For those who know it, Pickleball is a beloved pastime; for those who don’t, well, you’re missing out! Pickleball — part tennis, part ping pong, part badminton, and all fun — has risen in popularity globally with its easy-to-learn rules and engaging gameplay. Where better to embrace this sport than on the sun-soaked courts of Hilton Head Island? Here, curious beginners and seasoned players are welcome to enjoy pickleball with a laid-back, beachy vibe.
Getting To Know Pickleball
Let’s help out the newbies for a bit, shall we? If you’ve ever heard the word “pickleball” and thought it had something to do with briny snacks, you’re not alone. Don’t worry; it’s way more exciting than cucumbers in vinegar.
Pickleball is a sport that merges elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. You play it on a court about a third the size of a tennis court, with a slightly shorter net, paddles reminiscent of blown-up ping pong rackets, and a plastic ball with holes (think wiffle ball, but sassier). The goal? Hit the ball over the net, and don’t let it bounce twice on your side. To win, you must score 11 points with a two-point lead. Also, a little friendly banter is practically a requirement.
How did this quirky sport come to life? The history of pickleball dates back to 1965, on Bainbridge Island in Washington, when a couple of dads wanted to entertain their bored family during summer. They grabbed some paddles, improvised a court, and voilà — a new hobby was born. Over the years, what started as a backyard game has become a worldwide sensation.
Why Hilton Head Loves Pickleball
Today, it is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, with leagues, tournaments, and even professional players. If you visit USA Pickleball’s Places2Play map, you’ll find around 11,000 pickleball locations, including public and private courts in Hilton Head, which is an impressive number, given that the sport is only 60 years old. Why do you think the island adores this sport as much as it loves the seaside?
Sporty By Nature
Hilton Head has world-class golf courses; it’s an island with sports ingrained in its DNA. With miles of biking and hiking trails, locals have always been an active bunch. As such, it’s no surprise that pickleball found its way into the hearts of residents and to the forefront of the sports scene. It’s like when the game came along, it was a natural fit! Nobody has to trade golf clubs and tennis rackets for a pickleball paddle; Hilton Head has room for them all.
Perfect Weather and Views for Play
Warm sunshine, a light ocean breeze, and scenic views? Who wouldn’t want to experience such a beautiful setting in such lovely weather? Hilton Head’s climate and surroundings are ideal for outdoor activities all year, and pickleball is a sport that makes one want to be outside. In short, the island and the sport are a match made in heaven.
The Social Side
After a few rounds on the court, it’s common to find players grabbing a bite, swapping stories, and planning their next match. Hilton Head is made for such friendly interactions, so it’s no wonder the sport has quickly created communities on the island. Everyone here is all about making new friends and bonding over shared passions. If that’s not what pickleball pushes for, too, then we don’t know what is.
The Best Places To Play Pickleball
If you’re flying to Hilton Head soon and want to have a hand in the pickleball action as a spectator or a player, courts are ready to teach or entertain you. First-timers don’t have to be intimidated about dipping their toes in the waters. Pros? Welcome, and expect the locals to want to pick your brain on mastering their game!
There are many spots to play on the island. You can check out the following five to add delight and fitness to your Hilton Head itinerary.
Palmetto Dunes Tennis & Pickleball Center
Address: 6 Trent Jones Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 593-9106
The Palmetto Dunes Tennis & Pickleball Center has 24 dedicated courts, including eight lit up for night games thanks to a handy timer system. You’ll also find a shop for all your sporting needs, open Sundays through Saturdays from 7 AM to 5:30 PM. Sign up for lessons and clinics!
For basics, there’s Pickleball 101. For Skill development, the center has Pickleball 102. Families or groups of different ages and skill levels can book custom clinics. If you want pro-supervised sessions, join the round robins.
The Palmetto Dunes Tennis & Pickleball Center offers semi-private and private lessons to individuals and partners who’d rather learn the ropes or climb the rankings without a crowd watching. A team of pickleball pros is eager to share the court and their knowledge with you.
Sea Pines Racquet Club
Address: 5 Lighthouse Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 363-4495
Of course, the Sea Pines Resort isn’t behind in the pickleball craze. The Sea Pines Racquet Club has six courts open from 8 AM to 5 PM daily, with the same rates for resort guests and property owners. If you’re a visitor or non-resident, you can still play for a slightly higher price.
The club’s programs include Pickleball 101, best for newbies or those who have started playing but need formal instruction. They also have daily round robins for social play (and bragging rights, if you wish)! Children can go for Junior Pickleball, and those 16 and older can play with and against Head Professional Mick Ray.
Speaking of Coach Mick Ray, he’s also available for Power Hour, where you drill and hit as many balls as you can for an hour. He’s a pickleball pro who won his first pickleball tournament in 2019. Born and raised in Hilton Head, there’s no one more suitable to show you how to play in the courts of his hometown.
Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club
Address: 10 Clubhouse Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 686-8803
The Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club is another pickleball haven you’ll have to visit when you’re in Hilton Head. Here you can take advantage of their excellent instruction team ready to teach you the basics through weekly clinics and round robins.
Players of all skill levels can join the Intro to Pickleball every Monday from 11 AM to noon or hold a Pickleball Custom Clinic anytime. If you fall into the intermediate and advanced categories, the club has Pickleball Drills on Wednesdays from 11 AM to noon and Pickleball Round Robins on Thursdays from 11:30 AM to 1 PM.
If you prefer semi-private or private lessons, the Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club also offers individual instruction. What’s more, they have great perks for groups that book their pickleball vacation with them. Access to over 1,000 accommodations, personalized concierge services, an on-site coordinator, and discounts on food, beverage, and pro shop purchases? Yes, please!
South Beach Pickleball Club
Address: 230 South Sea Pines Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 671-2215
The South Beach Pickleball Club is a part of the South Beach Racquet Club, and they have a brand-new center with 20 hard courts and 4 Har-Tru courts. The best part is that you’ll be playing with the iconic Salty Dog Cafe just steps away!
You can never go wrong with the South Beach Pickleball Club when it comes to skills development. It’s all they do, seven days a week, from 8 AM to 5 PM. There are morning round robins daily and a Sunday Funday Round Robin + Special, where everyone is encouraged to bring a small appetizer and some beverages to share.
Clinics and private instructions? The South Beach Pickleball Club has them, too! If you’re always in Hilton Head, you can sign up for a membership for additional perks and discounts. You’ll want to be part of this vibrant pickleball community that regularly holds socials, tournaments, and other events.
Island Recreation Center Courts
Address: 20 Wilborn Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Phone: (843) 681-7273
Pickleball doesn’t have to be pricey to be fun. Through the Island Recreation Center, the Hilton Head public has 17 courts to choose from, all maintained in top condition. The center itself has three sets of two courts, while Chaplin Park at 11 Castnet Drive has four, and Adrianna Park at 152 William Hilton Parkway has seven.
Court Reserve is available to Hilton Head Island Rec Pickleball members. You can also catch Winter Lessons and Open Plays. Sarah Mitten, the Head of Pickleball Coordination and Programming, is a Certified Pickleball Coach and a ranked Pickleball Professional, so you’re in good hands should you sign up for instructions.
Stay Cross-Court With Beachside Hilton Head
You get it now; pickleball is serious business in Hilton Head. And with all that adrenaline pumping, you’ll need a good place to cool off and relax after an intense game. Beachside Hilton Head has vacation rentals across the island, making it convenient to stay as close to the action as possible. We’ve hosted countless pickleball enthusiasts before, and you’re next!
To learn more about Beachside Hilton Head’s homes (or your future pickleball headquarters), call (843) 342-9909 or contact us online.
