Paddles & Putters Volume 5
In this issue…..Team USA at the 2026 Pickleball World Cup
Meet the TEAM USA Sponsors
My most comfortable Golf Shoes ever.
Paddltek TKO-X Paddle and Style!
Adidas Eyewear
Bourbon & Golf – Elijah Craig
Team USA looks to defend at the 2026 Pickleball World Cup
Pickleball World Cup heads to Da Nang, Vietnam, August 30 – Sept. 6.
You have got to love the enthusiasm of US National Pickleball leading up to the Pickleball World Cup, and why the heck not! Team USA pulled off the Golden Sweep in 2025, clinching top honors across the three main team categories: Juniors, Seniors, and the highly touted Open Category. With that I will affectionately affirm the title of “The Big Dill.”
Two very accomplished Picklers, Steve Rose and Kyle Yates are leading the way in
coordinating, organizing and even fund raising for the team of 42 players and coaches to Vietnam. Steve is a multiple medalist at prestigious events like Nationals, and the US Open. In 2024, Steve captained Team USA to a Gold Medal in the Senior Pro Division at the Pickleball World Cup in Lima, Peru, triumphing over teams from 20 countries. Steve will be part of the 60+ team this year.
Kyle, was one of the most dominant men’s pickleball players from 2014 to 2018 and in recognition of his achievements was inducted into the Pickleball Hall of Fame in 2024. In 2014 at age 19, Yates competed in his first USA Pickleball (USAPA) National Tournament and won gold in the men’s doubles 19+ division. He won the grand slam of men’s pro doubles in 2016: the US Open, Tournament of Champions, and the USAPA Nationals. He won six US Open pro doubles titles, and was 
named World Pickleball Federation (WPF) #1 ranked doubles player in 2018.
Team USA will be on route to Vietnam with 5 Teams, Professional, 50+, 60+ 18 & Up, 14 & Up – Five Teams, One Nation, One Goal, GOLD. A new era of American Pickleball begins with the 2026 World Cup. For the first time ever, the event will Feature a Professional Division, alongside the next generation of talent and legendary competitors representing the United State on the world stage.
How the Pickleball World Cup has grown, 20 Teams in 2024, 68 Teams in 2025 and for 2026 there will be over 80 Countries participating, 4,000 plus athletes. The fastest growing sport in the world. If you are on Instagram, check out the @usnatioanlpickleball for and inspirational rundown of the player representing the RED, WHITE & BLUE.
In 2025 Canada enhanced the North American presence with Top 8 finishes in all 3 Divisions, including a Bronze for the 50+ Seniors and a 4th place for the Junior’s and Open Teams. Team Canada was not supported by its governing bodies in 2025, sighting short notice. That was supposed to change for 2026. One year later, I guess that wasn’t enough time as the Canadian team is once again unfunded. Canada will have a Team in the Open Division and in the 50+. The Junior Team was all but removed from participating until at the last minute when a leader in Canadian Pickleball, Appolo Pickleball, stepped up to save the Junior Team and is in fact going to Vietnam.
So while Team USA’s Instagram is all about the fire of the Red, White and Blue, players from Team Canada are encouraging supporters with a Go Fund Me link. Support Team Canada at the Pickleball World Cup
Pickleball World Cup will be held in Asia for the very first time this year, taking place from August 30th to September 6, 2026 at the Tiên Sơn Sports Center and other venues across the city of Da Nang, Vietnam. The Da Nang Pickleball Federation announced the landmark event coming to Vietnam —further proof of the country’s growing reputation as a pickleball epicentre not only in Southeast Asia, but in Asia as a whole.
According to Trần Phước Sơn, Standing Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Council and Chairman of the Da Nang Pickleball Federation, the city’s hosting of the Pickleball World Cup later this year proves that the sport’s top hierarchy recognises Da Nang’s capability to organise an event of this magnitude. Hadded that it is a great opportunity for Da Nang to showcase its image to the world and promote its tourism and sports economy.
Further, the Pickleball World Cup 2026 will feature both national and individual categories across multiple age groups and skill levels, according to Hercilio Cabieses, CEO of the Pickleball World Cup. He added that Da Nang’s favourable natural conditions, modern infrastructure, and strong support from local authorities make it the perfect location for such a world-class sporting event.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Da Nang is widely seen in Vietnam as a pioneer in pickleball development, having been the first locality to establish a city-level pickleball federation in March 2025. The city also has a track record in hosting big events, having previously staged major international competitions such as Ironman and the Da Nang International Marathon.
All the best to Team USA in Da Nang, and of course Canada too! For more information on the World Cup: Pickleball World Cup
Meet the Proud Sponsors of the U.S. National Pickleball Team
CourtsApp helps players discover and book pickleball, tennis, padel, and other racquet sports courts, all in one place. Access live court availability, compare prices, and book in
seconds. From local clubs to premier racquet sports destinations, CourtsApp is building a growing network that makes it effortless to discover where to play next. Open Play and Tournament features are coming soon, giving players new ways to find games, connect with other players, and compete. Whether you’re a golfer who recently picked up pickleball or a lifelong racquet sports enthusiast, CourtsApp makes it easier than ever to get on court.
Discover where you can play at Courtsapp
Diadem Pickleball Complex: a premier indoor pickleball destination designed for players 
of all ages and skill levels. Our modern facilities feature professional, climate controlled indoor courts, advanced PlaySight smart court technology, a fully stocked pro shop, and a welcoming community where we LIVE To Play and believe in Positive Vibes Only. Whether you are new to the sport or an experienced competitor, you will find open play, leagues, clinics, tournaments, experienced coaches, private lessons, and social events that keep you active and engaged. More than just a place to play, Diadem Pickleball Complex is where friendships are built, skills are developed, and a passion for pickleball continues to grow.
Diadem Pickleball Complex
Pickleball Republic: Believes that pickleball is more than a sport—it’s a community built on passion, opportunity, and excellence. Proud to sponsor the U.S. National Pickleball Team as they represent our country at the 2026 Pickleball World Cup.
Our mission, “Where Every Player Has a Place™,” reflects our commitment to growing
the game at every level, from beginners to elite international athletes. Supporting the U.S. National Pickleball Team aligns with our vision of inspiring the next generation while helping elevate pickleball worldwide.
We are honored to stand behind these exceptional athletes as they compete with pride, determination, and sportsmanship on the world stage. We wish the U.S. National Pickleball Team continued success throughout the tournament.
Pickleball Republic
AIREO SPORTS INC. is a premium pickleball brand dedicated to creating high-performance paddles and equipment for players who are passionate about the game. Through innovative design, advanced materials, and player-focused engineering, AIREO develops products that deliver the perfect balance of precision, control, power, and confidence on the court.
From recreational players discovering pickleball to competitive athletes pursuing their next level of performance, AIREO is committed to supporting the growth of the sport through quality products, professional partnerships, and community engagement.
Through collaborations with professional players, ambassadors, and pickleball organizations, AIREO continues to expand its presence in the pickleball community while inspiring more players to experience the excitement of the game and elevate their performance.
Learn more at Aireo-Sports Inc.
Skechers Blade Tour SI & Prestige SL
Limited Edition collection inspired by the 2026 Masters Tournament!
Surprisingly still available and I can say that they are the most comfortable Golf Shoe I have ever worn!
“Nature of the Game”, this special collection features the Blade Tour SI & Prestige SL silhouettes – both styles celebrate the spirit of this prestigious tournament!
BLADE TOUR SI – engineered for serious golfers seeking elite performance. Designed with
direct input from professional athletes, this shoe features a waterproof Clarino® microfiber upper and convenient Hands Free Slip-ins® technology for easy wear. Comfort is maximized with Hyper Burst Pro™ cushioning, podiatrist-certified Arch Fit® support, and lightweight Eco Flight™ materials. For stability, replaceable Softspikes® with Tour Flex Pro deliver superior traction and balance, ensuring confidence with every shot. The Blade Tour SI is the go-to choice for golfers who demand top-tier equipment and unwavering focus on the course. Additional colors available in men’s and women’s sizing.
PRESTIGE SL – Crafted from premium full-grain leather, the Prestige SL features
Skechers’ innovative Hands Free Slip-Ins™ technology, allowing golfers to effortlessly slip on and off their shoes without compromising fit or performance. Designed for the modern golfer, the shoe is built with 1-year waterproof protection, ensuring reliable performance in any course condition, while the Arch Fit® insole delivers podiatrist-certified support for all-day comfort on the fairway. The lightweight Eco Flight midsole provides responsive cushioning with every step, and the spikeless outsole offers versatile traction both on and off the course. Available in multiple colorways, the Skechers Prestige SL is the perfect combination of timeless elegance and forward-thinking technology — built for golfers who refuse to compromise on either style or performance.
SKECHERS Official Site | The Comfort Technology Company
Paddletek Expands Foam Paddle Push
With Launch of Honeyfoam TKO-X
Paddletek is continuing its push into next-generation paddle technology with the launch of the Honeyfoam TKO-X, a new performance-focused pickleball paddle built around the company’s proprietary multi-foam construction platform. The release expands on the
Honeyfoam architecture first introduced earlier this year through Paddletek’s limited-edition Reserve series and signals the company’s broader commitment to foam-core innovation as competition intensifies across the premium paddle category. The Honeyfoam TKO-X incorporates a three-foam internal structure engineered to improve dwell time, sweet spot consistency, and energy return while maintaining a softer feel on contact. The paddle combines an EPP foam core with strategically placed EVA foam zones and perimeter reinforcement designed to enhance stability and forgiveness during high-speed play. Additional features include a T700 raw carbon fiber surface intended to maximize spin generation and a shock-absorbing edge system for vibration dampening.
Paddletek has simultaneously expanded its professional athlete roster, adding players including Connor Garnett, Riley Newman, and Zane Navratil as the brand looks to strengthen its competitive positioning within the rapidly evolving performance paddle market.
Additionally, Paddletek recently added to its Pickleball portfolio with the acquisition of PIKKL, also signing four of the sport’s biggest stars—JW Johnson, Jorja Johnson, Julie Johnson and Hurricane Tyra Black—to Team Paddletek. Earlier this year, Paddletek merged with ProXR, Padeltek, and Yobow under the newly formed Paddletek Group umbrella, creating a larger multi-brand platform aimed at accelerating product development and expanding market reach across racquet sports.
Styling with Paddletek
Look Good, Feel Good, Play GREAT!
Comfy cozy and stylish, what more can one ask for! Having been provided with the
pleasure of wearing the Men’s Performance Short and Long Sleeve Tee’s. Ultra-breathable with Stay-Cool wicking technology. Flatlock seams for comfort and reflective details. Of course, the long sleeve is generally for post play recreation.
The Performance Hoodie: a buttery feel, great fit, for play or styling at the pub!
Performance Pickleball Bag: Durable and waterproof, 2 Insulated compartments, large center compartment, up to 6 paddles, shoes etc. smaller pockets for valuables, hanging hooks and backpack straps. The ultimate in a solid bag!
For all your Paddletek needs and desries: Paddletek Pickleball | The Winning Paddle
Adidas Sport Eyewear
Versatility and Protection: Anemos Light S
The Anemos is a popular style in the adidas Sport range, in late 2025, it returned with a fresh perspective. Anemos Light S, the same streamlined profile, but now with a smaller frame for more narrow faces! It’s optimal design and weight (26 grams) is for running,
cycling and of course golf and pickleball.
Offering Lenses options for different light conditions: available in mirrored or photochromic versions, including new metallic tones that can match or contrast the frame colors. Lenses with Category 3 and Category 2 protection are available.
Lens treatments: Across the adidas Sport FW, the 2026 collection, lenses feature HD optics with hydrophobic and oleophobic treatments, designed to enhance clarity and elevate performance.
Anti-fog ventilation: New holes on the front and temples increase ventilation to help prevent fogging during activity.
Prescription compatibility: The style is compatible with a prescription clip-in, making the Anemos Light a versatile option for athletes who need vision correction.
Kalidro: A New Wraparound Performance Frame
As part of the 2026 collection, Adidas Eyewear debuts the Kalidro, a next-generation 
injected-acetate wraparound sunglass engineered for durability, stability, and all-conditions performance. With a solid curved profile and a comfortable full-rim frame, Kalidro delivers the secure fit athletes need across everyday movement.
Designed to maintain clear vision in any environment, the frame features a new ventilation system along the temples and upper frame to help reduce heat buildup and prevent fogging. Adjustable nose pads ensure a personalized fit, while the robust construction adds long-term resilience for high-intensity use.
Kalidro is available with photochromic lenses and is compatible with a prescription clip-in, making it adaptable for a wide range of athletes. The collection includes a spectrum of new colorways, including modern metallic tones that can match or contrast with mirrored or photochromic lens options. ADIDAS EYEWEAR
Bourbon Lovers Take Note!
Elijah Craig Expands PGA of America Partnership With 2026 Championship Release
Leveraging its long-standing relationship with the PGA of America by launching a limited-edition bourbon tied to the 2026 PGA Championship, strengthening a partnership that continues to integrate premium spirits into major championship golf. This past May, commemorating the 108th playing of the PGA Championship, The Heaven Hill Distillery introduced a 108-proof Small Batch Bourbon.
The release marks the latest activation in a multi‑year agreement between Elijah Craig and the PGA of America that spans the PGA Championship, KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, PGA National Club Championship, and other major events. According to executives, the commemorative bottling is designed to reinforce Elijah Craig’s presence both on‑site during championship week and in the retail marketplace leading up to the event.
The bourbon is produced from a small batch of barrels selected from Heaven Hill’s N and S rickhouses in Bardstown, Kentucky, and is bottled at a higher‑than‑standard proof to match the championship milestone. The packaging features co‑branding with the PGA Championship and Aronimink Golf Club, including a custom cork topper bearing the host club’s logo, positioning the bottle as both a collectible and a tournament tie‑in.
For the PGA of America, the release represents another example of how partner brands are being woven into the overall fan and hospitality experience. Elijah Craig is expected to have visibility across corporate hospitality areas, on‑course activations, and consumer‑facing promotions during championship week.
“Elijah Craig plays an integral role in enhancing the PGA Championship experience,” Ernie Vilar, senior director of global partnerships for the PGA of America, said in announcing the release, noting that the partnership allows fans and spectators to engage with the event beyond the course through licensed products.
The initiative reflects a broader trend within the golf industry, as governing bodies and event organizers increasingly collaborate with premium consumer brands to create limited‑edition products that extend championship storytelling and generate incremental revenue. Spirits brands, in particular, have become significant players in golf sponsorships due to the sport’s hospitality environment and demographic alignment.
Elijah Craig has steadily expanded its footprint in golf through player partnerships and event‑specific releases, while Heaven Hill Distillery continues to position the brand as a cornerstone of its sports and lifestyle marketing strategy.
For more information on Elijah Craig and the PGA of America check out this link and you may find a NEW type of Mulligan! Elijah Craig | Golf
