Cardiff Lawn Tennis Club

Cardiff Lawn Tennis Club celebrates a centennial this year, with 2023 marking it 100 years since the club moved from Westgate Street to its current location in Castle Grounds. It was offered this location by the Bute family itself. So, here is a brief overview of the past 100 years at CLTC.

 The club was originally with built 7 grass courts, and 4 clay courts. There was a high standard of tennis at CLTC from the beginning, with the club champion from 1926 to 1939, Gwyn Tuckett, competing in the Wimbledon Championships. He participated in 7 editions of the grand slam between 1930 and 1948, even progressing to the Second Round in 1938. And in 1947, when the Marquess of Bute was giving Bute Park to the public, the club was given a 999-year lease for just £1 a year to ensure the preservation of the club. Juniors, to much outrage at the time from senior members, were first allowed to play at the club in 1951. This was when a trial took place where 6 girls were allowed into the club. All 6 of the girls remained and went on to form the Ladies 2nd Team. In the 1970s and 1980s the club flourished socially, with players of all ages and abilities now joining the club. By 1983 the club had reached 460 members, and in 1988 the club celebrated its centenarian birthday (since the original club was founded in 1888). For the following years the club only continued to grow in size and success. In 2002, current Head Coach, John Williams, was appointed as head coach for “performance accreditation.” This was as a part of the LTA’s drive to support “super clubs,” who had the ability to develop top talents for the future. In the years that have followed, the performance of both the Men’s and Ladies teams have only improved. With the Men’s team winning the South Wales Doubles League Premier 1 for the last 10 years, and Ladies winning 5 titles in the past 9 years.

  So, it seems safe to say that it has been a successful 100 years for the club. With the Men’s first team currently on 52 League Titles in 88 campaigns (a 59% win rate), and Ladies team on 56 in 88 (a 64% win rate). And alongside this competitive success, a strong social community has been cumulated at the club.

Members celebrated by enjoying a morning of tennis, followed by an afternoon tea, and then watching the Men’s Wimbledon Final. Thanks to everyone who made it so special.