The Columbia PPA Challenger 2025, a highly anticipated event for amateurs and professionals, will take place from March 28 to March 30, 2025, at the Cayce Pickleball Complex in Cayce, South Carolina. This prize-money tournament promises thrilling action on the courts as players compete for cash prizes and valuable ranking points, alongside some of the sport’s rising stars.
Key Event Details
- Dates: March 28-30, 2025
- Registration Deadline: March 21, 2025
- Location: Cayce Pickleball Complex, Cayce, SC
- Entry Fee: USD 70.00
- Tourney Timezone: Eastern
- Format: Double Elimination and round-robin formats depending on the number of teams.
Amateur Players: Compete Where the Professionals Play
This pickleball tournament offers amateur players a rare opportunity to compete alongside up-and-coming professionals on Championship Court, the same venue where top-level athletes show their skills. With various events scheduled, amateur players can take part in the excitement while experiencing the competitive energy that fills the air during a professional-level event.
Registration Highlights
- Sign Up for Refereeing: Those interested in refereeing the matches can sign up online.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers are encouraged to join and help with the smooth operation of the event.
Tournament Format Breakdown
The Columbia PPA Challenger will feature multiple event formats designed for different skill levels, with specific rules based on team size and registration numbers.
Amateur Event Format
- Skill Levels 5.0 & 4.5: Double Elimination with No Come-Around format.
- Main Draw: Best of 2/3 games to 11, win by 2
- Consolation & Bronze Medal Match: 1 game to 15, win by 2
- Gold Medal Match: Best of 2/3 games to 11, win by 2
- Skill Levels 4.0, 3.5 & 3.0 (with 12 or fewer teams): Round Robin with playoffs
- Playoffs: 1 game to 15, win by 2
- Gold Medal Match: Best of 2/3 games to 11, win by 2
Pro Format
- Main Draw: Single Elimination with 2/3 games to 11, win by 2.
- No Bonus or Back Draw: No PPA Points Draw.
- Official Ball: Vulcan VPro Flight Outdoor.
Weather and Event Flexibility: Given the outdoor nature of the tournament, organizers will adapt to weather-related delays, with match formats potentially shortened to ensure timely completion.
Partner and Payment Policy
For players participating in doubles events, both players must register and pay within seven days to secure a spot in the main draw. If a partner fails to register on time, the player will be moved to the waitlist.
Additionally, if a registered player loses their partner after registration closes, they must replace them with an already registered participant in the same skill/age group.
Prize Money and Refunds
Prize money details can be requested via the official PPA contact. Players seeking a refund must withdraw by February 28, 2025, to receive a partial refund (minus a $25 withdrawal fee). After the cancellation deadline, refunds are not possible unless participants have purchased the Registration and Weather Insurance Policy.
Tournament Venue: Cayce Pickleball Complex
Venue Details
- Location: 1500 Dunbar Rd, Cayce, South Carolina 29033
- Surface Type: Tennis Hardcourt Surface
- Play Area: Indoor and Outdoor
- Number of Courts: 16
- Parking: Paid parking with fees to be determined
- Ball Used: Vulcan VPRO Flight Outdoor
The Cayce Pickleball Complex provides the perfect setting for this major tournament, offering ample court space, top-quality surfaces, and convenient amenities for players and spectators.
News in Brief: Columbia PPA Challenger 2025
The Columbia PPA Challenger, set for March 28-30, 2025, at the Cayce Pickleball Complex in South Carolina, invites amateur and professional players to compete for cash prizes and ranking points. With various skill-level divisions, double-elimination formats, and exciting matchups, the tournament promises intense pickleball action.
Registration is open until March 21, 2025, with opportunities for referees and volunteers. This pickleball event will follow a weather-sensitive schedule, and refunds are available until February 28, 2025.
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