Gary Pelphrey According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), pickleball continues to experience significant national growth, increasing 479% from 2020 to 2025. Participation has expanded faster than any major recreational sport in America, with additional investment interest highlighted by recent reports of a $225 million investment in pickleball-related ventures by Apollo Sports Capital,…
Jim Grosjean The MPMGA has been busy this spring with numerous and varied tournaments all leading up to the famous Summer Bash on June 4. The Bash is one of our most popular events, namely because it includes a free lunch and, most importantly, free beer. (I hope) I still question the naming of this late spring tournament the “Summer” Bash, since it…
Max Fleming 2026 Men’s Niners Summer Cup The Men’s Niners will hold a Summer Cup event, a Ryder Cup style competition on June 17, June 20 (Saturday!) and June 24. Watch the emails for more details. The 2026 Niners Unite Summer Mixed Scramble The SaddleBrooke Men’s and Lady’s Niners Summer mixed scramble is on Tuesday…
Ellen Avenoso Each month—typically on the first Tuesday—all league members playing that day compete for Gross and Net “Ace of the Month” honors. This ongoing competition recognizes the lowest Gross and lowest Net scores, awarding each winner Ace status for that month. At the end of the year, all monthly Aces advance to compete for…
Connie Kotke The May luncheon for the Verde Sputters was a festive event—with beautifully-decorated tables and a parade where players could show off their Kentucky Derby hats. Two women at each table were lucky enough to take home the centerpiece prizes—creative Derby hats that were hand-made by the volunteer committee consisting of Jill Jepsen, Debbie…
Debbie Bornmann The Verde Sputters brought their best talent to the practice green each Monday in April. Rain showers never delayed play but it rained Holes–in–One! All women who are not part of a sanctioned 9-hole or 18-hole golf league are invited to join, even if they’ve never picked up a putter. Simply grab a…
Wanda Ross Congratulations to Regina Pang for winning the SaddleBrooke Lady Niners President’s Club. This is an annual match play tournament played over multiple days. The match play format with two players competing to see who wins each hole is very different from our usual golf games. This tournament is handicapped so all levels of…
Denise Cashmore The 2026 MountainView/Preserve Women’s Golf Association Club Championship, sponsored by Robson Resort Communities, was held on April 28 and 29. Golfers competed in a two-day, overall low gross score tournament to claim the Club Championship and grand prize. There were additional flight prizes for low scores, and for KPs (Closest to Pin) on…
All right softball fans of the Brooke (and beyond), it’s deadline time for the mid-June issue of the Progress and your humble scribe is comin’ atcha with the latest and greatest (well, latest) in SaddleBrooke Senior softball action. Spring League Action Yeah, I know, it’s starting to feel like summer. But it’s Spring league time.…
Johnny Henson, Professor Pool In the game of pool, players often believe their biggest problem is aiming. They’ll say, “I just didn’t see that one right,” or “I can’t seem to line up long shots.” But in reality, most missed shots aren’t caused by poor aim, they’re caused by an inconsistent stroke. Your stroke is…