Extended rally

Richard Ferguson hits a forehand during a practice session at Westwood Club. The Westwood Club is extending an open-armed invitation, at no charge, to those wanting to join a weekly tennis party.

There is one catch, however.

To qualify, you must be at least 80 years old.

Westwood's octogenarian club meets Thursdays at 2 p.m. and is on the lookout for fresh competition.

Helping coordinate "hit sessions" on three indoor clay courts is current Westwood pro Sean Steinour and former pro Hugh Waters.

"I taught most of these guys how to play back in the'70's, and they were old then," Waters quipped.

By soliciting outsiders, Westwood General Manager Chris Park says he hopes to "create a venue" for super seniors.

Club President Bob Quisenberry said the older men swing at "nonprime-time hours," so the activity doesn't infringe on current membership.

"If we can bring in new players, that will give our members different people to play with," Quisenberry said.

From a group of 17, here's a sampling of what the "old boys" say:

Hank Gunst, 88½: "This has stimulated interest. I'm working on new things and improving . . . but, really, I'm just happy to be breathing."

Richard Ferguson, 83: "I really enjoy the meals here. They have good food. But I enjoy the tennis, too. . . . Mainly that's what I do, eat and play tennis."

Leo Cantor, 86: "Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?"

Gil Faison, 82: "Some of us were voicing a concern that we should have reduced fees, because we played so little. With this activity, we're playing more. It's a good idea."

Bob Millman, 80: "They want us to be recruiters, but it's a daunting challenge. It's hard finding tennis players over 80. In fact, these guys are the only ones I know."

. . .

Social director: All agree, bubbly receptionist Lois Pitts ties the concept together.

Pitts vividly recalls Westwood's Virginia Slims events with Billie Jean King and Margaret Court in the early 1970s and the '73 Bobby Riggs exhibition, when he wore a dress.

Realizing memories, like knees, hips and shoulders, aren't what they once were, Pitts phones the octogenarians two days before a match, the day before, then again the day of.

"Lois is our Mother Superior," Quisenberry said.

Pitts said the oldest player is 91, but guards the inside information by saying: "Don't ask him about it; he's funny about that."

Let's get physical: Waters insisted the organized session increases cardio/muscular training, as well as enhancing skill.

"Before, they were playing doubles, and it was so slow I couldn't stand it," Waters said. "Now, they're hitting off a machine. Instead of hitting 50 balls all afternoon, they're hitting 120 in an hour."

One court is used for machine returns, the other two for singles/doubles under the pro's supervision.

"Our motto is, 'Tennis for life.' That has a nice ring to it," Waters said.