Pickleball and Golf Center Opens in Poughkeepsie

Pickleball, the sport combining elements of tennis, ping pong and badminton, has been become a big hit for players of all demographics across all parts of the world. People old and young from cities and suburbs alike enjoy the simple yet competitive nature of the game, and many communities are seeking more opportunities to engage in the sport. The people of the Hudson Valley are no exception, which is why co-owners Dr. Russell Tigges, Glen Beram and Brian Vigorita have decided to take the local pickleball scene to the next level by opening the Hudson Valley Pickleball and Golf Center in Poughkeepsie.

Founded in 1965, the sport of pickleball remained relatively obscure for several decades, until it enjoyed a massive surge in popularity in the 2010s after becoming a viral trend. It has only continued to gain traction since then, and has since been named the fastest growing sport in the United States according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Organization. Participation has grown 223% since 2021, and pickleball courts have been popping up left and right in order to meet demand. Looking to enhance the pickleball experience for local enthusiasts, the Hudson Valley Pickleball and Golf Center now provides state of the art pickleball courts and golf simulators along with competitive tournaments, private lessons and more. 

Located at 1895 South Road on Route 9, the center officially opened on Feb 15 but had its grand opening celebration on March 29. Its facility features 10 pickleball courts, one slightly larger “stadium” court, five high-tech Golfzon golf simulators and other amenities such as full locker rooms with showers and food and drink concession stands. The center is the largest pickleball space that the Hudson Valley has to offer.

Aside from being a brand new facility rich with a bounty of indoor playing space, several features of the Hudson Valley Pickleball and Golf Center set it apart from other pickleball or golf locations. Firstly, the center’s pickleball courts are lined with Herculan Pickleball Flooring, a type of rubber which provides “up to 35% shock absorption,” according to their website. This minimizes the risk of injury while allowing the ball to bounce the same way it would on a traditional concrete court, creating the optimal conditions for safe, fun play without compromising the nature of the sport. 

Another perk of the facility is its implementation of pickleball court cameras, which capture game footage that can be sent home to players after their sessions. This allows serious players to analyze their form and casual players to treasure memories playing with their friends and families. Each standard court has one camera, while the “stadium” court has three, along with its own set of bleachers. 

The facility’s five golf simulators are yet another draw for the center, offering more than 250 courses with varying terrains. The simulators provide five different types of hitting mat allowing golfers to strike from a range of surfaces, as well as a moving swing plate that adjusts in 24 directions. It also provides high speed camera sensors and auto tee, all allowing the simulator to capture the golfer’s swings as realistically and accurately as possible.

Alongside its top notch courts and golf simulators, the Hudson Valley Pickleball and Golf Center offers a wealth of community events for both the seasoned and novice player. They host women’s, men’s and mixed singles and doubles pickleball tournaments, corporate and social pickleball and golf events, children’s summer camps, lessons and clinics in both pickleball and golf. They also offer golf club fitting sessions to help golfers pick out the right equipment for their unique style of play. The center also sells their own merch as well as ten different high quality brands of pickleball rackets. 

Behind the Hudson Valley Pickleball & Golf Center are its passionate founders, bringing a special blend of sports, marketing, biology and education expertise which together enable them to run their new center adeptly. Co-owner Brian Vigorita has 27 years of experience in entrepreneurship and works as the owner of Powerhouse Gym and as a Creative Director of a Healthcare Education Company, bringing a wealth of business and fitness knowledge to the table. Co-owner Dr. Russell Tigges works as an orthopedic surgeon and has a strong love for sports, bringing a vast knowledge of human anatomy to their athletic facility. Co-owner Glen Baram works as a high school math teacher and is the owner of A+ Tutoring Services, utilizing his skills of education and inclusion to foster sports learning and create a welcoming environment. 

The atmosphere within the Hudson Valley Pickleball & Golf Center is highly uplifting and all who are interested in playing are welcome, regardless of membership status. For non-members, pickleball courts charge $20 per player, giving players private access to the court for a full hour. The non-member bay fee for the golf simulators is $90 per player during peak hours (holidays, weekends and Fridays past 5 p.m.) and $75 per player off peak (Monday through Thursday).

Those who purchase a membership gain access to even more perks, such as discounted court and driving time, advanced tournament and court registration, priority event placement and court access, exclusive events and other special items offered throughout the year. Pickleball members pay $10 an hour per player on the pickleball courts and can book courts up to 10 days in advance, while non-members can book up to three days early. Golf members enjoy a $0 bay fee both on and off peak, and can bring in guests at a highly discounted rate. There are numerous different membership plans, each a yearly commitment that can be paid in monthly installments or in full. To explore membership plans, book a visit or simply learn more, check out their website.