Birthday huzzahs to Andre Agassi, who turns 40 on Thursday, April 29, 2010. Here’s my summary of his life and career in this excerpt from my book “THE BUD COLLINS HISTORY OF TENNIS” ($35.95, New Chapter Press, www.NewChapterMedia.com) A player of irresistible flair, appeal and shot-making ability since appearing on the professional landscape as a 16-year-old in 1986, … [Read more...] about ANDRE AGASSI TURNS 40
EASTER ON KEY BISCAYNE
KEY BISCAYNE, FL – Forget the Easter egg allusions. Eggs had already been laid on the blueberry-toned tennis court by such embarrassed participants as Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and Venus Williams. If you had bought tickets for yesterday’s Sony Ericsson Open finals, you probably muttered, “Where’s Federer? Where’s Nadal? Aren’t they supposed to play the final? … [Read more...] about EASTER ON KEY BISCAYNE
BUTCH PLANTED HIS DREAM ON KEY BISCAYNE AND IT FLOURISHED
KEY BISCAYNE, FLA — Like Ponce de Leon, an earlier adventurer in Florida, Butch Buchholz out of St. Louis arrived a quarter century ago, looking for a treasure. The Spanish explorer sought the Fountain of Youth. Buchholz searched for a place where talented youths swinging tennis rackets could charm the locals and acquire some treasure for their bank accounts. Buchholz … [Read more...] about BUTCH PLANTED HIS DREAM ON KEY BISCAYNE AND IT FLOURISHED
MAESA ELEPHANT CAMP – CHIANG MAI, THAILAND
Established in 1976 by Choochart Kalmapijit, Maesa Elephant Camp is set amid a rushing stream is a tropical forest twenty minutes from downtown Chiang Mai. The founder understood the intelligence of elephants and set about creating a healthful, caring environment for the approximately 78 elephants who live there currently. The six tons of grass, sugar cane and bananas eaten … [Read more...] about MAESA ELEPHANT CAMP – CHIANG MAI, THAILAND
BUD COLLINS TENNIS COURTS DEDICATED AND OPENED AT PRINCE ROYAL’S COLLEGE, CHIANG MAI
In 1887, Bud’s grandparents founded a school in Chiang Mai, Thailand, The Chiang Mai Boys School. In 1906, it became the Prince Royal’s College when the crown prince took an interest in it and gave it his colors (royal blue and white) and a new name. Built in honor of Bud’s 80th birthday, the courts were made possible by the generous contributions from numerous friends … [Read more...] about BUD COLLINS TENNIS COURTS DEDICATED AND OPENED AT PRINCE ROYAL’S COLLEGE, CHIANG MAI