Quick Background on Knowlwood Tennis Club Membership:

I'm not sure how much you know about Knowlwood, but it is a very unique place, so I think some context is important.

Knowlwood was founded in 1970 and is located in a residential area in the heart of Montecito. (It was in fact, prior to being founded, a home!) It has 10 courts (8 hard and 2 clay) and a pool. Because it is in a residential area, there are no lights and club membership is limited to 175 families. The membership process (described below) opens up once or twice a year.

The club is owned and operated by its members, and we strive for an environment that is intimate, family-friendly, informal and permeated with a love of tennis. Many members grew up at the club as children, and now are members with children of their own.

You do not need to be a member to take private lessons or participate in any of the clinics at Knowlwood.

Typically new applicants have spent a significant amount of time at the club playing tennis, getting to know the members, and understanding the general club culture. After spending time at Knowlwood, people tend to have a better idea of whether or not it will be a good fit for their family.

Because Knowlwood is member-owned, the membership process is purposely thorough.

The Membership Process:

Part #1 – Building the Application Packet

Every applicant needs a main sponsor and three seconders. The main sponsor can only support one applicant per round of membership. The main sponsor leads the process, including helping the applicant fill out the application form, soliciting support letters, helping find seconders, keeping seconders informed and updated, and being the lead communicator with the membership chair. Being a main sponsor is a big job.

To help maintain our unique culture, main sponsors and seconders should only support an applicant that they personally know well. Likewise, the applicants should know some current members well and be acquainted with a few more.

Please note that sponsoring a prospective candidate does not equate to automatic acceptance into Knowlwood, and applicants must be full-time residents of this area.

Part #2 – Getting Member Feedback on the Applicants

All current members are required to complete the Member Comment Form for each round of membership for each applicant. This form is a necessary component of the overall process as it gives the Knowlwood committee needed information about the prospective candidates.

Part #3 – Application Review and Possible Interviews

When both the sponsors’ letters and the member comment forms are completed, the membership committee evaluates the application and decides whether an interview is granted.

After interviews are completed, the committee determines which families are accepted and puts the accepted families on the waitlist. Candidates not selected can re-apply and potentially be admitted. The entire process takes one to two months to complete depending on the size of the applicant pool.

Part #4 – From Waitlist to Membership

When a current member decides to resign, the next family from the waitlist is offered membership. Once they have paid their initial deposit, the resigning member is returned their initiation deposit less any debts.

Knowlwood Tennis Club currently is $15,000 to join and $205 a month.

I’m more than happy to discuss the process with you in more detail, and answer any questions you might have about the process.

Thanks so much,

James Aviani
Knowlwood Membership Chair
james.aviani@gmail.com
408-807-1165