Not golf, but a soon-to-be $7.9 billion sport will be perfect for Scottie Scheffler

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A sport that’s not golf but is exploding in popularity and economic impact might just be the perfect fit for Scottie Scheffler after all.

The paddle sport has surged from a niche pastime to a projected global market worth around $7.9 billion by 2033, making it one of the fastest-growing segments in the sporting world.

Smylie Kaufman’s pickleball experience with the No. 1 golfer, Scottie Scheffler

Golf analyst Smylie Kaufman shared an anecdote from a recent session on the court, highlighting how different the sport feels in practice

“We had golf carts on the court lighting up the court, it’s late. And so we get to playing pickleball and I have a good serve, that was something that I was able to hang onto for a little bit, and then I really started to struggle getting returns back,” Kaufman said in 2024.

That moment underscored how the sport challenges even seasoned athletes, marrying technical skill with fast reflexes and sharp strategic play.

Smylie Kaufman suggested Scottie Scheffler could thrive in pickleball

Kaufman didn’t stop at the anecdote, going further to praise the competitive instincts of his fellow athletes.

“It was just mainly because the ball was moving so much, I started to realise that Scottie may be the best pickleball player on tour, and potentially good enough to turn pro.

“I don’t say that lightly because he’s the best pickleball player I’ve ever played against,” he stated.

Kaufman’s comments follow a wider narrative about the sport’s meteoric rise. Market projections show that pickleball’s global market value could climb from around $1.9 billion in 2023 to approximately $7.9 billion by 2033, a pace of growth driven by expanding participation, rising equipment sales, and increasing investment in infrastructure, tournaments, and professional circuits.

The sport’s accessibility and explosive popularity make it an attractive option for athletes from diverse backgrounds, including those who have dominated other disciplines.

With participation numbers climbing and prize pools growing, many see pickleball as more than a recreational hobby; it’s becoming a major commercial force in global sport.