CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE 2021 EVENT

Players International Management, Inc. (PIM), organizers of the YellowTennisBall.com Series of over 30 state, national and international USTA and ITF events, is excited to host the WORLD PICKLEBALL OPEN (WPO) held December 9 – 12, 2021 at the award-winning PGA Village Verano by Kolter Homes (9250 SW Visconti Way, Port St. Lucie, FL, 34986, approximately 55 minutes north of Palm Beach International Airport) featuring 26 brand new dedicated Pickleball courts, and one Championship Court! 

The event plans to create a memorable experience for its sponsors, and participants, and will include Pre-Event clinics, an Exhibition and the event will be creating a 30-minute televised highlight show!  Event information is listed below and please call (561.330.6003) or email (ibaron@YellowTennisBall.com) if you have any questions. We look forward to hosting you in December and please remember to register early – Player Registration opens Wed., August 4, 2021!

To receive up-to-date event info., player news, special event updates or want to be involved as a Sponsor of the World Pickleball Open, please send your email address to ibaron@YellowTennisBall.com and we will add you to our Event E-blasts!

Click for the 2019 30-minute televised Highlight Show aired multiple times on Fox Sports Florida!

PGA Village Verano voted Best Outdoor Facility of the Year… Click for article.

SCHEDULE / EVENT GUIDE

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE 2021 EVENT!

Event Guide: Click here (updated soon) for Event information, site details, practice and match court info., etc.

Television: 30-minute Televised Highlight Show created.

Volunteer Info. Volunteering is an invitation to link with great people and oversee the day-to-day operation.  All Volunteers will receive a T-shirt, Lunch or Dinner, and one complimentary ticket to the 2022 Delray Beach Open by VITACOST.COM ATP Men’s Tennis Event (Session TBA: $40+ Value). 

• VOLUNTEER DEADLINE TO APPLY: October 1, 2021 (limited spots, register early!) APPLY HERE
• VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENTS: Information Booth, Court Monitors, Match Coordinators, Tournament Desk, Announcer, Score Posters, Hospitality, Player Bags, Sponsorships. Click Here for Department Descriptions

Things to do in St. Lucie County: Click here

SCHEDULE – DIVISIONS

Wednesday, August 4, 2021: Registration Opens – Limited space available!

Sunday, October 31, 2021: Last day to register to receive complimentary 2022 Delray Beach Open by VITACOST.com ATP Ticket

Thursday, November 18, 2021: 

• • Registration deadline (anyone entering after the deadline will not receive an event T-Shirt)
  • Weather Insurance Form deadline (click for form).

Thursday, November 25, 2021: Last day to withdraw and receive a full refund…. 

Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021: 1:30 – 3pm. Volunteer Registration and Meeting 

Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021:

*1 – 2:30pm & 2:45  – 4:15pm:  Pre-event Clinics: 8:1 ratio.  $50pp for 90 minutes…We are excited to welcome Steve Kennedy, who will oversee the WPO Pre-Event Clinics. Steve is a USAPA National Champion, US Open Champion & TOC Champion and owns numerous other titles.  He is one of the top Senior Pro pickleball players in the world.  Steve has 33 years coaching experience and is Lead Instructor for Engage Pickleball Camps internationally. He’s an IPF Lead Instructor and certifies instructors for IFP.  Steve is owner of South Florida Pickleball Academy.  To register, please call 561.330.6003 or email ibaron@YellowTennisBall.com.  Limited Availability!

*3 – 5pm: Player Registration

*5 – 6pm: Pickleball Doubles Exhibition & Holiday Kids’ Toy Drive. Complimentary admission. If able, please bring a new child’s toy for our Holiday Toy Drive Giveaway. All new toys, books, puzzles, games, craft supplies, dolls, etc. will be donated to local hospitals via Smith Smiles Toy Donations.

MATCH PLAY

Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021:

• • Mixed Doubles Skills: 50+, 60+, 70+ (3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0)

Friday, Dec. 10, 2021:

• • Women’s Doubles Skills:19+, 35+, 50+, 60+, 70+ (3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0)
  • Women’s Doubles Pro: 19+ and 50+
  • Men’s Doubles Pro:  19+ and 50+

Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021: 

• • Mixed Doubles Pro: 19+, 50+
  • Men’s Doubles Skills: 19+, 35+, 50+, 60+, 70+ (3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0)

Sunday, Dec. 12:

• • Men’s Singles Pro: 19+, 50+
  • Women’s Singles Pro:19+, 50+
  • Mixed Doubles Skills: 19+, 35+ (3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0)

EVENT INFO.

Event Site. PGA Village Verano by Kolter Holmes.  (17127 SW Ambrose Way, Port St. Lucie, FL, 34986). The event will consist of 27 dedicated Pickleball courts. Facility is located 55 miles north of Palm Beach International Airport. Facility info.

Entry Fees:

• Pro Divisions: $65 Event Registration Fee  per person + $125 Entry Fee per event (per person)
• Skills Divisions: $65 Event Registration Fee per person + $35 Entry Fee per event entered

Player Gift – Pro and Skills participants will receive (one per person):

• Event T-Shirt
• Goody Bag
• Those that register before October 31, 2021 will receive one complimentary Stadium Court Ticket to a Session (TBD) to the 2022 Delray Beach Open by VITACOST.com ($40+ Value). Tickets may be picked up at the On-site Box Office (30 NW 1st Ave., Delray Beach, FL) on ______________, 2022. Please present a valid photo ID… Click here for the match schedule.

USA Pickleball Tier 4 Sanctioned Event. All participants must be a member of the USAPA. Click here for more information.

Court Surface: The event will consist of 21 dedicated Pickleball courts.

Practice Courts (weather pending): 

*From Tues., Dec. 7 – Wed., Dec. 8, 10+ practice courts will be available all day on a 1st-come, 1st serve bases (4 players per court, 1 hour increments).

*From Thurs., Dec. 9 – Sun., Dec. 12, courts are based on a first-come, first-serve basis per the following… 15+ courts (7 – 8am, 2+courts thereafter. Please allow four players per court, 30 minutes maximum for warm-ups. Upon arrival, please check with Tournament Director for the practice court location).

Ball Type: DURA 40

Parking Policy: Details announced soon.

Refund Policy: No refunds given after Thursday, November 25, 2021 unless:

• Entries received after the maximum number of individuals or teams are bracketed or if not enough teams/individuals enter a division
• Entries of non-qualified participants

Weather: Competitions will be conducted unless event staff determines the weather conditions to be potentially dangerous, life threatening or if the facility would incur significant damage.  There will be no cash refunds for cancelled events due to weather, unless a Weather Insurance Form is purchased. Click for Weather Insurance Form.

Admission. Free

VOLUNTEERING INFO: Apply Here

*Prize Money (pros only):  Up to $25,000* in total prize money and dependent upon number of teams per division. Full payout only applicable if divisions consist of a minimum of 12 players (singles) or 12 teams (doubles). If less than 12 players/teams per division, click the following for distribution.  Click for Prize Money Distribution.

*30% withheld for foreign players

All Divisions: Double Elimination with a Come Around (i.e. a team can lose a match and still come around and win the bracket)

Main Draw: Each match consists of a “best of three” game format with each game to 11, win by two points

Consolation: Each match consists of one game to 15, win by two points except for the final match which determines 3rd place…with the winning team to go on to compete for 1st/2nd place. The final Consolation match consists of a best of 3 game format with each game to 11, win by two points.

If you would like to receive event information as they are finalized, please send your email address to ibaron@YellowTennisBall.com and you will receive event notifications when they are announced in the coming weeks. Thank you. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Pickleball?

History of Pickleball?

Why is it called Pickleball? 

How do I play Pickleball?

What equipment do I need? 

What is the proper attire for a Pickleball game? 

What are the dimensions of a Pickleball court?

What are the basic rules of Pickleball?

How to be safe playing Pickleball?

What is the USAPA?

What kind of paddles are allowed by the USAPA?

What are the USAPA rules for Pickleball? 

How do I Volunteer for the World Pickleball Open (WPBO)?

What would I be doing as a Volunteer for the WPBO?

MARQUEE SPONSORS

PGA Village Verano. PGA Village Verano in Port St. Lucie, Florida, is an award-winning, gated new home community by KOLTER HOMES. Less than an hour north of the Palm Beaches and approximately 90 minutes south of Orlando, PGA Village Verano’s ideal location on the Treasure Coast allows for convenient access to 21-miles of white sand beaches and a fine selection of shopping, dining and recreational activities. In addition to the community’s new 27-court Pickleball Center, residents have exclusive access to PGA Village Verano’s 27,000-square-foot social clubhouse and 13,000-square-foot fitness center. These fitness and social centers offer a wide array of social and wellness programs, full-time lifestyle and activities directors, and state-of-the-art facilities including a resort-style pool; tennis, basketball and bocce ball courts and indoor Junior Olympic pool. To-Build and Move-In Ready Homes priced from the mid $200s to $500s are available in both PGA Village Verano and Kolter’s new 55+ active adult neighborhood, Cresswind at PGA Village Verano. HOST SITE SPONSOR

Treasure Coast Sports Commission:  The Treasure Coast Sports Commission (TCSC) is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit Florida corporation focusing on sports development throughout Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin Counties. Partially funded by tourist tax revenue, the Sports Commission seeks out possible events and tournaments that have the potential to bring traveling visitors and athletes to the area for extended stays while competing in our local venues and sports facilities. The Treasure Coast Sports Commission is the region’s ambassador to regional, national and international events. HOST COUNTY SPONSOR

GAMMA Sports is a Pittsburgh-based company with over 40 years of experience making products for the everyday athlete. GAMMA understands athletes’ need for dependable gear and the insatiable desire to unleash the champion within. Innovative equipment to match your individual style of play will ensure that you Never Stop Playing. OFFICIAL T-SHIRT SPONSOR

Onix. Since its founding in 2005, Onix has dedicated its mission to growing the sport of pickleball with leading products and innovation. Our products are designed by players, for players. Through on-going research and product development, our engineers and product management team are creating new products that lead the way in the pickleball category. Our goal is to produce the best pickleball paddles, balls, and equipment that will allow you to take your game to the next level. OFFICIAL BALL SPONSOR

Delray Beach Open by VITACOST.com. The world’s only combined ATP 250 Event (featuring today’s ATP stars) and ATP Champions Tour Legends Event (featuring former tennis greats). The 30th anniversary takes place Feb. 11 – 20, 2022, is televised nationally and internationally in over 75 countries, and is host to 60,000+ spectators and over a dozen special events and amateur tennis events.

CourtReserve is the fastest growing court reservation platform for successful pickleball clubs. An all-in-one pickleball court reservation & club management platform that helps you run your pickleball club with ease and confidence. Complete with a branded mobile app for your players – signing up for open play, requesting a lesson, and paying for membership can all be done quickly and easily.  Signup for a free 30-day trial at www.courtreserve.com

Diadem Pickleball’s mission is to provide superior performance pickleball equipment for players of all levels, while continuing to innovate and develop industry-leading technology to improve, promote, and grow the sport of pickleball.

BRONZE SPONSORS,  EXHIBITORS & MORE

• Premier Wellness Centers.  Premier Wellness Centers is an integrative wellness center that specializes in the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. By using a team and whole body approach we can ensure that not only do you stay on the pickle ball courts but you also perform at your best.”
• Pickleball Central is the world’s largest pickleball super store with the widest selection of paddles, nets, balls, accessories, apparel and pickleball equipment. They carry over 200 paddle models, deliver extremely fast shipping and excellent customer service. Their expert advice, low-cost guarantee and no risk paddle test-drive make Pickleball Central the best place to shop for all your pickleball gear.
• Inspire Activewear. Play Pickleball in style in our pocket leggings and skorts! Inspire Active Wear produces eco-friendly workout clothes for active people.  Our colorful, artist designed activewear is made in the USA from recycled plastic bottles and sustainable fabrics. www.InspireActiveWear.com
• Selkirk. Every Selkirk Pickleball paddle is handcrafted in the US with the finest materials and proprietary, leading-edge technology. This commitment to American workers reflects our values. We believe in doing business the right way. Official 1st Server Wristband Sponsor
• Studio Margaret (Exhibitor). Margaret’s designs focus a lot on jewelry inspired by Tennis and Pickle ball, and she finds the Nature Inspired line a passion equal to the others. She is an international award winning artist with her art on the covers of magazines. Enameling or fusing glass to metal is currently her favorite medium, and the design work usually includes animals or florals. She has studied under some of the worlds top enamelists: Merry-Lee Rae, Linda Darty, and Ricky Frank.
• Smith Smiles Toy Donations is a family run 501c3 nonprofit organization bringing toys, games, craft supplies, and other items to children ages birth to 18 years old who are healing in the hospital. Smith Smiles began after our daughter was in and out of the hospital multiple times showing us how toys helped her heal more quickly. Donating items helps take the fears away for a while and helps with the healing process allowing families to come together making the hospital stay more enjoyable for the patient and supports the needs of the hospital therapeutic play area as well. Since 2016, Smith Smiles has donated to 21 states (and counting) and 2 countries approximately 13,500 toys.

TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE

Tournament Director: Ivan Baron, IBaron@YellowTennisBall.com 561-330-6003

Tournament Chairman: Mark Baron

Director of Player Relations: Adam Baron, ABaron@YellowTennisBall.com

Director Tournament Desk Operations: April Price, aprilpickleball@gmail.com

Director of Operations & Media: John Butler, JButler@YellowTennisBall.com

Social Media & Director of Volunteers: Marlena Hochberg, MHochberg@YellowTennisBall.com 

Assistant Director of Volunteers & Player Relations: Katie Lee, KLee@YellowTennisBall.com

Chief Referee: Jeff Shank, JLShank@hotmail.com

WE LOOK FORWARD TO HOSTING YOU AT THE WORLD PICKLEBALL OPEN!