First 'Pickleball Showdown' a success for clubs

Dink shots, dillballs, and aces bounced in and out of the ‘Kitchen’ zone and around the courts of Busselton Tennis Centre last Sunday as 64 players battled it out in the inaugural south west Pickleball Showdown.

Competitors from Bunbury Pickleball Inc. and Pickleball Busselton Tennis Club faced off in 128 games, competing for the highly sought-after championship trophy.

The Picklers of the Bunbury Pickleball club proved too strong on the day, claiming a decisive victory with 930 points to Busselton’s 588 and sweeping all gold, silver and bronze medals across all divisions.

“It was a fantastic day. The team at Busselton organised a wonderful event,” Nathan Papas, Chairperson of Bunbury Pickleball Inc said.

“It was awesome to see over 60 players, along with spectators and volunteers, down at the tennis club enjoying such a brilliant time.”

The success of the tournament has already prompted plans for future competitions.

“We’ve got a trophy on the line now, so this is definitely an annual event and everyone had so much fun,” Nathan said.

For many of the Busselton players, the Showdown was their first taste of competition.

“About 80 percent of our team are newcomers to tournament play,” Ben Beven of Pickleball Busselton Tennis Club explained.

“And judging by the excited chatter afterwards, they’re hungry for more!

“After experiencing competitive Pickleball – and receiving a comprehensive flogging from Bunbury – our social players are keen on introducing coaching clinics and more competitions to win back the cup!”

Even the medal ceremony offered some memorable moments, with Ben accidentally awarding bronze in the intermediate division to the wrong team.

“Fortunately, both teams were from Bunbury and were good sports about it,” he laughed.

The local club’s rapid growth since October 2024 has been remarkable. It now boasts over 150 registered players and support from Busselton Tennis Club has been instrumental to its success.

“The Tennis Club committee has been really helpful,” Ben said.

“They’ve made it very affordable too – at $10 per session – or for any BTC members (with social memberships at just $30 per year), it’s only $5 per session.”

What attracts so many people to this rapidly growing sport?

“There’s a lot to love about it!” Ben continued.

“It can be a fantastic workout, especially if you play full court singles, and Pickleball makes getting some exercise something to look forward to.”

The sport’s inclusive nature really adds to its appeal.

“On any given week, we’ve got players ranging from 15 years old to over 80 playing. I’m catching up and getting to know people outside my demographic with whom I wouldn’t typically cross paths.”

With competitive Pickleball goals on the rise, help and inspiration are on the way.

WA Pro Player Andy Horridge, who supported the event and whose parents participated in the tournament, intends to host a coaching clinic in late April.

The future of the sport in Busselton looks promising. The Tennis Club Committee believes it would be beneficial to amend the club by-laws to include Pickleball activities and establish a separate membership category for Picklers.

A proposal to change the club by-laws will be presented at the AGM scheduled for May 10, 2025.

For those wondering whether Pickleball could be for them, Ben offers this tip, “If hitting the gym or going for a run feels like a chore, but you still want to get active, pickleball is for you.”

“But I’ll warn you – Pickleball can be addictive! You’ll get the heart rate up and get a bit sweaty…but you’ll actually want to come back to play again and again. So, come and get your Pickle on!”

If you’re interested in playing, Pickleball sessions are held at the BTC on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Friday evenings at 6 p.m. and Saturday mornings at 9 a.m.

To learn more, visit the Pickleball Busselton Tennis Club Facebook page.