USA Pickleball recently wrapped up its second annual Diamond Amateur Championship presented by Fortune Tires in Holly Hill, Florida. The player turnout was a mightily impressive 1,082 players who engaged in over 2,945 matches at the huge Pictona facility.
Exhilarating Event
This exhilarating event awarded more than 675 medals, with 250 recipients securing coveted Golden Tickets for the 2024 Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championships.
Mike Nealy, CEO of USA Pickleball, was understandably delighted the body could conclude the year hosting such an exceptional competition.
“I cannot think of a better way to close out the year than the fantastic experience and event that was the 2023 USA Pickleball Diamond Amateur Championship. Congratulations to our Golden Ticket winners from Pictona – we’re thrilled to welcome you to Nationals next year.
“I’d like to thank the Pictona team, the referees, and volunteers for working with us to organize such a successful tournament. We look forward to welcoming our community back to Pictona in 2024.”
A Diverse Participant Pool
The diverse participant pool spanned players of ages 12 up to 84. It represented an amazing 48 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Costa Rica, underscoring the widespread appeal and inclusivity of this growing sport.
Moreover, the event drew a near-equal representation of 54% male and 46% female participants, while the remarkable dedication of 1,125 volunteer hours underscored the community spirit fueling this eight-day spectacle.
Pictona Directors Rainer and Julie Martens were delighted to host the championship, highlighting the great fit between the pickleball organization and the sprawling Florida venue.
“We are proud to host the second annual USA Pickleball Diamond Amateur Championship,” they said.
“The winning combination of pool play followed by playoffs and an outstanding facility combined with great teamwork by USA Pickleball and Pictona made this tournament one of the best ever, according to many of the 1,082 players.”
About USA Pickleball
USA Pickleball serves as the sport’s National Governing Body in the U.S., offering players official rules, tournaments, rankings, and promotional support. The organization’s mission centers on fostering the sport’s development and expansion across the United States and its territories. Governed by a board of directors and professional staff, this nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation remains dedicated to steering the sport’s growth and advancement.
Pictona At Holly Hill
Meanwhile, Pictona at Holly Hill stands as a premier 49-court pickleball facility catering to the greater Daytona Beach area. Beyond its remarkable courts, including covered and championship setups, Pictona offers a diverse range of activities for all ages and skill levels, from lessons to casual play and competitive events.
The facility also boasts free access to recreation courts hosting various games, inviting individuals of all backgrounds to partake in the joys of pickleball and other recreational activities.
