Tennis guru David McIntosh offers lessons at your residence or vacation condo, right here on Siesta Key
By Jane Bartnett
Tennis anyone?
The answer is always yes from David McIntosh
“I fell in love with Siesta Key the first time I got here,” said McIntosh. “It’s such a great tennis town. There are at least 100 locations on the Key with tennis courts. It’s fun to be a part of Siesta Key.”
A United States Pro Tennis Association certified tennis pro and coach, McIntosh is living his dream of teaching tennis on Siesta Key. He offers both private and group lessons here to participants of all levels and ages, having students ranging from 2 to 92.
McIntosh, who was a college standout, played on the pro tennis circuit and worked with many of the greats in the tennis world. As a pro at the Bollettieri/Chang Tennis center in Boston, he came to know the late, great tennis legend Nick Bollettieri, who coached Andre Agassi.
Bollettieri was the founder of the Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton that is now known as the IMG Academy.
When McIntosh became a tennis pro at the legendary Colony Beach and Tennis Resort on Longboat Key, he discovered Siesta Key. Despite being named the No. 1 tennis resort by Tennis Magazine, the Colony eventually closed its doors — much to the dismay of many in the tennis world.
McIntosh went on to serve as a teaching pro at Ivan Lendl’s Grand Slam Tennis Academy, in Greenwich, Connecticut. He treasures the time that he spent working with both Bollettieri and Ivan Lendl, who was the No. 1-ranked men’s player in the world for 270 weeks. Lendl, he noted, is considered to be one of the best men’s tennis players in history and a member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Recalling lessons learned from the great Bollettieri, who was also a Tennis Hall of Fame inductee, McIntosh is proud to say that he’s following in the footsteps of the man he considers a friend and mentor. “He was a very special person,” said McIntosh.
Bollettieri passed away recently at the age of 91.
Sharing Bollettieri’s experiences with his students and teaching the game of tennis is McIntosh’s mission. “I want people to know that tennis is a game for life. It’s a lifetime sport,” he said. “The great thing about tennis is that it makes you a part of something. We’re doing it together. I tell my students not to be intimidated. Tennis adds to your life. He was a great advocate of the concept of
And McIntosh will come to your doorstep to pass along his passion for the game.
“So many Siesta Key communities have great tennis courts. I meet my students at the courts in their communities or at hotels for those who are vacationing, and we get to work. I bring racquets and balls and we start our lessons,” he said. “My students range from USTA league players to those picking up a racquet for the very first time. I also encourage people who haven’t played for years to get back on court.”
For five or more students, he brings in a second tennis pro to join him for the class. “Group lessons can be a great way to get back in the game,” McIntosh said.
When he meets with a new student, he assesses the player’s level and then tailors those lessons to that person. “I also ask my players to let me know if they have a specific area that they want to improve upon,” McIntosh said.
He also arranges matches and links players with matching skill sets.
McIntosh’s one-hour rates are $95 for one person, $55 each for two people, and $40 each for groups of three or more.
To set up a lesson, visit siestakeytennis.com and call or text McIntosh at (941) 302-4291.
Author: Jane Bartnett
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