Palmetto Dunes Tennis & Pickleball Center — Local services in Hilton Head Island

On a planned trip to Hilton Head, I wanted to find a tennis center where I could get instruction from trained professionals and get a few tips on how to improve my overall game - I'm a 3.5 rated player). After researching several tennis centers on the island, I chose Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center (and absolutely glad I did). Palmetto Dunes offered me the opportunity to choose a variety of clinics (at my level) and get private instruction at a wonderful venue. I registered for the Grand Slam and Doubles clinics on my first day of the week. My instructors were Eric W. and M.C. Both did a fantastic job of mixing the drill work with instruction, and explaining the strategic reasoning for the techniques we were taught. Truly just great instruction and drills that undoubtedly will help me improve my game.

After my first day of clinics, I decided to go ahead and book lessons with Eric. I'm a junior varsity tennis coach at a high school in rural Missouri, and a self-taught player. I will say that I learned more from the instruction that Eric provided (at clinic and privately), than I've learned in all of my years of coaching, watching YouTube videos, reading, and playing. Eric is an enthusiastic and knowledgeable instructor; one who has a gift of communication (mixed with tons of humor). Eric's ability to diagnose small imperfections (okay, maybe big imperfections) in my forehand, backhand, and serve have already helped me improve my own practice sessions and have allowed me to self-diagnose my errors - I hit a lot by myself, usually with a Lobster (ball machine). Eric used a combination of his well-trained eye and video analysis of my strokes to help me recognize my areas of weakness and inconsistency ("okay, John, here's your forehand; here's Roger's....what do you notice?"). He also has a wonderful knowledge of strategy - things I really never thought about. In addition, Eric is a genuinely friendly person who makes you feel at ease the entire time you're working out - not that he won't let you know what you've done poorly, he will; but he'll always reward you with a resounding, "YES!" when you've made an improvement. Really, just tons of fun.

So, if you're looking for a great place to get instruction, regardless of your level, I highly recommend visiting Palmetto Dunes and signing up for clinics and/or lessons. I simply can't thank Eric and M.C. enough for the great instruction and enjoyable experience I had during my week of tennis at Hilton Head. What a blessing it was for me to be guided in their direction. Also, such an enjoyable experience to hit with the others (players) who signed up for the clinics, I'm sure all of them would express the same sentiment as I have. Finally, I also had an enjoyable experience interacting with the girls and guys working in the...

My husband and I planned a getaway to Palmetto Dunes with the goal of learning tennis, even though we’re at very different skill levels (he’s intermediate, and I’m a total beginner). We couldn’t have picked a better place! Over three days, we each did three clinics and one semi-private lesson with Eric Wammoc, and we were both blown away by the quality of instruction.

Eric is an incredible teacher - he gives clear, specific feedback to every player, regardless of the size or level of the class. He even uses video analysis to break down your strokes, which was a total game-changer. For example, I had no idea I was swinging too early with my racket face open, but after Eric pointed it out (always in a friendly, light-hearted way), I finally started to improve. He has a real gift for making everyone feel comfortable and confident, and somehow manages to coach players at varying levels within the same clinic.

Each 1.5-hour clinic included 5-7 different drills, focusing on techniques like offensive and defensive lobbing, volleying, and shots near the net versus deep in the court. The variety kept things fun and challenging.

The facilities are top-notch with plenty of well-maintained courts, and every staff member we met was kind and welcoming. We’re already talking about our next trip back. If you're thinking about learning or leveling up your tennis game, Palmetto Dunes is the...

Two Sessions with Two Excellent Pros!

My wife (4.0) and I (3.5) were at Palmetto earlier this month. We did two 90-minute sessions. One with Eric Wammock and one with Patrick Walker.

Our session with Patrick was great! He got my wife to swing a with a little more power. She still has to practice it more to maintain consistency (as with any change) but it's needed as she sometimes place up at 4.5. The biggest takeaway I had is 11 more mph on my serve - no joke - I measured it on a speed clock when I got home. One little hitch correction on my swing made a world of difference to the power.

Our session with Eric was also great! We did some drills and then he found an area we both needed to focus on... the smoothness and timing of our court movement - especially on balls that are farther away / harder to track down. We did a great drill that made us realize a little slower is OK. We could still get the ball and depending on shot selection get back into the play or go for a winner. Really helped us both. For me during a match I'm not tearing around the court as much now like it's do or die to get a ball to keep the play going (a little more control and a little better shot selection can work in these situations).

I cannot say enough about this place and these two pros!

We will...