Montville Pickleball and Golf Club has officially opened at 153 River Road in Montville, New Jersey. The 19,000-square-foot indoor space features eight pickleball courts and four golf simulators. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., the facility offers lessons, leagues, tournaments, and open play for all levels.
A Sport for Everyone
Club owner Basit Memon created the space after seeing a rise in interest in pickleball following the COVID-19 pandemic. A longtime fan of golf and pickleball, he saw a chance to bring the two popular sports together under one roof.
“I’m a sporty guy – I’m not too physically fit but I like sports and meeting new people through [pickleball] was nice, because sometimes my friends are not available, so I have to find someone else to play. The [pickleball] community was really cool.” – (Basit Memon)
Players can sign up for games using the Court Reserve app. Options include beginner and advanced beginner play, making it easy for new players to get started. Open play also encourages people to connect.
“People start making group chats to meet up and play. Everyone is jumping into it. We have a lot of seniors that have time in their day and it’s a lot more of a social sport than I thought. Someone walks in a little shy but then by the end of the game, the group will order in lunch and sit at our tables and talk. Sometimes they’ll come back together, and sometimes they just meet via random open play.” – (Basit Memon)
Easy to Learn, Fun to Play
Pickleball uses paddles and a court with a net, like tennis, but is simpler to learn. Basit Memon said people of all skill levels can pick up the game quickly.
“Ex-tennis players are playing it. NBA and NFL players are getting into it. I think because it’s not overly complicated to get into, people with decent hand-eye coordination skills can practice and increase their level. You can take a one-hour lesson and start playing the next day, vs. tennis or golf.” – (Basit Memon)
The facility’s golf simulators offer a high-tech experience. Each one uses five cameras to track the ball’s movement, including speed, spin, launch, and direction. Golfers can choose from a list of famous courses to play virtually. Basit Memon also said the club wants to give back to the community by hosting fundraisers and working with local groups.
“If we can help out, we definitely want to.” – (Basit Memon)
A Growing Community Spot
With long open hours, fun sports, and a welcoming setting, Montville Pickleball and Golf Club is quickly becoming a hub for residents. Basit Memon, who often steps in to complete a foursome, is excited to grow the club.
“I find myself filling in for the fourth player a lot. We want players to have a good experience.” – (Basit Memon)
News in Brief: Montville Pickleball and Golf Club
Montville Pickleball and Golf Club has opened at 153 River Road. The indoor center offers pickleball and golf in one place, with lessons, games, and social events. Owner Basit Memon hopes to build a strong, welcoming community. The club is open every day from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.