Pickleball is a cross between badminton, ping pong and tennis all wrapped in one. The net stands thirty-six inches high in the middle and thirty-four on the side lines. Wiffle balls are used with paddles generally made with Polymer core, which is a durable and flexible plastic material. Although, other types of paddles are available. 

Dean Davis and many of the club members have worked tirelessly over the past several months, taping off the courts and installing new nets to get the game up and going for the community.  
 
"The idea of transforming the tennis courts into a pickle ball court was brought about because I had heard about the craze for the sport, so I brought it up in our monthly board meeting,” Davis said. The board agreed and the work began; many members of the HCC stepped up to help tape down lines, put up nets and create an area of fun for people of all ages. 

The club has plans for the future of pickleball, if the game takes off, they intend on mounting lights and adding a second court. For those that do not own their own gear, paddles and wiffle balls are on hand inside the clubhouse. 

Those who want take part in the excitement, can purchase a social membership, for only $25 per month. Along with pickleball, the social membership includes many other amenities, fishing, access to the clubhouse and plenty of camaraderie. 

Pickleball has become increasingly popular in the US over the past few years and now the sport has made its way to the South, right here in Hope. Players can stop by the Hope Country Club located at 3605 Patmos Road and play a few rounds by calling 8770-777-8092 or visit their Facebook page HERE.