San Dieguito Tennis Club signage
(Photos and image shots by Linda Goldsmith)
Former professional tennis player Andrea Jaeger wrote a grateful note to the San Dieguito Tennis Club on the cover of this magazine about her experience playing at the club.
(Photos and image shots by Linda Goldsmith)
By proclamation of the mayor of the city of Encinitas, Aug. 28, 2016 was declared to be “San Dieguito Tennis Club Day” in the city of Encinitas.
(Photos and image shots by Linda Goldsmith)
In 1998 SDTC was named Tennis Club of the Year by USTA
(Photos and image shots by Linda Goldsmith)
Construction of the San Dieguito Tennis Club started by May 1966.
(Photos and image shots by Linda Goldsmith)
Show Caption
1 of 5
San Dieguito Tennis Club signage
(Photos and image shots by Linda Goldsmith)
In the mid-1960s in Cardiff, a passionate group of tennis lovers came together with a simple goal: to play the game they loved. At the time, they had just one court through the San Diego Recreation Department at Glen Park, and every competitive match meant traveling to an away court. It wasn’t ideal, but it motivated them to find a solution.
By 1965, their small group had grown into a thriving community. It quickly became clear – one court simply wasn’t enough. After petitioning the County of San Diego for additional courts – and being turned down – this determined group decided to take matters into their own hands, according to a news release.
With vision, grit, and a whole lot of teamwork, these families and forward-thinking business minds pooled their resources and purchased 2.5 acres of land along El Camino Real for just $12,000. They formed a corporation, sold memberships for $300, and set monthly dues at $10. Then they rolled up their sleeves. Members worked the land themselves, while the business leaders ensured the financial foundation was solid, the news release stated.
By 1966, their dream became a reality. The club opened with 44 owner-members, a modest clubhouse, locker rooms, a somewhat controversial swimming pool, and four tennis courts, currently known today as courts 1, 2, 5, and 6. But they were just getting started, the news release stated.
Over the next several years, the club continued to grow:
•Additional land was acquired in 1968, 1969, and 1972, for $34,000.•Courts 3, 4, and 7 were added in 1972.•The upper level of the clubhouse was completed in 1978 after a spirited debate and a razor-thin vote of 51% to 49%.•Lights were added to courts 3 and 4 in 1979, and to courts 1 and 2 in 1984.•In 1985, land for courts 8 and 9 was secured, funded by adding 33 new shares.
Today, all nine courts stand as a tribute to the members who poured their time, energy, and heart into building something truly special, the news release stated.
Their efforts did not go unnoticed. In 1998, the club was named Tennis Club of the Year by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and in 2011 it received the same honor from the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA). And 10 years ago, by proclamation of the mayor of the city of Encinitas, Aug. 28, 2016 was hereby declared to be “San Dieguito Tennis Club Day” in the city of Encinitas, according to the news release, which added that “What began as a small group sharing a single court has become a vibrant, lasting community – built on passion, perseverance, a sense of family, and a love of the game that still thrives today.
“San Dieguito Tennis Club (SDTC) proudly celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2026. Today’s members remain deeply grateful for the vision, determination, and community spirit of those who laid the foundation six decades ago.
‘What began as a shared dream has grown into something unique in this day and age: a member-owned, nonprofit, family-friendly club that continues to thrive because of the people who call it home.”
The news release also stated that “We are incredibly fortunate to have such a gem in the heart of Encinitas, and to carry forward the legacy of those who built it with passion, dedication, and love of the game not only for themselves, but for future generations.”
For any questions regarding SDTC, visit www.sandieguitotennis.com or call the office at 760-942-9725. To inquire about tennis lessons, contact Director of Rackets Juan Garcia at juangarcia@sandieguitotennis.com