When market reports started showing how fast pickleball was growing across the United States, investors rushed to open clubs. Some had never even played pickleball before; they just saw an opportunity and took it.
But as many soon learned, opening a pickleball club isn’t as simple as unlocking the doors and waiting for players to show up. Behind every successful facility is strategy, community building, and a lot of heart.

Basit Memon, founder of Montville Pickleball & Golf Club in New Jersey, embodies that story.

Building Something Bigger Than Courts

Coming from a customer service and retail background, Basit didn’t have a roadmap when he opened Montville Pickleball & Golf Club just five months ago. It was simply a passion for people and an eye for opportunity.

What started as a leap of faith has quickly grown into one of the most welcoming and fast-growing pickleball communities in his region. The club has already registered nearly 2,000 players, launched DUPR events, and added unlimited memberships that continue to grow every week.

“I thought it would be easy,” Basit said, laughing. “I told my dad I’d have my feet up on the desk. Now he calls me and says, ‘Are your feet up yet?’ And I tell him, ‘No, I’m running!’”

He might be running... but it’s working.

Finding Support Before Launching His Pickleball Club

Before Montville even opened its doors, Basit reached out to DUPR for guidance. That’s how he met Mehdi, his DUPR Account Manager, who helped him every step of the way.

“In the beginning, I was asking the dumbest questions,” Basit said. “But Mehdi was always patient, always answered, and even came to my club to play with my members. He helped me build my first high-level group. I’m really lucky to have met him.”

That partnership gave Basit a foundation of trust, structure, and confidence before his first customer even walked through the door.

A Club Built on Connection

Montville Pickleball & Golf Club isn’t flashy. There are no neon signs or lounge spaces. Instead, every inch of the facility was designed with players in mind, from high-quality floors and lighting to the welcoming atmosphere that keeps people coming back.

And the most noticeable difference? Basit himself.
He’s not just the owner; he’s the greeter, the scheduler, and the heartbeat of the place.

“I don’t use the automatic check-in feature,” he said. “I want to greet every player. I want to know your first name, how you play, and what makes you come back.”

In the first five months, Basit logged more than 3,200 hours at his club. His members often describe the environment as welcoming, energetic, and personal.

‍“My space doesn’t have the bells and whistles,” he said. “But it has great floors, great lights, and great people. That’s what matters.”

How DUPR Powers His Club’s Growth

Basit uses DUPR to run club events, log matches, and now, as he completes his DUPR Coach Certification, he’s helping new players get rated to track their progress.

“Players ask about DUPR all the time,” he said. “Now I can guide them, help them get rated, and make sure their matches are balanced and fun. It’s a great way to connect players at all levels.”

Through DUPR, Montville Pickleball & Golf Club has built a reputation for fairness, structure, and inclusivity, where players feel their improvement is measurable and meaningful.

Advice for New Club Owners

When asked what he’d tell others opening a pickleball club, Basit’s advice was simple:

“Listen to your players. What works in one place might not work in another. Be open, adapt, and never stop learning.”

He also stressed the importance of personal connection:

“The person at the front desk sets the tone. That first hello can make or break a player’s experience.”

A Model for the Future of Pickleball Clubs

In just a few months, Basit has turned Montville Pickleball & Golf Club into a thriving home for players of all levels,  a place that captures what pickleball is truly about: community, connection, and growth.

His story shows that you don’t need a background in sports management to succeed. You just need the right mindset, the right support, and the right system, and for Basit, that system was DUPR.

“I didn’t come from pickleball,” he said. “But DUPR helped me understand the sport, build my programs, and connect players. It’s made my club better, and it’s made me a better leader.”

The Takeaway

Montville Pickleball & Golf Club stands as a reminder that the future of pickleball belongs to those who care not just about games, but about people.

With DUPR, Basit is not only helping players track their progress, but he is also helping them feel part of something bigger.
Because when every match counts, every connection does too.

If you are interested in opening a pickleball club, fill out this form and get help before you launch!

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