Day 1 - The Queen’s Club & Harrow School

It was North America's turn to journey to England, to immerse in the rich history of the sport we all know and love. The Queen’s Club served as the unofficial headquarters of the 2024 Knott Stephens Tour. The Melvin brothers of Detroit were the first to arrive at the club with just under two hours of sleep. They quickly changed into their whites and headed onto the Championship court. Slowly but surely, the remaining tour members arrived and the tour was officially underway!

Several tourists had the foresight to arrive earlier in the week to be well acclimated for what was to come and take in some sights, while team Captain Tanner Austin and Vice-Captain Danny Dolan had just swiftly arrived off their flights into Heathrow. Tanner came bearing the team gear, which included custom shirts, sweaters, and bats (special thank you to Ben Bomford), all sporting the familiar Knott Stephens and Jesters emblem as a nod to the tour’s primary supporters. As plans were finalized for our first stop to Harrow School, the team sat on the patio for a traditional English breakfast to provide adequate energy for the matches ahead.

Accompanying us at Harrow were Malvern alumni Will Annetts and current World Rackets Singles Champion, Ben Cawston. KST was in good hands…

Upon arrival to Harrow, we were welcomed with open arms by longtime Head Master of Rackets, John Eaton, and assistant Joey Snell. Founded in 1572 under a royal charter of Queen Elizabeth I, Harrow has a rich rackets history, being the first school to offer the sport and home to its’s first covered court (believe another game called squash? was invented there as well!). The current facilities offer two courts, one of which, the “Old Court”, was renovated in 2020 and is now known as the Prenn Hue Williams Court. Quickly, the team changed into our kits and took to the court. Eaton had planned well for the KST, allowing us several hours on court and a spread of English sandwiches in between games. Matches were constant, consisting of rotating KST pairs versus a handful of schoolboys. While the level of our play left much to be desired, the courts were outstanding and it was a treat to play on a brand new rackets court.

After some exciting matches, we were taken on a brief, but very informative tour of the Harrow grounds. Highlights include the historic Fourth Form Room from the 17th century, covered in oak paneling and engraved with names of past students, including Sir Winston Churchill. The tour continued through Harrow’s War Memorial Shrine honoring over 600 Old Boys who had fallen in WWI and ended in the magnificent Speech Room, built in 1871. To conclude the day at Harrow, we were fortunate to witness the start of a scheduled match between Harrow and Eton, with Harrow emerging victorious.

That evening, we returned to Queen’s to join the long-standing Mjolnirs Thursday Night group for a few more hours of play. There was a strong turnout, with roughly thirty Queen’s members rotating between the two courts. Soon after, KST and Queen’s members retired to the Grille for dinner and some well-earned pints before heading to the homes of our respective hosts who so graciously volunteered to billet us. A special thank you to Ben Bomford and the entire QC professional and club staff as well as all of those involved in the planning and involvement of the day's activities – an incredible way to kick off the 2024 Knott Stephens Tour.

Day 2 - St. Paul’s School & London

Day two brought us to St. Paul's School of England’s original nine public schools.

St. Paul’s Head Rackets Professional, Steve Tulley, welcomed us and we quickly jumped into matches. A veteran of the game, Coach Tulley, was the Rackets Pro at the Montreal Racket Club throughout the 1990s. Steve arrived in Montreal in the late 1980s and was welcomed by MRC members, Dave McLernon and Rick Hart; decades later, Coach Tulley still remembers his inauguration to the MRC in lurid detail.

Coach Tulley’s vast rackets experience has driven a strong tradition of rackets success at St. Paul’s. With a host of excellent players coming out of the program it should have been no surprise to our team that today’s St. Paul’s lineup would be strong. This was going to be a tricky test for the KST and, as expected, we did not rise to the occasion, losing every match. Team MRC (Bailey & Morgan) put on the best display of the day, losing 15-14 after a gutsy ‘no-set’ call. As they say, you live by the framed-dropshot winner, you die by the framed-dropshot winner.

After our matches, we were given a quick tour of the school and its impressive grounds. St. Paul’s visit served as an early warning that our team would need to step up their rackets game for the rest of the trip. The tour is exceptionally grateful to Steve Tulley and St. Paul’s School for hosting us.

As day turned to night, we headed to Soho House for a 30+ person dinner, which included KST alumni, KST hopefuls and long-standing friends and supporters of the game. Louis Winstanley (KST honorary tourist and bus driver) planned the event to perfection with an exceptional menu and never-ending stories and jokes. We all make sacrifices for the game we love and Louis is no different – putting his global Soho membership to the test with a very loose interpretation of the three guest per member limit (read: he was the only member at this dinner). As dinner ended, Soho management expelled us from building with ruthless efficiency. Accompanied by friends old and new, we spent the rest of the night on the town. We couldn’t think of a better way to end the first leg of our tour in London and thank you to all those who planned and hosted.

Day 3 - Manchester Tennis & Racquet Club

The Knott Stephens Tourists awoke in London feeling like professionals and ready for their journey to the Manchester Tennis and Racquet Club. Despite our best efforts, our team captain missed the train and took the scenic route via Louis and the KST bus. The hours spent tightly packed on the crowded train brought the lads together, forging bonds and friendships. Several teaching moments emerged along the way, including KST co-planner Julius Manton-Jones’ enthusiastic tutorial on doubles match positioning and strategy. Our friends from north of the border, Rodney Morgan and Stuart Bailey, followed with a masterclass on the power of the Backgammon doubling cube.

Upon Arrival in Manchester, Simon Shenkman and Pete Nicholson greeted the KST at the door, quickly demonstrating that experience indeed trumps youth on the rackets court. The day was filled with spirited play, mixing in with members of the Manchester Club, including former Montreal and Chicago Fellows, Gus Edwards, and Will Hechle.

The generous hospitality continued into the evening as Pete, Jamie Bebb, and Brendan Hegarty hosted the KST lads for cocktail hour and an excellent meal in the Manchester dining room. Brendan shared many stories detailing the rich history of the MTRC and left us with a quote that would serve as our tour’s unofficial motto: “When I take sight of the ball, I hit it. And, when I hit it, I hit it damned hard!” What we lack in skill, we more than make up for by swinging as hard as we can.

The festivities didn’t end there, the group ventured into downtown Manchester, where everyone ensured proper hydration after a full day on court. The KST will be forever grateful to the Manchester members, professionals and staff who rolled out the red carpet and facilitated an unforgettable experience!

Day 4 – Cheltenham College

In the morning, we departed from MTRC and hit the road for Cheltenham College, where our spirits would surely soon be lifted. After a few coffees and other forms of hydration, we finally arrived to play rackets. With nearly eighty current players, the Cheltenham College Rackets Program is a leading benchmark for growing, sustaining and giving back to the game that we love. The tour was welcomed with open arms by the legendary Mark Briers, Cheltenham Assistant Professional Sam Matthew and Matt Coley. It was a cold and classic English day, but it was quickly enhanced by

the level of rackets played on the fast and true Cheltenham court.

We were lucky enough to be joined by Old Boys (including the very tall Taylor brothers!) and former fellows, including the Racquet Club of Chicago’s very own, Freddie Saunders. We paired up, KST vs. the rest, but unfortunately were bested by the far better Cheltenham players (apparently there are some decent players to come out of the Cheltenham program…). Amidst the lowlights, Rodney Morgan and Andrew Peabody won their matches – a rare, confusing outcome and feeling for our team.

Once the matches concluded, we stayed for beverages and pizzas at the court. It was a fantastic day, capped off with a night of revelry at a local pub, the Beehive. We were joined by Mark, Sammy, Tom Barton, Will Annetts and Vallentine Scott-Geddes. Eventually we headed back to our five star hotel to prepare for our next stop. The KST would like to thank Mark, Sam, Joe, Cheltenham College and all those who ensured that we had a fantastic time.

Day 5 - Malvern College

After an easy morning, the tourists were hitting our stride as we geared up for our next stop on the tour, Malvern College. With Louis behind the wheel, we made our way to the beautiful grounds of Will Annett’s alma mater. We were met by Head Rackets Professional, Mark Hubbard (OM), who graciously agreed to give us a tour of the stunning grounds. The history of Malvern rackets is exceptional, with a long legacy of leading professionals and amateurs in the game. It was special for the Boston-based tourists to spend time with Mark, who partnered with current T&R Head Racquets Professional, Neil Smith, to win the World Rackets Doubles Championship in 2007.

After the College tour, it was straight to business – we headed to Malvern’s rackets facility (which was refurbished in 2010), to play a number of matches with OMs and against one another. OM Tom Bomford put on a masterful display of smooth, short swings and death-by-a-thousand retrievals while OM and KST co-planner, Will Annetts, melted the ball with his confusing and terrifying two- handed forehand. The KST team came into our own after a few days of all-day rackets as a warm-up and started to see improvement across all aspects of our game (a great lunch in the rackets facility also helped). Some of the matches were actually a decent standard and there were definitely fewer double faults. Both courts played great and the entire team played countless matches with a number of different players. We are exceptionally grateful to our hosts at Malvern including Mark, the College, the staff and all those who came to play and spend time with us.

As the day wrapped, Louis drove us to The Annetts’ family home for a much-needed reset after 4 days of rackets chaos. Will’s family were incredible hosts, cooking an amazing dinner for all of us and making us feel so welcomed. After dinner and endless laundry (finally!), we went straight to more games – including snooker (where we undoubtedly disappointed Will’s father), darts and cards well-into the night.

Day 6 - Marlborough College

For the first time, the team was well- rested, and after an exceptional breakfast provided by the Annetts, we hit the road. As we drove into Marlborough, we took in the sights of a busy High Street, marveling at the local cuisine, which included a surprising number of Subways. Upon arrival, we were greeted by Rackets Professional, Rob Horn, who graciously provided us a tour of the wonderful grounds. The tour ended at the school dining hall, where we had an excellent lunch and were joined by Rob’s predecessor, Rob Wakely.

Marlborough facilities are second-to- none and rackets facility was no different. The day consisted of non- stop matches (fueled by coffee and sausage rolls) up and down the

ladder. Rob Wakely joined and took no prisoners – putting on a clinic of tricky serves (read: non- stop aces) and clean strikes. Rob Horn was an incredible host, ensuring that we had even matches with a number of school players and that play was continuous. Unsurprisingly, our team did not win many matches, but the level of play was clearly improving and we were finding a rhythm.

After a long day of play, we ventured into town to a local Italian restaurant where we were joined by Rob, as well as both Taylor brothers, who graciously hosted a number of the tourists for the night after dinner. The food was excellent and the company was even better. After dinner, we ventured to a local pub, where we met an interesting matriarch and her family. As the night ended, we headed back to the Taylor’s wonderful home and our hotels. A special thank you to Rob Horn, the Taylors who were exceptional hosts, Marlborough College, the staff and all those who made us feel so welcomed at Marlborough.

Day 7 - Eton College

From Marlborough, it was time for the tour to visit the highly anticipated Eton College, with a brand new rackets facility. Upon arrival, we were welcomed by Head Rackets Professional, Peter Brake. As we started play, we were joined by Masters Richard Montgomerie, Andrew Miles (AJM) and James O’Brien (JMOB) as well as OEs, Peter Bailey, Henry Faber (KST alumni) and KST co-planner and exceptional tour host, Julius Manton-Jones (JMJ). The play was non-stop, with multiple matches across both courts. The courts were true and fast and our team consistently found the strings. As the mid-day play wrapped, we were taken on a tour of the College.

Walking the grounds while learning the history of Eton College was unique. Touring the first classroom, the stunning Eton College Chapel, Head Master Quarters and the sport facilities were just some of the numerous highlights of this once-in-a-lifetime experience for our team. As the tour concluded, we were lucky enough to receive a brief Eton Fives lesson from a member of the coaching staff. Following spirited and disorganized ‘play,’ we got back to fundamentals and headed home to the rackets facility. After strong match play across our team ladder, it was time for the main event of the evening – the Melvin Championship (see next section).

After the match concluded, the KST gathered for an excellent dinner at the rackets facility to conclude the day. After a full day of play, we headed back with our gracious hosts, JMJ and Richard Compton-Burnett (OE). The KST is incredibly thankful to Peter Brake, Richard Montgomerie, Eton College, the College staff, our hosts and everyone who made our trip to Eton College a tour highlight.

The Melvin Championship!

For the better part of a millennium, some of the best minds have come to Eton to explore life’s most important questions. Minus the intellect, our tour is no different. Over the past seven days, a burning question remained – which Melvin would win in a singles match? Against the backdrop of historic academic achievement, The Eton College Rackets Facility was really the only venue for us to find the answers we so desperately needed.

The Melvin Championship Committee met with the players and, after tense negotiations with their representatives, the format was finalized – Bryan would battle his younger brother, Dillon, in a one- game match to 21 points. The match was furiously promoted across all major media channels and the gallery was packed for the main event. As The Melvins knocked up, the result was anyone’s guess. Dillon had shown vast improvement over the tour, but Bryan previously bested Dillon in last season’s DRC Club Championships.

The Melvin Challengers were announced to the KST crowd by marker Tanner Austin and referee Louis Winstanley. Live streamed for millions (read: handful) of fans to watch, the battle began. The early stages of the match were a closely contested affair – the boys rallied back and forth with hands changing constantly for the first 25 minutes. With exhaustion setting in for both spectators and the players, Dillon caught fire and rolled to victory. The boys shook hands and we were all gratefully relieved to head to dinner. While Dillon may have won this battle, we fear that the war has just begun.

Day 8 - The Berkshire

The touring group was well-rested after a comfortable night at the Manton-Jones residence in Ascot. After some coffee and pastries, some of the boys took advantage of the morning by visiting Windsor Castle, soaking in the sights before the much-anticipated golf day at the Berkshire.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by our gracious hosts Tom & Simon Loup and Richard Compton- Burnett (huge thank you for allowing us to play this wonderful course). The sun was shining as we congregated on the patio and enjoyed a hearty lunch of scotch eggs, sandwiches, and plenty of Guinness to wash it all down. The atmosphere was lively, and hopes were certainly high for what promised to be a fantastic day on the Links.

We were slated to play the Red course, which uniquely boasts six par threes, six par fours, and six par fives. The high hopes and lively atmosphere enjoyed at lunch quickly dissipated as our touring squad sent their tee shots on a scenic tour of the Berkshire woods. To make matters worse, our beloved Captain Tanner, appeared to have a set of clubs more suited for an eight year-old.

Amidst the chaos, one shining star emerged: Louis Winstanley. Louis played like a seasoned professional, racking up an impressive thirty-six stableford points, while the rest of us were just trying to find our balls in the heather. After a tumultuous, but very memorable day, we made our way back to Jules’ for a much-needed dinner.

Joining us at the table and was another one of our gracious hosts, Guy Smith-Bingham (OE and highly accomplished rackets player). We capped off a lovely dinner with some cheese and port while Jules announced the schedule for The Queen’s Handicap Weekend. Most had assumed that the punishment was over, but for Sebastian “The Professor” Yager, it had only begun when it was revealed that he would be playing in the singles squash draw over the weekend. A passionate tirade ensued (which carried into the weekend) as Seb was, to put it mildly, in disbelief that a clerical error had led to his entry into a sport that he no longer loved.

The evening eventually wrapped up with some casual games, as we reminisced about the day’s highlights. Soon we all agreed it was time for bed, our bodies grateful for the rest. It was a much- needed evening of relaxation, perfectly capping off a most memorable day!

A special thank you to Julius Manton-Jones, who graciously hosted the majority of the tour at his family’s home for two nights and provided an excellent dinner for the entire tour.

Day 9 - Wellington College

After a great night of games and camaraderie at Jules’ wonderful home, we had an early departure to Wellington College, led by our responsible driver Louis. Even the locals were amazed by Louis' driving skills with a few drivers kindly yielding to scream pleasantries at the tourists – what a lighthearted and commendable way to start the day!

Upon arrival at Wellington, we were met by Head Rackets Professional, Ryan Tulley, who welcomed us with a full day of activities. Our fist stop was the Wellington Real Tennis Club followed by a cricket lesson. The team suited-up to be bowled at and after a few near-catastrophic injury misses and some decent contact, we headed out to tour the College.

Led by Ryan Tulley and rackets legend, James Coyne (OW), we learned of the College’s amazing history, school life over the years and WC’s impressive sporting tradition. We ended the tour at the student dining hall for an outstanding lunch, recharged and ready to play rackets.

Play followed with four intense hours of rackets amongst the KST squad, OWs and students. James and JWJ even mixed in for some high-level doubles. By now, our team was sharp and enjoying this last leg of the tour. As play continued, a few of our more skilled real tennis players were able to play matches at Wellington Real Tennis Club.

Confidence was high as we headed back to Queen’s, with Louis doubling as driver / DJ as we started the ascent to our final weekend of the Knott Stephens Tour. After a full week of touring seven Colleges and three Clubs (including golf), collectively spending hundreds of hours on court, the team was ready to take on the Queen’s Handicap Weekend! A special thank you to Ryan Tulley, James Coyne, Wellington College and the College staff for yet another special day.

Days 10 & 11 - The Queen’s Club Handicap Weekend

After nine days of non-stop racquets across incredible venues, the 2024 KST Team headed back to where we began – the iconic Queen’s Club for the Handicap Tournament. This was our final stop before heading home – the perfect end to a once-in-a-lifetime trip. We played across multiple draws, including rackets (singles and doubles), real tennis, padel and squash – special thank you to the QC Professional Staff for allowing us to participate, assigning us partners across the membership and ensuring that we had high-quality, fun matches to end our tour.

Play started Friday evening and, unfortunately for some of us, first thing Saturday

morning. Battered but nowhere near out, the KST team showed well across all draws, leveraging our generous handicaps (read, spot-on) and the expertly developed North American framed, drop- shot winner. There were some great matches on display and it was rewarding to see the step- function improvement in our racquets game relative to when we started the tour. The only certainty is that we would have easily won all draws, had we not graciously bowed out given our Sunday flights back home conflicting with championship matches. Jokes aside, fellow tourists Sebastian Yager and Val Quan put in fantastic displays reaching the semifinals for rackets (Sebastian) and the finals for squash (Val).

Saturday evening marked the grand finale of the tour with a black-tie dinner and dancing event attended by hundreds of members, who warmly welcomed our team and made us feel like a meaningful part of this special weekend. After dinner with old and new friends, the KST had a final, critical obligation before celebrating the success of the 2024 Knott Stephens Tour – awarding The Salver Trophy to the tour’s MVP, both on and off the court.

While there were many cases to-be made, there was only one clear winner – Dillon Melvin. In addition to being the most- improved player on the tour and the winner of the highly anticipated Melvin Championship, Dillon’s positivity and willingness to do whatever was needed during the tour drove an incredible experience for our team. With the entire Melvin family in town for the Saturday party, it was a special moment for us all.

It is clear that the legacy of the Salver and KST are in safe hands until it is time to pass the trophy back to UK Team for their North America Tour. With obligations behind us, the team finished the night celebrating a fantastic tour with old and new friends.

Final Note

Our tour would not have been possible without the incredible legacy of Bill Stephens and Jimmy Knott, as well as the generous support from the Clubs, Colleges, NARA and its members, The Jesters, The Thomas C. Shumaker Foundation, The T&RA and its members, the amazing professionals and staff, our gracious hosts, the Mjolnirs, KST alumni Julius Manton-Jones and Will Annetts who took on this tour’s planning, and all of those who worked hard behind the scenes to ensure that the Knott Stephens Tour remains a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The Knott Stephens Tour was a resounding success. After continuous play across nine special venues, we returned home with new, lifelong friends, ready to play racquets as much as possible and pay forward our unique experience – whether planning for or hosting future Knott Stephens Tourists, encouraging new and prospective players to play this great game or hosting tournaments and guests across our home clubs. The 2024 KST is a testament to our sport’s ability to unite players across the Atlantic to create lasting memories and friendships that ensure the continued success of the game. PLAY!