Director of Tennis Biography

Our club is proud that Mark Vines calls Oakwood home. Mark arrived at Oakwood in January of 2006. An accomplished player and instructor, Mark demands the most of himself and the tennis program he is nurturing at the club. The grooming of our courts receives his constant attention and has earned our club the continued reputation for the finest playing surfaces in town. And nobody would prefer to play anywhere else than our indoor facility during in-climate weather. The active participation of our Tennis Committee and members contributes mightily toward Mark's shared goal of making tennis at Oakwood truly the best experience possible.

A Richmond, VA native, Mark toured on the USTA pro circuit from June 1979 - December 1983. Highlights from his younger professional career include: Winner of 1981 Paris Open Grand Prix Tournament, advancing to the third round of the 1982 U.S. Open (lost to Ivan Lendl), Virginia State Men's Singles Champion, Richmond City Men's Singles Champion, and Texas State Men's Single's Champion. Currently Mark is fulfilling his dream of being the #1 ranked Men's Singles Player 50+ in this country with six consecutive championships including the National Clay and Grass tournaments.

Mark's teaching acumen surfaced shortly after his retirement from the circuit and he is credited with advancing the games of pro circuit players, highly ranked national juniors, down to introductory beginner clinics. Mark has overseen the tennis program at five previous club stops including Naples Bath & Tennis Club in Florida and Columbine Country Club in Colorado. The fundamentals and the mental aspects of the tennis game are stressed in his style of instruction. "Why did you hit it there" is a favorite line that our members recite about Mark's style of making them think of their games. This style does produce winning results as observed from those receiving lessons on a regular basis have discovered, junior and adult player alike. If you truly wish to "get your game on", Mark can get you there!

Tennis is also a very social game. Beginner-accomplished players enjoy the camaraderie on and off the courts. Mark schedules social events on a regular basis with both weekly programs and special events. Doubles always receive the highest praise from our membership surveys and thus these matches are scheduled frequently. The FILA camp for adults that Mark brought to Oakwood featuring Aussie tennis pros is an annual favorite and a great workout!

Whether social or competitive tennis is your focus, we want to see you out on the courts! This is the mission of our Director of Tennis and our club.