Category: Sports

The Fleming Tournament is Back and so is The Flash, The 41st Year

The Fleming Flash is back!  And match play begins tomorrow, Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Stay tuned each day for a list of highlighted matches featuring Seabrook players and more. Click here to check out our website and find tournament details, photo information, and more.

Player check-in starts Wednesday morning at 8:00 am. Play begins at 10:00 am on Seabrook Island.  Activities take place on Seabrook, with matches also being played on Kiawah at the Roy Barth Tennis Center starting Thursday morning. 

Entry is free for spectators. Draws will be posted at the Seabrook Island Racquet Club and available on the USTA website. Several Seabrookers are playing in their first round matches on Wednesday, starting at 10:00 am, so come cheer them on.  Check the Fleming Flash on Wednesday morning for a list of the local players and their schedules.

Starting on Thursday, complimentary coffee and snacks will be available from 7:30 to 10:00 am for players at the Driftwood Food Truck. Lunch will be available for players and guests each day from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm.  The menu will include wraps, sandwiches, sides, desserts, and drinks. Cash, credit card, or a member number will be accepted.  

Continue reading “The Fleming Tournament is Back and so is The Flash, The 41st Year”

Giving Back: Blessing Basket Named Fleming Open Charity

The 41st Annual Fleming Open at Seabrook Island, set for October 1–5 , 2025, will once again bring top level tennis to the Lowcountry while giving back to the community in a meaningful way. The Fleming Open has selected Blessing Basket—an outreach program of the Sea Islands Hunger Awareness Foundation—as this year’s charitable beneficiary. Each month, the program provides groceries for nearly 700 individuals in 300 Johns and Wadmalaw Island households, many of them senior citizens on fixed incomes facing food insecurity.

With the help of 150 volunteers, about 80 of whom gather monthly to sort, pack, and distribute food, Blessing Basket delivers fresh produce, dairy, meats, eggs, bread, and pantry staples that supply up to 30 meals per household. Operating with 97 percent of donations going directly to serving local residents, the program exemplifies efficient and effective utilization of donor support.

“By partnering with Blessing Basket, the Fleming Open continues its tradition of blending tennis competition with community service.”Committee Chairman Mary Anne Rayfield

Please consider helping our neighbors in need. More information on the tournament details can be found at flemingopen.net, and to donate to Blessing Basket, click here. 

Shirley Salvo, President of the Sea Islands Hunger Awareness Foundation, with a typical Blessing Basket

-Submitted by Susan Courtney for the Fleming Open at Seabrook Island

(Image credit: Tidelines)

Professional Pickleball Comes to the Lowcountry

The Charleston Area Sports Commission, in partnership with the City of North Charleston, is proud to bring the inaugural season of the PPA Tour Challenger Series Powered by JOOLA to North Charleston, South Carolina, on Oct. 3-5, 2025, for the Charleston Metro PPA Challenger.

The tournament will be held at Collins Park and is expected to field between 300
and 600 registered players, including many professional players from the Carvana PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball.

The schedule for the Charleston Metro PPA Challenger will be Friday through Sunday, and professionals will run on the same schedule as amateurs:

  • Friday – Men’s and Women’s Singles
  • Saturday – Gender Doubles
  • Sunday – Mixed Doubles

For more information about the event, including player registration and event updates, please click here.

Submitted by Tidelines Editors

(Image credit: Pixabay)


RiverDogs Open Six Game Home Series on August 12

The RiverDogs will be at home starting August 12 with six games against the Hickory Crawdads, August 12-17.

The Charleston RiverDogs are the Single-A Affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. They play in the Joseph P. Riley Stadium, also known as “The Joe”, which sits near the Ashley River, downtown Charleston, and catches the breezes from the river and adjoining marshland. It has been rated one of the best stadiums in the minor league and collegiate levels. (The Citadel baseball team plays there as well.)

The RiverDogs also introduced some new food options this season including several around-the-world-inspired menu items at the new “Charlie’s Passport” concession stand and Beer Shakes, making their long-awaited return. Click here for more information on the new food available.

For more information about the RiverDogs, their schedule, and how to purchase tickets click here.

–Tidelines Editors

(Image credit: Charleston RiverDogs)

Billfishing Series Begins May 7-10

South Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series is pleased to announce the 2025 fishing tournament schedule:

  • May 7-10, Charleston Billfish Invitational
  • May 21-24, 57th Annual Georgetown Blue Marlin Tournament
  • May 28-31. HMY Lowcountry Cup
  • June 18-21, Carolina Billfish Classic
  • July 16-19, Edisto Invitational Billfish Tournament

This year’s first event, Charleston Billfish Invitational (formerly known as Bohicket Invitational), will be hosted at Seabreeze Marina, 50 Immigration Street, Charleston, May 7-10, 2025.

–Tidelines Editors

(Image credit: Govcup.dnr.sc.gov)

The 2025 Alan Fleming Tournament October 2-5

The Alan Fleming Tournament will return to Seabrook this fall, October 2-5, 2025.  The event, which is sanctioned by the United States Tennis Association, is widely recognized as one of the premier amateur tennis tournaments in the country.

This year the Fleming Tournament will again be managed by the Seabrook Island Club, as it has become one of the signature events held on the island.  In keeping with tradition, the tournament, in addition to offering great tennis, will help support local charities. This year the Blessing Basket has once again been named the designated charity.

Tournament organizers expect more than 300 players to participate and the tournament’s success relies on the support of scores of volunteers. Anyone interested in helping should contact tournament committee chair Mary Anne Rayfield at maryanne.rayfield@gmail.com. Volunteers are needed for assistance with player registration, parking and court maintenance, among other things.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available and help to enable the tournament to attract some of the country’s top players. For information about sponsorships, contact Bill Good at bgood1414@gmail.com.

Much more information will become available as tournament plans develop. But for now – plan on attending – or volunteering for – one of the best tournaments of its kind right here on Seabrook!

-Submitted by Mary Anne Rayfield and Bill Good

RiverDogs Open Three Game Home Series on April 4

The RiverDogs will kick off their 2025 home schedule with three games against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, April 4-6.

The Charleston RiverDogs are the Single-A Affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. They play in the Joseph P. Riley Stadium, also known as “The Joe”, which sits near the Ashley River, downtown Charleston, and catches the breezes from the river and adjoining marshland. It has been rated one of the best stadiums in the minor league and collegiate levels. (The Citadel baseball team plays there as well.)

The RiverDogs have also introduced some new food options including several around-the-world-inspired menu items at the new “Charlie’s Passport” concession stand and Beer Shakes, making their long-awaited return. Click here for more information on the new food available.

For more information about the RiverDogs, their schedule, and how to purchase tickets click here.

–Tidelines Editors

(Image credit: Charleston RiverDogs)

Welcome 2025!

What a beautiful morning to welcome in the new year! The 8th Annual Polar Bear Plunge took place at North Beach on a sunny 50 degree day. The gathered crowd enjoyed welcoming in the new year with sand, surf and a warm bonfire.

See below for more photos
of the Polar Bear Plunge!

As the photos convey, it was a terrific morning on the beach and a good time was had by all, including four-footed friends. Thanks to The Lake House staff for organizing this event and thanks to all who made the plunge or cheered them on!

Continue reading “Welcome 2025!”

Fleming Flash for Sunday October 6

Today is the final day of play at both Seabrook and Kiawah, so don’t miss this chance to watch some great finals matches starting at 8:30 am. All of the Kiawah matches are played at the Roy Barth Tennis Center. All tournament information, including photographs and highlights, is available at this link.

A pop-up brunch is being offered from the Seabrook Island Club from 10 am – 1 pm. Come out and grab some great food prepared by the club’s wonderful chefs and staff. The food will all be available at the Racquet Sports Center on Seabrook Island.

Don’t forget to review the parking information since the Racquet Club has limited parking for players, LSVs and handicap vehicles. Check the Tidelines post (click here) or the tournament website by clicking here for detailed information on parking.

Below are key matches with local favorites for Sunday, Oct 6:

Men’s Singles Round Robin:

  • 30s – Gray vs Love 11:30 am SEA (our own Head Pro Richy)

Women’s Doubles Finals:

  • 30s-   Reynolds/Ferreira vs Blatt/Reichel 10:00 am SEA (our own Racquet Sports Director Laura)

There will be finals matches on Seabrook for the following divisions:

  • Men’s singles divisions – 30, 40, 50, 55, 60, 70, 75
  • Men’s doubles divisions – 55, 60, 65, 70
  • Women’s singles divisions – 55 and 60
  • Women’s doubles divisions – 30, 40, 50, 55, 60, 65
  • Mixed doubles divisions – 40, 50, 60

There are also many consolation matches being played, so be sure to check the brackets or printouts at the Seabrook courts for your favorite players. If you want to see the full draws for any events, go to this link. Use the drop-down menu to find the correct age group and gender.  

-Submitted by Ellen Smith, Alan Fleming Tennis Tournament Committee

Fleming Flash for Saturday October 5

Play is happening at both Seabrook and Kiawah, so plan on watching some great tennis starting at 8:30 am. All of the Kiawah matches are played at the Roy Barth Tennis Center. All tournament information, including photographs and highlights, is available at this link.

Lunch will be available for purchase from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm provided by the Seabrook Island Club food truck and grills. The food will all be available at the Racquet Sports Center on Seabrook Island.

Don’t forget to review the parking information since the Racquet Club has limited parking for players, LSVs and handicap vehicles. Check the Tidelines post (click here) or the tournament website by clicking here for detailed information on parking.

Below are matches with Johns Island players for Saturday, Oct 5:

Men’s Doubles Semi-Finals:

  • 65s        Bunch/Steen vs Jarck/Koelling 11:30 am SEA
  • 70s-       Courtney/Bunch vs Schmeer/Cooper 4:00 pm SEA

Women’s Doubles Semi-Finals:

  • 30s        Reynolds/Ferreira vs West/Aiken 10:00 am SEA

There will be finals matches on Seabrook for the following divisions:

  • Women’s 65 singles at 8:30 am
  • Women’s 70 doubles at 2:00 pm
  • Men’s 75 singles at 8:30 am
  • Men’s 80 singles at 10:00 am
  • Mixed doubles 70s at 11:30 am

There are also many consolation matches being played, so be sure to check the brackets or printouts at the Seabrook courts for your favorite players. If you want to see the full draws for any events, go to this link. Use the drop-down menu to find the correct age group and gender.  

-Submitted by Ellen Smith, Alan Fleming Tennis Tournament Committee

Fleming Flash for Friday Oct 4

Play is happening at both Seabrook and Kiawah, so plan on watching some great tennis starting at 8:30 am. All of the Kiawah matches are played at the Roy Barth Tennis Center. All tournament information, including photographs and highlights, is available at this link.

Lunch will be available for purchase from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm provided by the Seabrook Island Club food truck and grills. The food will all be available at the Racquet Sports Center on Seabrook Island.

PLAYERS – If you have not checked in, be sure to stop by the check-in table inside the shop. Make sure to have your QR Code with you! You need your wristband to attend the Friday night poolside cocktail party and dinner.

Don’t forget to review the parking information since the Racquet Club has limited parking for players, LSVs and handicap vehicles. Check the Tidelines post (click here) or the tournament website by clicking here for detailed information on parking.

Below are matches with Johns Island players for Friday, Oct 4:

Men’s Doubles:

  • 65s        Bunch/Steen vs Eager/Perry 11:15 am KIA
  • 70s-       Courtney/Bunch vs Vandegrift/Hanson 1:00 pm KIA

Men’s Singles:

  • 30s        Gray vs Burger 10:30am SEA
  • 40s        Polychron vs Hieber 8:30 am SEA

Women’s Doubles:

  • 50s-       Kelly/Duckworth vs Belangia/Hahn 12:30 pm KIA
  • 55s        Bailey/Hines vs Charlton/Kaleel 3:45 pm SEA
  • 65s        Meloy/Goheen vs Frautschi/Wright 1:00 pm SEA
  • 70s-       Ott/OBerg vs Kirkland/Peiffer 10:00 am SEA
  • 75s        Fluet/Levanthal vs Bernard/Dickenson 3:00 pm SEA

Mixed Doubles:

  • 40s-       Duckworth/Barth vs Snyder/Snyder 3:00 pm KIA

There are also many consolation matches being played, so be sure to check the brackets or printouts at the Seabrook courts for your favorite players. If you want to see the full draws for any events, go to this link. Use the drop-down menu to find the correct age group and gender.  

-Submitted by Ellen Smith, Alan Fleming Tennis Tournament Committee

Fleming Flash for Thursday Oct 3

Play is happening at both Seabrook and Kiawah, so plan on watching some great tennis starting at 8:30 am. All of the Kiawah matches are played at the Roy Barth Tennis Center. All tournament information, including photographs and highlights, is available at this link.

Lunch will be available for purchase from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm provided by the Seabrook Island Club food truck and grills. The food will all be available at the Racquet Sports Center on Seabrook Island.

PLAYERS – If you have not checked in, be sure to stop by the check-in table inside the shop. Make sure to have your QR Code with you!

Don’t forget to review the parking information since the Racquet Club has limited parking for players, LSVs and handicap vehicles. Check the Tidelines post (click here) or the tournament website by clicking here for detailed information on parking.

Below are matches with Johns Island players for Thursday, Oct 3:

Men’s Doubles:

  • 65s       Good/Good vs Jarck/Koelling 10:00 am KIA
  •               Bunch/Steen vs Watt/Podolin 10:00 am SEA
  •               Minch/Orr vs Collins/Hall 3:30 pm SEA
  • 70s-     Moore/Webster vs Courtney/Bunch 3:00 pm SEA
  • 80s        Mazzola/Murphy vs West/Hendrix 1:30 pm SEA

Men’s Singles:

  • 40s        Polychron vs Sofizade 8:30 am KIA
  • 65s –     Grafmeyer vs Oberstein 8:30 am SEA

Women’s Doubles:

  • 50s-       Stebbins/Kravec vs Rothschild/Hartsock 1:30 SEA
  •               Kelly/Duckworth vs Adams/Cooper 12:15 pm SEA
  • 55s        Stadelman/Kravec vs Rothschild/Stubbs 10:00 SEA
  •               Smith/Klimkiewicz vs Schults/McLaurin 8:30 am KIA
  •               Bailey/Hines vs Kirkman/Hicks 10:30 am KIA
  • 60s        Small/Yule vs Kirkman/Hicks 2:15 pm KIA
  •               Stadelman/Courtney vs Belangia/Goodman 4:45 KIA
  •               Minch/Dalpee vs MacLennan/Jones 11:45 am KIA
  •               Steen/Orr vs Corley/Crolley 11:45 am KIA
  • 65s        Meloy/Goheen vs Leventhal/Courtney 1:00 pm KIA
  •               Ott/Brown vs Carmazzi/Denny 5:30 pm KIA
  • 70s-       Moore/Burich vs Ott/Oberg 12:45 KIA
  • 75s        Fluet/Levanthal vs Simons/Oberg 10:00 am SEA

Women’s Singles:

  • 65s        Small vs Maral 10:00 am KIA

Mixed Doubles:

  • 50s-       Hines/Agardy vs King/Zerdan 2:00 pm SEA
  •               Kelly/Gray vs Williams/Williams 3:00 pm SEA

If you want to see the full draws for any events, go to this link. Use the drop-down menu to find the correct age group and gender.  

Submitted by Ellen Smith, Alan Fleming Tennis Tournament Committee