Why Gleneagles Has Become the Destination of New Yorkers

October 27, 2020 | By Brian Coleman
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For many New Yorkers, moving down to Florida is almost a rite of passage. It’s an appealing concept, especially in 2020 with some jobs no longer tying them down to one area, the notion of great weather year-round, no state income tax and the prospect of joining a country club community is hard to pass up.

“Growing up in Manhattan, I spent my summers at camp and developed a love for sports and the outdoors. When my father bought at Gleneagles in 2006 I saw a tennis community that I wanted to be a part of, both for fun and competition, and in 2013 my dream became a reality. It’s like camp, you live and play and socialize with your best buddies,” says Wendy Lasher, who along with her husband Marty, splits her time between Gleneagles and Canandaigua, NY. 

Finding the right community to join and the right place to settle into can be difficult, but for many native New Yorkers who are tennis lovers, Gleneagles Country Club in Delray Beach, Fla. is the perfect choice, whether it’s a permanent move down south or a spot to escape the brutal New York winters.

“Gleneagles is now my second home after I purchased my condo over five years ago as a well deserved respite from New York winters,” said Arlene Griggs, who was a teacher on Long Island for nearly four decades. “Observing the many activities afforded to the members, it became clear this was where I wanted to be. I concentrated on tennis. I became enveloped in the program, meeting wonderful friends and eventually joining a team. While I thrive on the competition, it’s comforting to know I will always have a game, practice or a ball machine to hone my tennis skills.”

 

Gleneagles offers home and condos, and an enviable lifestyle which has been of great appeal to Northeasterners over the years. Featuring 36 holes of championship golf, premier tennis and pickleball, plus restaurants and expansive social activity, it’s no wonder Gleneagles has become a coveted destination.

“The tennis program offers many events, including mixers and round-robins, league play, dinner events and more,” said Carole Rossant Goldberg, who worked in advertising and marketing in Manhattan, and began playing tennis in her mid-30s in Long Island City as well as out in the Hamptons. “Because of all the activities, it can be as social or not as social as you desire. The Tennis Director and staff know everyone, and often stop to say hello while on the courts. Friends at other clubs have commented that there is more of a community feeling at Gleneagles than at their clubs.”

With an array of tennis programs, leagues, complimentary clinics, lectures (including big names like NTC Director Whitney Kraft and Wimbledon Secretary Martin Guntrip) and more, tennis lovers of all levels and competitiveness are welcome at Gleneagles, and will have programming that fits their desires, as well as an array of things to do off the tennis court.

“There are many, many social events including shows featuring first-rate talent from Broadway, Vegas and Atlantic City,” said Richard Feldman, a Long Island native who lives in Gleneagles with his wife, Mindi. They purchased a condo about 10 years ago, and find themselves spending more time at the club in each passing year. “There are lecture series on a variety of topics including politics, book reviews, health, nutrition and more. Children are welcome, especially during holiday weeks with a carnival, bingo games and other treats to grab their attention. In short, Gleneagles is an ideal place for New Yorkers to call home, either as a seasonal member or full-time resident. It’s a short ride from the beaches, restaurants, shops and art galleries of Delray Beach. We haven’t regretted our choice for a New York minute.”

In total, Gleneagles has 21 tennis courts, 20 of which are Har-Tru and one hard court that is set up into four pickleball courts. There are over 500 tennis members which makes it a top-fight tennis destination, as well as all the amenities you could ask for off of the court.

“Florida is a great escape from the frigid New York winters, and Delray Beach and Gleneagles are the best part of Florida for us,” added Lasher. “The tight-knit, friendly community is a great place to call home, surrounded by the beauty of palm trees swaying in the tropical breezes and the wonderfully landscaped grounds. We just love the place and the people, and are so glad we discovered it. It’s the most fun I’ve had as an adult!”

 


Brian Coleman
Senior Editor, Long Island Tennis Magazine
Brian Coleman is the Senior Editor for Long Island Tennis Magazine. He may be reached at brianc@usptennis.com.
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