A little bit of this and that for Golfers and Pickleballers
In this edition you will learn of Golf Zoo’s inaugural, Putters and Paddles, Golf & Pickleball Vacation like no other, Swingers Turned Smashers, Selkirk Sports venture with Invited Golf Clubs, 2 new paddles, a little tool to make sure that you luggage never gets lost and more……
It was mentioned in the introduction of this series Golfers Turned Picklers, NOW, the first of hopefully many GOLF and PICKLEBALL Vacations has come to life.
The Inaugural Putters & Paddles Classic
Bring your Putters, Bring Your Paddles, or Bring Both!
Golf Zoo, North America’s premier golf tour operator has announced that the Inaugural Putters & Paddle Classic with take place at the iconic Saddlebrook Resort just north of Tampa, Florida, March 26-29, 2026. The Putters & Paddles Classic bring together sports minded people with a passion for golf along with pickleballers who have turned the sport of Pickleball into a world-wide phenomenon.
Choosing Saddlebrook Resort for the inaugural event was an easy one for the team at Golf Zoo. In the final stages of a $92 million renovation that will touch the entire 480-acre
resort. Renowned golf course architect Rees Jones has undertaken the redesign of Saddlebrook’s courses. Golfers will experience 27-holes made up of 3 interchangeable 9-hole courses. An integral piece of the resort’s expansive sports offerings that already include a digital golf learning studio, indoor hitting bay, BalanceLab and SAM PuttLab for advanced golf play analysis, 43 tennis courts, 8 pickleball courts, a fitness center for cardio and strength training, a spa, plus a planned multi-court Padel area, and more. Saddlebrook is also home to the famed Saddlebrook Golf Academy, Hopman Tennis Program, and Saddlebrook Prep, long time training grounds for international sports legends.
The stage is set for a fun filled few days, some long drives and short putts, where dinking could lead to drinking and beware, that is a form of getting pickled.
Plan to join in the fun filled, 3-night Putters & Paddles Classic vacation is only $389.00 per person / per day.
- Includes:
Deluxe Resort Accommodation
Full Breakfast Daily
One Round of Golf Per Guest Daily on One of the new Saddlebrook Courses
Up To Two Hours Of Pickleball Court Time Daily
Daily 30-Minute Pickleball & Golf Range Clinics Presented by Resort Racquet Sports Team & Golf Staff
Welcome Reception & Welcome Gift
One Group Dinner
Daily Resort Fees & applicable package taxes
*Extra nights my be added
* Rental Vehicles may be included in package at discounted rates including airport fees & applicable rental taxes
Three nights not enough, can’t say that I blame you, especially if you are coming from northern climates. Saddlebrook and Golf Zoo have made arrangements for anyone wishing to come in a few days early or to stay on a few days after. More golf or more pickleball –
no problem.
Need and excuse to come down early…… the Valspar Championship is on over the weekend of the 22nd, at Innisbrook Resort in Clearwater about 70 minutes away from Saddlebrook…….of course, Major League Baseball Spring Training is on throughout the State of Florida, through March 23rd.
Don’t forget to bring your pool attire, if you have not been to Saddlebrook Resort. The pool area is like no other, I like to reference it as the gazillion gallon pool with awesome margaritas. What more could you ask for.
For more information contact Mark Sutherland at mark@golfzoo.com or Jessica Evanick jessica@golfzoo.com or simply visit www.golfzoo.com
Selkirk and Skechers Dominate in Georgia
You met Ricky Saucier in Golfer Turned Picklers, his success continues on the courts as he and his partner Wally Burbage won GOLD in the Men’s Doubles, 4.0 division, Age 63 and above.
Sponsored in part by Selkirk Sports, the new Selkirk Pro S1 pickleball was the tournament ball. The Georgia Mountain Pickleball Fall Classic 2025, took place at Towns County Pickleball Complex on Lake Chatuge in Hiawassee, Georgia, October 03-05, 2025 with 400 Registered players, from; Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, Alabama and West Virginia.
Both Ricky and Wally play Selkirk Paddles, Ricky, Selkirk LUXX S2 Control Air and Wally the Selkirk SLK ERA Power elongated. Both wearing Skecher Viper Court Pro 2.0. I too play with a Selkirk paddle and wear Skechers Viper Court 2.0, maybe there is hope for me as I aspire to be like them someday. Congratulations gents.
SWINGERS TURNED SMASHERS
Already a juggernaut on the Canadian pickleball scene, SMASH™ has made its mark in London, Ontario with its stunning flagship location and home of the Canadian National Pickleball League’s LONDON SMASH. Now, SMASH™ has expanded by taking ownership of Swing Courts in Collingwood, Ontario.
SMASH Collingwood officially launched on September 13th, with memberships selling out in just 45 minutes. The momentum continues as SMASH Collingwood is opening a second facility, just minutes away from the first.
The new location will be a gorgeous, purpose-built pickleball facility featuring:
5 premium courts
Full locker rooms
The SMASH STORE®
The DINK® Lounge & Bar
The KITCHEN– food service with a playful nod to pickleball terminology.
SMASH is renowned for its programming, which builds not just skills, but also a vibrant, close-knit pickleball community. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned veteran, SMASH offers leagues, ladders, and open play opportunities for all skill levels.
Though it operates as a membership-based facility, SMASH is open to the public, welcoming everyone into its fun, social environment. It’s the real-life version of that 80’s sitcom vibe: “where everybody knows your name.”
SMASH ownership told us “you deserve better” and now a proud SMASH member, I can tell you that they delivered.
Smash Pickleball™ | Canada’s Premier Pickleball Facility
Selkirk Sport and Invited expand partnership to elevate pickleball nationwide.
Selkirk Sport, the leading pickleball equipment manufacturer, and Invited, the largest owner and operator of private golf and country clubs in the U.S., today announced an expanded partnership to grow pickleball across premier clubs nationwide.
Following a successful two-year collaboration, the two industry leaders are launching a new phase focused on delivering top-tier gear and programming.
Selkirk’s paddles, nets, balls and accessories will be available at more than 50 Invited clubs with racquet sports programs. Every court will feature Selkirk nets, and all club pro shops will carry Selkirk gear, creating a consistent, high-quality playing experience for members.
“This partnership unites the best in the private club space with the best in pickleball,” said Mike Barnes, co-founder and co-CEO of Selkirk Sport. “Together, we’re not just outfitting courts — we’re delivering exceptional experiences and driving the next wave of pickleball’s growth.” In addition to outfitting courts, the partnership will bring new member-focused programming. Selkirk’s top athletes and ambassadors will visit select Invited clubs to host clinics, instruction sessions and special events.
Invited will also roll out Selkirk’s coaching certification programs, developed through Pickleball Coaching International, to its club instructors. Coaches will have access to training courses, instructional videos and continuing education programs. Members will benefit from curated content on tips, drills and best practices.
“Selkirk has been an outstanding partner, and this new phase of our relationship will bring additional value to our members,” said Jonathan Fralick, National Vice President of Racquet Sports at Invited. “From world-class gear to expert instruction and exciting events, we’re raising the bar for pickleball in private clubs.”
Invited, formerly known as ClubCorp, is the largest owner and operator of private golf, country, and city clubs in the United States, with a legacy that dates back to 1957. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the company’s rebranding emphasizes its welcoming spirit and inclusive mission. With over 158 clubs across 26 states, Mexico, and the District of Columbia, Invited fosters vibrant communities where members build relationships, celebrate milestones, and enjoy world-class amenities. Invitedclubs.com
Selkirk Sport, a premium manufacturer of pickleball paddles and accessories, is a family-owned company, based in Hayden, Idaho. Founded in 2014, Selkirk Sport was born from a passion for sport and the Western outdoor leisure lifestyle that was afforded to the company’s founders, Rob and Mike Barnes, along with their father Jim. Selkirk Sport is committed to manufacturing products that deliver the highest performance with unmatched quality and service. It has become one of the industry’s fastest-growing companies, with paddles used by many of the game’s premier players, such as Jack Sock, Catherine Parenteau, James Ignatowich, Rachel Rohrabacher and a host of other top talent.
Selkirk Sport – We Are Pickleball
My original LUXX Paddle drove opponents crazy,
INFINIGRIT makes them INSANE!
Selkirk LUXX Control Air INFINIGRIT
The first thing that you are going to notice just by touching the face of the paddle the
Infinigrit Surface, and once you set you mind to getting one, you can’t wait to touch it., believe me I couldn’t. Infinigrit will last you 3 times longer than a Raw Carbon Fiber paddle. Moving your opponents from the crazy stage to insane comes from the fact that you can generate spin up to 2,000 RPM’s. The 19MM thickness, combined with the EVA Foam in the throat of the handle makes its lighter, you can move it quicker and gives you a little extra POP!
For me it’s all about the control and being able to place shots. The Honeycomb Core gives me an even more generous and forgiving sweet spot, that certainly helps with accuracy.
Do you want to drive your opponents insane – The LUXX Control Air with INFINIGRIT might just be that next paddle for you!
Selkirk Sport – We Are Pickleball
Never Need to Worry About Where Your Luggage Might be Again
Scout Travel’s “Smart Luggage Tag” Takes Luggage Security to Another Level
A new generation of smart luggage tags that combine your digital contact information, a highly accurate luggage finder, and a motion-sensitive alarm to provide unparalleled luggage security.
All for only: $65.99
Gone are the days of writing your personal contact information on a disposable paper tag.
With Scout Travel, you can store your contact instructions in a digital format, which is easily accessed by scanning the unique QR code printed on the device. Exactly what contact information you share is entirely at your discretion, and can be updated in real-time via the Knog App. In addition, when someone scans the QR code and sees your details, they’ll be prompted to send you a message from the contact details page. If they do, you’ll be alerted that someone has scanned your tag and/or got in touch and their message will be emailed to you. – i.e. “We found your bag at San Diego Airport, carousel #6.”
Some cool features: Separation Alerts – There’s no need to stress about leaving your carry-on behind or someone taking your luggage from the carousel. With separation alerts enabled in the Apple “Find My”app, you’ll receive a notification if your Scout Travel drops out of Bluetooth range. You can also set Trusted Locations, where you can leave an item without receiving a notification.
Remote Chime Function: Scout Travel is the world’s smartest luggage tag. Attach one to your suitcase and another to your carry-on, then enjoy the peace of mind they bring as you journey.
- Low battery notifications when you have just 20% remaining
- Operate up to 10 Scout devices in the Knog App
- Complies with FAA checked luggage regulations
- Color Options – Pitch Black, Tangerine Dream, Mellow Mint, Sunflower Yellow, Deep Blue
- And many more……More info: Scout Travel
CPX Pickleball
Percision, Power and Prestige
CPX Pickleball, based in Chicago, with none other than Illinois native, Chicago Black Hawks Legend, and NHL Hall of Famer, Chris Chelios as a spokesperson. After 26 years in the NHL, 3 Stanley Cups, 3 Norris trophies over those 1,650 professional games knows that the right gear is the key to playing at the top of your game. Now retired Chelios discovered pickleball and now brings his passion to the game that so many of us are
hooked on. Trust in the paddles is what brought him to partner with CPX with the goal to create the best paddles in the industry, designed to elevate every player’s game.
I was fortunate enough to receive a CPX Pro Paddle and immediately you can’t help but notice the extremely comfortable leather grip, ventilated to stay cool throughout your game. On the court as a person who loves to spin, the Raw Carbon Fiber Face, works its magic. It has a generous sweet spot for control and considering the 19mm core delivers plenty of pop! Check out the bottom of the paddle handle for the cute little pickle person!
CPX Pickleball Paddles
