2017 PPF Pro and Senior Pro Tour
The Road to the Tournament of Champions
Today’ s Professional Pickleball
Federation( PPF) was founded by Tournament of Champions creator John Gullo. John, along with a group of experienced and talented players, agreed it was time to take pickleball to the next level. The organization was founded in 2016, and now with an operational staff and supporting Board of Directors, the foundation for bringing John’ s dream into action was formed.
Bonnie Williams, PPF Commissioner, states,“ Our mission is to create a world-class tour where players are inspired to compete, and spectators experience thrilling play. We will do this by creating an ecosystem that provides the basic support systems with opportunities for growth and development for the professional player. This includes building an environment where players will excel with world-class facilities, professional referees and technology developed for improving event efficiency and player promotion. We’ re building alliances with the IFP / USAPA, IPTPA and partner support that will help professional development through tournaments, exhibitions and clinics. Our goal is to help players reach their full potential, which contributes to the growth of pickleball.”
The PPF has announced three 2017 PPF Championship Series events with prize pools over $ 15K, and one PPF Grand Slam event with a prize pool of $ 51K. The 2017 PPF Tour consists of the following...
The PPF’ s inaugural tour event was in the Coachella Valley, the PPF Desert Championships, March 31-April 2, in Palm Desert, CA. This professional tournament is in conjunction with The Lakes Spring Fling and hosted by the one-and-only Marcin Rozpedski at the beautiful Lakes Country Club – topnotch competition in a warm, sunny world-class venue and retreat.
The second PPF Tour stop is at the edge of the Rocky Mountains, the PPF Rocky Mountain Championships, May 26-29, in Brigham City, UT. Running alongside the Brigham City Memorial Tournament, the reputable Kyle Klein will be hosting this PPF event over the four-day Memorial Day holiday in the dramatic mountain setting at Rees Pioneer Park.
The third PPF Tour stop will move to the Great Northwest, the PPF Northwest Championships, August 10-13, in Bend, OR— known as one of the greatest summer vacation spots around. It will be held at Pine Nursery Park, a state-of-the-art sports complex on the edge of Deschutes National Forest. Hosting this memorable PPF event will be über-director Anne Reynolds, also orchestrating the USAPA Pacific NW Regional Bend Pickleball Tournament.
The final, and largest, tour stop for 2017 will return to Brigham City where the tournament of all tournaments takes place: the PPF Tournament of Champions, September 1-4. This event is considered the crown jewel of the 2017 PPF Pro and Senior Pro Tour, offering the largest prize pool in the history of pickleball.
Several other events are under consideration. Pros accruing the most podium finishes during the 2017 PPF Tour will gain entry into the PPF Invitational taking place in Key Largo, FL, a PPF“ boutique” tourney that promises only the best competition in the ultimate pickleball environment.
Membership in the Professional Pickleball Federation is required to compete in any PPF events; $ 100 annual membership fee, or $ 50 one-time trial tournament fee. To join and register for any of these events, visit the Pro Tour page at www. pbfederation. com. •
MARCH / APRIL 2017 | MAGAZINE 45