is UTR and the Progress Tour driven out of Wales? I did a google search and it takes you to a link to LTA Wales, and referencing the Cardiff event from last year. The website didnt appear to list other events that I could see, so I wasnt sure where it is based largely and who typically plays - are there any lists of past results or entry lists that anyone is aware of?

The other question I had is where do they fund it from? Is it self funding from the entries or is there a headline sponsor (Progress ?) or individual event sponsors - it talks about £20k of prizemoney , presumably covering all events over the season?

From Barry Fulcher:

"Samm Butler proved too strong for Marshall Tutu in The Ellesmere Progress Tour Premier Event, walking away with the £600 winners cheque. Both players pictured with the college Tennis Director Stephen Welti. Entries open for the next event @ Millfield www.courthive.com/t/7c604101-fb2b-4a1f-a310-a0281d04a648 ?"

pbs.twimg.com/media/D0PFyZ-WsAAfmTh.jpg

I was interested to see that the event in Sutton in July is offering the winner a WC to Chiswick 25K.
www.facebook.com/TennisSmart/posts/2157674930976742

dont come on this site really, but just stumbled across this thread again whilst looking for something, so thought Id respond to some of the queries above.

The Progress Tour was set up to provide more earning opportunities for players - the UTR was used a means of underpinning the events.

The prize money is funded by sponsors of individual events, entry fees and in some cases, my own pocket.

The tour is run by me alone, and Im based in Brighton, and with zero budget (there is no support from the UTR, the LTA or other organisations), I rely on the goodwill of clubs/academies and contacts within the game to secure venues/facilities. Generally, clubs are very keen to host as they see the benefit of a different type of event, and Im hugely appreciate of clubs/venues that host these events, as it simply wouldnt be possible to run events at all without them. Im also grateful to event and tour sponsors - from Tennis Smart to ISE, or local coaching companies and clubs who add funds to bolster the prize money - the summer swing events going on at the moment are an example of which. Sarah (Tennis Smart) has been great, and has been the biggest supporter of the tour, and a huge help in getting word out to players.

The £38 entry fee is more expensive than most domestic events, but at each of the main Progress Tour events, players are given three matches regardless of whether they win or lose, which I believe offers good value. There are also workshops and additional learning opportunities for players at the events. An equivalent event abroad such as Ten-Pro charge 95 for 4 matches, and ITF entry fees in the UK and further afield are $US40-60, so £38 i believe is reasonable. All referee fees, equipment, balls, court fees (where applicable) have to be paid from this same pot, so the entry fee has to allow somewhat for this so it doesnt bankrupt me. Additionally, there are a number of one day events, giving two full level-based matches which are charged at £21, which again offers good value.

The wild-card feeder event for Chiswick $25k was result of direct liaison between myself and the LTA performance team, and nothing to do with the UTR. It has to be good thing where British players earn their way into events by merit, and Im keen to do more of these going forward.

There is a new doubles wild-card challenge Im running at Sutton T&SC in early August - a one day shootout event which will yield £1500 for the winning pair and a WC into the doubles at the Murray Trophy Glasgow ATP Challenger event in September.

For anyone keen to know more, worth a visit to courthive.com/live/PROGRESS for all forthcoming events, and theprogresstour.com/ for more background info.

My passion is to create more earning opportunities for British players on home soil, and going into next year, I hope to offer more of these. Hope this has helped clear up some of what Ive read above...

Thank you for what u r doing. British tennis needs this for sure. Too many quit the game I wish you success and hope your success continues

The Sutton event was won by Alistair Gray, who now has a wildcard into the ATP event in Newport

He beat Emile Hudd in the finals, 3-6 6-3 11-9

Sam Bossem withdrew from the semis and the other losing semi-finalist was Marcus Walters.

In the female bonus draw final, Suzy Larkin beat Nell Miller.


The Dukes Meadows event was held a couple of days later.

Clay Crawford beat Giles Hussey in the final, 4-6 7-6(7) 10-8

Dominic Hudson and Marcus Walters were the losing SFs.

In the women's bonus draw, again Suzy defeated Nell.

Don't know if this quite counts as UTR but the Murray Doubles Challenge takes place today (and seems to be Barry Fuller's baby so should go here whatever).

Lots of our college boys, and other good players, all involved.

And there's THREE THOUSAND pounds in prize money - £3k 

I think it's £1500 for winning team, £800 for finalists, and £350 for SF team. And kit prizes too.

Also, an ATP 80 MD WC on offer.....

There seems to be four groups of four pairs:

Jamie Murray Group

Ben Jones/Charlie Broom
Tutu/Wright
Beecher/Brookes
Golesworthy/Mackinlay


Fleming Group

Brandon Murphy/James Story
Davis/Summers
Pudney/Caddies
Morgan Phillips/Alex Ward (the 'black horse' pairing, says Barry )


Jonny Marray Group

Dias/Mark Whitehouse
Hyman/Carroll
Dan Little/Sacha Modica
Tom Hands/Harry Wendelken


Dom Inglot Group

George Houghton/Mike Shaw
Jordan Gray/Higgins
Henry Patten (former NCAA doubles champion)/Nolan
Bartley/Markiewicz


Good luck to everyone - enjoy !

-- Edited by Coup Droit on Sunday 4th of August 2019 10:10:34 AM