The Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) and the Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR) have officially made Saddlebrook Resort their new headquarters, marking a significant milestone for both organizations. With over 23,000 members spanning 127 countries, this move signifies a new era of growth and collaboration in the world of racket sports coaching.

Unlocking a New Era of Racket Sports Excellence at Saddlebrook Resort

A Homecoming for the Legendary PTR

After four decades of calling Hilton Head, South Carolina home, the 125-year-old PTR has embarked on a new chapter by relocating its headquarters to the renowned Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel, Florida. This move, according to PTR Board Chair Lynne Rolley, is a "significant" one that has the organization "just so excited" to begin an "incredible journey" at their new state-of-the-art facility.Saddlebrook's rich history in cultivating tennis champions, including the likes of Jim Courier, Andy Roddick, and Martina Hingis, has made it an ideal destination for the PTR. Rolley proudly acknowledged that Saddlebrook's esteemed coaches have been instrumental in grooming many of these Grand Slam winners, and she expressed confidence that the resort's "world-class" facilities will now serve as a hub for developing the next generation of tennis and pickleball coaches, empowering athletes, and fostering a vibrant community.

The Exponential Rise of Pickleball and the PPR

Alongside the PTR's relocation, the Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR) has also found a new home at Saddlebrook Resort. Established in 2018, the PPR has experienced exponential growth, contributing significantly to the overall 20% increase in PTR's membership over the past year.As the fastest-growing sport in the country, pickleball has captured the attention of both recreational enthusiasts and competitive players alike. With the PPR's presence at Saddlebrook, Rolley hinted at the possibility of the resort becoming a hub for training future Grand Slam champions in the sport, further solidifying its position as a premier destination for racket sports development.

Saddlebrook's Commitment to Sports Tourism and Community Impact

The partnership between Saddlebrook Resort, PTR, and PPR has garnered the enthusiastic support of Florida's Sports Coast, the destination management organization for Pasco County. Raul Nardi, the Marketing and Communications Director for Florida's Sports Coast, expressed the county's excitement about the "profound impact" this move will have on the region's tourism industry.Saddlebrook's VP of International Sports, Patrick Farrell, highlighted the resort's commitment to working closely with Florida's Sports Coast, noting that their support and efforts in bringing sports tourism to Pasco County have been "unsurpassed in this industry." This collaboration is expected to drive an influx of visitors, coaches, and sports enthusiasts to the area, generating economic benefits through hotel stays, dining, shopping, and the exploration of the county's diverse attractions.

The USTA's Endorsement and Collaboration

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has also expressed its enthusiasm for the PTR's relocation to Saddlebrook Resort. USTA Senior Director of Coaching, Craig Jones, welcomed the PTR to the "great tennis state of Florida" and emphasized the synergies between the USTA's National Campus in Orlando and the new PTR headquarters, stating that it's "great to have these two amazing facilities within 80 miles of each other."Jones also highlighted the USTA's ongoing partnership with the PTR, indicating that the organizations will continue to collaborate in the future, further strengthening the ecosystem of tennis and pickleball development in the region.

Building an Exceptional Team to Deliver Exceptional Service

At the heart of the PTR and PPR's relocation to Saddlebrook Resort is the commitment to assembling a talented and experienced team that will drive the organizations' initiatives and deliver exceptional service to their members. PTR's Chief Operating Officer, Brian Parkkonen, emphasized the importance of identifying individuals with the right skill sets, passion for their respective sports, and a generational perspective to ensure the success of this new chapter.Parkkonen introduced the team of seasoned professionals, both those relocating to Saddlebrook and those working remotely, who collectively bring over 125 years of experience to the table. This exceptional team, he believes, will not only contribute to the success of the PTR and PPR but also become valuable members of the Saddlebrook and Pasco County communities.The relocation of the PTR and PPR to Saddlebrook Resort marks a transformative moment for the world of racket sports coaching. With the support of Florida's Sports Coast, the USTA, and the resort's world-class facilities, this partnership promises to elevate the development of tennis, pickleball, and other racket sports, while also driving economic growth and community engagement in the region.