How Many Padel Courts Are There in South Africa?

Padel is taking South Africa by storm! This exciting mix of tennis and squash is growing fast, with more courts popping up across the country. But just how many padel courts are there, and where can you play?

Padel’s Growth in South Africa

A few years ago, padel was almost unheard of in South Africa. Today, it’s one of the fastest-growing sports. More and more courts are being built to meet demand, making the sport more accessible to players of all skill levels.

How Many Padel Courts Are There?

As of 2024, South Africa has over 100 padel courts—a number that’s rapidly increasing. While this is still small compared to countries like Spain (which has over 22,000 courts), it’s a significant jump from just a few years ago.

Where Can You Find Padel Courts?

Most padel courts in South Africa are in major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, but smaller towns are also catching on. Here are some of the best places to play:

Johannesburg

• Discovery Padel Park Sandton – A top-tier facility in the heart of Sandton.
• Riverside Padel Club – A well-loved club in Johannesburg.
• Dunkeld – Part of the Africa Padel network, offering quality courts.

Cape Town

• Camps Bay Padel – A scenic padel spot by the ocean.
• Claremont Padel – A popular choice in the Southern Suburbs.
• V&A Waterfront Padel – A premium playing experience at one of Cape Town’s top destinations.

Durban

• La Lucia Padel – A leading facility in Durban.
• Kloof Country Club Padel – A growing hub for the sport.

Pretoria

• Olympus Padel – A favorite for Pretoria players.
• Brooklyn Padel – High-quality courts in a prime location.

Other notable locations include Ruimsig, Stellenbosch, Plettenberg Bay, and Gqeberha. Many of these are part of the Africa Padel network, which has played a big role in expanding the sport.

Why Is Padel So Popular?

Padel is growing fast in South Africa for a few key reasons:

• Easy to Learn – The smaller court and glass walls make it easier to play than traditional tennis.
• Social & Fun – It’s mainly played in doubles format, making it a great way to meet people and stay active.
• Great Workout – It’s a full-body workout without being too physically intense.
• More Courts Are Opening – With growing interest, more clubs and sports centers are adding padel courts.

Challenges Facing Padel in South Africa

Despite its rapid rise, padel still faces a few challenges:

• Limited Public Access – Many courts are at private clubs, making it harder for new players to get involved.
• Lack of Awareness – Many South Africans still don’t know about the sport. More marketing and grassroots efforts are needed.
• Professional Development – Unlike Spain, South Africa doesn’t yet have a strong professional padel circuit.

The Future of Padel in South Africa

Padel is here to stay! More courts are being built every month, and interest in the sport is growing. If South Africa follows the trend of other countries, we can expect national leagues, school programs, and even professional players emerging in the coming years.

For now, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, there’s never been a better time to pick up a racquet and try padel. Chances are, there’s a court near you—or one coming soon!

South Africa is still in the early stages of its padel journey, but the future looks bright. With more courts, competitive leagues, corporate sponsorships, and media attention, it’s only a matter of time before padel becomes one of the country’s most popular sports.

More Courts, More Access

With demand skyrocketing, we can expect hundreds of new courts to be built across the country. Right now, most courts are in major cities, but smaller towns and suburbs are starting to get their own facilities. In the next 5–10 years, padel courts could become as common as five-a-side soccer fields or tennis courts.