2026 SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Jan 8 2027 - Jan 10 2027

Level 1

Jan 8 2027 - Jan 10 2027

Level 1

When

Registration opens

May 1 2026

8:00 AM EST

Registration ends

Dec 13 2026

11:55 AM EST

Registration Cost

$ 80.00

per player

Price changes to USD 95.00 on Dec 14th

Click here for fee schedule

Where

Get Directions

Rhythm and Rally

3661 Eisenhower Parkway

Macon, GA, 31206

Tournament Description

WELCOME TO THE 2026 SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS

being held at Rhythm and Rally, a 160,000 square foot, two-level indoor pickleball facility with 32 indoor courts in Macon, Georgia January 8-10, 2027.

Only medal winners from Southern Pickleball sanctioned events are eligible to register!

IMPORTANT REQUIREMENT: ALL PLAYERS AND PARTNERS MUST HAVE MEDALED IN A SOUTHERN PICKLEBALL SANCTIONED EVENT

We expect our LARGEST registration numbers to date for this event so get registered EARLY.

SCHEDULE OF PLAY

Friday, January 8 – Men's and Women's Singles

Saturday, January 9 – Men’s and Women’s Doubles

Sunday, January 10 – Mixed Doubles

IMPORTANT REQUIREMENT: ALL PLAYERS AND PARTNERS MUST HAVE MEDALED IN A SOUTHERN PICKLEBALL SANCTIONED EVENT IN 2026*

*The Southern Championships held January 2026 event does not count toward the medaling requirement.

REGISTRATION FEES

• Registration Cost $80 (includes one event) | Additional Events $20 each

LAST DAY TO REGISTER AND BE GUARANTEED A FREE TOURNAMENT SHIRT: DECEMBER 13th @12:00 PM

DIVISIONS OFFERED

Mens/Womens Singles | Mens/Womens Doubles | Mixed Doubles

SKILL LEVELS (DUPR REQUIRED)

2.5 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5

AGE GROUPS

15+ | 35+ | 50+ | 60+ | 70+ | 80+

Age is determined as of 12/31/2026, even though the event is being held in January 2027.

If the tournament director combines any brackets, medals will be awarded based on players’ original registration.

TEAM RULE

Teams must compete at the skill level of the higher-rated player (or higher) and in the age group of the younger player.

QUALIFICATION: Both players must have medaled in a Southern Pickleball sanctioned tournament in 2026 to be eligible to play in this event.

</div>

MATCH GUARANTEE & BRACKETS

• Southern Pickleball guarantees a minimum of four (4) matches per team per event.

• Events will be played using round-robin brackets or pool play, followed by medal brackets and/or medal matches.

• Tournament management reserves the right to change bracket formats and/or shorten bracket formats at their discretion.

• Tournament management reserves the right to combine brackets as needed.

• If brackets are combined, medals will be awarded based on the original registered division.

• DUPR ratings will be used for all events

• All matches will be reported to DUPR

• Players are responsible for verifying match scores immediately after each match, before their next match begins.

• Score corrections may not be possible once the next match has started, so players are strongly encouraged to verify scores promptly.

• Tournament Director reserves the right to move players up or down in skill as deemed appropriate

• After registration closes, all players' DUPR ratings will be updated and reviewed

• Players whose updated DUPR rating (with 50% or higher reliability) exceeds the registered division will be moved to the appropriate higher bracket

APPEALS PROCESS

• Players with a DUPR rating (below 50% reliability) may appeal to play in a lower division

• Players must initially register in the higher division mandated by their current DUPR rating

• Appeals must be submitted via email to <a href="mailto:info@southernpickleball.com">info@southernpickleball.com</a> before registration closes

• Both partners (if applicable) must agree to the appeal

PARTNER POLICY

• Players may register with a partner or select “Need a Partner.”

• IF REGISTERING WITH A PARTNER: The selected partner must register within five (5) days of the first player’s registration. Failure to do so will result in the team being placed on the waitlist. Once the partner registers, the team will automatically move to the active list if space is available. Registration is not guaranteed until both players are registered and paid.

• IF SELECTING "NEED A PARTNER": Choosing this option does not guarantee the tournament will find a partner. This feature is provided as a courtesy so players may connect with one another. Players without partners must withdraw according to the tournament’s refund policy to be eligible. See Details below in REFUND POLICY

MATCH PLAY

• No referees

• All matches self-monitored

MEDIA & LIVESTREAM COVERAGE

• Select matches might be livestreamed on Southern Pickleball TV

• CLICK HERE: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@southernpickleballtv" target="_blank">Southern Pickleball TV</a> to watch live matches and highlights.

GUIDELINES, RULES & PADDLES

The Southern Pickleball Association adheres to the guidelines set forth in the USA Pickleball Rulebook. All gameplay, officiating, and judgment decisions during our events are based on these rules to ensure consistency and fairness for all players. Southern Pickleball reserves the right to deviate from the USA Pickleball rules at the discretion of tournament management.

We encourage all participants to familiarize themselves with the USA Pickleball Rulebook. For more information, please visit

<a href="https://usapickleball.org/what-is-pickleball/official-rules/" target="_blank">USA Pickleball's official website</a>.

Southern Pickleball allows paddles that are on the official UPA-A amateur and the USA Pickleball approved paddle list. It is the player's responsibility to ensure their paddle is currently approved.

<a href="https://equipment.usapickleball.org/paddle-list/" target="_blank">View Approved Paddle List</a>.

Players using an unapproved paddle may be subject to forfeit at the discretion of the tournament director and/or referee.

Additionally, players discovered to have two or more DUPR accounts may be subject to withdrawal from the tournament at the discretion of the tournament director.

Players with multiple DUPR accounts should contact <a href="mailto:support@dupr.com">support@dupr.com</a> to have their accounts merged.

Thank you for helping us uphold the integrity of the sport.

</div>

CUSTOMER SERVICE & SUPPORT

Southern Pickleball is happy to answer questions and assist with any issues related to registration, scheduling, divisions, or tournament policies. Please send all correspondence to

<a href="mailto:info@southernpickleball.com">info@southernpickleball.com</a>

For the fastest and most accurate service, please include the following information in your message:

• Your full name

• Your partner’s full name (if applicable)

• Age

• Phone number and email address for both players

• The bracket you are currently playing and/or the bracket you wish to play

• Providing complete information will help us respond more efficiently

Additional Information

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT ARE THE SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS?

The Southern Championships are the season-ending tournament that brings together the top players from across the Southeast who have qualified throughout the year. It’s an action-packed weekend filled with high-level competition, fun, and excitement!

WHEN ARE THE SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS?

January 8–10, 2027

Friday – Men’s and Women’s Singles

Saturday – Men’s and Women’s Doubles

Sunday – Mixed Doubles

WHERE ARE THE SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS HELD?

The event will take place in Macon, Georgia at Rhythm & Rally, a 32-court indoor pickleball facility designed to accommodate players, spectators, and vendors.

WHY DID I QUALIFY?

You qualified because you earned a medal in a Southern Pickleball Tournament or Sanctioned Southern Pickleball event in 2026.

IF I QUALIFIED, CAN I PLAY WITH SOMEONE WHO HASN’T QUALIFIED?

No. Only players who have qualified by medaling in a Southern Pickleball Tournament or Sanctioned Southern Pickleball event in 2026 are eligible to compete.

ARE THERE MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO QUALIFY IN 2026?

Yes! There are still many tournaments remaining this year where you can qualify. Visit <a href="https://www.southernpickleball.com" target="_blank">SouthernPickleball.com</a> to see the list of upcoming events – tournaments added weekly!.

DO I HAVE TO PLAY AT THE SAME SKILL LEVEL I MEDALED IN?

No. You may register for any skill level your DUPR rating allows.

WHICH AGE DO I USE SINCE THE EVENT IS IN 2027?

Your 2026 pickleball age will be used for the 2026 Championships, even though the event is being held in January 2027.

Example: If you are 59 in 2026 but turn 60 in 2027, you will still play at your 2026 age.

DO I HAVE TO PLAY WITH THE SAME PERSON I QUALIFIED WITH?

No. You may play with any player who has also qualified by medaling in a Southern Pickleball Tournament or Sanctioned Southern Pickleball event in 2026.

I QUALIFIED IN MIXED DOUBLES; CAN I PLAY IN OTHER EVENTS TOO?

Yes. Medalists may play in mixed, gender doubles, and singles even if you only qualified in one event.

DUPR AND SKILL LEVEL QUESTIONS

• Players must compete at their DUPR level at the close of registration

• If your DUPR rating increases, you may be moved to a higher division

• If your DUPR reliability is below 50%, you may submit an appeal

• Appeals must be submitted prior to registration closing and both partners must agree

PLAYER OF THE YEAR RANKINGS

If I medal at the 2026 Southern Championships in January 2027, does it count toward 2026 Player of the Year Ranking Points?

Yes! This is the final tournament that counts toward 2026 Player of the Year Ranking Points and awards BONUS POINTS toward the final standings.

Refund Policy

WITHDRAWAL & CANCELLATION POLICY

</div>

• Cancellation Deadline: DECEMBER 2nd @11:55 PM ET

• Withdrawals before the deadline receive a refund minus a $20 processing fee

• All approved refunds will be issued the week following the conclusion of the tournament

• Pickleball tournament service fees are non-refundable

• Tournament entry may close at any time if daily capacity limits are reached

WEATHER & TOURNAMENT INSURANCE

</div>

Optional Weather & Tournament Insurance is available for $12 and may be purchased during registration.

TOURNAMENT INSURANCE COVERS:

• Weather-related cancellations

• Withdrawals due to injury or family emergency for the player or their partner

Players who purchase Tournament Insurance will receive a 100% refund of registration and event fees if they are unable to compete in at least one event during the tournament. Registration fees are non-transferable.

Venue Details

Rhythm and Rally

3661 Eisenhower Parkway
Macon, Georgia, 31206
United States

Parking Information

Parking Fee: No Fee

Travel information

Lodging

Garner Macon West - Host Hotel

110 Plantation Inn Drive

Macon, Georgia, 31210

Tour

When

Registration opens

May 1 2026

8:00 AM EST

Registration ends

Dec 13 2026

11:55 AM EST

Registration Cost

$ 80.00

per player

Price changes to USD 95.00 on Dec 14th

Click here for fee schedule

Where

Get Directions

Rhythm and Rally

3661 Eisenhower Parkway

Macon, GA, 31206

Tournament Description

WELCOME TO THE 2026 SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS

being held at Rhythm and Rally, a 160,000 square foot, two-level indoor pickleball facility with 32 indoor courts in Macon, Georgia January 8-10, 2027.

Only medal winners from Southern Pickleball sanctioned events are eligible to register!

IMPORTANT REQUIREMENT: ALL PLAYERS AND PARTNERS MUST HAVE MEDALED IN A SOUTHERN PICKLEBALL SANCTIONED EVENT

We expect our LARGEST registration numbers to date for this event so get registered EARLY.

SCHEDULE OF PLAY

Friday, January 8 – Men's and Women's Singles

Saturday, January 9 – Men’s and Women’s Doubles

Sunday, January 10 – Mixed Doubles

IMPORTANT REQUIREMENT: ALL PLAYERS AND PARTNERS MUST HAVE MEDALED IN A SOUTHERN PICKLEBALL SANCTIONED EVENT IN 2026*

*The Southern Championships held January 2026 event does not count toward the medaling requirement.

REGISTRATION FEES

• Registration Cost $80 (includes one event) | Additional Events $20 each

LAST DAY TO REGISTER AND BE GUARANTEED A FREE TOURNAMENT SHIRT: DECEMBER 13th @12:00 PM

DIVISIONS OFFERED

Mens/Womens Singles | Mens/Womens Doubles | Mixed Doubles

SKILL LEVELS (DUPR REQUIRED)

2.5 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5

AGE GROUPS

15+ | 35+ | 50+ | 60+ | 70+ | 80+

Age is determined as of 12/31/2026, even though the event is being held in January 2027.

If the tournament director combines any brackets, medals will be awarded based on players’ original registration.

TEAM RULE

Teams must compete at the skill level of the higher-rated player (or higher) and in the age group of the younger player.

QUALIFICATION: Both players must have medaled in a Southern Pickleball sanctioned tournament in 2026 to be eligible to play in this event.

</div>

MATCH GUARANTEE & BRACKETS

• Southern Pickleball guarantees a minimum of four (4) matches per team per event.

• Events will be played using round-robin brackets or pool play, followed by medal brackets and/or medal matches.

• Tournament management reserves the right to change bracket formats and/or shorten bracket formats at their discretion.

• Tournament management reserves the right to combine brackets as needed.

• If brackets are combined, medals will be awarded based on the original registered division.

• DUPR ratings will be used for all events

• All matches will be reported to DUPR

• Players are responsible for verifying match scores immediately after each match, before their next match begins.

• Score corrections may not be possible once the next match has started, so players are strongly encouraged to verify scores promptly.

• Tournament Director reserves the right to move players up or down in skill as deemed appropriate

• After registration closes, all players' DUPR ratings will be updated and reviewed

• Players whose updated DUPR rating (with 50% or higher reliability) exceeds the registered division will be moved to the appropriate higher bracket

APPEALS PROCESS

• Players with a DUPR rating (below 50% reliability) may appeal to play in a lower division

• Players must initially register in the higher division mandated by their current DUPR rating

• Appeals must be submitted via email to <a href="mailto:info@southernpickleball.com">info@southernpickleball.com</a> before registration closes

• Both partners (if applicable) must agree to the appeal

PARTNER POLICY

• Players may register with a partner or select “Need a Partner.”

MATCH PLAY

• No referees

• All matches self-monitored

MEDIA & LIVESTREAM COVERAGE

• Select matches might be livestreamed on Southern Pickleball TV

• CLICK HERE: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@southernpickleballtv" target="_blank">Southern Pickleball TV</a> to watch live matches and highlights.

GUIDELINES, RULES & PADDLES

We encourage all participants to familiarize themselves with the USA Pickleball Rulebook. For more information, please visit

<a href="https://usapickleball.org/what-is-pickleball/official-rules/" target="_blank">USA Pickleball's official website</a>.

<a href="https://equipment.usapickleball.org/paddle-list/" target="_blank">View Approved Paddle List</a>.

Players using an unapproved paddle may be subject to forfeit at the discretion of the tournament director and/or referee.

Additionally, players discovered to have two or more DUPR accounts may be subject to withdrawal from the tournament at the discretion of the tournament director.

Players with multiple DUPR accounts should contact <a href="mailto:support@dupr.com">support@dupr.com</a> to have their accounts merged.

Thank you for helping us uphold the integrity of the sport.

</div>

CUSTOMER SERVICE & SUPPORT

Southern Pickleball is happy to answer questions and assist with any issues related to registration, scheduling, divisions, or tournament policies. Please send all correspondence to

<a href="mailto:info@southernpickleball.com">info@southernpickleball.com</a>

For the fastest and most accurate service, please include the following information in your message:

• Your full name

• Your partner’s full name (if applicable)

• Age

• Phone number and email address for both players

• The bracket you are currently playing and/or the bracket you wish to play

• Providing complete information will help us respond more efficiently

Additional Information

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT ARE THE SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS?

WHEN ARE THE SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS?

January 8–10, 2027

Friday – Men’s and Women’s Singles

Saturday – Men’s and Women’s Doubles

Sunday – Mixed Doubles

WHERE ARE THE SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS HELD?

The event will take place in Macon, Georgia at Rhythm & Rally, a 32-court indoor pickleball facility designed to accommodate players, spectators, and vendors.

WHY DID I QUALIFY?

You qualified because you earned a medal in a Southern Pickleball Tournament or Sanctioned Southern Pickleball event in 2026.

IF I QUALIFIED, CAN I PLAY WITH SOMEONE WHO HASN’T QUALIFIED?

No. Only players who have qualified by medaling in a Southern Pickleball Tournament or Sanctioned Southern Pickleball event in 2026 are eligible to compete.

ARE THERE MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO QUALIFY IN 2026?

DO I HAVE TO PLAY AT THE SAME SKILL LEVEL I MEDALED IN?

No. You may register for any skill level your DUPR rating allows.

WHICH AGE DO I USE SINCE THE EVENT IS IN 2027?

Your 2026 pickleball age will be used for the 2026 Championships, even though the event is being held in January 2027.

Example: If you are 59 in 2026 but turn 60 in 2027, you will still play at your 2026 age.

DO I HAVE TO PLAY WITH THE SAME PERSON I QUALIFIED WITH?

No. You may play with any player who has also qualified by medaling in a Southern Pickleball Tournament or Sanctioned Southern Pickleball event in 2026.

I QUALIFIED IN MIXED DOUBLES; CAN I PLAY IN OTHER EVENTS TOO?

Yes. Medalists may play in mixed, gender doubles, and singles even if you only qualified in one event.

DUPR AND SKILL LEVEL QUESTIONS

• Players must compete at their DUPR level at the close of registration

• If your DUPR rating increases, you may be moved to a higher division

• If your DUPR reliability is below 50%, you may submit an appeal

• Appeals must be submitted prior to registration closing and both partners must agree

PLAYER OF THE YEAR RANKINGS

If I medal at the 2026 Southern Championships in January 2027, does it count toward 2026 Player of the Year Ranking Points?

Yes! This is the final tournament that counts toward 2026 Player of the Year Ranking Points and awards BONUS POINTS toward the final standings.

Refund Policy

WITHDRAWAL & CANCELLATION POLICY

</div>

• Cancellation Deadline: DECEMBER 2nd @11:55 PM ET

• Withdrawals before the deadline receive a refund minus a $20 processing fee

• All approved refunds will be issued the week following the conclusion of the tournament

• Pickleball tournament service fees are non-refundable

• Tournament entry may close at any time if daily capacity limits are reached

WEATHER & TOURNAMENT INSURANCE

</div>

Optional Weather & Tournament Insurance is available for $12 and may be purchased during registration.

TOURNAMENT INSURANCE COVERS:

• Weather-related cancellations

• Withdrawals due to injury or family emergency for the player or their partner

Venue Details

Rhythm and Rally

3661 Eisenhower Parkway
Macon, Georgia, 31206
United States

Parking Information

Parking Fee: No Fee

Travel information

Lodging

Garner Macon West - Host Hotel

110 Plantation Inn Drive

Macon, Georgia, 31210

Tour

2026 SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS

2026 SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS

2026 SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS

2026 SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS

2026 SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Join the fastest growing pickleball community

3.7M

20.7k

1.2k

5.8k

415

2026 SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS

2026 SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS

2026 SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS

2026 SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS

2026 SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Tournament Description

Additional Information

Refund Policy

Venue Details

Travel information

Tournament Description

Additional Information

Refund Policy

Venue Details

Travel information