MEMORIAL SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS ARE POSTED AT THE END OF THE STORY
Mike Gooding
January 1, 1965 – September 28, 2022
Michael H.J. Gooding died on Tuesday. He was fifty-seven years old.
Mike Gooding was a beloved leader in court tennis for the past forty years. He grew up in Troon in southwest Scotland and attended Marr College. As a junior he was a top badminton player, representing Scotland. In 1979, at age fourteen, he was introduced to court tennis at the revived Sun Court in Troon—Chris Ronaldson, then the pro at Troon, hosted the Scottish badminton team at the court. In 1983 he trained as an apprentice at Hampton Court. He then worked at Troon, Canford, Racquet & Tennis Club, Hatfield House and Middlesex. In 2003 he came to New York and served as head tennis professional at the Racquet & Tennis Club for a dozen memorable years. After a season helping revive tennis at Georgian Court University in Lakewood, he became the head pro at Newport.
Mike was a top player, reaching a world singles ranking of No.2 and a Realtennisonline handicap of +9.6. In singles, he won the French Open in 1995 and 1996 (beating the current world champion Rob Fahey in the final the first year and the former world champion Wayne Davies in the final the second year). He won the 1995 European Open. He also lost in the finals of the French Open in 2001 and the British Open in 1999. He played in World Championship Eliminators and for more than a decade was a top-five singles player.
Doubles, nonetheless, was Gooding’s specialty. He was considered one of the most dominant doubles players of the millennial era. He won the U.S. Open in 1994 and 1995 with Chris Bray and in 2002 and 2003 with Nick Wood. He won the British Open in 1993 and 1994 with Chris Bray and 2004 with Nick Wood. Over three straight years—1995-97—Gooding lost in the finals of the British Open partnering with Bray, then Lachie Deuchar and then Fahey. He won the Australian Open in 1995 with Bray. In the British Professional Doubles, Gooding was the all-time record holder for the prestigious event (played from 1982 to 2007): he captured it eight times, partnering with Bray, Deuchar and Wood and he lost in the finals a further four times. Even in his fifties he was able to beat top teams and go deep in tournament draws. He was widely known as a doubles whisperer, mentoring dozens of amateur players to uncover the secrets of the four-handed game.
Gooding was also great at racquets. In 2013 he and James Stout won the U.S. Open doubles, and in 2010 and 2013 he and Stout managed to reach the finals of the British Open doubles.
With his impish grin and passion for tennis, Mike Gooding touched the lives of thousands of people since he first took the court in Troon as a fourteen year-old badminton player.
From the IRTPA and Rob Fahey
The association has received the sad news of Mike’s death.
Not only was he one of the top players, winning three Opens during the ’90’s he was also one of the top doubles players of his era.
An obituary is being written by players who knew him well. The professionals send their heartfelt condolences to Amanda and their children Lara and Tabatha.
Rob Fahey writes:
Mike Gooding, who passed away on 28th September aged 57, was one of our leading real tennis professionals for over 35 years. For us as a group it is like a death in the family and we offer our love and condolences to his family, wife Amanda and two children Lara and Tabatha.
Mike started his real tennis as a 14 year old schoolboy in Troon and it would eventually lead him to becoming an assistant professional at Hampton Court in 1983. Mike’s prodigious talent was already evident as he had been representing Scotland on the international stage with his badminton for several years prior to turning to real tennis.
Mike’s playing career saw him spend an extended period at World No 2 and he was the winner of The British Open in 1996 and won back to back French Opens in 1995 and 1996. On top of his excellent singles career Mike was an outstanding doubles player and won many Open titles. His incredible reactions and movement changed the game of doubles forever and has contributed to the exciting game that we enjoy today.
Countless players at Clubs all around the world benefitted from his teaching, commitment and advice. Mike delighted in coaching everyone from first timers to the most experienced players in the world. A great student of the game it was not just stroke play that he could help with as he excelled in the tactics of the game in equal measure. More recently Mike has encouraged and trained many professionals into the game and we are in his debt for some of the outstanding talent we have in the game today.
The professionals are very lucky to have been able to count Mike as a work mate and friend. We will miss him and the enthusiasm he brought with him. We are left with his undying esprit, whether training, playing or teaching of ‘never say never’!
Thank you Mike and farewell
A Message from USCTA President – Mary Livingston
I am writing to share the sad news with our American court tennis community that Mike Gooding, long-time US-based professional, passed away yesterday at the age of 57. Please find the note below that International Tennis Hall of Fame CEO Todd Martin sent to the Newport membership this morning.
Mike was a tremendous player, tireless teacher, and good friend to many of us for decades in Newport, Lakewood, and New York. We will miss the energy and drive that was second to none.
There will be moments to remember his contributions in the weeks and months to come but for now, on behalf of the Board of Governors and the USCTA, I wish Mike peace and ask each of you to hold his family in your thoughts.
Very best,
Mary
From Todd Martin – CEO International Tennis Hall of Fame
It is with a solemn and sober heart that I share the tragic news that our long-time teammate, Court Tennis Head Professional, and friend Mike Gooding has passed away. Mike had been battling bladder cancer for more than a year.
In addition to being a valued teammate, Mike enjoyed an extraordinary life and career. Most importantly, Mike was a loving husband to Amanda and father to Lara and Tabatha. Mike was an esteemed athlete, having once been the Court Tennis World #2 in singles. His teaching abilities were lauded by all – from his peers to the countless beginners he introduced to the game. I regularly heard from younger professionals that Mike’s coaching in doubles was “second to none”. He shared his love of Court Tennis, its history, and the benefits of the game generously with so many. For those of us who worked most closely with Mike, we knew him as a kind, spirited, intelligent, and caring man…and indeed, he was always up for a chat.
Details for services will be shared once known.
I ask that you keep Amanda and the girls, and Mike’s extended family and friends in your thoughts and prayers as they grieve the loss of someone so dear.
Todd
MEMORIAL SERVICE
