The Winners
May 15, 2021
2.5 Division
Hall Summer of Fripp Island
Jay Phillips of BYSC
3.0 Division
Barb Kudwa of Fripp Island
Suzanne Wolf of Pleasant Point
3.5 Division
Bill Craig of Coosaw Point
John Horne of Coosaw Point
4.0 Division
Josh Josey with Coosaw Point
Tad Davis of BYSC
May 15th was a milestone day for pickleball in Beaufort. On a Saturday morning, under Lowcountry blue skies and 70-degree temperatures, the Beaufort Pickleball Club (BPC) held its first ever pickleball event, The Intra-Community Challenge.
The purpose of this “Meet & Greet” challenge was to provide area private community players with an opportunity to compete with players from other communities within the same skillset. The field was designed to accommodate 96 players of varying skill levels based on available court space, anticipated number of players, and in the interest of time.
Beaufort Yacht & Sail Club, Coosaw Point, Dataw Island and Pleasant Point served as host sites to the 78 registered players with each host site facilitating play at a specific skill level. Beaufort Yacht & Sail Club hosted 3.0 and 4.0 players on their six courts. Coosaw Point hosted 3.5 play on their three courts and Pleasant Point hosted beginners – 2.5 on their three courts. Players from Fripp Island assisted the other host sites. Jeff Conradi, a regional ambassador for USA Pickleball Association offered clinic instruction for beginner to 2.5 players. A round robin format sent the eight top scorers of 3.0. 3.5 and 4.0 divisions to play in the semi-finals and finals at the newly opened pickleball courts on Dataw Island for afternoon play. Mike Chambers, the President of the BPC said, “The Board of Directors and I are very pleased with the turn-out and with the level of excitement among area players.”
As is the case with any type of contest, players were excited to play, but nervous. For many, it was their first time in a “competitive” situation. “I have never played pickleball and have been curious about it and have been looking for a place to play” said Patrick Kline of Harbor Island. “I was signing up for sailing lessons at BYSC, which I had never done either, when I was informed about the tournament. I ended up buying a pickleball paddle at Walmart on my way to the beginner’s site at Pleasant Point that morning. That was the first time I ever played pickleball. I was amazed at how friendly everyone was throughout the tournament, I felt so welcomed. I will be looking to play more pickleball” Kline added.
Tom Kucharchik, a 3.5 semi-finalist, added “The tournament was great fun to participate in. It was well organized. I enjoyed meeting players from other clubs and comparing our experiences with pickleball in Beaufort. The competition was congenial, and it was a learning experience, assessing my level of play against new opponents, appreciating the play of a randomly chosen partner and seeing different courts and their facilities. I look forward to future tournaments.”
Semifinals and Finals were held Saturday afternoon courtesy of Dataw at their spectacular new pickleball facility overlooking the marsh. Spectators gathered under the pavilion centered between two courts on each side. Spectators and players alike enjoyed a fine example of the Lowcountry lifestyle and southern hospitality offered by Dataw Island Pickleball Club, who provided refreshments for the players. “We were thrilled to show off our new facility to area pickleball players. While it has taken five-plus years from discussion to completion, Dataw is encouraged to hold more inclusive events throughout the year, particularly two annual Dataw Open events. We’re working on those dates now,” commented Warren Florence, Director of Lawn & Racquet Sports for Dataw Island.