Best Places To Play Pickleball On Hilton Head Island, SC
Did you know pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the U.S.? For those of you unfamiliar with the sport, pickleball shares similarities with tennis, table tennis, and badminton (as well as other paddle ball sports).
When was pickleball invented?
Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum. Although the exact details behind the sport are often debated, it is said that on one summer afternoon at the Pritchard family cabin, the men were wanting to find an activity for their families to take part in. Finding themselves with a badminton net but not enough racquets on hand they began to improvise. They gathered some ping pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball (like a wiffle ball) and from there, the game started to take form. In 1967, the first permanent pickleball court was constructed, and throughout the next two decades, the sport continued to gain traction with it being played in all 50 states by 1990.
Why is it called “Pickleball”?
Just as details behind the origin are somewhat obscure, the reasons behind calling the sport “pickleball” are often contested. Two stories exist that explain where the sport got its name. The first story stems from the Pritchard family, Joan Pritchard (Joel’s wife), who used to be a competitive rower, is said to have come up with a name based off of the pickle boat concept. Oarsmen were generally selected from what was left over from other boats.
However, according to the McCallum family, the sport was named after Pritchard's dog “Pickles” who liked to pick up the plastic ball and run off the court with it. The Pritchards claimed they first got Pickles a couple years after inventing the sport and the dog was named after the sport not the other way around.
Pickleball on Hilton Head Island, SC
Hilton Head Island has always been known as a great sports destination because of the delightful year-round weather. Golf, biking, tennis, and boating, along with many other sports and activities, are popular on Hilton Head. The island has a long history of offering world-acclaimed facilities bolstered by robust community support, and now pickleball has been added to the mix.
Hilton Head Island is rapidly becoming a preeminent destination for pickleball devotees, both fans and beginners, who are on vacation. The availability of tournaments makes it a pickleball destination in its own right.
Playing Pickleball on Hilton Head Island
As mentioned above, Hilton Head is highly regarded as a leading holiday destination for active sports enthusiasts. For those who are immersed in pickleball or who are just getting into it, they can now add Hilton Head Island to the list of renowned pickleball vacation locations. Here’s a list of pickleball facilities to consider when visiting Hilton Head Island.
Palmetto Dunes Tennis and Pickleball Center
Palmetto Dunes Tennis and Pickleball Center
6 Trent Jones Lane
(843) 593-9106
Located in Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, the award winning Palmetto Dunes Tennis and Pickleball Center is the largest pickleball facility on Hilton Head Island with one of the most extensive tutelage programs on the East Coast. The cutting edge center has 24 dedicated pickleball courts, lighted for night play, and a wide array of group or private instruction from certified pickleball pros.
Hours of Operation
Sunday-Saturday 7:30am to 6pm
Select courts for night play through 10pm
Reservations: Call (888) 926-8784 or stop by the pro shop to book
South Beach Racquet Club
South Beach Racquet Club
230 South Sea Pines Drive
(843) 671-2215
https://www.south-beach-racquet-club.com/
The South Beach Racquet Club is a long time favorite of island tennis players. Located next to the South Beach Marina in the Sea Pines Plantation, the South Beach Racquet Club is renowned for its friendly staff and lowcountry atmosphere.
Players have access to food, restrooms, water, wheelchair accessibility, a pro shop, and lessons.
Hour of Operation
Sunday-Saturday 8am to 6pm
Reservations: Call (843) 671-2215 or stop by the pro shop
Island Club of Hilton Head
Island Club of Hilton Head
85 Folly Field Road
(843) 785-8012
Located at the mid-island of Hilton head known as Folly Field, this club has close proximity to uncrowded Atlantic Ocean beaches, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment centers. The Island Club boasts landscaped grounds with swimming pools, hot tubs, BBQ grills, and private beach access.
The property is also home to the Island Club's Tennis center with 8 tennis courts and 3 dedicated pickleball courts, a Pro Shop and an events calendar filled with pickleball programs.
Hours Of Operation
Sunday-Saturday 8am to 5pm
Note: Facilities open to property owners and guests
Sea Pines Racquet Club
Sea Pines Racquet Club
5 Lighthouse Lane
(843) 363-4495
https://www.seapines.com/experiences/tennis
Located in the heart of Harbor Town, the Sea Pines Racquet Club offers six dedicated pickleball courts and pickleball programs all under the instructions of former U.S. Open and Wimbledom Champion, Stan Smith.
Whether learning the fundamentals, honing your pickleball skills, or starting the day with a social match, the Sea Pines Racquet Club paves the way for a singular pickleball experience that will not disappoint.
Hours of operation
8am to 5pm daily
Reservations: Call (843) 363-4495
Port Royal Racquet Club
Port Royal Racquet Club
10 Clubhouse Drive
(843) 686-8803
https://hiltonheadgolf.net/clubs/port-royal/tennis-and-pickleball-activities/tennis-pickleball-rates
The Port Racquet Club located in the Port Royal Plantation community features 8 Har-Tru clay tennis courts and 2 dedicated pickleball courts for members and guests.
With professional pickleball teachers, players of all levels can elevate their proficiency through private tutorial lessons, custom clinics and lively round robins in sublime Lowcountry surroundings.
Hours of Operations
Sunday-Saturday 8am to 6pm
Reservations: Call (843) 686-8803
Hilton Head Island Beach and Tennis Resort
Hilton Head Island Beach and Tennis Resort
40 Folly Field Road
(843) 842-4402
https://www.hhibeachandtennis.com/
Situated at mid-island, the Hilton Head Island Beach and Tennis Resorts offers 12 well maintained pickleball courts and 6 tennis courts. With certified pickleball coaches, great year round weather, the largest pool on the island, and superior accommodations in a beachside location, this is the perfect vacation destination for a true pickleball fanatic.
Hours of Operation
Sunday-Saturday 8am to 6pm
Reservations: Call (843) 842-0079 or visit the Fitness Center
Hilton Head Island Recreation Center
Hilton Head Island Recreation Center
20 Wilborn Road
(843) 681-7273
https://www.islandreccenter.org/
Located on the north end of the island, the Recreation Center is one of the island's popular public places to play pickleball on Hilton Head. It offers 5 outdoor basketball courts with pickleball markings and open play sessions for visitors Monday through Saturday. The courts can be quite busy in the morning, but usually calm down by midday.
Hours of Operation
Monday-Sunday: 6am to 9pm
Winter hours: 6am to 6pm
Reservations: Call (843) 681-7273
Hilton Head Island Public Parks with Pickleball
Chaplin Park
11 Castnet Drive
The Chaplin Community Park, between Burkes Beach Road and Singleton Beach Road, has 4 basketball courts with permanent pickleball lines in beautiful surroundings and ample space to play.
Open to the public on a first come first served basis, no open play. Bring your own paddles, balls, and portable nets.
Hilton Head Park
152 William Hilton Parkway (also known as Old Schoolhouse Park)
Hilton Head Park is located on the north end of the island off of William Hilton Parkway. This small neighborhood park borders a tidal marsh and features 6 pickleball courts recently resurfaced for anyone to play from 9am to 2pm (after 2pm you will need an invitation from The Hilton Head Pickleball Club).
Bring your paddles and portable nets.
Cordillo Courts
2 South Forest Beach Drive
Located near Lowcountry Celebration Park in the Forest Beach resort area, the Cordillo Courts have 4 tennis courts with permanent pickleball lines, open to the public from 8:30am to 7pm on a first come first serve basis, no open play. The nets must be lowered and bring your own paddles.
Why Is Pickleball So Popular?
Although it has been around since the 1960’s, pickleball has gained a lot of popularity over the last 10 years. But why is pickleball so popular and should you consider playing?
Pickleball is for everyone (mostly)
One of the reasons pickleball has become so popular is because (almost) anyone can play. You will see players out on the court from 5 years old to 90+ years old.
Compared to other sports there is a low (but never zero) chance of injury, a low cost to entry, and it is not too physically strenuous. Plus, it's a great, low impact exercise.
Additionally, there are adaptations of pickleball for all abilities, including wheelchair pickleball.
It’s a good challenge
Pickleball is very easy to get into, but one of the other reasons it’s so popular is because it’s also very challenging. While you can become an intermediate player fairly quickly, it’s a lot more difficult to become an expert, meaning there is always room to grow.
This causes an obsession in many players who want to continually get better, and the best way to do that is to play regularly.
Lower equipment barrier to entry
Pickleball’s low barrier to entry includes the required equipment, which is not much. When you start playing pickleball the main thing you will need to purchase is some balls and a pickleball paddle. You can generally find an inexpensive one (less than $50) until you learn what you like and don’t like about the sport and the paddle itself.
However, there can be a lot of pickleball gear, but you shouldn’t need to buy in the beginning, because you can use things you have at home. This includes:
- Tennis Sneakers
- Athletic Clothing
- Backpack or other carrying bag to hold your paddle, towel, etc.
It’s good for you
Not surprisingly, pickleball is great for your health. Although it may not always feel like a strenuous workout, pickleball is great exercise for any levels and abilities. Sometimes having fun helps you forget you are actually working out.
Pickleball is social
Pickleball really is for everyone and so you will meet all kinds of people out on the court – which is a good thing! Not only that, but the small dimensions of the court mean that you will be physically close to the other players. Because of that you will have a chance to socialize with everyone who is playing that day. A lot of pickleball is based on open play (all players of any skill level are invited to play on the courts for a set time frame) so you may meet all new people everyday. Or you may play with the same people every time. Either way, you will have a chance to socialize while improving your game.
Why is pickleball so popular? There are a lot of reasons pickleball has become so popular in the last few years, but the inclusive nature of the sport is helping it become one of the most popular sports in the U.S.
Plan Your Next Pickleball Game on Hilton Head Island
There is always a spot to satisfy your pickleball cravings on Hilton Head Island. What are you waiting for? Grab your pickleball paddle and a friend or two and start playing in any of the pickleball spots on our list!
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