Central Georgians part of the field as Macon becomes the pickleball capital with Rhythm & Rally's first professional tournament
By Michael A. Lough
The Sports Report
centralgasports@gmail.com
Since that first day, in the middle of December in 2023, thousands upon thousands of competitors have avoided the kitchen while trying a dink or third-shot drop at the world’s largest indoor pickleball facility.
It’s all very much been something to brag about.
And now, there’s more.
Rhythm & Rally at the Macon Mall is hosting its first full-fledged professional tournament this weekend, with more than 500 of the world’s top players in town for the 2026 Macon Professional Pickleball Association Challenger.
While scores of Central Georgia pickleballers have competed in very serious amateur tournaments as well as a few pro events, this is the first time a legitimate money event is being on their home turf.
Action began Friday at 8 a.m. with the final category to get going around 2:30 p.m.
There are several singles and doubles levels, with ages and skill sets.
Central Georgia players (from Macon unless otherwise noted, based on information submitted to the tournament) include former Stratford tennis standout Liza Klyachkin, Jacob Bradshaw (of Australia but with Macon as a homebase), Craig Johnson, Scotty Barron of Thomaston, Landon Lagroon, Frank White of Perry, Bill Barnes of Byron, John Davis of Thomaston, Dylan Dykstra, Jonathan Kash of Warner Robins, Brooks Hanson, Biren Patel, Ryland Reed and Joshua Knight of Dublin, Hunter Buafo, G.J. Jones of Dublin, Caden Dupree of Cochran, Micah Daigle, Samuel Clark of Warner Robins, Parker White of Forsyth, Jasmine Musick fo Byron, Jane Tuten, Madison Lyu.
Competitors from nearly 40 stats and 15 countries will be on hand.
Admission is $20 per day and $45 for a three-day pass.
Rhythm & Rally has 32 courts and covers 166,000 square feet, with a pro shop, concessions, locker rooms, and event space.