Nearly 200 people played in the second annual NOT’Lanta Open: The Montclair Championships May 14-16 at the Montclair pickleball courts.
“This was birthed out of last year’s pandemic,” said Anne Rheins, tournament coordinator.
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Area pickleball players typically head to Atlanta for its big tournament which draws about 1,200 people, making it one of the largest pickleball events in the country, she said. With the pandemic, it was cancelled last year.
Rheins said the players were disappointed, but they still wanted to play. They created a local one instead. It got great response, so they decided to make it an annual event. The tournament drew 36 out-of-town players. One player traveled from Delaware, while others were closer to the area, coming from parts of Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina.
Players ranged in age from 17 to their 80s, said Rheins. Play in the men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles matches were divided according to skill level and age.
The sport of pickleball has grown rapidly in the area in the last year, she said, with people wanting something to do safely outdoors. People play the sport year-round.
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The Montclair tennis courts have been transformed into pickleball courts in recent years with six permanent courts and two temporary ones. The courts were recently resurfaced, and Rheins said they are raising money for better lights for nighttime play.
Trey Keenan lives in the Montclair neighborhood and said it’s hard not to know about the sport. People are at the courts often, and passersby can see them playing. The distinctive sound of the pickleball hitting a paddle can be heard from blocks away.
Once he started playing, he got hooked, he said.
“There’s a great social aspect, and it’s easy to get good at,” he said.
Keenan played soccer as a teen and said his muscle memory has kicked in when it comes to pickleball. He likes that it keeps him active. Before he started playing, he spent a lot of time on the couch.
Michele Singletary, who played against Keenan, during a mixed doubles’ match May 15 said her entire family plays it.
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“It’s Singletary times four,” she said.
The Montclair courts are privately owned, but memberships are available, according to Rheins. One Friday a month, the association offers open play and brings food trucks on site to attract new players.
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Rheins said the events are popular and have increased the group’s membership. The next food truck event is scheduled for 5 p.m. Friday, May 28, at the park on Crane Ferry Road. JH Moore BBQ and Catering’s food truck will be on site.
Rheins also teaches pickleball fundamental classes to prospective players. To learn more about pickleball or the Montclair association, email her at arheins@gmail.com.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com.
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