Play at the right level and get better faster at The PPC.
We will help you assess accurately, compete appropriately and continuosly improve.
Play at the right level and get better faster at The PPC.
We will help you assess accurately, compete appropriately and continuosly improve.
Step 1: Assess
We verify your level using:
Skills observation (IPTPA-based benchmarks)
Playing history and competitive results
Director review when needed
New placements are provisional for 4 sessions.
Step 1: Assess
We verify your level using:
Skills observation (IPTPA-based benchmarks)
Playing history and competitive results
Director review when needed
New placements are provisional for 4 sessions.
Step 2: Compete
You'll join:
Level-specific organized play
Leagues and ladders at your verified level
DUPR-tracked formats when appropriate
If a mismatch is clear, we fix it fast.
Step 2: Compete
You'll join:
Level-specific organized play
Leagues and ladders at your verified level
DUPR-tracked formats when appropriate
If a mismatch is clear, we fix it fast.
Step 3: Improve
We connect you to:
Clinics tailored to your skill needs
Coaching that aligns with your level goals
Clear benchmarks to move up
Ready to improve? Call us to get started
Step 3: Improve
We connect you to:
Clinics tailored to your skill needs
Coaching that aligns with your level goals
Clear benchmarks to move up
Ready to improve? Call us to get started
Our Coaches
Booking private lessons, semi-private lessons, and instructing clinics weekly.
Mike Pazourek
TOURING PRO AND INSTRUCTOR
Mike is originally from Prague, Czech Republic. A former tennis professional, he played on the AT Men's Tour and reached a ranking of #400 in the world. He was also a tennis teaching pro for 35 years. Bringing with him decades of coaching experience, Mike began teaching Pickleball in 2017. He is a certified PPR (Professional Pickleball Registry) and FP (International Federation of Pickleball) instructor. He enjoys helping players of all ages learn and improve their game As a player, Mike is currently ranked in the top 10 in the United States on the APP Sr Pro Tour.
Mike Pazourek
TOURING PRO AND INSTRUCTOR
Mike is originally from Prague, Czech Republic. A former tennis professional, he played on the AT Men's Tour and reached a ranking of #400 in the world. He was also a tennis teaching pro for 35 years. Bringing with him decades of coaching experience, Mike began teaching Pickleball in 2017. He is a certified PPR (Professional Pickleball Registry) and FP (International Federation of Pickleball) instructor. He enjoys helping players of all ages learn and improve their game As a player, Mike is currently ranked in the top 10 in the United States on the APP Sr Pro Tour.
Rich Taylor
COACH & INSTRUCTOR
Rich is a passionate pickleball coach who loves working with players of all levels but finds special joy in helping beginners build their confidence and skills. With a lifelong love of sports and years of tennis experience, he was drawn to pickleball for its inclusive, social nature and the way it brings people of all ages and abilities together. Known for his keen eye for small technique adjustments, Rich excels at helping players make quick improvements that elevate their game. His supportive and engaging coaching style ensures that everyone leaves the court feeling accomplished, connected, and excited to play more.
Rich Taylor
COACH & INSTRUCTOR
Rich is a passionate pickleball coach who loves working with players of all levels but finds special joy in helping beginners build their confidence and skills. With a lifelong love of sports and years of tennis experience, he was drawn to pickleball for its inclusive, social nature and the way it brings people of all ages and abilities together. Known for his keen eye for small technique adjustments, Rich excels at helping players make quick improvements that elevate their game. His supportive and engaging coaching style ensures that everyone leaves the court feeling accomplished, connected, and excited to play more.
Diane Robinson
COACH & INSTRUCTOR
I started playing pickleball more than 10 years ago. At first it was a "love-hate relationship.” I spent countless hours on the court experiencing more losses than wins. But I hung in there and now I can't imagine life without pickleball. I have a background in teaching and 15 years experience coaching youth sports. I believe that development happens through knowledge, development of skills and repetition; knowing the how and why and then executing the game plan. I'm a firm believer in teaching the basic skills/fundamentals, to establish a foundation that you can then build upon. The enjoyable piece is when participants say, "Hey, it really works."
Diane Robinson
COACH & INSTRUCTOR
I started playing pickleball more than 10 years ago. At first it was a "love-hate relationship.” I spent countless hours on the court experiencing more losses than wins. But I hung in there and now I can't imagine life without pickleball. I have a background in teaching and 15 years experience coaching youth sports. I believe that development happens through knowledge, development of skills and repetition; knowing the how and why and then executing the game plan. I'm a firm believer in teaching the basic skills/fundamentals, to establish a foundation that you can then build upon. The enjoyable piece is when participants say, "Hey, it really works."
Michael Gardner
COACH & INSTRUCTOR
After leaving the corporate world following a 35 year career in the aerospace industry, I found Pickleball. I was introduced to the sport 15+ years ago through a family member and was immediately hooked. My journey has taken me from being overweight with a mild heart condition to losing over 40 pounds and significantly improving my overall health. I'm most interested in teaching older adult beginners and novice players so they too can learn and enjoy the game, improve their health and develop new friendships as I have. Especially players who have moved on from sports they enjoyed when younger and are now looking for a new physical activity. Pickleball has truly changed my life from the health aspect to the many friendships I continue to develop. I love that it is a sport my wife and I can share as we play with the many friends we have gained through the years.
Michael Gardner
COACH & INSTRUCTOR
After leaving the corporate world following a 35 year career in the aerospace industry, I found Pickleball. I was introduced to the sport 15+ years ago through a family member and was immediately hooked. My journey has taken me from being overweight with a mild heart condition to losing over 40 pounds and significantly improving my overall health. I'm most interested in teaching older adult beginners and novice players so they too can learn and enjoy the game, improve their health and develop new friendships as I have. Especially players who have moved on from sports they enjoyed when younger and are now looking for a new physical activity. Pickleball has truly changed my life from the health aspect to the many friendships I continue to develop. I love that it is a sport my wife and I can share as we play with the many friends we have gained through the years.
Call us today to book a lesson with one of our coaches
Our Certified Rating Specialists
Kurt Noonan
IPTPA Certified Rating Specialist (CRS-4)
Kurt Noonan serves as an IPTPA Certified Rating Specialist (CRS-4) at The Premier Pickleball Club in Redmond, Oregon. Kurt becomes the third active CRS evaluator in the state of Oregon joining PPC’s John Appleton (CRS-5) giving Central Oregon two CRS evaluators. Working in partnership, they conduct thorough player assessments and skill verifications. With his CRS-4 designation, Kurt is able to administer all IPTPA player skill assessments up through the 3.5 level. In 2019, through the insistence of his son Dalen, Kurt began his pickleball journey playing singles. After the COVID years Kurt started playing doubles and quickly became addicted to the game. In December of 2025 Kurt attained his IPTPA 4.0 designation. His blend of playing experience, approachability, training and CRS-4 certification guarantees that his rating sessions are reliable, impartial, and consistent with IPTPA’s high national and international standards. Kurt, through his work at The Premier Pickleball Club, helps participants prepare for organized play, leagues, ladders, and tournaments, while supporting the competitive growth of Central Oregon’s rapidly expanding pickleball scene.
John Appleton
IPTPA Certified Rating Specialist (CRS-5)
John Appleton serves as an IPTPA Certified Rating Specialist (CRS-5) at The Premier Pickleball Club in Redmond, Oregon. As one of just two active CRS-5 evaluators in Oregon—and one of two covering Central Oregon—he conducts thorough player assessments and skill verifications. Since 2010, John has been deeply involved in pickleball, maintaining a competitive IPTPA 4.5 rating since 2018, which equips him with the expertise to evaluate advanced technique, strategy, and court decision-making. His blend of playing experience and CRS-5 certification guarantees that his rating sessions are reliable, impartial, and consistent with IPTPA’s high national and international standards. Recognized for his professional yet friendly approach, John ensures players receive not only accurate ratings but also insightful, actionable feedback to drive their progress. Through his work at The Premier Pickleball Club as Director of Player Development, he helps participants prepare for Organized Play, leagues, ladders, and tournaments, while supporting the competitive growth of Central Oregon’s rapidly expanding pickleball scene.
John Appleton
IPTPA Certified Rating Specialist (CRS-5)
John Appleton serves as an IPTPA Certified Rating Specialist (CRS-5) at The Premier Pickleball Club in Redmond, Oregon. As one of just two active CRS-5 evaluators in Oregon—and one of two covering Central Oregon—he conducts thorough player assessments and skill verifications. Since 2010, John has been deeply involved in pickleball, maintaining a competitive IPTPA 4.5 rating since 2018, which equips him with the expertise to evaluate advanced technique, strategy, and court decision-making. His blend of playing experience and CRS-5 certification guarantees that his rating sessions are reliable, impartial, and consistent with IPTPA’s high national and international standards. Recognized for his professional yet friendly approach, John ensures players receive not only accurate ratings but also insightful, actionable feedback to drive their progress. Through his work at The Premier Pickleball Club as Director of Player Development, he helps participants prepare for Organized Play, leagues, ladders, and tournaments, while supporting the competitive growth of Central Oregon’s rapidly expanding pickleball scene.
At The PPC we use IPTPA Ratings and DUPR rankings
At The PPC we use IPTPA Ratings and DUPR rankings
IPTPA
IPTPA
IPTPA is as organization dedicated to establishing standards for pickleball instruction and teaching certification worldwide.
Learn More.
IPTPA is as organization dedicated to establishing standards for pickleball instruction and teaching certification worldwide.
DUPR
DUPR
DUPR is the premier global rating system for pickleball, providing a single and accurate rating for all players regardless of age or gender.
Learn More.
DUPR is the premier global rating system for pickleball, providing a single and accurate rating for all players regardless of age or gender.
Copyright © 2023 The Premier Pickleball Club (The PPC) - All Rights Reserved.
Copyright © 2023 The Premier Pickleball Club (The PPC) - All Rights Reserved.
Copyright © 2023 The Premier Pickleball Club (The PPC) - All Rights Reserved.