Sir Andy Murray has unveiled the first dedicated pickleball court in Scotland at his opulent, five-star Cromlix House Hotel.
Judy, The Inspiration
The inspiration behind this endeavor came from his mother, Judy, who developed a deep fondness for the sport during a visit to the United States.
Judy shared that the Castle, nestled near Andy’s birthplace of Dunblane in Stirlingshire, now boasts the country’s premier, purpose-built pickleball court. The court’s color scheme of green and purple pays homage to the iconic color palette famously associated with Wimbledon.
This new addition stands in harmony with the existing Cromlix tennis court, adorned in the same color scheme as the renowned SW19 courts.
Judy tweeted: “Come and get pickled at Cromlix. First court in Scotland.”
Come and get pickled at Cromlix. #pickleball #cromlixhotel
— judy murray (@JudyMurray) August 7, 2023
First court in Scotland. pic.twitter.com/4P6ouRXQQt
“Very Cool – Will Have To Visit”
Her followers were soon responding to the exciting post:
Angie Mac @Gretal1B said, “Love it and the practice wall! It’s a pity more clubs don’t have a wall for nae pals evenings.”
Ann Christie @AnnChristie63: Hoping to try this out when I visit for afternoon tea.
Ian Kerr @ibkerr11 commented: “Lots of indoor Pickleball popping up all over Scotland- club in Annan Dumfries & Galloway.”
Jamie Mulherin @jjm_1987 said: “Very cool!! Will have to visit.”
drjune @drjune: “Yeah! I saw the court when we were there a few weeks ago. I would love to come back and play. Here’s to many more courts!”
Pickleball Masterclass
Judy has used Cromlix as a pickleball base for a while now and has been actually hosting afternoon pickleball clinics there since last summer.
The clinics are run by Paul Allam from La Quinta Club in Palm Springs and assisted by Judy. It provided a fun mix of starter instruction and games, finger food, and a glass of fizz – something pickleball seems to be associated with these days.
If you’re interested in attending, email [email protected] and put “Pickleball Masterclass” in the subject heading.
To book your place. Please e mail [email protected] with the title Pickleball Masterclass. Limited to 16 Pickleball Players @EdinburghPickle @JudyMurray @coachmysport @wearestoryshop pic.twitter.com/KfqcGwhhm9
— Pickleball Scotland (@PickleballScot1) May 28, 2023
“I Loved It From The Get-Go”
Judy is now a big fan of the sport and has said: “The sport has exploded in America, and I can see the same thing happening here because it’s so much more accessible than any other sport.”
“As an older tennis player, I love the fact it’s on a smaller court, and it’s less frenetic. All the skills are easily adapted so it doesn’t need endless coaching. People can pick it up really quickly, regardless of their age or ability.
“The fun of sport is competing and people can play a game straight away. I loved it from the get-go and I want more Scots to try it.”
Earlier this year, Cromlix welcomed guests once again, having undergone a comprehensive three-month refurbishment. The two-time Wimbledon and Olympic champion acquired the 15-room establishment for nearly £2 million in 2013.
