Residents from Del Webb Communities in Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Ocala Compete in Annual Pickleball Tourney

ORLANDO, Fla. – Scores of residents from Del Webb communities in Orlando, Jacksonville, Ocala and Tampa competed in the inaugural Del Webb Florida Pickleball Tournament recently at Del Webb Orlando in Davenport just south of Disney off of US 27, Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for Del Webb in North Florida said Del Webb residents competed in Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles categories. “This was our first statewide pickleball tournament and the turnout was so enthusiastic it will become an annual statewide tournament for Del Webb homeowners,” Strickler said. Pickleball is a cross between ping-pong, tennis and badminton. The game is played with paddles and a whiffle-like ball on a court about half the size of a regular tennis court. It is a sport which is rapidly gaining popularity in Active Adult communities across the U.S. “Each community put on a strong showing, but in the end Del Webb Orlando won all three categories, along with the overall community category, and they have enshrined the coveted Pickled Cup Trophy in their clubhouse,” Strickler said. “There will be some fierce competition for the trophy next year,” he added. Most new Del Webb communities feature multiple Pickleball courts, some with a ‘championship’ court for tournament matches as the popularity in these active lifestyle communities is quickly outpacing traditional tennis.