Pickleball has swiftly become more than just a game; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Yet for Scott Colebourne, PICKLESTARS™ Chief Executive Dinker, its rapid rise exposed a gap in how the game was being delivered at hospitality venues. “I was tired of seeing people waiting around just to play,” he recalls. That observation became the spark behind PICKLESTARS™: a fresh, immersive approach to pickleball that’s transforming how properties and guests engage with the sport.
In this exclusive interview, Colebourne shares how PICKLESTARS™ evolved from a single court with 20 players and a portable speaker into a global network of premium pickleball experiences. By blending elevated coaching, curated programming, and a strong sense of community, PICKLESTARS™ is not only elevating the game, it’s creating vibrant social hubs within luxury resorts, clubs, and hospitality destinations worldwide.
What inspired the creation of PICKLETARS™?
We started PICKLETARS™ because I was tired of going to a pickleball court and seeing too many people sitting around waiting for a game. We felt like there was an opportunity to provide a high level of service, faster games, more points, more play, and more engagement with the players. The real tipping point was when I was coaching on one court with 20 players. I had to improvise with many fun games and music to keep everybody moving. At the end of the session, everybody had a fantastic time and returned the next day for more.
PICKLETARS™ promises to “elevate the pickleball experience” for guests and properties. What does that look like in practice?
Pickleball, at its core, is a very straightforward game and does not have a lot of requirements. However, I found that it can often lead to a lack of thought from instructors or facilities. For the guest experience, we want to ensure that all of our PICKLETARS™ Professionals are trained not only in pickleball coaching and the PICKLETARS™ methodology but also in elevated customer service, how to engage with guests, and create exceptional experiences, regardless of how long the professional and guest spend time together.
For properties looking to start pickleball, this means designing spaces thoughtfully to encourage social interaction and engagement. It also means creating programs that will welcome players of all ages and abilities. When these two elements are combined with a great team, this leads to amazing outcomes.
Your programs cater to everyone from first timers to avid players. How do you balance inclusivity with a premium, curated experience?
The key element to balancing a program is the combination of well-thought-out programming and our excellent PICKLETARS™ Professionals. At all of our programs, we offer open play and tournaments that anybody can join, as well as classes and lessons that can be pre-booked and registered for. This combination ensures that if someone wants to walk up and play, they’re able to, whilst also being able to reserve a time and have a more private experience. Our PICKLETARS™ Professionals are trained in handling large groups as well as private classes, and they deliver a premium experience regardless.
What role does community play in the PICKLETARS™ vision, and how do you help foster that connection across destinations?
We’re working hard to create a community among our PICKLETARS™ Professionals. The bond I see amongst them every time we join a call with each other is fantastic. Even though we haven’t all ever met in person due to the global nature of our team, there is a deep connection every time we’re on a call with each other. Our team spans six countries, and I couldn’t be prouder of how well everyone comes together.
The players and guests who join a PICKLETARS™ program feel a sense of connection immediately due to the friendly nature of our PICKLETARS™ Professionals and how our PICKLETARS™ Professionals encourage them to interact with other guests in the session. After guests have completed a session, we always encourage them to return for another one, and most frequently, they do. In addition, we stay in touch with our community through PICKLETARS™ Pulse, our monthly newsletter, and keep them updated on all of our activities through social media.
Finish this sentence: ‘The future of pickleball is…’
NOW! Pickleball is here; it’s growing exponentially and thriving, and I don’t see the popularity of pickleball slowing down anytime soon. The game is so fun, easy to play, and engaging that you can’t help but have fun and laugh when you’re playing. My dream for pickleball in the future is that it allows us to create a healthier nation through more exercise and more social interaction.
Scott Colebourne and PICKLESTARS™ are proving that pickleball can be more than a pastime; it can be a powerful hospitality amenity, a platform for wellness, and a global connector. Through careful programming, exceptional talent, and a playful spirit, PICKLESTARS™ delivers not just a game, but an experience aligned with the highest standards of service and community.
As pickleball continues to surge in popularity, the PICKLESTARS™ model offers a clear blueprint for resorts and recreational properties looking to stay ahead of the curve. Whether your guests are picking up a paddle for the first time or are seasoned players ready for high-level rallies, PICKLESTARS™ promises an unforgettable, joy-filled journey, on and off the court.
