The APP Tour Cayman Islands Open: A Tropical Pickleball Paradise

The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) Tour is making waves in the Caribbean as it brings its first-ever pro tour stop to the stunning Cayman Islands. Set against the backdrop of crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches, this groundbreaking event promises to be a treat for both local enthusiasts and touring professionals alike.

From March 20th to March 23rd, 2025, the island of Grand Cayman will play host to this exciting tournament, organized in collaboration with Pickleball Cayman, the local venue that’s quickly becoming a hotspot for the sport. While the event doesn’t carry APP Tour Points, there’s still a substantial prize purse up for grabs in the Open Divisions, ensuring fierce competition among the pros.

Pickleball Cayman: A Tropical Pickleball Haven

Established in July 2023, Pickleball Cayman has rapidly evolved from a modest six-court facility to an impressive complex boasting 24 lighted courts, with half of them sheltered under a roof. This expansion reflects the growing popularity of pickleball in the region and the venue’s commitment to providing top-notch facilities for players of all levels.

What sets Pickleball Cayman apart is its unique approach to accessibility. Unlike many clubs that require membership fees, this facility operates on a pay-as-you-play model. Players can simply rent courts, book lessons, or participate in events and clinics without the burden of ongoing membership costs. This flexible system caters to both dedicated local players and curious tourists looking to try their hand at the sport.

The venue’s strategic location, just a five-minute taxi ride from the main cruise ship port, makes it an attractive destination for visitors. With five PPR certified coaches on staff, Pickleball Cayman offers high-quality instruction for those looking to improve their game or get introduced to the sport while on vacation.

Perfect Weather for Pickleball

While parts of the United States might be battling winter storms, participants and spectators at the Cayman Islands Open can look forward to ideal playing conditions. Forecasts predict temperatures ranging from a comfortable 74 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the tournament, creating a picturesque setting for top-level pickleball action.

Unique Pro-Am Event

Adding an extra layer of excitement to the tournament is the Pro-Am event scheduled for March 19th, from 2-5pm EST. This special 16-team round-robin tournament gives amateur players the rare opportunity to team up with professional athletes, culminating in thrilling semi-finals and finals matches.

The Pro-Am event will feature an impressive roster of U.S.-based pros, including Megan Fudge, Kyle Yates, Bobbi Oshiro, Jack Munro, Yana Newell, Amanda Hendry, and Jack Foster, among other top APP touring professionals. This unique format not only provides amateurs with an unforgettable experience but also offers fans a chance to see their favorite players in a more relaxed, yet competitive setting.

Tournament Structure and Schedule

The main tournament kicks off on March 20th with a packed schedule of high-level pickleball action:

• Thursday, March 20th: Women’s and Men’s Singles
• Friday, March 21st: Women’s and Men’s Doubles
• Saturday, March 22nd: Mixed Doubles

Unlike many tournaments that feature a Championship Sunday, all Open level events at the Cayman Islands Open will play to conclusion on their scheduled day. This compressed format ensures non-stop excitement and allows players and spectators to make the most of their time in this tropical paradise.

Star-Studded Player Lineup

The Cayman Islands Open has attracted a stellar field of competitors, featuring some of the APP Tour’s top-ranked players across all disciplines.

Women’s Division Headliners:

• Megan Fudge: Currently ranked #1 in Women’s Doubles on the APP Tour, Fudge will be competing in Mixed Open with Jack Munro and Women’s Open with Nicole Pitts.
• Bobbi Oshiro: The #1 ranked Mixed Doubles player on the APP Tour, Oshiro is set to partner with Richard Livornese, Jr. in Mixed Open and Judit Castillo in Women’s Open.
• Yana Newell: Ranked #2 in Women’s Singles, Newell will be a triple threat, competing in Singles, Mixed Open with Patrick Kawka, and Women’s Open with Carolina Mayorga-Perry.
• Amanda Hendry: The #3 ranked Women’s Singles player will also be competing across all three disciplines, partnering with Ryler DeHeart in Mixed Open and Allison Harris in Women’s Open.

Men’s Division Standouts:

• Jack Munro: The #2 ranked Men’s Doubles player on the APP Tour will team up with Megan Fudge in Mixed Open and Richard Livornese, Jr. in Men’s Open.
• Kyle Yates: A Pickleball Hall of Famer, Yates brings his wealth of experience to the Mixed Open with Judit Castillo and Men’s Open with Jack Foster.
• Jack Foster: Ranked #3 in Men’s Singles, Foster will be competing in Singles, Mixed Open with Alexa Schull, and Men’s Open alongside Kyle Yates.
• Patrick Kawka: The #8 ranked Men’s Doubles player will partner with Yana Newell in Mixed Open and Ryler DeHeart in Men’s Open.

The tournament will also feature other top APP touring pros such as Ryler DeHeart, Andre Mick, Judit Castillo, Alexa Schull, Riley Bohnert, and Ben Newell, ensuring a high level of competition across all events.

Local Talent on Display

While the international stars will undoubtedly draw attention, the Cayman Islands Open also provides a platform for local talent to shine. Notable Cayman Island players competing in the Open Divisions include Michael Carse, Jerry Beck, Dana Karani, and Steve Thompson, all of whom are teaching pros at Pickleball Cayman. Their participation adds a compelling local narrative to the tournament and showcases the growing pickleball scene in the Cayman Islands.

A Milestone for Pickleball in the Caribbean

The APP Tour Cayman Islands Open represents a significant milestone for pickleball’s growth in the Caribbean region. By bringing a professional tour event to this tropical destination, the APP is not only expanding its global footprint but also introducing the sport to a new audience of potential players and fans.

For the Cayman Islands, hosting such a prestigious event could have far-reaching implications. Beyond the immediate economic impact of bringing players and spectators to the island, the tournament has the potential to establish Grand Cayman as a pickleball destination, potentially attracting more players and events in the future.

The Spectator Experience

While the tournament won’t be live-streamed, spectators attending the event in person are in for a treat. The combination of world-class pickleball action and the stunning Cayman Islands setting creates a unique atmosphere that can’t be replicated elsewhere.

Fans will have the opportunity to watch their favorite pros up close, experiencing the speed, skill, and strategy of high-level pickleball in an intimate setting. The tournament’s compact schedule also means that spectators can enjoy a full day of competitive play, from early rounds through to finals, all within the same day for each discipline.

Impact on Local Pickleball Community

For the local pickleball community in the Cayman Islands, this tournament is a game-changer. It provides unprecedented exposure to top-level play and offers local players the chance to compete against and learn from some of the best in the sport. The event is likely to inspire a new generation of pickleball enthusiasts in the Caribbean, potentially accelerating the sport’s growth in the region.

Moreover, the tournament showcases the Cayman Islands’ capacity to host large-scale pickleball events, which could pave the way for more international tournaments in the future. This could have a lasting impact on the local pickleball scene, attracting more players, investments in facilities, and potentially even fostering the development of homegrown professional talent.

A New Chapter for the APP Tour

For the APP Tour, the Cayman Islands Open represents a bold step into new territory. By venturing outside its traditional markets in the United States, the tour is demonstrating its commitment to growing pickleball on a global scale. The success of this event could serve as a blueprint for future international expansions, potentially opening up new markets and opportunities for professional pickleball players.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Tournament

The APP Tour Cayman Islands Open is more than just another stop on the professional pickleball circuit. It’s a celebration of the sport’s growing global appeal, a showcase for world-class talent, and a potential catalyst for pickleball’s expansion in the Caribbean.

As players and fans descend upon Grand Cayman for this groundbreaking event, they’ll be part of a historic moment in pickleball’s evolution. Whether you’re a dedicated pickleball enthusiast or simply curious about this rapidly growing sport, the Cayman Islands Open promises to be an unforgettable experience that combines top-tier athletic competition with the unparalleled beauty of a Caribbean paradise.

While the champions will be crowned and prizes awarded, the true winner may well be the sport of pickleball itself, as it continues to break new ground and capture the hearts of players and spectators around the world. The Cayman Islands Open is not just a tournament; it’s a glimpse into the bright, global future of pickleball.