Mount Pickleball Club members proved they can foot it with the best in the country at the weekend.

More than 280 players from around New Zealand descended on Mercury Baypark Arena in Mount Maunganui for the biggest pickleball tournament in New Zealand.

The standard of play was high, but the Mount still claimed nine medals.

The most successful local players were Sussa Bailey and Casey Tarau, who won silver in the Open Women’s Doubles.

Five other Mount Pickleball Club members won bronze medals.

The most successful club overall was Gisborne, which took home the Club Winner trophy, presented by Farmer Autovillage.

The tournament created a lot of interest, with hundreds of people calling in to watch the fast and furious action.

Katrina Fowler from Hawke’s Bay playing in the Open Women’s Doubles. Photo / Supplied

Mount Pickleball Club president Bob Smith says the three-day competition was a huge success.

“We’ve had some great feedback from both players and spectators. Many of them have described Mercury Baypark as one of the best pickleball venues in the country.”

The tournament had a lot of support from local businesses, and the Tauranga Western Bay Community Events Fund was also a major sponsor.

The big turnout comes as pickleball gathers momentum in Tauranga.

The Mount Pickleball Club now has well over 200 members, and new people are joining almost every day.