1950s
Until the early 1950s, a large property that was primarily landscaped vegetation stretched from SW 57th Street to SW 60th Street. During the 1950s, it was subdivided, carving out a plot of land that is today Coral Oaks.
1960s
Coral Oaks was first conceived by members of the Pinecrest community. In the 1960s, Leo Fullwood lead the vision to develop a tennis court on this land, and his effort was captured by Sports Illustrated.
"Coral Oaks Tennis Club, run by a lemony little one-time park pro named Leo Fullwood, whose specialty is the teaching of spin. Leo labored on the public and private courts of Dade County for 28 years, suffering the erratic backhands of his pupils and ennui from the Florida sun that turned his skin to cork. He then scraped together $1,000 and began to build—a bucket of clay at a time—his dream club"
—Sports Illustrated
"Coral Oaks Tennis Club, run by a lemony little one-time park pro named Leo Fullwood, whose specialty is the teaching of spin. Leo labored on the public and private courts of Dade County for 28 years, suffering the erratic backhands of his pupils and ennui from the Florida sun that turned his skin to cork. He then scraped together $1,000 and began to build—a bucket of clay at a time—his dream club"
—Sports Illustrated
1970s and 1980s
Leo continued to expand the club through the 1970s, constructing the 12 courts that stand today. In the late 1980s, the the club turned over to the first of what would become a series of member consortiums
1990s
In the 1990s, Alan Raff took over the club as was described in the Miami Herald.
"Love of tennis brought Alan Raff to Coral Oaks, and he later become the Chairman and principal owner of the club. He played almost every morning with his group who lovingly refer to themselves as the “Dumbheads”.
- Miami Herald
- Photo of Ferdinand and Barbara Phillips courtesy of History Miami Museum
"Love of tennis brought Alan Raff to Coral Oaks, and he later become the Chairman and principal owner of the club. He played almost every morning with his group who lovingly refer to themselves as the “Dumbheads”.
- Miami Herald
- Photo of Ferdinand and Barbara Phillips courtesy of History Miami Museum
2010s
In the late 2010s, a former professional tennis player ran the club and accomplished a beautiful clubhouse renovation
Present
Today, Coral Oaks is privately owned and deeply committed to continuing to enhance the club's offerings and thriving community for its members
Looking Ahead
COTW is committed to serving the local community alongside Brickell Tennis Club, Royal Palm Tennis Club, and other private clubs in south Miami.
Coral Oaks continues to provide an unparalleled experience for its members living in South Miami, including Coral Gables, Pinecrest, and Coconut Grove.
