Combining the elements of tennis, ping pong, and badminton, pickleball has been named America’s fastest-growing sport for two years in a row. In February 2022, the Sports & Fitness Industry Association shared that pickleball had gained roughly 4.8 million participants nationwide and has had a growth of almost 40% over the last two years. Keeping up with the popularity of the booming sport has been a challenge for everyone who enjoys the game.
Located just north of The Palm Beaches in Port St. Lucie, Tesoro Club’s new Swim & Racquet Club is home to six pickleball courts. However, the game has been so popular with Members that the private golf community is currently constructing five additional courts lit for night play. See why Tesoro Club Members and so many others are drawn to this sporting activity.
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a fun, social, and friendly game that is easy to learn, but can develop into a quick, fast-paced game for experienced players. Pickleball can be played in doubles or singles format on a badminton-sized court, with a lowered tennis net, paddle, and a plastic perforated ball. While it has increased in popularity lately, the sport was first invented in 1965 by three dads – Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallumare – on Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, Washington.
Desirable Health and Social Benefits
Offering great exercise for both the mind and body, pickleball became the sport of choice for those seeking new ways to stay active during the pandemic. The outdoor, socially distant nature of the sport allowed many to play in groups, providing plentiful opportunities for social interaction and friendly competition between residents. Pickleball’s benefits, however, reach much further than social enjoyment. The smaller-sized court allows players to enhance balance, agility, reflexes, and hand-eye coordination without putting extra strain on their bodies.
Pickleball Courts Home to ‘Dinks & Drinks’ at Tesoro Club
Thanks to a robust calendar of social events, beginners and professionals alike have cherished hitting the courts at Tesoro Club. Tennis Director Terri Gaskill, a certified USPTA Elite Tennis Professional with over 30 years of experience, is offering a dynamic pickleball program with weekly clinics in session and fun events on the horizon for every age and skill level. Dinks & Drinks, a complimentary mixer for Members, has been a resounding success. Hosted every third Thursday of the month, Terri leads an afternoon of friendly competition on the pickleball courts. Following play, Members head to Cabanas Grill to enjoy cocktails and lively conversations. In the upcoming months, Social Members can look forward to monthly ladies’, mixed doubles, and men’s 4.0+ pickleball challenges, as well as family festivals, Halloween mixers, and much more.
“Tesoro Club’s programs will have something for everyone – from four-year-olds to 94-year-olds,” shared Gaskill. “I’m very big on round robins and social mixers, and that’s been the base program of building an engaged Club environment. It’s a great way to meet, mix, and just create a stronger sense of community.”
Outdoor Enjoyment Takes Priority at the Swim & Racquet Club
Pickleball, however, isn’t the only sport in full swing at Tesoro Club. Along with the Club’s 11 pickleball courts, the Swim & Racquet Club is also home to nine Har-Tru tennis courts and two bocce ball courts that are bustling with activity. Along with weekly clinics, Members enjoy complimentary monthly mixers. Tesoro Club hosts a tennis Mix & Split on the first Saturday of each month, and Team Bocce Mixers on the second Wednesday of the month. Wimbledon, US Open, French Open, and Australian Open social mixers are being planned for the future. In addition to the racquet program, the Swim & Racquet Club also features a resort-style pool and Cabanas Grill, an upscale casual poolside dining venue.
“As Tennis Director, it’s about building relationships on and off the courts,” shared Gaskill. “It’s building programs, connecting people, and getting as many people involved in racquet sports as possible. That’s my passion – getting Members to love the sports just as much as I do.”
A Private Golf Club Lifestyle
Exceptional tennis programming is just the beginning of a roster of top-notch amenities designed to enhance all the senses. At Tesoro Club’s landmark Clubhouse, Members also enjoy a private fitness center, yoga and aerobics studio, salon and spa services, a golf pro shop, and social activities. Tesoro Club is home to two, 18-hole championship golf courses. The Arnold Palmer-designed course reopened to rave reviews in November 2022 following extensive renovations and has already hosted two PGA tour events. The Tom Watson course renovations are planned for the future.
Two of the nation’s top home builders, WCI Communities by Lennar and Toll Brothers at Tesoro Club, will provide an outstanding selection of residential options. In addition, premier custom home builders will also offer a limited collection of larger, customized residential offerings. Tesoro Club takes great pride in its spectacular gated entrance that ensures residents’ peace of mind in an unparalleled natural setting. Spectacular golf, freshwater lakes and creeks, or wooded preserves are the standard for every residence, creating an enviable address focused on luxurious indoor/outdoor Florida living.
For more information on Tesoro Club’s compelling Social and Golf Membership programs or the new residential real estate offerings, the community’s Welcome Center is now open daily at 125 SE Via Tesoro Blvd. Visit TesoroClub.com or call 772-345-4000 for more information.
