Discussing Paddle court installation for golf clubs
Golf club managers are always looking for inventive ways to improve profitability and enhance the experience for members. Balancing popularity with affordability is key to implementing a sustainable addition to your golf club. One trend which is taking off at the moment is paddle. A slow pace-of-play and technical racket sport, paddle shares many similarities with golf, but with perhaps a broader audience.
Despite the obvious advantages, many golf club managers have reservations. They don’t know how to properly integrate paddle tennis, how much construction is involved or if the membership would appreciate the noise and newcomers. Also at Club Insure we have received enquiries as to how paddle tennis courts can affect a sports club’s insurance policy.
In our exclusive interview with Lewis Clarke, General Manager of Moor Allerton Golf Club, we discuss his club’s new paddle complex and the range of benefits afforded by adopting paddle tennis.
Lewis Clarke discusses Paddle Courts at Moor Allerton Golf Club
When did you first decide you wanted to incorporate paddle into your business plan?
Lewis: “In 2024, the Chairman of the club was looking at ways to bring in revenue. We had an old bowling green at Moor Allerton on our premises that wasn’t being used. At first we thought about putting a gym there or another facility, but then the Chairman saw an advert on social media which involved paddle; its popularity and potential return-on-investment.
He started looking at companies to partner with. We spoke to paddle groups and businesses, and cherry-picked the few services that suited our circumstances. We wanted something affordable and wouldn’t burden our staff with more responsibilities. The company which was most suitable was Pure Padel, and so far we are very happy with the outcome. We like to think of the arrangement as a partnership, they lease the space from us and the courts are completely self-sufficient.
We like to think that there are a lot of similarities between paddle and golf. Many of our members play paddle – it’s a growing trend, whether it’s for enjoyment or fitness. Paddle attracts people of all ages and even our staff are starting to get more involved; cross-selling and teaching.”
How long did the process of installing paddle courts take?
“From spades going in, the process took a total of six months. They started construction in winter 2024/2025 when the course is quieter, and it opened August 2025. Luckily we have a large car park; we cordoned off an area while they were laying the groundworks; but once that was done the rest of the courts popped up quickly. Its like a big Meccano set.
We have four paddle courts at the Moor Allerton paddle complex, as well as a reception, bar areas, and outdoor viewing and drinking section, alongside their own toilet facilities. It’s fully self-sufficient.”
What is your financial arrangement with Pure Padel?
“Pure Padel lease the land from us, so that’s regular income for the club. Quite quickly we arranged an agreement that would be mutually beneficial, where members of the golf club receive exclusive rights and a discount on paddle court bookings. Next summer we will see the true benefit of that arrangement, once we have a full summer of all-day court bookings.
We see the relationship as a partnership – staff are cross-selling the paddle service and we may gain some members through visitors investigating the clubhouse. We’ve already had some non-members enquire and want to see the course. Eventually we may introduce joint sessions – golf into paddle, or paddle to golf… George Carroll our Head Pro is a very good paddle player and training to be a coach.”
Has there been any issues with the increase of non-members on the premises?
“So far we haven’t had any security issues. There are cameras all around the clubhouse and groundskeeping facility. We don’t have a gate to our carpark because of the cost and operational hassle, so we are used to people walking around the property. Thankfully the paddle complex is sectioned off to its own area, which helps to reduce noise and improve privacy.
I think there is a stigma around certain golf courses, and people can feel awkward enquiring. We try to welcome people, even those who just want a view of the course or explore the pro shop.”
Do you see the sport of paddle continuing to grow?
“It’s going from strength to strength. I play paddle myself. I never played racket sports when I was young, but because paddle is enclosed the ball is always alive, and you’re not having to move too much. Its more accessible. The social side of paddle is great, you’re always playing with three friends. In that respect, it’s similar to golf – one lesser-skilled person doesn’t ruin a competitive game for a group.
Sports that are for all abilities will always be popular and accessible. The Playtomic app makes booking easier, and it records your level of skill so you can benchmark yourself and find people at the same skill level. George and I had an open match today with two people we didn’t know beforehand who found us through the app; it splits the payment four ways.”
What can golf clubs learn from paddle tennis’s growth?
Lewis: “I’m not sure because golf clubs operate to a different business model. It’s the memberships which keep golf clubs breathing. Golf clubs could definitely learn from the vibe and atmosphere of the paddle. It’s marmite, some people like the vibrant atmosphere but others don’t care too much for it.”
Would you recommend golf clubs adopt paddle tennis?
“If your golf club has the land available to lease then yes I would recommend paddle. I’d suggest golf clubs contact a company such as Pure Padel who will finance everything themselves and organise the development. It takes quite a bit of money to build courts – but if the golf club is financially able, then go for it. The return of investment is amazing and it provides something different for the members. The amount of people visiting our club now has increased – even if they are just coming in for a cup of coffee and a look around. So far the paddle has been busy every day, even in poor weather, so we are looking forward to a full summer of paddle next year.”