pickleball is just another extraordinary opportunity to differentiate why you would stay here .”
Even the Four Diamond resort ’ s award-winning culinary team has caught the pickleball bug , offering pickle-themed catering menus tailored for private parties and special events including pickled fruits and vegetables , many of which are grown on the resort ’ s 20,000-square-foot Chef ’ s Garden .
In 2017 , after attending the USA Pickleball National Championship in Casa Grande , Arizona , Hart was hooked on the sport . “ We were flabbergasted by what we saw in terms of the number of people , the extraordinary courts , and vendors ,” he recalls . “ We fell into a trance watching everything that went on at this tournament .”
Hart also was struck by the wide range of players — of all ages . “ The tournament was serious , but people were joyous as they played . It was festive and wonderful , and really brought to life what we needed to do here ,” he says .
Serendipitously , in 2018 , the resort was needing to resurface its tennis courts . But as a 950-room luxury resort , one or two pickleball courts didn ’ t fit the luxury brand . So it took three tennis courts out of service and converted them into 12 dedicated pickleball courts . “ We ’ ve been having a ball with the sport ever since ,” says Hart .
As the courts filled and the sport continued to grow , however , he wanted guests to be able to play pickleball at their convenience and on their own time frame . So , two more tennis courts were repurposed to create four additional dedicated pickleball courts .
“ Then we had a pickleball epiphany ,” explains Hart . “ To make the resort distinctively different , we created a center court . Whether we ’ re hosting a great tournament or our house guests or members are playing , it ’ s a way for them to say , ‘ Maybe I didn ’ t win the championship , but I got to play Center Court !’”
In its 19th year , the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge blends everything it stands for with the capacity to play pickleball . “ This wonderful sport is an incredible , natural fit for us ,” says Hart . “ It ’ s really fun , really dynamic , and it was taking advantage of space we had — bringing a whole new level of energy and enthusiasm .”
If you love to play pickleball or want to learn to play , the resort is the place to experience it , according to Hart : “ We have all the equipment and amenities and delightful people who will coach you on the basic fundamentals . You won ’ t find a better opportunity to play within a luxury environment and with so many other options to enjoy your time at the resort .”
What ’ s next for pickleball at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge ? Plans are underway to convert the three remaining tennis courts — under a pavilion . “ If you ’ re staying with us during one of the hottest times of year , you and your family can still play pickleball on a hot afternoon in the shade ,” says Hart .
In a place that offers everything — from swimming pools and championship golf to mountain views and relaxing outdoor spaces — the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is a bucket-list essential for the pickleball passionate . •
JW MARRIOTT PHOENIX DESERT RIDGE HOSTS PPA GRAND SLAM
The JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa hosted the top 100 pickleball players in North America during Pro Pickleball Association ( PPA ) Foot Solutions Grand Slam , which took place Feb . 16-21 . Simone Jardim and Ben Johns ended the week by capturing the triple crown — gold medals in every event ! What an incredible six days of play ! With an exciting winning purse of $ 70,000 , the tournament featured the largest prize money payout in Arizona history and was an unforgettable experience for pickleball enthusiasts . The event allowed 300 participants to safely compete during the weeklong tournament for locals and visitors alike .
PHOTO BY BRUCE YEUNG ( IG : @ YEUNGPHOTOGRAPHY )
MARCH / APRIL 2021 | MAGAZINE 41