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Magnanimous Magnus: Building a Racquets Program That Never Stands Still

From Sweden to Vero Beach—and eventually Louisville, Kentucky—Magnus Gustafsson has built a remarkable career around racquets, relationships and an enduring love of club life.

In this episode of the Beyond The Baselines Podcast, host Ed Shanaphy welcomes his longtime friend and industry colleague, the aptly nicknamed “Magnanimous Magnus,” Director of Racquets at Louisville Country Club.

Magnus traces his unlikely journey from growing up as an aspiring ice hockey goalie in Uppsala, Sweden, to playing collegiate tennis at Ferris State University and beginning his professional career under legendary tennis director Mike Rahaley in Vero Beach. He also recalls accepting his first director’s position at just 26 years old—despite having never played platform tennis and knowing little about squash—and learning quickly that succeeding at a private club requires far more than technical expertise.

Now in his 14th year at Louisville Country Club, Magnus discusses how the club has evolved from a traditional golf club with a seasonal tennis program into a year-round racquets destination. That transformation has included the growth of platform tennis, eight dedicated pickleball courts, year-round ClayTech tennis courts, a major court renovation and an increasingly active membership.

The conversation also explores why Magnus—once a self-described “country-club snob” about pickleball—ultimately embraced the game and recognized its ability to introduce new players to racquets. Many members who first picked up a paddle have since progressed into tennis clinics, teams and other club programming.

Magnus and Ed also discuss the importance of an active and welcoming pro shop, the impact of Magnus’s wife, Brooke, on retail and daily operations, the emerging role of padel at high-end clubs and resorts, and the challenge of balancing modern technology with a decidedly old-school approach to member service.

Finally, Magnus shares the three qualities he believes every successful racquets director must possess: a genuine love for the work, the playing ability and technical knowledge to teach credibly, and a commitment to serving every member fairly—without favorites.

It is a candid, entertaining conversation about leadership, adaptability and the value of keeping the courts busy. Most importantly, it is a reminder that a great racquets program is never merely an amenity. With the right leadership, it can become one of the beating hearts of a private club.

Listen now to Ed Shanaphy and Magnus Gustafsson on the Beyond The Baselines Podcast.