2018 USAPA West Regional Tournament is in the Record Books!

Southern California was the site for the 2018 USAPA West Regional Tournament hosted at the beautiful Claremont Club. Holding true to the notion “…it never rains in Southern California…” the weather for this 3-day event hovered in the mid-70’s and proved ideal for players and spectators alike. 

With approximately 750 players participating, it was the largest USAPA Regional tournament on record – in contrast to the 422 players who played in the 2017 West Region event. And, further evidence to the growth of pickleball in general and the passion for tournament play in the USAPA West Region, was the face that the West Region was restructured to include just California and Hawaii.

Hosted by Co-Tournament Directors Jenae Alms & Steve Sidwell and Tournament Coordinator Mike Stahl, the Claremont Club proved to be an outstanding venue for the event, garnering many favorable comments from attendees. With eight permanent and 32 temporary courts, this 40-court capacity proved essential in accommodating the @750 participants who ranged in age from 10 to 87 & skill levels from 2.5 to 5.0. Players competed in both singles & doubles events, with 63% of players being 55+ in age.

Day 1 hosted Women’s Doubles and Men’s Singles events (385 players); Day 2 followed with Mixed Doubles (489 players) & Day 3 concluded with Men’s Doubles & Women’s Singles events (404 players). In total, 1,162 matches were played & 670 custom, West Region medals awarded to participants. In addition, the event included an on-site Beer Garden (compliments of Budweiser), a pasta dinner on Saturday evening open to all players, and lunches/snacks for referees throughout the tournament. A silent auction conducted for the Claremont Club’s “The Perfect Step” charity, provided $1,600 to this very worthwhile cause.

As the inaugural Regional tournament in the newly configured West Region, the event was not without challenges. Hosting a record number of players at a new venue presented “opportunities for improvement” throughout the event, but overall player experience to the venue, the competition level and the tournament amenities was overall positive, with 2019 promising to be even better! Contributing to the experience was Platinum Sponsor Selkirk Sports as well as additional support from Third Shot Drop, Gamma, Paddletek, Pickleball Bling, Topp, Pro-Kennex, Onix, Engage, Mas Dink, Gearbox, Dink This, Third Shot Jewels and Launch Pad by Promos.

In addition to the dozens of volunteers who made the event possible, thanks would not be complete without recognizing Claremont Club CEO Mike Alpert and Activities Director Nicole Hofmans for their tremendous support. Clearly, the Claremont Club was a high point of the overall player experience and our thanks to this fabulous, supporting organization cannot be overstated. They helped make our dream a reality! Now…on to 2019!!