PTR Member of the Year: Nigel Pugh
From academy owner to tennis director for private country clubs to, now, director of tennis for the City of Fremont, Calif., Nigel Pugh has learned a lot in his more than 20 years. Throughout it all, his philosophy has been “to enjoy what I’m doing and make sure it’s fun for the people I’m working with, too.”
Pugh, who is TI’s 2014 PTR Member of the Year, was born in Australia and played the junior circuit, securing a spot on the Australia Junior Davis Cup Team. Now, he oversees 42 courts, including 18 at the award-winning Fremont Tennis Center, which recently added three permanent 60-foot and two 36-foot courts. His staff of 21 has all gone through the Coach Youth Tennis curriculum, and 14 of the pros are PTR certified.
“Our philosophy is that we’re lifelong learners, so we can be better instructors, better people and provide better service to the community,” says Pugh, who won the 2014 PTR/USTA Community Service Award. “One of the most rewarding things for me is to now be involved in outreach to the entire community. We have a big outreach program.”
A PTR clinician and tester and USTA national faculty member, Pugh has earned professional certification in all four PTR education pathways. He also completed certification for USPTA, Tennis Australia and the Australian Professional Coaches Association.
“Nigel is one of those special people who finds the time to conduct PTR courses and he does a great job,” says PTR CEO Dan Santorum. “He truly makes a world of difference.”
— Peter Francesconi
Tips for success
- You need to enjoy what you’re doing and have fun.
- Deliver more than you promise. “We do what we say we’ll do, and then some,” Pugh says. “That’s why our program has had such huge growth in the last year.”
- Always seek more education, for yourself and your staff.
See all articles by Peter Francesconi
About the Author
Peter Francesconi 
is editorial director of Tennis Industry magazine.
TI magazine search
TI magazine articles
- Our Serve: Rally Point for Tennis
- Our Serve: It’s Our Responsibility
- Industry News
- Facility Management: Party Lines
- Retailing Tip: Enjoy the Game!
- Tennis Industry Hall of Fame: Honor Society
- Growing Community Tennis: Hispanic Tennis Stars
- Home of American tennis: The ‘Go-To’ Place for U.S. Tennis
- Become a Racquet Guru
- Court Construction: Winter Break