Kota Kinabalu: Pickleball enthusiasts now have more options to test their skills with Goodclub Pickleball Court officially opening its doors along Jalan Mat Salleh, Tanjung Aru, on Saturday.
The new facility brings nine courts and a fresh dose of good vibes to the city’s fast growing pickleball scene.
The launching ceremony was officiated by Goodclub Managing Director Nick Chu and his brother, Executive Director Ryan Chu.
The ribbon cutting was carried out by Nick and his wife, Joyce Goh, as well as Ryan and his wife, Cindy Nova.
Guests at the launch were treated to a lion dance performance, light snacks and beverages, upbeat music, massage services and mini-games, giving the opening a festive atmosphere rather than a formal ceremony.
The facility comprises six indoor courts, three outdoor courts and one padel court, catering to both the growing local pickleball community and players looking to try the increasingly popular padel format.
Goodclub Pickleball Court operates daily from 7am to 12am, with a cafe on site offering food and drinks for players and visitors.
The extended operating hours and combination of indoor and outdoor courts make it one of the more comprehensive racquet sport facilities to open in the Tanjung Aru area, adding to the growing number of pickleball venues around Kota Kinabalu as the sport gains traction among Sabahans of different age groups.
For the record, pickleball exploded into a global phenomenon thanks to its accessibility, social nature and low impact play.
Invented in the United States in 1965, the sport saw a massive surge during the Covid-19 pandemic as people looked for safe outdoor activities to enjoy.
In Malaysia, the pickleball craze has taken off rapidly since 2019, growing to hundreds of courts nationwide as more communities embrace it as a fun new way to stay active.
While the initial boom is now settling into a steady pace, the sport has firmly cemented its place as a favourite both globally and here at home.