NEWS

Favorite Philly Huts 

By Andy Podolsky

Philadelphia’s paddle-crazy area is home to more than 30 clubs that offer paddle, as well as several private family home courts. When APTA Nationals rolls around on March 6, 2025, about a dozen of them will host matches.

When asked to write about the best paddle huts in Philadelphia, I saw the landmine from a mile away. “Best” is dangerous. It can start fistfights. Everyone thinks their club is is the best, measured by the quality of materials, newness, size, “liveliness” of paddle nights, etc. But those are superficial factors.

This is a list of my personal favorites. I’ve chosen to consider things like “warmth,” a sense of history, natural beauty, match watchability, and other factors. Most important factor? Uniqueness of experience.

You may be surprised to not see your favorite club here. Aronimink? Best post-match party scene. Manufacturers? Perhaps the favorite bartender. Kennett Square? A stellar viewing area complete with paddle groupies. Greenville? The one that started the modern hut arms race. Wilmington Country Club and its amazing grill? A palace. 

Here are the ones that hold a special place in my heart and offer paddle experiences a breed apart. In no particular order:

Philadelphia Cricket Club  

Nerve center for the 2025 APTA Nationals. Founded in 1854, it is the oldest country club in the United States, with eight paddle courts, three golf courses (which have hosted majors), cricket, squash, swimming, and padel. They field eight teams in the men’s league and certainly keep pros Justin Poletti and Boris Fetbroyt busy. Of all the “bling” huts, Philly Cricket balances multiple factors—a columned outdoor area, a huge outdoor fireplace, prominent TVs, lots of window area, and a wood ceiling with exposed beams. They even have a featured slot on the architect’s website.

The Vicmead Hunt Club              

Once voted the worst hut in the MAPTA league—a simple box surrounded by four courts with temperamental floor heaters and a modest TV. It’s like stepping back to 1974, and therein lies the appeal. Vicmead is all about old-school socializing. And that view! Surrounded by a horse farm, playing paddle on a crisp fall day is nothing short of magical. The tight quarters of the hut are a throwback to the olden days when families frequented the courts and long-time social games trumped glitzier events. Its deck and three-sided windows make for the perfect vintage paddle experience. 

Merion Cricket Club  

Another incredibly historic Club—founded in 1865 and steeped in tennis (grass courts, Davis Cup matches, etc.), squash, cricket, and, of course, paddle tennis lore. It is the sibling of the famed Merion Golf Club, from which they separated during World War II. Merion joins this list on account of the stroll you take to get to the paddle courts—past antique brick buildings, across 16 acres of perfectly manicured grass cricket and tennis grounds, to a wonderfully upgraded hut that mixes old-school charm with modern amenities.

Overbrook Country Club  

Founded in 1900, one can’t help but be impressed when you drive past the massive colonial clubhouse, home to another storied golf club on the Main Line. OCC has an impressive but not over-the-top two-story hut at the center of five paddle courts. What makes it fun is the unique setup. Two of the courts face North-South. Three of the courts face East West. You can view matches from several levels and angles with a glorious mish-mash of balls flying everywhere. 

Martin’s Dam Club  

Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, Martin’s Dam is the polar opposite of the “hoity-toity” country club. MDC is a swim and racquets club that is proud to have retained its founders’ old swimming hole atmosphere (with frog logo)and has annual dues that are likely 1/20th of other teams in the league. Opponents have been known to refer to the MDC hut as “middle earth.” Migrating to play requires climbing several sets of old-school wooden stairs to courts on multiple tiers of the hill. The new deck offers a bird’s-eye view of matches and great acoustics for heckling. 

Huntingdon Valley Country Club  

Another old historic club—founded in 1897. Huntingdon Valley is located on the extreme Northeast end of the MAPTA region, quite a drive for most, but worth the trip. With six paddle courts, tennis, pickleball, and squash, it is a golf and racquets heaven. HVCC makes the list because of its modern hut, amazing views from the deck, and because I fondly remember at least six times someone from my team almost parked on the Centennial 4th hole. They would be well-served to better delineate the golf paths.

That’s my list. Send your comments to TheProg@zohomail.com. Come to the APTA Nationals in March and see these gems for yourselves. We’ll certainly show you a good time!

Andy Podolsky is the public spokesman for the mysterious Prognosticator, who writes about MAPTA league people and events, posts predictions for matches, highlights “upsets of the week,” and generally stirs the pot. (The Prog does not publicize PTI ratings.) Andy has been a member of the Wilmington Country Club for 30 years and currently serves on the Board. He and his wife (Lee) live in Delaware and have two daughters. During the day he is a Corporate Treasury Consultant at NeuGroup.