Har-Tru recently hosted a one-of-a-kind event—the Southern Pickleball Clay Court Championships at the beautiful Kiawah Island Golf Resort. With the help of a local contractor, we converted several tennis courts into regulation pickleball courts for this unique two-day tournament, offering players a new surface, a fresh challenge, and an unforgettable experience.

Breaking the Clay Court Stigma

Pickleball on clay has often come with hesitation or misconceptions—but that’s exactly what we’re working to change. Clay offers a different pace and feel than traditional hard courts, and while it may take some adjustment, many players found themselves embracing the surface once they adapted their strategy and footwork. What started with curiosity ended in enthusiasm, with great feedback from players who had never experienced the game this way before.

A New Ball Built for Clay

One of the standout moments of the event was the debut of a new pickleball developed in partnership with Wilson Sporting Goods, designed specifically for use on clay. This ball has been engineered, tested, and fine-tuned to match the slower speed and softer surface, helping ensure a consistent and enjoyable experience. It’s another step in our mission to make clay court pickleball viable, exciting, and accessible.

Why Clay? The Surface Advantage

HAR-TRU clay courts are unlike any other surface in pickleball. They’re slower and softer than hard courts, but with better traction and a more consistent pace than traditional European red clay. Here’s why clay is gaining attention:

• 🟢 Better for your body: The softer surface is easier on joints and muscles, reducing the risk of injuries. In fact, clay court players experience seven times fewer injuries than those on hard courts.
• 🌡 Cooler to play on: Har-Tru surfaces are 10–15 degrees cooler than asphalt or concrete.
• 🌍 Environmentally friendly: Har-Tru contains no toxic materials and helps control water runoff while drying quickly after rain.

How Clay Changes the Game

Clay doesn’t just protect your body—it enhances your strategy. Here's how:

• 🎾 Stay in the game longer: The softer surface is gentler on joints and muscles, allowing for more sustained play with less physical strain while also promoting longer rallies and extended play, helping improve stamina and court awareness.
• 💡 Rally and dink: Shot placement, patience, and ball control matter more than ever. While power still plays a role, the game rewards spin, touch, and strategic build-up.
• 👟 Fancy footwork: Adjusting to the surface helps players sharpen their agility, balance, and coordination—fundamental skills that translate to any surface and support smarter movement and quicker recovery.

The Future of Pickleball on Clay

This tournament wasn’t just about crowning winners—it was about expanding how and where pickleball can be played. While clay has long been a staple in tennis, it’s still a growing option in the pickleball world. Har-Tru is helping clubs introduce pickleball to clay surfaces by offering adaptable solutions that fit their existing court infrastructure and community needs.

Whether it’s adding a few pickleball lines to existing tennis courts, creating combination courts, or converting a full tennis court into multiple dedicated clay pickleball courts, we’re providing a flexible path forward. Combined with the debut of a clay-specific pickleball developed with Wilson Sporting Goods, Har-Tru is proud to lead the way in making clay court pickleball viable, strategic, and accessible.