RICHMOND, VIRGINIA: Thalhimer and the Richmond Tennis Association congratulated The Country Club of Virginia on Sunday, September 21, for winning the 32nd annual Thalhimer Challenge. The event is Richmond’s largest and most anticipated tennis competition of the year, featuring 396 doubles matches between the area’s largest 12 clubs over four days.

“This annual event is one of the biggest and best community tennis events in the country,” noted Lee Warfield, CEO of Thalhimer. Salisbury Country Club and Westwood Club hosted the event September 18-21 with the following teams competing for the coveted trophy: ACAC, Burkwood Swim & Racquet Club, Country Club of Virginia, The Dominion Club, Hermitage Country Club, Midlothian Athletic Club, Midlothian Tennis Club, Raintree Swim & Racquet Club, Salisbury Country Club, Westwood Club, Willow Oaks, and Woodlake.

“While the tournament is a competition between the area’s strongest teams, what makes it special is the coming together of the Richmond tennis community. The collective camaraderie is what it’s all about,” said Warfield. “Thalhimer supports the Richmond Tennis Association in its mission as a non-profit to encourage the growth and love of tennis in the greater Richmond region,” continued Warfield.

JP LaFors, President of the Richmond Tennis Association, noted, “Thalhimer Challenge is the RTA’s largest fundraiser of the year. This event helps us create pathways for juniors to learn the game.”

Lee Warfield added, “Through our Thalhimer Gives community outreach program, our associates support a variety of non-profit groups that have a positive impact on where we live. Our team loves supporting the Richmond Tennis Association and Thalhimer Challenge.“

Over 550 players and fans attended the Thursday night kickoff event and nearly 1,000 rostered players battled it out over Friday through Sunday. Each team had players competing at the USTA-rated levels from 3.0 to 5.0 and above. The competition was doubles only with two men’s, two women’s, and one mixed doubles team at each level, except 5.0+ which had one men’s and one mixed doubles team. The qualifying play was held the first three days. Six clubs advanced out of qualifying to advance to the finals on Sunday. The tournament winner was the club that accumulated the most points on the final day.

The Country Club of Virginia had an impressive run across the weekend on their way to claiming the coveted trophy. Their 22 doubles teams were nearly flawless throughout the competition.

1st place – The Country Club of Virginia
2nd place – ACAC
3rd place – Westwood Club

“This is the second year in a row that The Country Club of Virginia has taken home the cup—they played well and celebrated in style. It came down to the final matches on Sunday and their team pulled through. They have a long legacy and tradition of tennis in Richmond, and they’ll be the ones to beat next year,” said Lee Warfield.

Thalhimer Challenge puts friendly competition and Richmond’s love of tennis on full display each year. “Thalhimer thanks the Richmond Tennis Association and its many volunteers and the host sites of Salisbury and Westwood Club for making it a great experience for players and fans alike.” said Warfield.