"I thought it was time to step away from the committee, I'm getting a bit old now, and it's time to get some new blood and new ideas in," he told the Argus.

"There is an excellent committee at the club, it's in safe hands."

Even though he will no longer be part of the decision making at the club, the 72-year-old South West Rocks resident will still be a regular on the courts, a least for now.

"I'll still keep playing while I'm fit, and my body still holds up, I can still give the younger blokes trouble, so we will see how it goes," Bruce said.

"Keeping up fitness is the most important thing at my age; I'm not trying to improve my game anymore, I won't be getting any better."

Bruce has been involved in Macleay tennis for close to 32 years, with seven years at Kempsey and now 25 at South West Rocks. He was awarded a lifetime membership in 2009 and this year marks his fifteenth time as club champion.

"In my younger years, I played cricket in the summer, and rugby in the winter, once I got married, my wife was a tennis player," he said.

"All four of my kids and half my grand kids are still involved one or another, tennis is a great family sport, it's given me a lot, and I've tried to give a lot back.

"The South West Rocks Tennis Club has been very supportive of tennis, and the facilities have improved a lot over the years, with help from the South West Rocks Country Club.

"I would encourage anyone interested in tennis to come along and give it a try; tennis is a great sport for the whole family, new members are always welcome at the club."

Anybody interested in learning more about the South West Rocks Tennis Club can go to the South West Rocks Country Club for more information.

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