Jim Lafferty Pickleball Community Montana: Jim Lafferty, a longtime entrepreneur and Bigfork, Montana resident, built the Jewel Basin Center in 2020 to share his love for pickleball. Today, his venue and its Two Rivers Pickleball Club attract players from across the country and around the world, offering scenic courts and strong community spirit.
A Growing Community of Players
The Jewel Basin Center is now home to 1,800 club members. Many more visit each year during tournaments and vacations. The club is known for its high-quality outdoor courts with views of the Swan Mountain Range.
Even well-known pickleball figures have taken notice. Former top-ranked player Scott Moore visits every summer through his company, Pickleball Trips. The company offers travel experiences across the world, and its only U.S. stop is Bigfork, Montana.
From a Business Plan to a Community Hub
Jim Lafferty has a long history of building businesses. He grew up in Washington, D.C., later moved to Pennsylvania, and eventually settled in Texas with his wife Patti. There, they discovered pickleball and learned from some of the founders of the Super Senior International Pickleball Association.
“When I did it, it was all about just the passion for the sport and bringing this type of club culture to Montana, which I enjoyed at my club in Texas … In particular, the founder that was my personal coach, he actually certified me to be a teaching professional pickleball over eight years ago. So, I became the first certified coach in Montana,” said Jim Lafferty.
He tested the idea for the club by sharing presentations with local residents. He wanted to see who was interested in joining and supporting a pickleball club.
“We have 186 inaugural members on a plaque in our lobby that says, ‘Build it and we will come,’ so that’s when it started,” he said.
Building the Jewel Basin Center
Jim Lafferty chose land off Montana Highway 82 to build the club. The center includes outdoor courts and a large building used for events like concerts. The design includes garage doors that open onto the patio, creating a flexible space for both sports and entertainment.
Construction began during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the center opened in the fall of 2020. Despite the challenges of the time, interest in pickleball was rising.
“The weird thing is, for pickleball, not just here, but everywhere—Covid spiked the interest in pickleball. It went from nobody ever hearing of it, to now, it’s like the hottest thing going on. It’s on TV, it’s on ESPN—we’ve got famous tennis players jumping in and big sponsors behind it now,” said Jim Lafferty.
Events That Bring People Together
The Jewel Basin Center now hosts two tournaments each year. The Crown of the Continent Tournament drew nearly 300 players last year. The Summer Classic is smaller, with about 90 participants, many from the local area.
Jim Lafferty said the tournaments bring more than just competition. Visitors often turn their trips into full vacations.
“People come up and they build vacations around it. So, we have a lot of people that come here from out of town, for example, over half of our attendees for the tournament come from outside of Montana,” said Jim Lafferty.
A Club for All Ages
While visitors are important, Jim Lafferty is most proud of the regular members. He said the club welcomes people of all ages, from young children to older adults.
He shared the story of one member who turned 93 this year.
“He plays pickleball four days a week and the other days he golfs, he’s an inspiration … One day, Bob called me, and he sounded like a teenager. He couldn’t wait to come back to the club and he wanted to know how to get his membership activated again, asking if he could get in on an open play on Tuesday, and it’s like he was a kid again,” Jim Lafferty said.
Looking Ahead
The Jewel Basin Center is more than a sports venue. It’s a place where people build friendships and stay active. What started as a personal dream has become a top pickleball destination in the U.S.
Jim Lafferty continues to support the sport and the people who play it, bringing new energy to Montana’s outdoor community.
News in Brief: Jim Lafferty Pickleball Community Montana
Jim Lafferty turned his love for pickleball into a top destination in Bigfork, Montana. His Jewel Basin Center now has 1,800 members and hosts national events. Opened during COVID-19, the club has become a place for all ages to enjoy the game and the outdoors.
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