Día de tenis en el Santa Ponsa Country Club – Informe

In the early afternoon about 20 players gathered at the Santa Ponsa Country Club for a relaxed doubles tournament organized by head coach Hernàn Martínez. The sun was shining, the courts were well prepared and the atmosphere was exactly what you expect at a local club event: loud laughter, competitive points and relaxed conversations afterwards. Matches were played in short rounds — partner changes every 30 minutes — so everyone had to play with and against many different opponents. Points were tallied individually, a simple, clever trick to keep everyone motivated until the end. In the end there were small trophies and club passes for the winners: Christine Rush among the women and Juan Marcos Vaquer Domenech among the men. But the best part was the lunch afterwards at S'Hort: simple, good food, generous portions and lots of talk about the best rallies of the day. Days like this are more than sport: they create connections, bring travelers and island residents together and show why club life in Mallorca is so special.

Santa Ponsa Country Club

The Santa Ponsa Country Club is a true meeting point for tennis fans in Mallorca. The facility has several clay and hard courts, a small club terrace overlooking the courts and a friendly reception where you can quickly book a court. Our tournament day started in the morning: balls were collected, coaches gave short tips, and Hernàn Martínez coordinated the pairings. Especially nice were the international participants — Germans, Brits, Spaniards and a few regulars from Scandinavia — which made the games varied. The rules were kept simple: new partner every 30 minutes, points counted individually; this kept the pace high and the laughter more frequent than long debates. For visitors it is practical to arrive early (around 09:30–10:00), bring sturdy tennis shoes with grip and a light jacket for the breaks. The club shop sells water, sun protection and spare balls in case one flies off too fast.

Tournament format and gameplay

S'Hort restaurant at the club

S'Hort is the club's unpretentious canteen with surprisingly good flavors. On our day there was grilled fish, a filling paella variation and seasonal salads on the menu; accompanied by a local rosé that hit the spot after the matches. Portions are generous, ideal if you're hungry after intense sets. Inside it feels homely, outside on the terrace you can review the last rallies over coffee. If you plan to come in high season: it gets busy around 13:00; a short reservation during the court changes usually saves the best table.

How to join next time – Tips

If you want to play, sign up with the club early — by phone or email — and clearly state any partner requests. Many events in Mallorca operate on a 'first come, first served' basis, so don’t wait too long. Practical things for guest players: a day pass for the facility, some change for parking and the right shoes. Socially important: a brief introduction during the first break so partner changes run smoothly. My small rule: bring two balls and a smile — that always goes down well.