NEW TROON PARTNERSHIP LED BY FORMER LPGA STAR
PICKLEBALL PARTNER
As the popularity of pickleball continues to surge across the country, Troon and Selkirk Sport, a leading pickleball equipment brand, have announced a multi-year partnership. Through the partnership, Selkirk Sport becomes Troon’s first “Preferred Pickleball Partner.”
As such, Selkirk’s line-up of made in the USA paddles will be available at retail shops on-site at all Troon-managed facilities nationwide that offer pickleball. Selkirk Sport, a family- owned company based in Hayden, Idaho, is at the forefront of driving growth of the sport at both the recreation and professional levels, while offering a full lineup of paddles for all levels and an assortment of accessories. The partnership also serves to elevate pickleball programming as a complement to tennis at many Troon-affiliated facilities across the portfolio.
This news comes as country clubs and golf resorts rapidly add the sport to their lineup of activities. Equally important, as an outdoor activity that adheres to CDC and local/national health guidelines, pickleball serves as the perfect social distancing sport. Today, backed by a growing professional tour and nearly 8,000 facilities at which 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 USA, 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. “Pickleball serves as a terrific complement to golf and racquet sports, and we are excited to enhance our commitment to the game while delivering memorable experiences to our members and guests.”
The synergies between golf and pickleball are numerous, as many PGA Tour and LPGA Tour stars, as well as premier golf instructors, compete on the pickleball court regularly. In fact, 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 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.”
The recent introduction of the VANGUARD paddle reinforces Selkirk’s leadership position in the sport and the company’s commitment to push the paddle technology limits while establishing a new industry standard. Engineered with advanced materials, the face and core work together to absorb the vibration from each hit and yield accelerated velocity. These innovative design elements deliver the ultimate shot-making consistency, accelerated ball velocity, an extra-large sweet spot for off center hits, maximum spin, and the perfect feel. The integration of Selkirk Sport paddles, highlighted by VANGUARD, at Troon-managed facilities will further support growth of the sport.
“We fully embrace our leadership position in the sport of pickleball and recognize the responsibility we have to help grow and promote the game every day,” said Mike Barnes, VP of operations, Selkirk Sport. “We are thrilled to work alongside a prestigious company like Troon that sees the big picture and shares our vision.”
Selkirk Sport is one of the industry’s fastest growing companies, and their paddles are used by many of the game’s premier players and coaches/instructors. Team Selkirk ambassadors include Tyson McGuffin, four-time national champion and one of the top-ranked players in the world; Cammy MacGregor, top-ranked senior player and former top 75 women’s professional tennis player; and Steinhauer, the three-time Women’s British Open Champion and member of four winning U.S. Solheim Cup teams, among others.
For more information on Selkirk Sport please visit www.Selkirk.com.