Pickleball is giving Arizona’s luscious, green golf courses and its picturesque hiking trails a run for its money. Coined as the “fastest-growing sport over the last two years” by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong, making for a fun, but sometimes challenging, and overall endorphin-inducing game. Whether you’re looking for a new sport to try or for a way to spend more time outdoors, take a look below at resorts in the Phoenix metro area that offer pickleball courts.
ADERO Scottsdale
Looking for a sunset or nighttime pickleball session? You’re in luck. The ADERO Scottsdale, with six pickleball courts to choose from, is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. everyday. And there’s no need to buy your own equipment. Resort guests and club members have the opportunity to rent everything needed for an effective match.
13225 N. Eagle Ridge Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85268. www.aderoscottsdale.com/the-club-at-adero.
Arizona Biltmore
Feel like you need some guidance before challenging someone to a match? The Arizona Biltmore offers both private and semi-private lessons, as well as weekly round-robin tournaments. With four pickleball courts open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and professional equipment available for rental, you’ll be a pro in no time.
2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85016. www.arizonabiltmore.com/wellness/tennis-pickleball.
Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale
With both beginner and intermediate/advanced pickleball clinics (as well as group clinics) Boulders Resort will help take your pickleball skills to the next level. While the resort has previously been recognized for its tennis services, it also has a plethora of pickleball services, including equipment rental and private lessons.
34631 N. Tom Darlington Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85262. www.theboulders.com/pools-and-tennis.
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
All four pickleball courts at the Four Seasons Resort are “designed to keep cool and reduce stress on the body,” per their website, resulting in an exciting game suitable for all ages. Private lessons are also available for purchase. Go on—get your paddles ready.
10600 E. Crescent Moon Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85262. www.fourseasons.com/scottsdale.
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa features the most pickleball courts of any resort in the country, offering 17 new professionally-surfaced, world-class courts with gear and accessories available at the racquet center, as well as full-time, certified instructors. Groups can take their game up a notch with custom paddles by Recess Pickleball, created exclusively for the property. What’s more, the resort has a new pickleball membership (two different levels) that include complimentary lessons, guest passes, 50% off guest rooms at the resort, discounts on resort dining, pickleball gear and more. A variety of packages can also be tailored for leisure guests and team-building events, with the courts providing a picturesque outdoor venue for private buyouts and special functions.
5350 E. Marriott Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85054. www.jwdesertridgepickleball.com.
Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa
Located in Paradise Valley, this five-star resort has four pickleball courts—all with scenic views. Practice your pickleball skills while also immersing yourself in the world of sports history. According to their website: “Recognized as the Paradise Valley Racquet Club throughout the 1950s and renamed John Gardiner’s Tennis Ranch in 1965, our property continues a legacy of championship courts and professional coaches.” Views. History. Pickleball. Does it get much better than that?
5700 E. McDonald Dr., Paradise Valley, AZ 85253. www.gurneysresorts.com/scottsdale.
The Phoenician
Not only does The Phoenician resort offer a dazzling view of Camelback Mountain, it also provides registered guests with one hour of pickleball every day, which is included in its resort fee. The general public can book a court as well for $50 per hour, with a rental fee of $20 for paddles and $5 for balls. Open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, there’s plenty of time to nail that perfect swing.
6000 E. Camelback Road, Phoenician Athletic Club Pickleball Courts, Resort, Scottsdale, AZ 85251. www.thephoenician.com/pickle-ball-basketball.
May the best court win!
