April 16, 2024
The recent introduction of padel at the Credit One Charleston Open marked a significant milestone in the world of racket sports. Now, the Lowcountry is poised to embrace this fast-growing sport at LTP Daniel Island.
What is Padel?
Padel is played in doubles on an enclosed court, which features glass and metallic mesh walls. These walls can be used to hit the ball, creating exciting and dynamic rallies. Originating in Mexico in 1969 as a modification of a squash court to incorporate elements of tennis, padel has quickly gained popularity, especially during the pandemic.
The Rise of Padel
Projected to see an incredible 17,000% growth in the number of U.S. courts by 2030, according to the U.S. Padel Association, this sport is addictive for its simplicity and fun. In fact, in Spain, padel courts now outnumber tennis courts, and the U.S. is projected to have 8 million padel players by next year.
Padel at LTP Daniel Island
Bob Moran, president of Beemok Sports & Entertainment, expressed excitement about introducing padel to the Lowcountry. “Once you play, you’ll be hooked,” he said. During the tournament, a padel court was available for demonstrations and quick lessons, with an exhibition match featuring two world-class padel players from Spain, former world No. 1 Juan Martin Diaz and current No. 90 Jose Carlos Gaspar.
Initially intended as a temporary feature to be moved to the Cincinnati Open, the padel court’s overwhelming popularity has led to a change of plans. The court will remain a permanent fixture at LTP Daniel Island.
The Future of Padel in the Lowcountry
“We’ve followed the rise of padel around the world and the U.S., and we wanted to see how it would be received locally,” Moran commented. “Early indications are that it’s going to be an even bigger hit here than pickleball.”
Moran emphasized Beemok Sports & Entertainment’s goal to shape the future of sports globally, aiming to create unparalleled experiences for fans and athletes alike. The addition of padel to LTP Daniel Island promises to do just that, offering a fresh and exciting sporting experience for all to enjoy.
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