Paso Robles Pickleball Club: California State Senior Games--Pickleball

Our Paso Robles Pickleball Club Website: www.pickleballpasorobles.shutterly.com

I just returned from playing Pickleball in the California State Games (played in Escondido) representing our Paso Robles Pickleball Club (we have been in existence one year this September). I was the only member of our Club to play in the tournament, but am hoping that I can get more of our players ready for upcoming tournaments. They are close.

I was fortunate to win a Bronze medal in the men's 65-69 singles competition, beating the number one seed, Greg Linnemayer, in a second round match and then losing to the same player in the medal round. Greg eventually went on to win the Gold medal in singles. In doubles, my partner (Tom Gunther---from Laguna Niguel, CA) and I won the Silver medal in the 65-69 men's competition. We beat the No. 1 seed in the second round (again, Greg Linnemayer and his partner, Brian Jensen), the No. 2 seed in the third round, and eventually lost in the Gold medal match (to the No. 1 seed) in an epic battle, 9-11, 13-11, 9-11, 13-15. Greg and Brian were excellent players (both 5.0s) and were class individuals. In fact, all the participants were fun to be around around. The event was held at the Tuscany Hills Resort (formerly the Castle Creek Inn) in Escondido, CA. Participants were invited to a reception dinner on Friday evening and members of the Castle Creek Pickleball Club brought food for the participants. Live music, good socializing, great discussions on Pickleball and Pickleball strategy. I highly recommend this event next September.

It was very exciting to participate. The Senior Olympics (the State Games) is played at various venues, and at different times of the year, all around California. The games also serve as a qualifier for the National Games played each summer in different cities around the country. This past summer the Games were played in Cleveland. Next summer they will be in Minneapolis.

I am relatively new to the tournament scene, so I wanted to share not only my small amount of success, but also information about this great tournament and other like it all across California and the western states. I learned so much and am excited to come back and share this learning with my fellow players here in Paso Robles. The PB players at these tournaments are eager to visit and share tips/information on this great game. It is an excellent way to pass the time between matches.