Tennis has always been a popular sport in the Burren district from the days of private courts existing at many of the surrounding homesteads. As early as 6th August 1904, there were reports in the Wee Waa Herald of competitions being held in the district.
At an early meeting of the Club held on 21st March 1927, an application was lodged with the N.S.W. Lawn Tennis Association for approval to hold an annual tournament to be known as the North West Championships.
With approval granted, a tournament was advertised for June 1927 for the Men's Singles Championship and in 1928 a Mixed Doubles Championship. The first Ladies' Singles Championship was not held until 1930.
The first holder of the Men's Singles was Charlie Niland of Narrabri, and the Ladies Singles was Mrs H K Radford of Burren.
As time progressed, the tournament grew under the energetic stewardship of R G (Dick) Garvey, Tournament Secretary from 1932 to 1964.
This role entailed all early arrangements, including advertising, contacting Spaldings & Slazenger for balls and competitors, as well as accommodation, catering, and court maintenance.
During the ensuing years, the tournament was recognised as the “Wimbledon” of the bush. In the year 1938, Jack Crawford and Vivian McGrath were nominated for the tournament. Both men attended Wimbledon in 1933, which Jack won. Vivian defeated Jack in Burren 8/6–6/2 in the final of the Men's Singles.
The Tournament was not held during the war years of 1940 to 1946.
In the late nineteen forties, a generator was purchased to enable the lighting of four courts, which created even further use of the Club during the summer months. Council power was not connected until 1958, which made it possible to light the remaining four courts.
In 1985, the Club celebrated its 50th “Back To The Twenties” Anniversary Ball.
The Club staged the last North West Championships in 1988, the end of an era in Burren Junction!
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