Teaching Pro Spotlight: Greg Holmes
The new Racquet Club of Irvine head teaching pro Greg Holmes doesn’t have to go far if he’s looking to swap old stories with former junior rivals he grew up with and played against in the pro ranks like Orange County’s Tim Pawsat, Robert Van’t Hof, Scott Davis, and Rick Leach.
Holmes was hired at the end of September to help RCI Director of Tennis Mike Thoeresz in all facets of tennis programming from the juniors to adults at the 28-court Spearman family-owned facility.
“It’s great to be back in Southern California,” said the 54-year-old Holmes, who was born in West Covina and grew up playing junior tennis in Danville, Calif. “Tennis is a sport I love and a sport I’ve played since I was 4 years old. I enjoy teaching very much and passing on my knowledge.”
Holmes moved to Orange County after spending several years teaching on his own in Arizona, and also served as assistant Tennis Director at La Camarilla Tennis Club in Scottsdale. He attended the ATP Tour Tennis Instruction School in 1991 and is an ATP certified Teaching Professional.
“You get to meet new people all the time and also help people develop their game and see the progress they can make and develop and see how far they get in their tennis game,” Holmes added. “I enjoy it very much.”
Holmes played on the ATP tour for eight years reaching a high singles ranking of No. 22 in the world and No. 66 in doubles. While on tour Holmes recorded wins over top 10-ranked players such as Jimmy Connors, Andre Agassi, Guillermo Vilas, Mats Wilander, Johan Kriek, Arron Krickstien, Brad Gilbert, Tomas Smid and played many top 10 players such as John McEenroe, Ivan Lendl, Boris Becker and Pete Sampras.
Holmes won the 1983 NCAA Singles Championship playing for the University of Utah and has played in all four Grand Slams.
“I had eight years on tour, and wouldn’t change a thing,” Holmes said. “It was a great experience.”
He’s now looking forward to sharing all his knowledge and wisdom with his students at RCI.
“I can pass on what I learned and teach them about the hard work and dedication it takes to make it,” Holmes said. “The game has changed from when I played but I think I can pass on to all levels about my experiences in the juniors, college, and the pros.”