Sunday, February 26, 2012

AN ABSOLUTELY ALL-AMERICAN TENNIS CHAMPION

has lived on Hilton Head Island for most of his adult life.  He's the kind of American who makes you feel proud when you see him: tall, imposing, there is a certain aura of strength and purpose surrounding him.  You see it when he walks into a room - head and shoulders above everyone else.  His name is Stan Smith.

     He came to Hilton Head from California in 1971 at the invitation of Charles Fraser, the founder of Sea Pines, who wanted tennis to capture a more prominent position in the resort.  Except for a few years at Amelia Island he has been here ever since.  He dominated tennis in the early 1970s when he won the U.S. Open in 1971 and Wimbledon in 1972.  he represented the USA in the Davis Cup for 10 years, helping to win the coveted championship seven times.  He has been the Touring Pro for Sea Pines for 41 years!

     Over the years he has won 39 singles titles, 61 doubles crowns, was the number one player in the world in 1971 and 1972, and was the United States'top ranked player in 1969, 1971, 1972 and 1973.  He won the 35-and-over title at Wimbledon in 1984, 1985 and at the U.S. Open in 1984.  He won the 55-and-over title at the U.S. Open in 2002 and 2004.  He was the coach of the 2000 U.S. Olympic team in Sidney, australia and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1986.  he was Director of Coaching for the USTA Player Development Program from 1986-1994 and was the Associate Director of Player Development from 1995-1998.  Stan and his wife Margie reside on Hilton Head and have four children.

     Part of the pleasure of living on Hilton Head is seeing such nationally and internationally recognized figures who blend into the community and contribute to it.  Some are just passing through.  In earlier days Jackie Gleason would be aboard his yacht, moored in Harbour Town for an island visit.  Each late afternoon he would appear, dressed in crisp white slacks, wearing a navy blazer, cocktail in hand taking a stroll around the quay.  He was a friendly fellow who enjoyed a short chat with anyone who recognized him.  Joseph E. Levine was a quieter type, not interested in socializing. 

     Gary Moore of television fame lived here then.  Occasionally his friend Walter Cronkite would moor his boat in Harbour Town.  Gary kept a small, one-man tugboat named "Little Toot" that he liked to ramble around Calibogue Sound in.  He was always agreeable to contributing to the community in any way that  he could.  He was a sweet person with a wonderful smile.

     ISLANDERS ARE GEARING UP FOR THE RBC HERITAGE which will be held April 9-15 at Harbour Town golf Links.  Five major PGA Tour winners have committed to play in the event: Ernie Els, John Daly, Padraig Harrington, Justin Leonard and Lee Jansen will join former Heritage winners Stewart Clink, Glen Day, Brian Gay, Jim Furyk, Boo Weekley and defending champ Brandt Snedeker.  The entire group will be shooting for a top prize of slightly more than $1 million from a total purse of $5.7 million.

     MORE REAL ESTATE SALES. . .We're seeing increasing interest in real estate.  Our real estate sales are the highest in the state of South Carolina.  Our area had the most improved real estate market in the state of South Carolina during 2011 with an increase of 9/4% over 2010 and a 15.4% increase in properties going under contract, which was more than double the rest of South Carolina's real estate regions.  People enjoy our relaxed, Lowcountry living.  A good selection and low interest rates are a perfect combination!

     Diann Wilkinson