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What you'll find here, and how to book a lesson with David at the Yarbrough Tennis Center.
Tennis coach · Auburn, Alabama
David Hume
David Hume is the retired Director of Tennis for the City of Auburn, Alabama. Over more than 30 years of teaching, he helped grow Auburn tennis from four public hard courts on Samford Avenue into the 34-court Yarbrough Tennis Center — a facility now honored nationally by the USTA and the PTR — and he still coaches players of every age and level there today.
Three decades on court
David began teaching tennis around 1990. By 2001 he was running the game for Auburn Parks and Recreation out of the Samford Avenue Tennis Center: directing the Auburn Junior Tennis Championships, organizing adult play, and serving as the City's point of contact for anyone who wanted to pick up a racquet.
That same season he was also on staff with the Auburn University men's tennis team as the program's stringer — the kind of behind-the-scenes work that put him alongside collegiate players and coaches at the highest level of the college game.
From a master plan to 34 courts
In 2001 the City unveiled a master plan for a clay-court complex on land donated by Cecil M. Yarbrough III. It would be financed by annual playing passes rather than the general fund, and David was the person local players called to sign up.
The City of Auburn / Auburn University Yarbrough Tennis Center opened in July 2007 with 16 clay courts (including a stadium court), 12 outdoor hard courts and six indoor courts. David was its Head Pro from the first day and went on to serve as the City's Director of Tennis.
- 34 lighted courts: clay, outdoor hard and indoor, shared with the Auburn Tigers men's and women's teams.
- Built for events: host of the 2008 and 2009 SEC Championships and the USTA Tennis On Campus Southern Championship.
- Open to everyone: public courts, memberships and daily rates that keep the game affordable.
A game for the whole community
David's coaching starts from a simple belief: a great facility should pull new people onto the court, not just serve the ones already there. Through year-round clinics and lessons he has worked with first-time players, juniors climbing the tournament ladder, league regulars and retirees rediscovering the game.
Speaking to the Opelika-Auburn News in 2015, he credited Yarbrough with energizing Auburn's adult leagues and everyday players — and with making the town a more appealing place to live.
“It brings out people who haven't played before that want to learn how to play.”
A facility recognized nationally
Under the tennis staff David helped lead, Yarbrough grew from roughly 14,000 visitors in its first year to 50,000 by 2015, and from three tournaments in 2008 to sixteen — worth an estimated $2–5 million a year to the Auburn-Opelika economy.
- 2015: Professional Tennis Registry Public Facility of the Year.
- 2024: Named a USTA Premier Facility — one of only 50 nationwide in the program's inaugural year.
- 2025: USTA Outstanding Facility Award, presented at the US Open in New York.
Sources: Opelika-Auburn News (2015), City of Auburn (2024), City of Auburn (2025).
Auburn Community Tennis
In 2001 David launched Auburn Community Tennis, a Parks and Recreation program open to residents of all ages, with one goal: bring local players together throughout the year.
That effort grew into today's Auburn Community Tennis Association, the nonprofit whose volunteers staff Yarbrough's tournaments and its charity events for causes such as breast cancer research, polio eradication and the Boys & Girls Clubs.
Approved City of Auburn instructorLessons with David
Now retired from his City role, David is an approved City of Auburn instructor and teaches privately at the Yarbrough Tennis Center. Whether you are picking up a racquet for the first time or preparing for tournament play, he can help take your game to the next level.
- Who: juniors and adults, beginner through advanced.
- Where: Yarbrough Tennis Center, 777 S. Yarbrough Farms Blvd, Auburn.
- How to book: call the Yarbrough front desk at (334) 501-2920.
- Rate: approximately $50–60 per hour; groups may split the cost.
Questions before you book
Who is David Hume?
David Hume is a tennis coach in Auburn, Alabama. He is the retired Director of Tennis for the City of Auburn, was Head Pro at the Yarbrough Tennis Center from its opening in 2007, and has been teaching tennis for more than 30 years.
How do I book a tennis lesson with David Hume?
Call the Yarbrough Tennis Center front desk at (334) 501-2920 and ask for a lesson with David. Lessons are not booked directly with David.
How much does a lesson cost?
Private lessons are approximately $50 to $60 per hour. Two to four players can share a lesson and split the cost.
Where does David teach?
At the Yarbrough Tennis Center, 777 S. Yarbrough Farms Blvd, Auburn, AL 36830. The center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and has 16 clay courts, 12 outdoor hard courts and 6 indoor courts.
Who does David teach?
Juniors and adults at every level, from first-time players to tournament and USTA league competitors.
Can I take a lesson on a clay court?
Yarbrough has 16 clay courts. Court fees are charged per person — $3 on hard courts, $5 on clay and $10 indoors — so ask the front desk for a clay court when you book.
Yarbrough named a 2025 USTA Outstanding Facility
The City of Auburn / Auburn University Yarbrough Tennis Center picked up its award at the US Open — one of 45 facilities honored nationwide.
Private Lesson
One hour of individual coaching built around your game — technique, strategy and match play.
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Semi-Private & Small Group
Bring a partner, a doubles team or a few friends and share the hour and the cost.
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Junior Development
From first swings to tournament preparation, with a coach who has run Auburn's junior championships.
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Adult Game Improvement
Sharpen your serve, return and doubles tactics for USTA league and club play.
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Yarbrough Clinics & Leagues
Group clinics, Junior Team Tennis and adult leagues run by Auburn Parks and Recreation.
See City programs