​Reigning state champion Connor Feehan was genuinely surprised on Thursday, a rarity on the tennis court for someone used to keeping his emotions in check. The Quad City Tennis Club unveiled its much-anticipated grass courts, turning a bold vision into a tangible, striking upgrade for local players and visitors alike. “This is one of a kind,” Feehan said with the enthusiasm of someone who has faced countless serves and forehands. “It’s the most amazing place I’ve ever played tennis, and I believe people from across the country should come here, not just the Quad Cities. It’s remarkable that they have not one, but three of these surfaces.” The reveal marks a new chapter for the club and its fans, who have longed for a surface that embodies the prestige and challenge associated with elite tournaments.
The brain behind this ambitious project is Chris Ontiveros, president of the Quad City Tennis Club. The idea took root in 2023 after Ontiveros visited the All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club and saw an opportunity to push the local game forward. “I thought, ‘Why not us?’ It’s incredibly humbling and simultaneously exciting and fulfilling,” Ontiveros reflected. The dream began to take shape as he mapped out a plan to bring grass courts to a region with deep tennis roots but limited grass-surface options.
One of the initial hurdles was maintenance. Grass courts demand a delicate balance of care and expertise, a challenge not unlike tending a living, breathing landscape. Ontiveros explained that the club sought guidance from professionals who work with high-end turf surfaces, including golf course superintendents and other practitioners who specialize in best practices for grass. By networking with these experts, the club developed a maintenance regimen that could sustain the grass courts through the varying seasons and intensities of play.
Beyond the thrill of the aesthetic and performance upgrades, the grass courts also carry potential health benefits for players. Kelly Krei, a physician at MercyOne Genesis, noted that well-maintained grass courts can contribute to injury prevention, particularly in the lower extremities. “A properly maintained grass surface supports healthier movement and may reduce instances of tendonitis or recurrent joint pain as athletes progress,” Krei observed. The implication is clear: the grass courts aren’t just a novelty; they’re a contribution to player longevity and safety.
The project’s success is already evident in the enthusiastic reception from players who have waited a long time to experience the new surface. Feehan, who has been watching the construction and development for about a year, expressed his eagerness to test the grass firsthand. “I’ve seen it at Wimbledon and I’ve wanted to play on it since they planted the seed,” he shared. The sentiment echoes throughout the club, where anticipation built as the grass matured and the courts opened for use.
This achievement is a testament to what can happen when vision, community support, and expert guidance converge. The Quad City Tennis Club’s new grass courts symbolize more than an upgrade in facilities; they represent an invitation to players from near and far to enjoy a surface that blends tradition with modern adaptation. As Ontiveros noted, the project’s progress has been both humbling and exhilarating, a reminder that bold ideas—backed by careful planning and practical know-how—can transform a local club into a destination for tennis enthusiasts everywhere.
With the grass courts now in place, the club has created a lasting legacy for the sport in the Quad Cities, inviting players to experience the unique feel and challenge of grass and to envision future possibilities for growth, competition, and community engagement. As Feehan and others step onto the newly minted surface, the club’s message is clear: when you build it, play on it, and the people will come. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF – OurQuadCities.com.