Jammin' for Joy 2025 – My Jasper, GA Pickleball & Friends Adventure

The Tournament in Their Words

Jammin' for Joy describes itself this way:
"Now in our 5th year, Jammin' for Joy has grown into a premier tournament in North Georgia. It's a fun and competitive event that makes a difference in the lives of those we serve at The Joy House. This year we're expanding to 4 days to meet demand and welcome even more pickleball friends to the party. While it's not the tournament where you play with the pros, it's definitely the one where you're treated like a pro."

And after experiencing it firsthand, I can confidently say—Jammin' for Joy not only lives up to that description, it exceeds it. A big reason why? Tournament director Steve Lowe, who makes it his mission to treat every player like a pro—and delivers on that promise.

Getting There & Where to Stay

The tournament takes place at Bent Tree Country Club in Jasper, GA, about 65 miles north of Atlanta—an easy escape from the city heat.

Our group of 10 stayed at Big Canoe, a nearby mountain retreat. While it's close in distance, the winding mountain roads meant about a 30-minute drive to Bent Tree. Honestly, I didn't mind—it was a beautiful ride filled with scenic views and plenty of wildlife.

Pre-Tournament Warm-Up

Big Canoe has excellent pickleball courts that can be reserved for $10 per person, per hour. We booked courts on two different days to get in some solid warm-up play before the tournament.

Since we had a spacious cabin with a full kitchen, we opted to cook meals together. Sharing food, laughter, and tall tales of past pickleball victories was the perfect way to spend our downtime.

High-Level Play

One of the biggest highlights of Jammin' for Joy is the competitive level of play. With 549 players and packed brackets, you definitely get your money's worth.

Most brackets featured round-robin pool play (one game to 15) followed by medal rounds, guaranteeing at least four games—even for teams not having their best day.

The competition was strong across all divisions. For example, the Women's 4.5+ bracket had 8 teams, making for a very competitive field. The energy was fantastic, both for players and spectators.

Tournament Highlights

Venue
Bent Tree's facilities are top-notch with 6 outdoor and 6 indoor courts (the indoor ones converted from tennis courts). Organizers provided plenty of shaded tents for spectators, which was a thoughtful touch.

Swag Bag
Hands down, one of the best swag bags I've seen! Designed by a local artist, the Jammin' for Joy logo is eye-catching and unique. Instead of a basic tote, we received a small cooler stocked with two Diadem pickleballs, a towel, and a tournament shirt.

Food & Snacks
Tournament hospitality was on point. Coolers with water and hydration drinks were available at both indoor and outdoor courts. At the central food tent, fruit and snack bars were stocked all day, and every player received lunch daily.

Medals & Prizes
The medals, styled after the Jammin' for Joy logo, were unique and fun. Gold medal winners also received a stuffed teddy bear—a quirky and memorable prize that quickly became a coveted item by day two!

The Joy of Friendship

Traveling with friends made the experience even more special. We also have friends in Jasper, so getting the chance to spend time with them was fantastic. Cheering each other on, celebrating wins, and sharing laughs created lasting memories.

One of my favorite moments was when a friend surprised our group with custom bag tags, handcrafted by our talented friend, Christen Ferguson. She offers so many cute things so be sure to check out her facebook page. It was such a thoughtful gesture and a perfect keepsake to remember the trip.

Final Thoughts

Jammin' for Joy 2025 was everything a tournament should be: competitive play, great organization, thoughtful hospitality, and above all—community. Much of that is thanks to Steve Lowe, the tournament director, who sets the tone by ensuring players are treated like pros from start to finish.

The combination of high-level pickleball, a welcoming environment, and a mission to support The Joy House makes this event truly special.

If you're looking for a tournament where you'll feel both challenged and appreciated, Jammin' for Joy should be at the top of your list. It's more than just pickleball—it's friendship, fun, and a cause worth supporting.

My local area

In my area of the world, pickleball players are choosing to call the Alabama–Florida Gulf Coast home! Whether you're a seasoned competitor or newly passionate about the game, this region offers an unbeatable blend of active lifestyle, affordability, and year-round outdoor play.

Let me know how I can help you find a dream home near your favorite pickleball courts!

donnap@levinrinkerealty.com