Palmetto Dunes Bolsters Tennis Instruction Staff

The award-winning Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort Tennis & Pickleball Center has hired Patrick Walker as its new Head Tennis Professional. Longtime teaching professional Eric Wammock is now the resort’s Director of Tennis Instruction.

Walker, 34, has been a head tennis professional for the past 17 years, most recently at the South Carolina Yacht Club on Hilton Head Island. Formerly from Huntington, West Virginia, Walker is a former playing professional. He was a top junior competitor and subsequently traveled extensively to play the ITF/ATP futures professional tour in 2004-2005. Walker has also played exhibitions with legends such as Mats Wilander, Wayne Ferreira, Luke Jensen, and Tracy Austin, among others. 

Beyond exhibitions, Walker has served as a hitting partner for WTA players Alexandra Stevenson and Julie Ditty. As a coach, he is adept at teaching all player levels from beginners to high levels. Walker has coached a women’s 4.5 team to a third-place finish at USTA Nationals, and has produced several college players that went to schools such as Clemson and Ohio State.

“Patrick is a dynamic pro, with excellent experience and the playing pedigree to match,” Wammock said. “He will be the perfect complement to our friendly and knowledgeable staff, and bring leadership skills to continue to grow our award-winning programs.”

Wammock added that in his new role at Palmetto Dunes, he will remain active teaching, running the resort’s three flagship programs in the morning and offering private instruction, as well.

Walker brings positive, fun energy to the court, and said he hopes to bring more kids and adult tournaments to Palmetto Dunes. “What attracted me to Palmetto Dunes was the high energy around the resort and great working atmosphere with the team of outstanding professionals who work there,” Walker said.

Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort has long been a favorite vacation destination because it consistently provides one of the richest vacation experiences in the country, with more award-winning activities than any other resort in the southeast.

There’s no more complete destination for anyone looking to play, practice, or improve their game than Palmetto Dunes. The Palmetto Dunes Tennis & Pickleball Center features 19 Har-Tru tennis courts, four of which are lighted for night play, as well as a well-stocked, 1,800-square-foot tennis pro shop — Hilton Head Island's largest. The Palmetto Dunes Tennis and Pickleball Center has been named the island’s top tennis and pickleball resort. Palmetto Dunes not only boasts 24 lighted pickleball courts, but also one of the most comprehensive instructional programs on the East Coast.