When he’s not coaching guests, Garfield is a husband to Tanisha and father of four. He’s also become an enthusiastic pickleball player himself. Garfield plays every morning with the hotel manager, and the two have developed into quite a formidable team.
Challenge them at your own risk!
And yes, our Garfield may share a name with a certain famous orange cat. But while that Garfield is known for his love of lasagna, ours has developed a serious love for pickleball!
Ready to Pickle?
Whether you’re an experienced player, a tennis enthusiast or someone who has never held a paddle, Garfield is ready to introduce you to the game. With four permanent pickleball courts, two portable courts and three tennis courts, there has never been a better time to get involved.
So don’t just watch from the sidelines on your next visit. Grab a paddle. Meet Garfield. Step onto the court. You might arrive as a beginner…and leave planning which paddle you’re going to buy when you get home!
Pick Up a Paddle, Join the Fun!
Think pickleball isn’t for you? Garfield has one simple solution: Pick up a paddle and get on the court! Pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports around—and at Hedonism, it has come a long way from its humble beginnings.
From Duct Tape to Dedicated Courts!
Who better to tell the story than Garfield Gordon, our resident tennis and pickleball instructor?
Garfield has been part of the Hedonism family since 2004, spending most of his years coaching tennis. But over the past several years, he has watched pickleball evolve into a guest favorite.
Back in the day, a group of about 20 guests from Caliente were so determined to play that they would use duct tape to create a pickleball court on top of the tennis court!
That’s dedication! Garfield was thrilled when the decision was made to renovate the courts. Today, Hedonism has four permanent pickleball courts, two portable courts and three tennis courts. “I am now looking forward to more guests coming and participating on the courts, either tennis or pickleball.”
The Sport You Can Learn in 10 Minutes
What makes pickleball so appealing? According to Garfield:
“It’s an easy game to catch on—very addictive. Once you hold the paddle, you become a pickleball player.” For a complete beginner, Garfield says it doesn’t take long to get into the action. With some basic instruction, you can start learning and even play a game in about 10 minutes. The hardest part? Learning how to keep score!
Guests quickly discover just how much fun the game can be. One of the most common reactions Garfield hears is: “It’s such a nice game. I love this game. I should have started a long time ago. First thing when I return home, I must get a paddle of my own!” Sounds like a new vacation addiction!
What’s the Kitchen?
For guests who say, “Pickleball isn’t for me,” Garfield has a strategy. He gets a paddle into their hands. Then he mentions the kitchen. “What is the kitchen?”
That little bit of curiosity is often all it takes to get someone onto the court. Once Garfield explains how the kitchen works, the next step is simple:
Play!
More than a Game
Pickleball isn’t just about hitting a ball over a net. It’s a great way to meet people. As Garfield explains: “It’s a sport that you really get to meet others. Once persons see you with a paddle, they strike a conversation.” Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner or with a group of friends, the courts are a natural place to connect with other guests.
Tennis Players Have An Advantage
If you’re already a tennis player, you may have a head start. The experience of holding a racquet, understanding stance and positioning, and watching the ball can translate well to pickleball.
But you don’t have to be an athlete to enjoy it. Beginners are welcome!
SEE YOU ON THE COURT!
