'Woods and Whites' makes a racket
<p>Krystie Robbins, of Coeur d’Alene, reaches into the air to return the ball Tuesday during the Woods and Whites tennis social at the Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course.</p>
<p>A crate of vintage wooden tennis racquets are available for participants to use in the Woods and Whites tennis tournament.</p>
<p>Tracy Carlsen, of Hayden, returns the ball during a match on the court at the Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course.</p>
COEUR d'ALENE - What began as a way for a group of tennis players to socialize has transformed into an homage to the early days of the sport.
On Tuesday a group of 20 women, most of whom play tennis regularly together at Peak Tennis, met at The Coeur d'Alene Resort tennis courts for "Woods and Whites." The event was started six years ago by Carolyn Mall as a way to enjoy summertime tennis in what she called "a beautiful setting."
"The second year we had it we decided to have a theme and the first thing that popped into our heads was 'Woods and Whites,'" Mall said. "We immediately began scouring all the thrift stores in the area buying old wood rackets and now here we are."
Mall added that the wood rackets, which were prevalent throughout the history of the sport until the late 1960s when Wilson produced a steel racket, makes the event truly unique.
"It's a whole different world playing with these," Mall said. "There's no forgiveness and it really kills your arm."
Mall moved away from North Idaho a year ago and the event took a hiatus. However, this year, when Sandee French heard Mall would be back in town, she said it was the perfect time to bring Woods and Whites back.
"We are doing it in honor of her," French said.
One of the participants, Pamela Muno, is a certified tennis pro. She said although tennis racket technology has come a long way, there is a movement to bring back wood rackets.
"The USPTA (United States Professional Tennis Association) is advocating going back to less technology because they say there would be less injury compared to using the modern technology," Muno said. "It's different playing with the wood rackets, but you just need to keep your eyes on the ball and hit the sweet spot."
Throughout Tuesday morning there was plenty of laughter and socializing as the participants tried to hit the sweet spot using the classic rackets. Once warm-ups were completed, teams of two played seven matches and the pace increased.
However, according to French, the day is less about competition and more about having a good time.
"It's just fun to do something different like this and do something with your girlfriends," French said.
"It's girl time. It's tennis time. It's a fun time," Mall added.