Seeking to add a bit of refreshing flair to the upcoming Central Coast Pro Tennis Open, organizers of the second-year tournament will unveil a new signature drink once the event begins its eight-day run Sept. 23-30.
Ralph Goehring, Owner and President of Templeton Tennis Ranch (TTR) wanted local tennis fans to experience something similar to the US Open’s Honey Deuce and Wimbledon’s Pimm’s Cup, creating a unique tournament drink that represents the world-class wine region of the Central Coast.
To meet the request, Ali Carscaden, Owner and certified advanced Sommelier of 15C Wine Shop & Bar in downtown Templeton has created the “Templeton Crush”. “The Templeton Crush is a signature drink developed specifically for this tournament and its main ingredients are local Chardonnay, and fresh fruit puree in a refreshing slushy form,” Carscaden said. “The vibrant green color is of course reminiscent of tennis balls.”
The tournament is one of only seven $60,000 Women’s USTA Pro Circuit events in the United States and is highlighted by top-100 to No. 250 WTA players, including the top-seeded American Madison Brengle (2015 Australian Open Round of 16) and the return of last year’s singles finalist Jamie Loeb (2015 NCAA singles champion).
Goehring added: “We decided on the name ‘Crush’ because of its dual meaning – crushing the grapes and because at times a tennis player can ‘crush’ the ball, usually an overhead slam. Additionally, we desire to brand the town of Templeton because that is our location and it is the heart of the Central Coast wine region. So enjoy some professional tennis and our new Templeton Crush!”
The tournament will host more than 70 top women athletes from approximately 20 countries who will participate in the county’s only professional tennis event.
“We encourage everyone to come out and watch a few matches,” Goehring added. “We will be holding evening matches beginning at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in addition to our day time match line-up.”
The Templeton High School FFA Club will be hosting a BBQ on Friday, Sept. 28 beginning at 5:00 p.m. Recently the SLO County Supervisors designated the week of September 23 through September 30 as “Tennis Awareness Week” in SLO County, lending their support to this world-class event and the sport of tennis.
Goehring noted that TTR expects over 1,500 people to enjoy the activities at the club over the eight-day tournament. Schools in SLO County may contact Scott Cleere, TTR’s Director of Tennis, to arrange school assemblies or TTR related school activities.