Founded in 1959, The Racquet Club has long been one of Midland’s most cherished private clubs, offering a welcoming environment where members and their families gather to enjoy exceptional racquet sports, dining, and social experiences.
For generations, the club has served as a place where friendships are built, traditions are created, and the community comes together. With a proud heritage rooted in sport and hospitality, The Racquet Club continues to provide a vibrant setting that blends recreation, relaxation, and connection.
Our club features premier tennis and pickleball programs, a lively swimming and family recreation area, and a beautiful clubhouse offering both casual and refined dining. Throughout the year, members enjoy a variety of social events, tournaments, and family activities that make the club a true extension of home.
At The Racquet Club, we are committed to delivering an elevated private club experience where warm hospitality, outstanding amenities, and meaningful connections define everyday life.
More than a place to play or dine, The Racquet Club is where members come to connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories.
The Racquet Club of Midland was established in late 1959 as a private, family-oriented club with an initial membership of 100 resident members. A 7½-acre tract of land was acquired, and construction of the club’s facilities soon began.
By February 1960, four Laykold tennis courts were completed, and an army-surplus frame building was relocated to serve as a temporary clubhouse and pro shop. That same summer, an Olympic-size 25-meter swimming pool was constructed, further enhancing the club’s recreational offerings.
In April 1960, the club welcomed its first Tennis Professional, Win Farquhar, whose passion and dedication played a pivotal role in fostering enthusiasm for the sport among members and their children. Under his leadership, the club quickly developed a strong tennis culture, hosting approximately fifteen tournaments annually.
From its inception, the Racquet Club emphasized its identity as a “family club.” By 1962, membership had grown to 150 families, with an impressive 431 children—nearly 80% under the age of 13—highlighting the club’s vibrant, family-centric environment.
The club’s permanent clubhouse, featuring a dining room and lounge, was completed in November 1961. In the years that followed, the club continued to expand and enhance its amenities, adding seven additional Laykold tennis courts, lighting for two courts to allow for night play, a backboard practice area, locker rooms, a teenage activity room, an upgraded pro shop, the Garden Room, a playground area, and a tournament viewing stand.
Eugene Farrish served as the club’s first manager, helping to guide its early growth and operations.
The following individuals served as Board Presidents during the club’s formative years:
- John C. Dorn (1959–1960)
- William C. Liedtke Jr. (1961)
- William H. Pomeroy Jr. (1962)
- Tom D. Fowler (1963)
- George S. Cone (1964)
- Edward H. Leede (1965)
- Deane H. Stoltz (1966)
- Fred Kester (1967)
- Pomeroy Smith (1968)
- Earle Craig Jr. (1969)
- Erd Johnson (1970)
- William S. Marshall (1971)
- Charles L. Morgan Jr. (1972)