The Albany Museum of Art Event Will Be Held at Doublegate Country Club
Grab your paddle and get ready to hit the court! On Saturday, May 10, the Albany Museum of Art will host its first pickleball tournament when the AMA Open debuts at Doublegate Country Club.
“Pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport in the United States over the past four years,” AMA Development Coordinator Mackenzie Strom said. “Whether you already enjoy playing the sport or wonder what it’s all about, the AMA Open will be where you can get out and have fun, be active, and champion the arts in our community.”
The event starts at 8 am. Players of all skill levels can compete in men’s, women’s, mixed, and youth divisions following a round-robin seeding format with single-elimination finals.
“Lunch will be provided as part of registration, and a cash bar will be available,” Strom said.
The AMA Open will start that morning with men’s and women’s doubles, followed by youth doubles. Mixed doubles will play in the afternoon. Registration is $50 to compete in one division or $65 to compete in multiple divisions.
“We’re also encouraging businesses, corporations, and non-profits to sponsor teams,” Strom said. “You can win bragging rights as the winners of the inaugural AMA Open!”
The registration link can be found HERE.
While pickleball is in its 60th year as a sport, its profile has skyrocketed over the past five years. Long popular in the Pacific Northwest, pickleball has steadily grown nationally and for the last four consecutive years (2021-2024) has been ranked as the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. Two pro tours and two pro leagues have been established.
“People at all different ages and skill levels love to get out on the court and have a great time, and the active engagement is healthy for them,” Strom said. “Participating in the AMA Open is also healthy for the community. It will help us raise funds to make art more accessible to everyone with free admission, free art exhibitions, free school field trips, and art camp scholarships. It promises to be a lot of fun. Even the name is fun.”
The term “pickleball” was coined by one of the three founders of the sport, Joel Pritchard, who later served in Congress and as Washington’s lieutenant governor. He and two of his friends, Barney McCallum and Bill Bell, created pickleball in 1965 at Pritchard’s summer home on Bainbridge Island, Wash.
According to his wife, Pritchard, who came to be known as “the Father of Pickleball,” came up with the name because of the array of leftover equipment the three friends employed in creating the game: a tennis net placed on a badminton court, paddleball paddles, and wiffle balls. The recreational potpourri reminded him of the pickle boat in crew racing competition. Originally, the “pickle boat” referred to the slowest rowboat in a race; however, the term was later applied to the least efficient rowing crew in a race, often comprising leftover oarsmen from other boats.
“We hope everyone will come out, enjoy some quality time with friends in the sunshine, get in the games, and show their support for their favorite team, and for the arts in our community,” Strom said.
Those with questions can contact Strom HERE.
AMA EXHIBITIONS
- Michael Jones: Polyphonic is Jan 23-April 26, 2025, in the Haley Gallery.
- Idea Machines, Conceptual Art from the Permanent Collection, is Jan 23-April 26, 2025, in the East Gallery.
- Home, Selections from the Permanent Collection is Jan 23-April 26, 2025, in the McCormack Gallery.
- Know, Learn, Wonder, Highlights from the Sub-Saharan African Collection is Jan 23-April 26, 2025, in the Hodges Gallery.
- 20th Century Small Works on Paper from the Permanent Collection is Jan 30-April 26, 2025 in the West Gallery.
ABOUT THE ALBANY MUSEUM OF ART
The Albany Museum of Art is located at 311 Meadowlark Drive in Albany, Ga., adjacent to Albany State University West Campus just off Gillionville Road. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The Albany Museum of Art is open to the public 10 am-5 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays. Admission is free.
For more information about the AMA please visit our website, www.albanymuseum.com, or call 229.439.8400. Be sure to follow AlbanyMuseumOfArt on Facebook and AlbanyMuseum on Instagram.
