February 2023 Ohio Golf Journal

We know that golf has experienced a resurgence since the COVID pandemic swept the country in 2020, but the Pickleball craze is rapidly becoming one of the most popular sports at country clubs and tennis facilities around the country. Played on a badminton-sized court, 1/3 the size of a tennis court, Pickleball is a mash up of badminton, tennis and ping pong. It has seen a remarkable growth over the past two years. A total of 35 million people played the game last year. Several sports stars and celebrities including, Mark Cuban, Drew Brees, LaBron James and Tom Brady, have invested in the new professional Pickleball league. Residential communities once built around a golf course are now rushing to include pickleball courts for the locals to enjoy. The large real estate developer, Discover Land Company, offers pickleball courts at all of their 30 resort communities. Sports investors have taken notice of the tremendous growth. Pickleball equipment sales increased by over 100%. New Pickleball courts are being built as fast as contractors can complete them. Sponsorships for Pickleball tournaments have seen an uptick, as well. With the smaller court and the net lowered to 34 inches at the center, Pickleball is a fast-paced What is Pickleball and Why is it so Popular at Golf Clubs? By Fred Altvater Ohio Golf Journal

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