Building Coaches, Building Community: PTR Marks 50 Years

Florida Tennis Editor Matt Pressman recently visited the Tampa Bay area and got a chance to sit down for an exclusive interview with Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) CEO Peter Hurley to learn more about the past, present, and future of the iconic tennis organization.

And when Hurley discusses the PTR, history comes alive. “PTR was founded literally 50 years ago in 1976 by Dennis Van der Meer who created the standard teaching method. And Dennis went on to create an absolutely amazing legacy. We have 125 countries represented with membership through Dennis and his efforts throughout the years.” It’s a legacy rooted in coaching excellence and global reach, now finding a new home in Florida.

That home is Saddlebrook Resort. “We moved here effectively about nine months ago and it's just an absolutely incredible area,” Hurley said. “Saddlebrook is an incredible place with over 40 courts, the history with [Harry] Hopman back in the day. In the 1980s, with Sampras and Courier... and so many others here in player development for the US for so many years.”

Photo courtesy of PTR.

PTR has immersed itself into Saddlebrook’s world-class environment. “We have grass courts, you've got red clay behind us. We've got hard courts, you pretty much can play the Grand Slam [surfaces and] practice for it here. You've got pickleball courts and  soon padel courts.” For Hurley, the variety of playing surfaces makes PTR’s training programs feel like a tour stop on their own. “Our office is literally right outside the door here. So there’s no excuse of not having the ability to play on whether it's grass courts or the red clay.”

That access is fueling new educational programs. “We have an educational series that's going to be here in mid-September. We have a high performance series that's going to be here as well. We're doing Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 certifications,” Hurley explained. And it’s not just about tennis either. “Our pickleball, our PPR entity, is absolutely amazing. It's run by Sarah Ansbury, who's a five-time national champion. And the thirst in Florida and around the country for pickleball these days is truly amazing.”

There’s no shortage of momentum with what’s ahead. “We have [a lot] on the calendar in the next few months—we're in Cincinnati at the ATP and WTA Championships out there. We're doing a PTRW, which is a women’s coaching initiative, as well as a two-day seminar. We have a National Education Day on August 23rd around the US Open.”

After New York, PTR will return to Florida. “We're back down here for an education series in mid-September, the 19th to the 23rd. We’re going to have special certification workshops, special events around pickleball, and for tennis, we have a high performance [events] coming back October 12th to the 14th.”

The lineup of speakers and coaches is just as impressive. “Karl Moss runs our international coaching training as well. And Karl was the Belgium Davis Cup and Fed Cup captain. He coached Kim Clijsters... [and] ran women’s tennis at the LTA for seven years,” Hurley said. “We have Dean Hollingsworth coming in, who is probably right at the top of training in physio and cardio, as well as mental performance.”

Photo courtesy of PTR.

Hurley believes certification and training elevate the whole game. “It's not just about backhands and forehands. It's really about creating an experience for somebody who's going to love a sport that they can play for the rest of their lives.” For PTR, ongoing education keeps coaches sharp. “From a certification, from a continuing education perspective, professional development is always striving to learn more information.”

PTR is also offering something big in early 2026. “Once a year, we host the International Racquets Conference in February. It's a must-attend event with incredible clinics, panels, seminars, and even a really neat trade show. Incredible networking opportunities, dinners, drinks, entertainment." He adds, "The PTR International Racquets Conference will take place at Saddlebrook from February 15th to the 18th, 2026. It is our 50th anniversary, bringing back members and coaches from all over the world.”

At its core, PTR is about connection. “It’s that sense of networking, it’s the shared experience, it’s those roundtables, it’s those one-on-one conversations.” The community PTR has fostered has created a truly global network. “Having members in 125 countries around the world, they’ve come here to this conference... met other top coaches, and next thing you know, they’re working in a club and they’ve been here in this country for 25, 30 years bringing their talents and skills to the table.”

Photo courtesy of PTR.

Looking ahead, Hurley has big plans. “PTR is really known for being best in class from an education perspective, so it's a good chance for us to really double down on the education side. It's also a great opportunity for us—PTR is known for making tennis accessible everywhere and growing the game.”

For Hurley, the vision is clear. “Really doubling down to try to enhance the coach experience and elevate coach education around the world.” With Saddlebrook as its home base, a 50th anniversary on the horizon, and the mission to grow tennis globally, PTR is stepping into its next chapter with purpose and energy.

Exclusive Interview

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Written by Assistant Editor Alex Binstok. Interview conducted by Florida Tennis Editor Matt Pressman. Top photo credit:  PTR.