Pickleball Magazine 2-2 | Page 47

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