Scottsdale, Arizona, United States: As the popularity of pickleball continues to surge, Troon and Selkirk Sport, a leading pickleball equipment brand, have entered a multi-year partnership.

Through the partnership, Selkirk Sport becomes the first ‘Preferred Pickleball Partner’ of Troon and an official partner of the company’s Cliff Drysdale Tennis division.

As the preferred Pickleball Partner for Troon, Selkirk’s line-up of ‘Made in the USA’ paddles will be available at retail shops on-site at all Troon and Cliff Drysdale Tennis-managed facilities nationwide that offer pickleball.

Selkirk Sport, a family-owned company based in Idaho, is at the forefront of driving growth of the sport at both the recreation and professional levels, while offering a full line-up of ‘Made in the USA’ pickleball paddles for all levels and an assortment of accessories.

The partnership also serves to elevate pickleball programming, as a complement to tennis at the 31 Cliff Drysdale Tennis facilities across the portfolio.

This news comes as country clubs and golf resorts rapidly add pickleball to their line-up of activities, due to the sport’s rising popularity among players of all ages. As an outdoor activity that adheres to CDC and local/national health guidelines, pickleball serves as an ideal ‘social distancing’ sport.

Today, backed by a growing professional tour and nearly 8,000 facilities to play in North America, pickleball – a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong – is one of the fastest-growing sports in the US, boasting more than 3.46 million players, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association.

“Aligning with Selkirk Sport, the premier pickleball paddle brand, is a natural next step to support growth in the sport, as the demand for more pickleball courts and increased programming is evident across our collection of managed facilities,” said Tim Schantz, President and CEO, Troon, an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

“Pickleball serves as a terrific complement to golf and racquet sports programming, and we are excited to enhance our commitment to the game, while delivering memorable experiences to our members and guests,” added Schantz.

Many PGA Tour and LPGA Tour stars, as well as premier golf instructors, compete on the pickleball court regularly. Team Troon member and 17-time PGA Tour winner Matt Kuchar, and Team Selkirk Ambassador Sherri Steinhauer, a former Major champion and LPGA star, are both avid pickleball players.

“We are committed to investing in the continued growth of pickleball, and a partnership with Troon and Cliff Drysdale Tennis is an opportunity to further elevate the sport at both a recreation and professional level,” said Rob Barnes, VP of Product and Relationships, Selkirk Sport.

“We are excited to promote the benefits of the game to Troon’s global customers and partners, while supporting and enhancing pickleball programming at Troon-managed facilities,” he added.

Mike Barnes, VP of Operations, Selkirk Sport, said: “We fully embrace our leadership position in the sport of pickleball and recognise the responsibility we have to help grow and promote the game every day. We are thrilled to work alongside a prestigious company like Troon that sees the big picture and shares our vision.”