F E AT U RE
G The Art of the Dink Pickleball arrives as a new amenity for Watersound Club Members, offering a laid-back tennis alternative Written By PAIGE AIGRET
CAMP CREEK WELLNESS COMPLEX added eight pickleball courts to its list of amenities this past spring. Already, instructor Todd Ponder has seen overwhelming interest amongst Members.
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FALL/WINTER 2023
◆ WATERSOUND LIFESTYLE
roup chats quickly form. New friendships bloom. Full days are spent on the courts. And the fun often carries over to evenings spent at the Beach Club with new friends. The name of the game is pickleball — pingpong’s big sister and tennis’ easy-going aunt. It’s become the Club’s hottest hobby and a way for Members to connect over goodspirited smack talk. “It’s the fastest-growing sport in America, and there’s a reason for it — because anybody can learn how to play,” said Todd Ponder, who arrived as the Club’s new pickleball pro in league with the sport this past spring. “That’s what’s so great about the game.” Eight pickleball-dedicated courts opened at Camp Creek amenities in April. Within less than two months, Ponder had instructed nearly 500 Members on the game. Among Members jumping on the pickleball train are many going on to learn levels 2, 3 and intermediate; six who are ranked skill levels of 5.0-plus; and 8-year-old pickleball phenom Marshall Clark, who Ponder enlisted to help instruct the Camp Creek juniors group over the summer. “It’s great to see that level of talent in a club of this size,” Ponder said. “It’s definitely something that we’re seeing the momentum catch us at an early stage.” Where pickleball is the attraction, Ponder is its conductor. Watersound Club director of membership Vicki Burris said Ponder’s skillset and contagious enthusiasm fit the bill. “We have received numerous compliments about his passion and skills,” Burris said. “With that type of drive, word spreads quickly among
