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Published: Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012 / Updated: Monday, Aug. 20, 2012 09:51 AM

Hooked on pickleball

I had a wonderful day yesterday at Sun City in Indian Land thanks to Sharon Mackenzie and Sue Lambert. They met me at the pickleball courts and gave me a few basics about the game. Then, we were off to another group of pickleball courts at Turkey Point in another section of Sun City.

When we got there they gave me some instructions and even brought a hat for me to wear. What fun! They were all so gracious and patient.

Pickleball is a cross between tennis, table tennis and badminton. It is played on a court slightly smaller then a tennis court. The sport got its name from the Pritchard family’s cocker spaniel, Pickles, who kept running off with the ball whenever it came its way, thus making it Pickleball.

Don and Kaye Westin brought Pickleball from Florida to Sun City Carolina Lakes in July, 2007. They were met with much resistance as they tried to convince activities directors how popular Pickleball is in the 55 years old and over communities. They eventually received approval to create a court in the parking lot adjacent to the current Lake House. In 2010, Pulte Homes, the management company, responded to the club’s request for more pickleball courts by including two dedicated courts in the Turkey Point area of Sun City, in the fall of 2009. They also included two additional Pickleball courts to be shared with a basketball facility.

I met some great people playing pickleball. One of them was Dominic Cretella, who recently had a heart attack that required triple bypass surgery. Five months later he is back on the courts playing aggressively with his doctors blessings. The ages of the players were amazing, from 55-year-olds to players in their 80s. They are competitive and take no prisoners.

The Pickleball Club was excited to announce its second annual invitational pickleball tournament. The purpose of the event is not just for the great competition but to raise money for veterans. This year’s proceeds will be donated to Hope for the Warriors. Last year the club was able to raise $5,000.00 for Hidden Wounds. It will be held Oct. 26-27.

I would like to thank everyone for their kindness and fellowship and a promise to be back because I really enjoyed their company, hospitality and a chance to play pickleball. I am hooked on the game!