Tennis Club Gets New Owners; Renovation Due

In a move likely to intensify competition among private tennis clubs, two Newport Beach residents purchased the Newport Beach Tennis Club this week.

The new owners are David Kang, the club’s new chief executive, and his partner, Julianne Ren, its new president.

Kang wouldn’t reveal how much they paid for the place but said Wednesday that they’re investing $500,000 to renovate the clubhouse.

The club--built in 1967--sprawls across seven acres at 2601 Eastbluff Drive and includes 19 courts, a restaurant, cocktail lounge, gym rooms, massage rooms and day-care center. It’s known among members as a place to find players with a broad range of abilities and to relax socially after a game.

But like most local clubs in recent years, particularly in the highly competitive Newport Beach market, the club has had to battle with rivals for prestige and members.

Ken Stuart, owner of Palisades Tennis Club a mile away at 1171 Jamboree Road, hosted a Davis Cup match this spring--something the Newport Beach club did 20 years ago.

Stuart says he welcomes Kang to the business but hopes he won’t offer sharp discounts in membership and monthly fees to attract members. The club’s prior management engaged in that practice, Stuart says.

Virginia Sheetz, controller of the Newport Beach Tennis Club, denied Stuart’s claim and said Stuart himself has been known to offer deep discounts. Stuart denied Sheetz’s assertion.