On July 18, the PDFA held its summer pickleball tournament at Rocky Top Whitetails, bringing together approximately 55 people for a full day of pickleball, farm tours, great food, and fellowship.

The six teams competing in the tournament actually got their start months earlier at the 2026 PA Eastern Winter Classic. Custom pickleball paddle sets were donated to the PDFA and sold during the auction. Each winning bidder received their custom paddle set and, along with it, an entry into the summer pickleball tournament.

On July 18, those teams came together at Rocky Top Whitetails to compete. The group enjoyed lunch before heading out for farm tours at Rocky Ridge Whitetails and Walnut Ridge Whitetails, followed by a tour of Rocky Top Whitetails. The pickleball tournament wrapped up later that afternoon, and around 5:00 p.m. everyone gathered for a steak dinner.

It turned into a great day for the PDFA community—touring some outstanding Pennsylvania deer farms, raising money for the association, playing a little pickleball, eating some great steaks, and simply spending time together.

And we’re planning to do it again in 2027.

Custom pickleball paddle sets will once again be donated and auctioned at the 2027 PA Eastern Winter Classic, with the winning bidders earning their spot in next summer’s tournament.

So, if you want to play some pickleball, eat a great steak, tour some of the top deer farms in Pennsylvania, and enjoy a day with fellow PDFA members, make sure you bid on a paddle set at the 2027 Winter Classic.

Stay tuned for more details!