News

Savannah Challenger announces Critz as a $10,000 sponsor

Pictured left to right Tournament Director Scott Mitchell, President and Owner of Critz, Inc. Dale Critz, Tournament Chairperson Kirsten McDonough

SAVANNAH, Ga. – The Savannah Challenger tennis tournament is pleased to announce that Critz will serve as a sponsor for the USTA Pro Circuit event. The tournament, which will feature 32 world-ranked tennis professionals, will take place April 21-29 at The Landings Club on Skidaway Island and is open to the public.

“Critz Autogroup [which includes BMW, Buick, GMC, Mercedes and Mercedes-Sprinter] has been a huge supporter of this $50,000 tournament over the years,” said Scott Mitchell, tournament director. “Our partnership with Critz has been a great experience and we’re appreciative of all their help.”

This will be the fourth consecutive year The Landings Club has hosted the Savannah Challenger. Previous participants include James Blake, Ryan Sweeting, Robby Ginepri, Robert Kendrick, Michael Russell, Donald Young, Carsten Ball, Ryan Harrison and Bobby Reynolds. In addition to the professional matches, the week-long tournament will feature a Kids Day and Ladies Day.

Participants in the 2011 Savannah Challenger continued on to compete in many prestigious tournaments. In fact, 59 percent played in Wimbledon and 66 percent played in the US Open.

The 2012 Savannah Challenger and all special activities are open to the public. For news, schedules and draws or general information, please visit www.savannahchallenger.com. The Landings Club on Skidaway Island is a private membership club. For more information, call (912) 598-8050 or visit www.landingsclub.com.

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$50,000 Savannah Challenger – Wildcard Tournament

Mark your calendars—the $50,000 Savannah Challenger is back! But before all the glitz and glamour of the main event, Franklin Creek Tennis Center will host the equally thrilling Savannah Challenger Wildcard Tournament, scheduled for February 25-26. The singles champion of this tournament will earn a wildcard into the qualifying draw for the Savannah Challenger, which starts Saturday, April 21. Past wildcard champions include two-time winner Tony Mule, a Greensboro, North Carolina native. This event is open to all male players interested in playing in the 2012 Challenger (USTA/ATP).

The registration deadline is Sunday, February 19 at 11:59pm. Interested applicants can register online through tennis link.

For more information or questions, contact Director of Tennis Scott Mitchell at scott.mitchell@landingsclub.com or (912) 598-2570.

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$50,000 Savannah Challenger Returns to The Landings Club for Fourth Consecutive Year

Skidaway Island, Ga. – For the fourth consecutive year, The Landings Club on Skidaway Island will host the $50,000 Savannah Challenger. This year’s tournament, which will showcase 32 world ranked players, is scheduled for April 21-April 29 and will include a main draw of singles and doubles. In addition to the professional competition, the tournament will feature a Kids Day Clinic and a Ladies Day.

“The Savannah Challenger brings the excitement and intensity of world-class tennis to the quiet serenity of Savannah,” said Kirsten McDonough, Savannah Challenger tournament chairperson. “As this tournament continues to grow, more and more up-and-coming pros look forward to gaining valuable match experience here, preparing them for many prestigious tournaments such as the US and French Opens as well as Wimbledon.”

Each year, the USTA hosts 15 Challenger Tournaments around the country. Participants are full-time ATP tour players with a world ranking of 40-200 who play in the tournaments to improve their rankings and advance to Grand Slam events. Players in the main draw will be announced in April, but previous rosters have included John Isner, James Blake, Michael Russell and Donald Young.

Among the professionals competing in the 2011 $50,000 Savannah Challenger, 66 percent competed in the U.S. Open and 59 percent competed in Wimbledon. Since 2010, the number of participants proceeding to the French Open has jumped 28 percent, a clear testament to the growing prestige of this tournament and the talent it attracts.

The Savannah Challenger Wildcard Tournament will precede the main event and is scheduled for February 24-26. The singles champion of this tournament will earn a wildcard into the qualifying draw for the $50,000 Savannah Challenger.

For more information please visit www.savannahchallenger.com or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/savannahchallenger.

About The Landings Club
The Landings Club on Skidaway Island is a private membership club located less than 10 miles south of historic Savannah, Georgia. Members enjoy six championship golf courses, four elegant dining clubhouses, 34 tennis courts, five pools and a variety of other coastal amenities. Any non-member using Club facilities or services must be a guest of a current Club member.  More information is available by calling (912) 598-8050 or by visiting The Landings Club’s website at: www.landingsclub.com.