Gleneagles vs. Life Time Plano: The Luxury Tennis Showdown
Last updated: January 2026
In West Plano, the question isn't "Do you play tennis?" It's "Where do you play?" The luxury market here is split between two distinct ideologies. On one side, you have the traditional, white-tablecloth prestige of Gleneagles Country Club. On the other, the modern, high-performance resort experience of Life Time Plano. Choosing between them comes down to one question: Do you value the golf course, or the air conditioning?
1. Gleneagles Country Club (The Status Symbol)
Located in the heart of Willow Bend, Gleneagles is part of the Invited (formerly ClubCorp) network.
- The Prestige: Joining Gleneagles is about more than tennis; it's about the 36 holes of golf and the social network. It is the center of the "Old Money" social scene in Plano.
- The Courts: It features 18 lighted outdoor hard courts. The tennis program is massive, with extremely active TCD leagues and a Director of Tennis who has been there for years.
- The Network: The biggest perk is the "ONE" membership, which allows you to dine and play at other Invited clubs (like Tower Club in Dallas or Stonebriar in Frisco).
2. Life Time Plano (The Indoor Advantage)
Located on Preston Road, Life Time Plano is the brand's flagship "Athletic Country Club."
- The Ace: 10 Indoor Tennis Courts. This is the game-changer. When it is 104°F in August or raining in April, Life Time members are still playing. Gleneagles members are cancelled.
- The Amenities: It feels like a Vegas resort. From the eucalyptus steam rooms to the massive outdoor pool deck and the full-service cafe, you can spend your entire Saturday here.
- The Vibe: Athletic and energetic. It is less "formal" than Gleneagles—you’ll see more activewear and less country club attire in the lounge.
3. Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Gleneagles Country Club | Life Time Plano |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Advantage | Golf & Social Status | Indoor Tennis Courts |
| Court Type | 18 Outdoor Hard | 10 Indoor / 5 Outdoor |
| Membership Model | Initiation + Dues (Invited) | Monthly Dues (No Long Contract) |
| Best For | Networking & Golfers | Year-Round Play & Fitness |
4. Frequently Asked Questions
Does Gleneagles have clay courts?
No. While the Gleneagles location in Florida is famous for Har-Tru clay, Gleneagles Country Club in Plano features outdoor hard courts only. If you are looking for clay in DFW, you typically have to look at T-Bar-M in Dallas.
Can I use the indoor courts at Life Time Plano with a basic membership?
No. Access to the tennis courts (especially indoor) usually requires a specific "Signature" or Tennis membership tier, which is higher than the standard fitness-only rate.
Elevate Your Game
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