Over the past eleven years a part time hobby has become a full-time passion for Valley resident Chuck Hartz.

After years of playing racket ball and tennis, Chuck’s all- consuming sport of choice now is Pickleball.  Living at the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo for most of nine months of the year, Chuck takes advantage of their 18 Pickleball courts and plays in the perfect South Florida weather. 

The Ocean Reef Club was early on the scene bringing Pickleball to South Florida.  About 20 years ago they constructed eight courts and brought in the #1 player in the World, Ben Johns, to start the program.  His philosophy was to train, teach and play.  The Club also brought the top four women and four men in the U.S. to start a Pro Am Program which was very successful.

 

Chuck jumped into the new sport and became very proficient.  Over the years he has played in more than 54 Interstate and National Tournaments.  He and his partner Bob Switzer have won medals in six U.S. Opens held in Naples, Florida.  Together they have played all over the U.S.  Chuck was the Ocean Reef Club Senior Singles Club Champion in 2025.  When Joy and Chuck spend the summer months in the Valley, Chuck plays at a high level three to four times a week at the Hendersonville Racket Club.

Pickleball started as a backyard game in Bainbridge, WA.  It was a backyard activity to entertain children during the summer.  The name Pickleball came from the family dog “Pickles” who liked to chase the ball.  The U.S. Pickleball Association was formed in 2005 helping to standardize rules and promote the sport. It is now the fastest growing sport in the U.S.  It is mainly a doubles game that requires fast hand and eye coordination.  It’s played on a smaller court than tennis and with a paddle instead of a racket.  It is a singles game or a doubles game.

As the U.S. Open gets underway more than 5,000 players in different age and skill groups participate. 

Former professional basketball player, Rick Barry, has joined the Pickleball craze and Chuck looks forward to meeting him on the Pickleball court one day.