The autumn nip in the air is slowly bringing part-time Verde residents back to the warm Arizona sunshine and ready to hit the courts at the Rio Verde Tennis Club.

The club is getting back into the swing of things on newly resurfaced courts (two courts are brand new) with an open tournament coming up at the end of October.

Verde tennis players are invited to join in for the team tennis open tournament on Thursday, Oct. 29, and Saturday, Oct. 31. The cost is $10 per person, and the cost for a sub is $5.

A pot luck party will follow play on Saturday, Oct. 31.

Register by contacting Rio Verde Tennis Club Professional Mike Davey at 471-7178.

Daily rated play has also begun for men and women members of the Tennis Club. There is a two-hour reserved court time in the morning three days each week to play in the professionally organized doubles program.

Women play on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Men play on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Members will receive an invitation to play in a competitive mixed doubles tournament on Thursday, Jan. 28.

Players will also be able to participate in a series of Tennis Mixer Potluck dinners throughout the upcoming season.

The first event will be held on Thursday, Nov. 12. Additional mixers are scheduled for Friday, Feb. 26; Tuesday, March 30, and on Tuesday, May 11.

The Tennis Club Christmas Party for members will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 8. Watch for the time and location.

The annual club championship tournament will be held in April 2010 with mixed doubles to take place April 22-24, and men’s and women’s doubles to take place April 26 through May 1.

Davey said the tennis courts are in great shape and ready to play with the resurfacing and complete replacement of the surface on two courts, which was warranty work.

The Rio Verde Tennis Club is operated by the Rio Verde Community Association. Membership is available that offers court priorities and rated play privileges. Membership is open to non-residents.

Rio Verde residents do have open access to the courts following daily rated play.

Davey is a USPTA professional and offers lessons at the club. He can be reached for further information by calling 471-7178.

The annual Tennis Club dues are due by Saturday, Oct. 31. The annual dues for 2009-2010 are $295 for Rio Verde residents, $335 for Tonto Verde residents and $375 for non-residents. New members are welcome.

Rio Verde Tennis Club is located on Four Peaks Boulevard in Rio Verde, just east of the Rio Verde Community Center.