Meet The Pros - Scott Burr

Meet The Pros – Scott Burr

We like to hear about pickleball success stories - Scott Burr proves himself to be a master on the court, and he gives back to the community as well. I call that a success story! Enjoy!

Can you list for us your major wins so we can correctly introduce you to our readers?

2017 USAPA Nationals - Sr. Open Men's Doubles with Steve Kennedy - Gold
50+ Men's Age/Skill Doubles with Jay Rippel - Gold
50+ Men's Age/Skill Singles - Gold
2017 SoCal Classic - Sr. Open Men's Doubles with Roberto Donati - Gold
2015 SoCal Classic - Men's Open Doubles with Marcin Rozpdski - Gold

I also have multiple silvers and bronzes from other Nationals and TOCs.

What paddle do you play with and why?

I play doubles with the Engage Encore Pro because it has great feel for dinking and plenty of pop for power. I play singles with the Engage Blade because it has the most power of any paddle I've tried.

What’s your pickleball story? How were you introduced to pickleball?

I was working as the Director of Golf at Monterey CC in Palm Desert when USAPA Ambassador Chris Thomas came to our tennis facility to give a demonstration to our members. I was hooked after 5 minutes! It brought me back to my childhood playing paddle tennis at the beach all day.

What’s your preference: playing indoors or outdoors?

Definitely outdoors. For 8 months of the year we have the best weather in the world in La Quinta, so how couldn't I prefer outdoors! We do have an indoor facility here in the desert that we use a little during our brutal summers, but I'd still rather play early morning outdoors.

Do you like singles or doubles better? Why?

I love both but would give the edge to doubles. The social aspect, trash talking and camaraderie are what make it so great. Singles is great for personal satisfaction and fitness but takes a toll on my bones.

What’s your favorite place to play? Why?

For tournament play, Nationals hands down. The atmosphere, prestige and aura are unequaled. For rec play, I am very fortunate to have great playing partners at various clubs in the desert that have beautiful pickleball facilities.

What’s your secret sauce? Any tips for players?

I found the magic of drilling this year. I spent a lot of time drilling with my mixed partner, Kim Jagd, and Hall of Fame volleyball coach Andy Banachowski. They designed a number of drills that mimic game situations for realistic and repetitive practice. I also play most of my rec games with Marcin and Morgan. You know you're getting good practice if your rec partners are known by their first names only!

What’s your day job?

My wife, Andrea, and I own a restaurant in Indio called Your Pie. It's a pizza restaurant and we get great support from the pickleball community. I was a golf pro for 25 years before deciding to go into business.

How many hours a week do you play? How do you make time to play?

Once or twice a week. If I'm getting ready for a tournament, I'll try to get out 3-4 times a week. It's tough to find the time while trying to run a restaurant and raise two girls, but I have family that really supports my mid-life crisis hobby!

Any lucky rituals before a big tournament?

Just having the habit of picking good partners! And eating popcorn during tournament day!

Do you have any pickleball goals you’d like to share?

After last year, I set the goal of winning gold at Nationals this year. Fortunately, I was able to achieve that goal and will now set new ones for next year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_XoqlxoJRo

Anything else you’d like to share about your experience being one of the best pickleball players in the world?

I truly feel so fortunate to be able to play this game at the time when the sport is exploding. It's so fun to compete with the great players/people that we do and to be part of the exponential growth that we are experiencing. I'm a kid all over again!