For Tommy Richards it is all about passion and place. Born Thomas Case Richards, the 52-year-old Goochland native has managed to transport his passion for racket sports to his home in the rolling hills of Goochland County.

  Richards began his love affair with racket sports as a 10-year-old when introduced to tennis through the City of Richmond Parks & Recreation program at Byrd Park. He spent the next 42 years playing the game at a variety of levels; state champs at Benedictine High School, at the University of Richmond and national tournaments (Father-Son sectional champs twice).

  It was also at U of R that Richards started his squash career.

  Richards career in coaching began 15 years ago at the high school level (state finalist). He later returned to U of R as a member of the staff then on to nationally ranked Furman University in Greenville S.C.

  Prior to moving to Greenville, Richards served as Director of Tennis for Henrico County’s Parks & Recreation for eight years. “There is a special place in my heart for Parks & Rec” Richards said.

  When Richards moved back to Goochland in 2004 he contacted Kevin Myers, Director of Goochland Parks & Recreation and offered to create a tennis program. “We were thrilled to have someone with Tommy’s background and professionalism,” Myers said.

  Richards is a racket sports purist with the desire to “create a place that people can come to in the country to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, exercise and have fun.”

  With a hands-on approach (stonework, woodwork) that added special touches, Richards built the rustic Wood ‘N’ Racket Farm on the rolling pasture land of his farm on Route 250 in Gum Spring. The private racket sports club features the only grass tennis courts in the state of Virginia, two of the three doubles squash courts in the state along with clay tennis courts, croquet, horseshoes and a clubhouse.

  Some may find the combination of horseshoes and racket sports unusual but Richards has reason behind providing courts for each. “I find that the (weight-transfer) motion used in pitching horseshoes duplicates the motion when hitting ground strokes in tennis,” Richards said.

  The grass courts and the doubles squash courts highlight Richards’ traditional approach to the racket sports he loves. “Grass courts provide a unique experience,” he said. “When the game originated it was played on grass in England and was actually called Lawn Tennis.” 

  Doubles Squash was the forerunner to tennis, with it’s origin in England in 1820, is now the fastest growing racket sport in the United States. Richards has found that at his club as well where 70 percent of his members play squash compared to the 50 percent who play tennis.

  Wood ‘N’ Racket is an annual fee private club in a pastoral setting. “It is very reasonable with most memberships under $1500 per year,” Richards said. Memberships include all the amenities; squash, tennis, croquet, badminton and horseshoes as well as the commodious and rustic clubhouse complete with stone fireplace, dressing rooms with showers and saunas and a shaded country porch where members can relax in a rolling chair while you watch tennis.

  Nature trails and a private lake invite quiet walks in the woods or a jog to warm-up before matches. Social events and parties with live music are all part of the package, but probably the most surprising is that unlimited lessons and clinics are included.

  “I love to teach,” Richards said. “I want my members to try and wear me out, it is great helping people have fun.”

  Construction on the Wood ‘N’ Racket began in July of 2005 but Richards’ career in court creation began much earlier. “Actually it probably began in July of 1974 when I put a tennis court in my dad’s backyard,” Richards said.

  According to Richards, membership has climbed to almost 50 in the first few months. The club is open 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. seven days a week. “It’s like summer camp yet year round, very relaxed, very rustic, the simple life,” Richards said.

  As a racket sports vagabond, Richards is happy to be able to return to his roots with the knowledge years of travel have provided. “I was fortunate to visit some great places to play squash and tennis, picking up the neat things, the fun things about the game” he said.

  The Wood ‘N’ Racket will be hosting the Squash Doubles State Championships in December.
For more information:  www.woodnracket.org/info.htm
Richards can be reached by e-mail at Tommy@woodnracket.org or by phone at 804-397-0215