Grand Slam connections: Clay courts located in the USTA Missouri Valley

The Grand Slam race continues in May and June with the French Open. The USTA Missouri Valley may be located several thousand miles from Paris, but players can still experience what it’s like to play on clay courts right here in the section.

Clay courts are a natural choice for players who want to stay healthy and improve their game. Because the surface is softer than a hard court, it acts as a cushion for your joints, significantly reducing the risk of injury and physical wear. For those who want to play tennis for a lifetime, clay provides the protection needed to keep the body moving comfortably.

The surface also changes the pace of play by slowing the ball down after it bounces. This gives players more time to think through their strategy and focus on their technique. It is especially helpful for beginners, as the extra reaction time makes it easier to practice different strokes and gain confidence on the court.

Here’s a look at clay courts in the USTA Missouri Valley’s five-state area. Did we miss any? Email us at communications@movalley.usta.com.

Iowa

• Two new clay courts were constructed at the Bruce McKee Clay Court Complex in Ames with the assistance of USTA Tennis Venue Services grants in 2025. Read a story on this project here.
• The Wakonda Club in Des Moines has five clay tennis courts.
• The Punj Tennis Center in Fairfield has a pair of indoor red clay courts. View a story on these courts here.
• Red Clay Tennis in Ames has one rare red clay court that is open to the public and free to play on.