Senior Pickleball Report
Topgolf Debuts New Golf Club with One Goal: Make Golf Less Hard
Topgolf introduces The Sure Thing club, designed for novice golfers to increase ball contact and enjoyment, incorporating fun features like “chicken wing technology.”
Dubbed The Sure Thing, the club is designed to increase the likelihood of hitting the ball solidly into the air and experiencing that euphoric feeling that comes from a shot well hit
DALLAS /PRNewswire/ — It’s a familiar feeling: You’re at a Topgolf venue with friends and family, and approach the tee line to take your best swing. You shift into a backswing and let the club fly – only to soon discover the only thing you’ve contacted is thin air as you’ve missed the ball entirely.
Topgolf
Topgolf sees you, novice Player, and celebrates the bad shots just as much as the beautiful swings, but the modern golf entertainment leader has a soft spot for newbies to the game of golf.
Enter Topgolf’s The Sure Thing club, designed in collaboration with Callaway engineers and made for the everyday, “just want to feel the thrill of hitting a golf ball” Player. Not for sale and only available for gameplay at Topgolf, The Sure Thing is equipped with features that basically guarantee your golf swing, is, well, a sure thing:
- Enormous club face: A larger club face means a better chance of making contact with the ball, resulting in less whiffs and more hits.
- 20° loft: Real talk – all that means is the ball will fly higher after you hit it.
- Shorter club shaft: That long, slender part of a golf club? That’s the shaft, and the shorter it is, the more control Players have.
- Chicken wing technology: Leave the complicated technology for another day. The Sure Thing is powered by Topgolf’s proprietary chicken wing technology, something no other company has dared use before (wink, wink).
“At Topgolf, we exist to bring joy through more ways to play the game of golf, and The Sure Thing is one way we’re delivering on that purpose,” said Topgolf CEO Artie Starrs. “We want everyone to experience the thrill of hitting the ball solidly and into the air, and designing a club with new Players in mind is our way of helping to make that happen. I remember the first time I hit a solid shot into the air as a kid and we want to enable that thrill for everyone! New Players are going to love it and experienced Players will too.”
The Sure Thing is now available at all Topgolf venues in the U.S.
About That Chicken Wing Technology
Sure, chicken wing technology may not be a real thing, but when Topgolf is making the rules, they make them fun. That’s why in honor of The Sure Thing club that’s powered by proprietary chicken wing technology, Topgolf is offering Players one free order of boneless chicken wings per bay on Aug. 5 when they try out The Sure Thing during their gameplay, while supplies last.
“The world needs more play in it, and that’s all we’re trying to do at Topgolf – offer a chance for our Players to cut loose and have fun, and now they can do it with a club that helps make the game more enjoyable no matter your skill level,” said Topgolf Chief Brand Officer Geoff Cottrill. “The Sure Thing is designed for people who are new to golf or whose game just isn’t that great – people like me!”
About Topgolf
A Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp. (NYSE: MODG) brand, Topgolf is the ultimate instigator of play. Thanks to our 100 outdoor venues around the globe, industry-leading Toptracer technology, mobile game and app, we’re leading the charge of modern golf wherever our Players are. We offer a variety of tech-driven games, a top-tier food and drink menu, and a vibe focused on more play for all. Topgolf brands are on a mission to enable Players to hit 50 billion golf balls between 2022 and 2025. To learn more or make plans to come play around, visit topgolf.com.
SOURCE Topgolf
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Senior Pickleball Report
Game-Changing Pickleball Paddle Accessory Could Save Players Hundreds
pickleball paddle accessory
New invention transforms worn paddles to like-new condition, eliminating costly replacements
If you’ve been playing pickleball for any length of time, you know the frustration: your once-responsive carbon fiber paddle starts losing its grip, the spin just isn’t there anymore, and suddenly you’re facing a $150+ replacement bill. It’s an expensive reality that every serious player deals with—until now.
The Problem Every Pickleball Player Faces
A California inventor from Irvine has developed a solution that could revolutionize how we maintain our pickleball equipment. The PADDLE FACE, currently available for licensing through InventHelp, addresses one of the sport’s most persistent pain points: paddle degradation.
Carbon fiber paddles—the gold standard for competitive and recreational players alike—naturally wear down over time. The textured surface that creates spin and control gradually smooths out, leaving players with a choice: keep playing with diminished performance or shell out for a brand-new paddle.
A Simple Solution to an Expensive Problem
The PADDLE FACE takes a different approach entirely. This innovative accessory transforms worn-down carbon fiber paddles back to like-new condition, reviving the grip and spin capabilities that made your paddle perform at its best when you first bought it.
The design is refreshingly straightforward: a replaceable surface that applies to any size or shape paddle, regardless of manufacturer. Whether you’re playing with a Selkirk, a JOOLA, or any other brand, the PADDLE FACE adapts to your equipment.
Beyond Carbon Fiber
What makes this invention particularly versatile is its application across paddle types. While it was designed to address carbon fiber paddle wear, the PADDLE FACE can also be applied to graphite and fiberglass paddles—giving players at every skill level access to carbon fiber spin and control capabilities.
For beginners working with entry-level fiberglass paddles, this could mean upgrading performance without upgrading price tags. For intermediate players with graphite paddles, it’s a chance to experience the enhanced spin that carbon fiber provides. And for advanced players with worn carbon fiber paddles, it’s a cost-effective way to maintain peak performance.
The Economics of Paddle Maintenance
Let’s talk numbers. A quality carbon fiber paddle typically runs between $120 and $200, with premium models pushing $250 or more. Serious players might replace paddles once or twice a year—sometimes more if they’re playing multiple times per week.
If the PADDLE FACE delivers on its promise, it could save dedicated players hundreds of dollars annually while reducing waste. In a sport that’s already dealing with questions about sustainability and equipment turnover, that’s a win beyond the court.
What’s Next?
The PADDLE FACE is currently in the licensing and sales phase, with InventHelp representing the inventor to manufacturers and marketers. The invention was submitted to InventHelp’s Orange County sales office and is now available for commercial development.
For an industry that’s seen explosive growth—pickleball is now America’s fastest-growing sport with over 13 million players—innovations like this address real needs in a maturing market. As equipment technology advances and players become more discerning about performance and value, accessories that extend paddle life could become as essential as the paddles themselves.
The Bigger Picture
This invention represents more than just a cost-saving accessory. It’s part of a broader trend in pickleball: the sport is maturing, and with that maturity comes smarter, more sustainable approaches to equipment.
Players are investing in their game—in lessons, in court time, in community. An accessory that protects that investment while maintaining performance standards fits perfectly into the evolving pickleball ecosystem.
Whether you’re a tournament player protecting a high-end paddle or a recreational player looking to maximize your equipment budget, the PADDLE FACE concept addresses a universal truth: we all want our gear to perform at its best, for as long as possible.
For more information about the PADDLE FACE invention:Contact InventHelp, Dept. 24-OCM-1713100 Beecham Drive, Suite 110Pittsburgh, PA 15205-9801Phone: (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368Learn more at InventHelp.com
As pickleball continues its remarkable growth trajectory, innovations like the PADDLE FACE demonstrate that the sport’s equipment market is evolving to meet player needs—not just with new paddles, but with smarter ways to maintain the ones we already love.
Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game.
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Over the past few years, Mike has become an insane pickleballer (pickler), fortunately for the senior 50+ crowd he started his show, Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report. He spends the rest of his time speaking on social justice and spending time with his beautiful wife, Karen, and enjoying simple living in his ger/yurt.
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Senior Pickleball Report
American Innovation Meets the Court: F+B Sports Launches 100% USA Made Pickleball Paddles
F+B Sports launches the RUNOUT line—100% USA-made pickleball paddles featuring aerospace-grade FUSIONFIBER® technology. Discover paddles engineered with carbon fiber expertise from Gunnison, Utah.
Last Updated on October 28, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Gunnison, Utah-based company brings aerospace-grade materials and decades of carbon fiber expertise to pickleball
The pickleball equipment landscape just got a serious upgrade. F+B Sports, founded by entrepreneurs Jason and Roland Christensen, is launching their debut paddle line—and they’re doing it with a distinctly American approach: 100% USA-made materials, manufactured right in their Gunnison, Utah factory.
From Aerospace to the Court
What sets F+B Sports apart isn’t just their commitment to domestic manufacturing—it’s the pedigree behind the product. The Christensen brothers bring a track record of creating award-winning products across aerospace, prosthetics, rifles, and sporting goods. The common thread? A deep legacy in carbon fiber manufacturing and materials science.
Carbon fiber isn’t just a buzzword here. It’s a premium material prized for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, trusted in industries where performance is non-negotiable—think aerospace and high-performance automotive applications. Now, that same engineering rigor is being applied to pickleball paddles.
“We are experts in carbon fiber composites, and the application of our team’s decades-deep experience in material science could be applied to paddle design,” said Stephen Mijangos, Pickleball Product Lead for F+B Sports. “We thought with all the aerospace-grade material test equipment we have, why not dive headfirst into pickleball. We believe in American ingenuity and innovation and wanted to create something that was designed, developed, tested and mass produced in Utah.”
Meet the RUNOUT Line
F+B Sports is launching with the RUNOUT series, available in three distinct shapes to match different playing styles:
RUNOUT-S (Standard Shape): Quick, forgiving, and highly maneuverable—perfect for players who prioritize consistent, confident shot placement and control at the kitchen line.
RUNOUT-E (Elongated Shape): Built for players who want maximum reach and explosive power. This paddle delivers authoritative play for those who like to dictate the pace.
RUNOUT-H (Hybrid Shape): The Goldilocks option. It balances control and power, making it the most versatile choice for players still developing their style or those who like to mix up their game.
All three paddles are USA Pickleball approved, so you can take them straight to sanctioned tournament play.
The Technology: FUSIONFIBER®
Here’s where things get interesting. The RUNOUT paddles feature a patented design incorporating forged carbon fiber—a material you’d typically find in high-end luxury vehicles and supercars. F+B Sports’ proprietary twist on this technology is called FUSIONFIBER®: a high-rate sustainable carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic designed for high-volume mass production.
FUSIONFIBER® shows up in two critical design elements:
Edge Guard: Instead of the standard plastic edge guard found on most paddles, the RUNOUT features a FUSIONFIBER® edge guard. This adds serious durability and impact protection without throwing off the paddle’s balance or feel—a common complaint with bulky traditional edge guards.
Handle Construction: The RUNOUT handles incorporate FUSIONFIBER® as well, replacing the foam or wooden materials typically used. The result? A handle that dampens vibration and delivers what F+B Sports calls “a connected, confident feel on every swing.” If you’ve ever felt that jarring sting on a mishit, you’ll appreciate this upgrade.
Made in America, Built to Perform
In a market increasingly dominated by overseas manufacturing, F+B Sports is making a deliberate choice to keep everything domestic. Their goal is straightforward: give players equipment that feels as advanced as it performs, while supporting American manufacturing and innovation.
“We saw an opportunity to bring that same level of US engineering to pickleball paddles—a space dominated by generic, overseas designs,” the company states. “Products are made with proprietary FUSIONFIBER®, forged under high pressure to create paddles that are strong, consistent, and sustainable.”
Get Your Hands on One
The RUNOUT paddles go on sale October 23rd at FandBsports.com. To celebrate the launch, F+B Sports is offering 10% off through October 31st with code “RUNOUT10” at checkout.
Whether you’re a power player looking for that extra reach, a finesse player who values control, or somewhere in between, the RUNOUT line offers a paddle engineered with the same precision that goes into aerospace components—just designed to help you dominate the court instead of the skies.
For more information about F+B Sports and the RUNOUT paddle line, visit FandBsports.com or contact Max Rawls at Cumberland Creative: max@cumberlandcreative.co
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Senior Pickleball Report
Black Desert Resort to Launch World-Class Pickleball Facility, Host Premier PPA Tour Event
Black Desert Resort launches 21 state-of-the-art pickleball courts in Spring 2026, hosting the prestigious Greater Zion Cup on the Carvana PPA Tour.
Southern Utah’s luxury destination is betting big on pickleball—and the sport’s fastest-growing fanbase is about to have a new reason to visit the red rock country.
Black Desert Resort in Ivins, Utah, announced plans this week to debut 21 state-of-the-art pickleball courts in Spring 2026, complete with a Championship Court that seats up to 1,000 spectators. The facility will host the Greater Zion Cup, one of only five prestigious Cup events on the Carvana PPA Tour, positioning the resort as a premier destination for professional and recreational pickleball.
A Facility Built for the Future of Pickleball
Designed by Swabeck Architecture, the courts will blend into the dramatic landscape of red rocks and ancient lava fields that define the Greater Zion region. But it’s not just about the views—though those will be spectacular.
The facility is being built with serious technology in mind. Players and fans can expect advanced systems for swing and movement assessment, real-time ball tracking, and automated line-calling during tournaments. Heated and misted cabanas will provide comfort year-round, while VIP and general seating options ensure spectators have a front-row experience whether they’re watching a casual match or a championship showdown.
Future phases will add eight more courts, bringing the total to 29 and cementing Black Desert’s status as a pickleball hub in the American Southwest.
The Greater Zion Cup: A Major Stop on the Pro Circuit
In partnership with the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and Greater Zion, Black Desert Resort will host the Greater Zion Cup in 2026. This isn’t just another tournament—it’s one of the most significant events on the professional calendar.
Cup tournaments award 1,500 ranking points, compared to the standard 1,000 points at Open events. That makes every match at the Greater Zion Cup critical for players looking to climb the world rankings or solidify their position among the sport’s elite.
“Southern Utah is a very special place for the Carvana PPA Tour, and we are thrilled to bring our signature area tournament to Black Desert Resort for the Greater Zion Cup,” said Connor Pardoe, Founder and CEO of the Carvana PPA Tour. “In partnership with our friends at Black Desert Resort and Greater Zion, we are proud to showcase this celebrated event and the best pickleball players in the world to some of the country’s most passionate pickleball fans.”
Economic Impact and Community Vision
For Black Desert Resort managing partner Patrick Manning, the pickleball courts represent more than just another amenity—they’re part of a broader strategy to drive regional tourism and support the local economy.
“Here at Black Desert, the pickleball courts are part of our broader mission to support the local community and economy by attracting visitors, creating jobs, and driving regional tourism,” Manning said. “The Greater Zion Cup at Black Desert Resort will further enhance Southern Utah’s reputation as a premier destination for sports and recreation, benefiting local businesses and the surrounding community.”
Brittany McMichael, director of Greater Zion, echoed that sentiment. “The Greater Zion Cup at Black Desert Resort puts our region on the global map for the sport of pickleball. The new pickleball facility will be a world-class venue in one of the most breathtaking settings, making it the ideal home for this event. We are proud to be the title sponsor and look forward to welcoming athletes and fans from around the world in 2026 and sharing our region with them.”
A Resort Built for Adventure
Black Desert Resort recently completed its resort center, establishing itself as a luxury destination that goes well beyond golf. The property features 447 rooms and suites across a Hotel and Resort Collection, seven dining venues, the 15,000-square-foot Plume Spa & Wellness, an infinity-edge pool with cabanas, and 45,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
The resort is anchored by an 18-hole Tom Weiskopf-designed championship golf course and hosts annual PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour events. Spanning over 600 acres, Black Desert offers access to 200+ acres of preserved land and six miles of hiking trails, all set against the striking backdrop of black lava beds and vermillion sandstone cliffs.
Future phases will include a water park, additional rooms and suites, and expanded dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
Why This Matters for Pickleball
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, with millions of players across all age groups and skill levels. The sport’s accessibility, social nature, and competitive depth have made it a phenomenon—and resorts like Black Desert are taking notice.
By investing in a world-class facility and partnering with the PPA Tour, Black Desert is positioning itself at the intersection of luxury hospitality and competitive sports tourism. The Greater Zion Cup will bring top athletes, dedicated fans, and media attention to a region already known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation.
For players, the chance to compete in one of the most scenic settings in the country—with cutting-edge technology and championship-level amenities—will be a major draw. For fans, it’s an opportunity to watch the best in the world while exploring one of the most iconic landscapes in the American West.
What’s Next
The pickleball courts are set to open in Spring 2026, with the Greater Zion Cup scheduled to follow. As construction progresses, Black Desert Resort will continue to release details about tournament dates, ticket availability, and player lineups.
For more information, visit blackdesertresort.com or call 844-237-8824. Follow @blackdesertresort on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for updates.
Whether you’re a pro chasing ranking points or a recreational player looking for your next adventure, Black Desert Resort is about to become a must-visit destination for anyone who loves pickleball—and the stunning landscapes of Greater Zion.
SOURCE Black Desert Resort
Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game.
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