By Adam Brown
Sports Editor
adam.brown@hottytoddy.com.
One of America’s fastest-growing sports, Pickleball, has a new home in Oxford at the Goose Creek Club as of July 4. The club will host its inaugural Pickleball tournament during the first week of August, and the official date will be announced later.
“The hope of this tournament is to get people to come out and partake in the game and practice,” said Louis Brandt, owner of Goose Creek Club.
Goose Creek is now able to host an official Pickleball tournament for at least 12 people to actively compete during one time.
The tournament will function just like a tennis tournament, according to Brandt, and will be under the direction of head professional Nick Jooste. The club is anticipating 40 participants for the first tournament.
The game of Pickleball is played in doubles, and a point can only be earned by the serving team. Each team must allow the ball to bounce once on their respective side of the court, and then teams are allowed to volley the ball. The first team to get 11 points, winning by 2, is the winner of the match.
Goose Creek has several tennis players who play Pickleball at the Oxford Activity Center throughout the winter and spring, Brandt said. Oxford residents Venod Gouda and Brian Fike are two members who have brought home several Pickleball tournament trophies and represent the state well in the sport.
“Serval members join just because of Pickleball,” Brandt said. “Our facility is the only facility dedicated to strictly Pickleball between here and Memphis and Jackson.”
Those interested in trying the sport can play at Goose Creek from now until the end July for no charge. For more information on the game click here.
