APP Tour is Revolutionizing Pickleball: The APP Tour’s player-first approach, with its focus on prize money, has attracted professional and amateur pickleball players. Former tennis player Jenny Klitch highlights the tour’s commitment to providing fair competition and sustainable financial practices.
APP Tour Focuses on Prize Money and Fair Play
The Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) Tour has become a popular choice for pickleball players, thanks to its focus on player needs and the offering of prize money.
Jenny Klitch, a former tennis player, is one of many who appreciates the tour’s dedication to rewarding players for their hard work. The APP Tour has grown rapidly, drawing players from across the pickleball world to its tournaments and events.
Klitch, who joined the APP Tour after her tennis career, says the tour stands out for its commitment to players.
“To be frank, the APP is the only true tour because it’s the only tour that is actually saying, hey, here’s prize money, go fight for it. That’s what a tour is.” – (Klitch)
A Player-First Philosophy
Ken Herman, the founder of the APP, created the tour with players’ needs in mind, making sure that professional and amateur participants are treated equally. According to Klitch, this inclusive approach is what makes the APP Tour different from other pickleball tours.
“I think it starts with what Ken Herman started from day one, which is a tour that was for the players. When we say that, we mean all players. It’s not just the pro players, it’s the amateur players. They’re equally important, different. They have some different needs. That’s why I joined the APP because my whole life has been about being for the players.” – (Klitch)
Prize Money and Financial Sustainability
A major appeal of the APP Tour is the prize money it offers to winners, which makes the tour attractive to players looking to earn from their efforts. However, Klitch raises concerns about the sustainability of prize money in some tours.
While she is grateful for the financial rewards, she remains cautious about the long-term viability of the business model used by some other circuits.
“I think it’s because of that and putting the right people in the right positions that can make players feel like they matter, having the draws be fair. When you care about the sport, you are doing everything to make sure the sports survive, which means being fiscally responsible. I look around when I look at some of the other tours and I’m like, I don’t know how they afford the player costs.” – (Klitch)
Despite this, the APP’s clear focus on keeping its financial practices sustainable has earned praise for its solid foundation. Players can rely on the tour to offer fair competition while being compensated for their talent and effort.
“I’m grateful that the players are getting paid, don’t get me wrong, and I completely get every player that’s taking that money. But when I do the math, I just can’t figure out how that is sustainable. I hope it is.” – (Klitch)
Future of the APP Tour
The APP Tour’s success shows how a commitment to prize money and players’ welfare can create a thriving competitive environment. The tour has earned its reputation as a true pickleball event, and with its solid financial practices, it is likely to continue growing in popularity.
As more players discover the benefits of the APP Tour, its focus on fair treatment and financial rewards might set the standard for future pickleball tournaments. It remains to be seen how other tours will adapt in response to the APP’s model, but for now, the APP Tour stands as a leader in the pickleball sport.
News in Brief: APP Tour is Revolutionizing Pickleball
The APP Tour has gained attention for its focus on player needs and offering prize money. Former tennis player Jenny Klitch supports the tour’s player-first approach, emphasizing fair competition and sustainable financial practices. The tour continues to grow, attracting professional and amateur pickleball players.
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