Pickleball Takes Over Myrtle Beach: The rhythmic sound of pickleball paddles is becoming a hallmark of the Grand Strand, as the sport continues to flourish nationwide and locally. The Myrtle Beach area is responding to growing demand with new pickleball courts, upgraded facilities, and a thriving community of players of all ages.
Expanding Court Access
Major investments in pickleball infrastructure are underway:
- The PicklePort, an 18-court facility planned near Whispering Pines Golf Course, will offer year-round indoor and outdoor courts.
- North Myrtle Beach is allocating $5.6 million to Central Park improvements, including 15 new courts at the J. Bryan Floyd Community Center, set to open in spring 2026.
- Existing courts at Central Park and the J. Bryan Floyd Center remain in high demand, with outdoor and indoor pickleball options available daily.
“Pickleball continues to be one of the most popular programs in our City. We have a dedicated and passionate pickleball community. Staff has been working hard on the design of the new 15 court pickleball complex which will be located off of Possum Trot Rd. We look forward to breaking ground of that project soon. In the meantime, we continue to offer indoor pickleball at our Community Center daily as well as offer various outdoor pickleball courts throughout the City.” – (Parks and recreation director Matt Gibbons)
The Social and Accessible Appeal of Pickleball
Pickleball’s accessibility is a significant factor in its rapid growth. Played on a smaller court with lightweight paddles and a plastic ball, the sport is easy to learn and less physically demanding than tennis, attracting young players and retirees. Retiree Steve Megill, 76, plays five times a week and values the sport’s affordability.
“It’s an inexpensive sport. That’s why it’s so successful. You can come out here and play for nothing. Where else can you get exercise and meet a bunch of nice people and it doesn’t cost anything? You can buy a paddle on Amazon for 15, 20 dollars. Everybody has shoes. It’s perfect.” – (Megill)
Younger players like Henry Patterson and Matt Vogel, both 19 and Coastal Carolina University students, also embrace the game for its social aspect.
“It was a little weird playing with random people at first, but we find people to play with and it’s been fun. So we come down every Saturday, play with random people. We met two dudes today that were pretty nice and played like four, five games with them. We usually come out just to meet people and play with people.” – (Patterson)
Pickleball’s Business Increases
Sporting goods stores in Myrtle Beach, including Dick’s Sporting Goods at Coastal Grand Mall, report surging paddle sales.
“It’s been growing exponentially. We have a lot of repeat customers. A lot of different paddles starting from entry level all the way to advanced. You’ll see that our price starts anywhere from 50 dollars all the way up to like 270 dollars which is pretty shocking for a pickleball paddle, but for people who play four, five times a week, that’s what they need.” – (Jackson)
A Community and Economic Boost
As new facilities like The PicklePort and expanded courts at Central Park emerge, they promise to attract not just local players but visitors from around the region. Managing partner Dwight Hunsicker highlighted the potential economic impact.
“The opening of The PicklePort will be a shining moment for the Grand Strand. Resident pickleball enthusiasts, as well as the multitude of visitors to Myrtle Beach, will be able to easily access and reserve available indoor and outdoor courts nearly every day of the year.” – (Hunsicker)
“Having a venue such as The PicklePort will help satisfy the demand for court access given the sport’s popularity across generations.” – (Hunsicker)
What’s Next?
The Myrtle Beach area is poised to become a pickleball hub, offering spaces for casual play, competitive tournaments, and community gatherings.
With new developments underway, the sport’s popularity will likely continue to grow, benefiting local players and businesses.
News in Brief: Pickleball Takes Over Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is expanding pickleball courts with facilities like The PicklePort and Central Park improvements. The sport’s affordability, accessibility, and social appeal attract players of all ages, boosting equipment sales and fostering community engagement.