Sarah Casper | November 26, 2025November 26, 2025

A new era has arrived at the Roy Barth Tennis Center, marked by the debut of a new Tennis Clubhouse and the introduction of two state-of-the-art padel courts. Long recognized as the #1 Tennis Resort in the World by TennisResortsOnline, the center continues to elevate the standard for world-class racquet sport experiences. This expansion reflects Kiawah’s ongoing commitment to pairing exceptional training with exceptional facilities.

At the heart of the transformation is the new Tennis Clubhouse—a refined coastal retreat designed to meet the needs of serious players and leisure guests alike. The clubhouse features a thoughtfully curated pro shop, an inviting outdoor patio with ample seating and TVs, a courtside café serving light fare, and purpose-built classroom and fitness spaces for the Barth-Hawtin Tennis Academy. Whether refueling before an intensive clinic or unwinding after a competitive afternoon match, the clubhouse offers a sanctuary for players seeking comfort, connection, and understated luxury.

As the day unfolds, rustling palmettos cast cool shade across the patio, creating a natural refuge between court sessions. Players gather over chilled beverages, connecting with one another and catching up between matches. Guests browse the pro shop for quality apparel or a simple keepsake from their time on Kiawah. In the locker rooms, relaxed, calming finishes invite players to refresh and reset—emerging renewed and ready for more time on the courts or the many experiences that await across the island.

For students of the Barth-Hawtin Tennis Academy, the expanded clubhouse represents a new pinnacle of integrated training. “We’re thrilled to offer a truly turnkey experience for players,” shares Bruce Hawtin, Director of the Barth-Hawtin Tennis Academy. Weekdays unfold seamlessly: intensive on-court training, academic coursework in the onsite classroom, and strength and conditioning in the fitness studio—all anchored within steps of one another. Academy athletes train alongside ATP and WTA professionals and work closely with the center’s full-time physiologist. Each student receives a personalized development plan, supported by a proven record of college placements. Beyond tennis, students enjoy full access to resort amenities and participate in thoughtfully curated social programming—creating a genuine home-away-from-home.

The enhancements extend beyond tennis and pickleball with the addition of two cutting-edge padel courts—marking a dynamic moment for paddle sports at the resort. One of the fastest-growing racquet sports in the United States, padel blends the strategy of tennis, the walls of squash, and the pace of a truly athletic game. “It’s like tennis off the walls—fast and incredibly fun,” says Bruce Hawtin. Jonathan Barth, Director of Tennis, adds, “The structure of padel translates really well for tennis players. You score the same way, and even though you’re in an enclosed space, the movement feels very natural.”

Players can now book courts, private lessons, and introductory padel clinics, embracing a new sport that complements Kiawah’s celebrated racquet offerings.

With the expanded clubhouse and new padel courts, the Roy Barth Tennis Center is poised to host an enriched schedule of social hours, group weekends, and bespoke tennis, pickleball, or padel experiences. “We’re adapting with the times—without giving up an ounce of tennis,” affirms Jonathan Barth.

What emerges is not simply a renovation, but a thoughtful evolution—one that honors the center’s legacy of excellence while embracing the future of racquet sports. At the Roy Barth Tennis Center, players can expect not just instruction or recreation, but a truly exceptional journey.