New winter option for Homestead tennis fans is played on heated platform

Homestead Country Club has opened up two new courts that might strike people used to traditional tennis as a bit odd.

The platform tennis courts are about a quarter the size of traditional courts, surrounded by a 12-foot high fence, and raised off the ground.

The sport of platform tennis was created to give ansty tennis players an outdoor option during cold winter months. The platforms have heaters under them, and warm air comes up from between planks on the playing deck. Each platform has eight lights, as well.

Players use solid rubber ball and a texturized paddle that allows players to put a lot of spin on their shots. If a ball hits the fence, it’s still in play.

The courts will remain open for play year round.