Hilton Head Monthly Magazine

By Anne Feldman

Come be one of the bunch and rally for research at the third annual Banana Open Junior Challenge May 1-3 at Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center.

The weekend event offers novice and tournament level play, hosting junior boys and girls singles.

The 2009 Banana Open Junior Challenge is presented by the local organization Friends of the Children, and Hilton Head Preparatory School Moms, 50 women who banded together to sponsor this event for children’s research at the Charles P. Darby Research Children’s Institute, at the Medical University of South Carolina. The institute is the largest pediatric research center in the Carolinas.

“It’s a great 18 and under event,” said Banana Open Jr. Challenge Chair Kelly Ruhlin, adding, “Children play great competitive tennis while enjoying the fun atmosphere. We provide a weekend of good family fun while promoting community service with young adults working the event, with face painting and tattoo stations, and a very energetic banana mascot!”

Entry fees are $35 for one event, and $40 per person for two events, which includes a $5 donation to CPDRI. Boys and girls single levels start at 8-years and under, 10 and under, up to 18 years, with a limit of two events.  Prizes will be awarded to winners and finalists of each division, with fun raffles and prizes all weekend.

In addition to the main event, a fun child/adult round robin will be held Friday evening. “This is a great social mixer for the families. We held this last spring and the event was so successful that we’re including it again this year,” said Jackie Reynecke, Palmetto Dunes tournament director.

The divisions are: father/child, mother/child or adult/child. Teams will be combined into flights for fun pro sets. If an adult or child wishes to participate and doesn't have a partner they will be matched with a compatible partner.

The fun starts Friday with a player party sponsored by Jim ‘N Nicks Bar-B-Q. Guests welcome, $10 fee at Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center. Continental breakfast will be served Saturday and Sunday morning. Fruit and drinks provided. Entry deadline is Sunday, April 26.  To register and for more information contact Palmetto Dunes Tennis Pro Shop at (843) 785–1152 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .