Pickleball has moved from disruptor to staple, particularly in markets like Southwest Florida, where racquets participation is strong and mature. That success raises a new question for clubs focused on long-term engagement and growth.
Jose Pastrello, Director of Court Sports at Quail Creek Country Club, believes padel is a natural next step for clubs looking to expand their racquets offerings. Positioned between tennis and pickleball, padel brings more athleticism and strategy than pickleball while remaining more accessible and social than tennis.
From an editorial perspective, padel seems to follow a familiar trajectory. It has a long global track record, a built-in social element, and growing awareness among U.S. players. For clubs that prefer to lead rather than react, padel offers a way to add variety, maintain momentum, and plan for the next phase of racquets participation.
