More pickleball courts coming to Myrtle Beach. Local company has plans for popular sport
Editor’s Note: This story was updated to reflect the spelling of Tradd Teal’s name. (Updated 9:47 a.m. March 4, 2025)
A company plans to open an indoor pickleball court by next summer, giving Myrtle Beach residents and visitors a chance to play in any weather.
The PicklePort will be located on 6 acres near Whispering Pines Golf Course at 900 Harrelson Blvd.
The facility will have 12 indoor pickleball courts and about six covered outdoor courts, according to Dwight Hunsicker, one of the partners in the venture.
The Myrtle Beach resident and pickleball player said there will be plenty of space inside and netting so that players won’t interfere with other courts. The facility will also have a snack bar, selling smoothies, coffee and pre-made salads.
Hunsicker said the plans are in the very early stages, but pickleball courts will be available through membership plans that cater to local residents and open play for tourists who come and may want to play some sessions while they are in the city.
“People are looking for a quality facility where they can have a good game, good session of pickleball,” Hunsicker said.
Pickleball, a paddle sport started in 1965, combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. The sport exploded in the 200s, and now millions of people play the sport each year. Up to 48 million people played pickleball in 2024 alone, said Tradd Teal, another partner.
The sport is inexpensive and doesn’t require a lot of equipment, just a paddle and ball, said partner Donna Askins. “People get hooked so quickly. I got hooked the first time I played,” she said.
Teal said it is assumed that the sport is for older players, but the average pickleball player in the U.S. is 34. Teal, who calls himself an avid player, is 35.
Teal said it’s hard to know the exact number of players in Myrtle Beach and Horry County; however, based on how busy the courts located throughout the city are, there’s no doubt the sport is popular. Teal said there are usually long waits and once a person does get a court, they may only get maybe three games in.
“Were really excited to bring more pickleball opportunities to the city and county,” the Horry County resident said. “It’s shocking, depending on the day or time, that the courts are usually full.”
The plan is for the company to lease the property from the city to build the facility. City council approved a letter of intent to enter into an agreement with The PicklePort at its Jan. 14 meeting, Hunsicker said.
Hunsicker began working on the project a year ago, which included finding a location. He said there is not an abundance of property in the Myrtle Beach area for such a facility, especially at a price point that will allow a business to be successful. Land in and around the Myrtle Beach area starts at $250,000 an acre, he said. In Myrtle Beach, that price goes up to $600,000 an acre.
Leasing the property is good for both The PicklePort and the city, Hunsicker said.
The property was formerly part of the Air Force base in Myrtle Beach and was deeded to the city by the U.S. government, Peal said. The federal government placed many restrictions on the property, including limiting its use for recreational purposes.
Details of the agreement have not been completed. But if all goes well, Hunsicker said the city will see the facility up and running in 2026.
“It’s a win-win proposition,” Hunsicker said. “It’s a win for the city’s tourists and residents, and it gives us a good location.”
This story was originally published March 3, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
