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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JANUARY 2022 | | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JANUARY 2022 | 55 55 As we turn the page to 2022, it is fun to reflect on the growth of our sport. The new year brings promise in all parts of our busy retirement years. And nowhere is busyness more evident than in Pickleball. Look around and it's everywhere: magazines, evening news, even television commercials. Last issue we highlighted a feature in Vanity Fair that promoted pickle as the new big thing among the glitterati, taking Hollywood by storm. Now, Axios Sports proclaims our favorite game to be theirs as well. "Explosive" is their term: resorts, country clubs, schools, and city parks around America are adding or increasing the pickleball footprint. They cite last month's national championships at the Tennis Garden as evidence of the growing professional presence of the game. Ben Johns, the reigning pro, earns over a quarter of a million dollars annually. The Indian Wells event had a total purse of nearly $100,000. That's peanuts compared to the more established sports, but the growth-potential is phenomenal. Touring professional Dave Fleming is quoted by Axios making a bold prediction: "In a few years, I think you'll see tennis players on the cusp of the pro tour opting to pursue Pickleball as a viable career." Such enthusiasm is quite understandable to those of us blessed to be part of pickleball in Sun Lakes Country Club. Leadership at the club and master board levels has brought us into 2022 in the strongest position we've seen. New players are joining the fun. The North Side Court complex is slated for improvements such as re- striping to accommodate the unique pickleball lines and eliminating those that were part of the previous tennis court layout. It will be great to finally walk on the courts and see Pickleball as it is supposed to be played, absent the extraneous lines that confuse beginners. So, a fine resolution for this next year could be to get more involved in our great Sun Lakes outdoors. And Pickleball makes a pleasant, sociable option whether you have been the proverbial couch potato or an athlete looking for new challenges. One of the national organization officers recently asserted that anyone who has ever played a racquet sport can pick up Pickleball very quickly. If you are considering trying out the game, give our club vice-president Judy Luna a call at (949) 929-2390. She can steer you to the best times to begin. See you on the courts! Pickleball Club The Winter Bocce Tournament will begin the week of Jan. 17. Entries must be in by Jan. 7. Times of play will be 1, 2, and 3 pm. Hopefully we will catch a little warmer weather with the earlier times. We will play Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. Entry cards are available in the cabinet at the courts. Fill it out for your team, including the day you wish to play, and a second choice of days please. That makes it easier to schedule everyone. Include Club dues of $12 each per year and the $3 team fee for each player. Turn it all in to Jeanette at 1288 Pleasant Valley with your entry card. The Club dues are paid once a year. The team fee is collected for each tournament played. This comes back to the winners at the end of each tournament in the form of gift cards to our restaurant. Looking ahead, a calendar for the year is posted on the backside of the locker. That may help you with your plans. If you have trouble getting the cabinet open, call Dutch or Jim and they'll talk you through it! Any other questions call them at (951) 845-0392. See you at the courts! Friends of Bocce

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