wednesdays and Fridays from 4-7pm. Play is open to all without the need to book. A great way to get to know club members.
Club Tournament
The club tournament - singles, doubles, mixed - is played across the summer and the finals played on one day in late August or early September; a well attended event.
Matches
We arrange friendly matches with local clubs, who usually come to us for the grass. Matches of two pairs each take place on Saturdays from 1100.
Events
The PLTC Pimms Tournament is a mixed competition open to local clubs. A popular event.
External Playing
Open invitiations from other local clubs are posted in the clubhouse.
Membership Options
Whilst we are only a small club, we are proud of our facilities and what we can offer to our members.
Juniors
£15
Any player under the age of 18 on the 1st April is classified as a junior member.
Young Adult
£45
Any players between the age of 18 and 24 on the 1st April.
Family
£225
Two playing memberships for parents and children
Seniors
£135
A senior member is any playing member over the age of 24.
Download our 2024-2025 Membership Form
Booking a Court
Any registred member can book a court easily using either the link below, or using the Booker App on a mobile device. You will simply need to know your LTA login credentials which you will be invited to make when you join the club.
On a mobile device, the Clubspark Booker App is available to download from the Apple Store or Google Play store for android devices. Again, this just requires your LTA login.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of these questions might help you to learn a bit more about the club.
Throughout the summer, these sessions take place every Wednesday and Friday evening starting at 5 pm. There is no need to book; simply show up and depart at your convenience. Participation is free of charge. Occasionally, members may bring along guests who are keen on joining the group.
We run an online court booking service called ClubSpark, which is run by the LTA. When you join you'll be invited to register on the ClubSpark system, where you will be able to book any one of our four courts.
The tennis season starts on the 1st April. We request that fees are paid promptly. They can be paid by direct debit or by direct bank transfer.
No. Whites are worn by many members, but proper sport shoes are the only requirement.
The grass season opens in late April or early May, depending on the weather. If it has been very dry we can look to open early after our spring maintenance session.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or want to get in touch, then use the form below.