New Tennis Pro Debuts at Warner Springs

Eric Winrow

By Jim Evans

He’s a pretty colorful guy,” according to Jeff Brown, Marketing Director for the Warner Springs Ranch Resort describing his new tennis pro. But “colorful” might be subject to interpretation since Eric Winrow is equally talented making strokes with a tennis racquet or a paint brush.

The veteran tennis pro has been teaching all over the world for more than 20 years and includes such distinguished clients as Alan Greenspan and Peter Jennings among his students. “I decided a long time ago that I would rather teach others how to enjoy the game of tennis and see the world on my own terms rather than play on the grueling pro circuit,” says Winrow unabashedly.

Eric Winrow working with two beginning players.

Indeed, he has traveled to more than ten different countries teaching tennis over the years and eventually met his Japanese wife in Jamaica where they shared the common passions of scuba diving and traveling. Clearly Winrow has a mind of his own and a sense of independence that, perhaps, separates him from the traditional tennis pro.

It’s probably what makes him a good teacher too.

Winrow, 38, began playing both tennis and golf at the age of three and started teaching tennis at 18. Along the way he broadened his expertise by also becoming a fitness and aquatics trainer which has served him in good stead helping prepare clients for the physical aspects of playing tennis. What’s the old saying: You don’t get in shape by playing sports — you get in shape to play sports. An art major at the Art Institute of Seattle, Winrow displays his off-court artistry in the form of painting in various media and photography, and some of his works will be on display from time to time at the resort.

With 15 championship courts located on the grounds of this internationally famous resort, Warner Springs is well positioned to become a significant tennis Mecca, and Winrow is determined to make it happen. He became aware of Warner Springs about 8 years ago when he visited the resort with his mother on a spa package. “It immediately reminded me of John Gardner’s Tennis Ranch in Carmel (the 25-acre legendary tennis where Winrow worked for several years), and I was excited when the opportunity materialized to become a part of this program.”

“Our courts have been underutilized,” says Winrow, “but not for long. The pro shop is now fully stocked with tennis gear and accessories, and I have already approached the local schools to begin developing a strong junior program. We are planning to bring groups to the resort for tennis camps and inviting well-known tennis pros to play exhibition matches, and I will be available to teach both individual and group lessons.”

Spoken like a guy who knows what he is doing.

“Come out and see us,” says Winrow. How can you turn down an invitation like that!?! For further information about the new tennis program at Warner Springs, call (760) 782-4297. It’s never too late to learn how to play.