Hilton Head Sports

The Professional Tennis Registry reached a major milestone Aug. 31, when the Hilton Head Island-based organization welcomed its 10,000th member in the United States.

"When you provide quality education leading to certification, plus outstanding member services and benefits — membership growth follows,” PTR CEO Dan Santorum said. “Reaching 10,000 members in the U.S., one-third of whom are coaches of color, is a tremendous source of pride for PTR.”

The 10th annual Tiger Bass 5K/15K in Hampton Lake has been rescheduled for Oct. 28 after being postponed in the wake of Hurricane Irma. The race, which benefits Memory Matters and River Ridge Academy, also includes a 1-mile fun run. Registration is open through Oct. 26. For more information, go to www.tigerbassrace.com.

One of the area’s best annual charity golf tournaments and an exciting new one are just around the corner.

The 14th annual Mortgage Network Tee Off Fore The Arts tournament is Oct. 25 at Wexford Golf & Tennis Club and will also feature a mixed doubles round robin tennis event. Participants will enjoy an awards reception and silent auction after play. Golf entries are $350 per player, and tennis entries are $175. Sign sponsor rates are $100 for golf signage and $50 for tennis signage. For more information, call Lyn Kaplan at 843-686-3945, ext. 210.

Ready to hit the open road astride a bike to get in shape or to participate in an upcoming race or ride? The Lowcountry is a great place to start cycling, thanks to its nearly perfect weather and bike path-friendly terrain. The Town of Hilton Head Island has been recognized as one of the most bicycle-friendly communities in the U.S., and it offers something for beginning cyclists and hard-core athletes alike.

Many cyclists prefer to bike alone, while others enjoy the camaraderie of a regular group ride. Either way, finding a few friends to help get your biking routine in gear can really help, area enthusiasts say. 

PEDAL HILTON HEAD GAINS NEW GROUND

Excitement is building for Pedal Hilton Head Island. Cyclists from the Lowcountry and all over the Southeast will ride onto the island Sept. 17 to tackle a series of courses ranging from family fun rides on the beach to 62-mile courses that span the island’s bridges and go all the way to the flyovers. It’s the perfect event for riders of all ages and skill levels, organizers said.

OWNING A RESTAURANT AS A FAMILY GIVES NEW MEANING TO THE WORDS “FAMILY MEETING,” BUT THE WHITEHEADS HAVE A SPECIAL DYNAMIC THAT MAKES ALL WORK.

“Our motto is ‘friends, family and fun’ because we want people to know that we are all about families, and we welcome them.” said Rocky Whitehead, whose family opened Bomboras Grille in 2011. The Hilton Head Island restaurant was renamed Rockfish Seafood & Steak at Bomboras this spring.

The Skidaway Island Boating Club and the Yacht Club of Hilton Island Head held the second annual Low Country Hook summer ocean sailing race on July 29, with 24 boats racing from Calibogue Sound off the south end of Hilton Head Island to Landings Harbor Marina on Skidaway Island. Teams sailed approximately 30 miles through 5- to 6-foot swells and 15- to 25-mph winds, which held steady throughout the race until the last hour, when a storm surge hit the final group of boats.

Some of the world’s best wheelchair tennis players will return to Hilton Head Island from Sept. 21-24 for the Professional Tennis Registry’s $20,000 Wheelchair Tennis Championships.

Hilton Head Island tennis player Grant Durham teamed with Isaac Smith of Clearfield, Utah, to claim a runner-up doubles finish at the United States Tennis Association Boys’ 14s National Clay Court Championships from July 16-23 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.