Players International Management (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!
PGA Village Verano voted Best Outdoor Facility of the Year… Click for article.
Things to do in St. Lucie County: Click here
2021 Event Info.
Event Site. PGA Village Verano by Kolter Holmes. (17127 SW Ambrose Way, Port St. Lucie, FL, 34986). The event will consist of 20+ dedicated Pickleball courts. Facility is located 55 miles north of Palm Beach International Airport. Facility info.
Arrival & Parking
Safety info.: This is an outdoor event, yet we ask everyone to please physical distance when possible and wash their hands thoroughly throughout the day. As of now, masks are optional on-site but we have the availability to alter this protocol at any time. We’re excited to welcome all of the participants, media, player guests, etc. to PGA Village Verano and look forward to seeing everyone soon!
Mandatory Forms. All players must fill out the below two forms in order to participate in the event. To expediate the on-site check in process, please print them out pre-event , bring the completed paperwork with you and turn them in on-site upon Event Check in (do not email them to the event). Thank you!
Live Streaming: Thursday, Dec. 10 – Sunday, Dec. 12. Click for the 2019 30-minute televised Highlight Show aired multiple times on Fox Sports Florida!
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:
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:
*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. With Complimentary Sampling of Beers provided by American Icon Brewery to all attendees over 21 years of age.
Thursday, Dec. 9 – Sunday, December 12, 2021. Match Play (Pro and Amateur Divisions). Spectator admission is free. We are hosting a Holiday Toy Drive, and if able, please bring a brand new toy to the Tournament Desk as all items will be donated to local hospitals – thank you!
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).
Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021:
Friday, Dec. 10, 2021:
Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021:
Sunday, Dec. 12:
Entry Fees:
Player Gift – Pro and Skills participants will receive (one per person):
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.
Ball Type: DURA 40
Refund Policy: No refunds given after Thursday, November 25, 2021 unless:
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
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
Format.
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.
Practice Courts (1st come, 1st serve): Please allow 4 players per court, and if players are waiting, practice for a maximum of one hour. Beginning Thursday, allow four players per court, 30 minutes maximum for warm-ups. Upon arrival, please check with Tournament Director for the practice court location.
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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
CORA Health Services, Inc./CORA Physical Therapy (www.coraphysicaltherapy.com) is an outpatient rehabilitation company that uses proven clinical practices and cost effective treatment protocols to return patients to their jobs and lifestyles as soon as possible. Its clinics offer a complete range of treatment, including outpatient physical therapy and general rehabilitation, worker’s compensation therapy, sports and auto injury rehabilitation, and rehabilitation for seniors. CORA operates more than 240 clinics in 10 states: Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin, including specialty clinics under the Body Gears brand.
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.
Palm Beach International Airport is approximately 50 minutes away from the facility (52 miles).
The event has secured a limited number of discounted hotel rooms for event participants. Please make all reservations as soon as possible. NOTE: All hotels are approximately 5 – 15 minutes from tournament sites.
8540 Commerce Centre Drive, Port St Lucie, FL 34986. 772-828-4052. Website.
The Hilton Garden Inn at PGA Village/Port St. Lucie, PGA is just minutes from PGA Village Verano. Discount rates begin at $95+ tax per room, breakfast included.
To make reservations, click here or call 772-871-6850 and mention your group code WPOT. Please make reservations early as discounted rooms are limited.
BOOK NOW2000 NW Courtyard Circle, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986 (772.871.2929). Website.
Discount rates begin at $95+ tax per room; amenities include complimentary breakfast, high-speed internet, pool & more. To make reservations, click here. Please make reservations early as discounted rooms are limited.
BOOK NOW
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 Coordinator of Volunteers & Player Relations: Katie Lee, KLee@YellowTennisBall.com
Chief Referee: Jeff Shank, JLShank@hotmail.com
Official Photographers: Belinda Dettman & Gina Fontana