Pickleball tournament all about the cards

The Canyon Lake Pickleball Club’s annual Spring Poker Tournament Saturday had a mixture of skill and luck. The match winners played for more cards, but the ultimate winners were crowned based on the best poker hand.

More than 40 players and spectators came out for the popular tournament and were treated to a classic Canyon Lake spring day. Karl Schorr took first place, Steve Libring second place and Michelle Wynn third place.

The format for the tournament was different, yet simple to follow.

At the beginning of the tournament, each of the 24 players drew six cards from a deck of 52, making that the starting hand. Each time a player won a match, his or her randomly-assigned partner drew another card in an attempt to make a better hand. At the end of the four matches, all poker hands were final and the best three hands were awarded gift cards to the Canyon Lake POA restaurants.

Kimberly Keigwin eyes what shot to make as Nancy Ford, left, and Jim Sisco anxiously await to attack during the Canyon Lake Spring Poker Tournament Saturday. Photo provided by Steve Libring

Pickleball Club Social Director Julie Doherty provided a well-organized tournament with plenty of food and desserts for all to enjoy, Steve Libring, the club secretary and founder, said.

The next big club event takes place at the Park Hopper Day May 27. The club will be at Eastport Park volunteering for the Memorial Day weekend extravaganza. Canyon Lakers are invited to come and  enjoy great rides, food, and a D.J. This will be a great day for the entire family, Steve said.

During the Park Hopper event, Canyon Lakers can sign up for and participate in free pickleball lessons that day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

“Just wear your tennis shoes and be dressed to move,” Steve said. “The club is looking forward to teaching the game and meeting new friends. Get started on your pickleball journey.”

The Pickleball Club will be hosting a juniors clinic in June for ages 9 thru 17. Interested kids can come and learn the game at the Pickleball Summer Junior Clinic.

For more information on the clinic, the Park Hopper event, or becoming a member, contact Steve at steve.libring@gmail.com.