That's not to say it's a dangerous sport – rather, it tends to bring out a competitive streak. But a padel injury is far from a necessity. We think the most important part is that you get to have fun, hang out, meet new people, and stay outdoors into the night, in a way that Joburg doesn't often enable.
Most clubs stay open past 21:00, loud music is de rigueur and with so few rainy days in Joburg, padel is a great option for getting active no matter the season. If you haven't tried it yet or are wondering which court is close by, our list of padel clubs in Johannesburg and Pretoria has you covered.
Read our introduction to padel here so you know what to expect.
Most of the clubs use a system called Playtomic for bookings. This allows you to book online, add other players to your game to split the payment, track your scores, as well as find competitions and matches in your area. It can be used online or with an app downloaded on iOS or Android.
Auckland Park
Johannesburg Country Club
The Johannesburg Country Club padel courts add to its state-of-the-art facilities. You need to be a member to book.
Location: 1 Napier Road, Auckland Park.
Open: 06:00 – 22:00.
Benoni
Padel Plus at Benoni Country Club
Padel Plus brings padel to the East Rand with its first set of courts at the Benoni Country Club. Bookings can be made through Playtomic.
Location: Benoni Country Club, Morris Avenue, Morehill, Benoni.
Open: 06:00 – 22:00.
Padel Quip at Old Bens Club
Local court manufacturers Padel Quip opened two courts at Old Bens Club in Benoni. Book through Playtomic.
Location: Corner of President Brand Road & President Boshoff Road, Rynfield AH, Benoni.
Open: Tue – Sat, 06:00 – 23:00; Sun – Mon: 06:00 – 23:00.
Houghton
Ten by Twenty at Killarney Country ClubIf you're looking to up your game, Killarney Country Club has what you need with their coaching sessions. End with a drink on the viewing deck. Bookings can be made on Playtomic.
Location: 60 5th Street, Houghton.
Open: Mon – Tue, 06:00 – 10:00; Wed – Sat, 06:00 – 23:00; Sun: 06:00 – 21:30.
Virgin Active Padel Club at Old Eds
One of the most active padel clubs when it comes to the group WhatsApp. Everyone wants to play and there always seems to be a game on offer. This club also has an excellent coach on site, Adam van Harte, who offers a range of master classes and level-up opportunities. He is also one to watch on Instagram for his exceptional technique.
Location: 11th – 9th Avenue, Lower Houghton.
Open: 06:00 – 23:00.
Linksfield
Epic Padel at Huddle Park
Epic Padel's courts at Huddle Park have two unique features: the first is a covered outdoor court for Joburg's rainy season and the second is a singles' court. For bookings, you can call 083 406 4329 or book through Playtomic.
Location: 121 Club Street, Linksfield.
Open: 06:00 – 23:00.
Melrose
Padel and Social Club at James and Ethel Gray ParkPadel is taken seriously at the Padel and Social Club at James and Ethel Gray Park. With beginners and advanced clubs for women currently on offer, they will soon be adding a hot shots club (for the elite players), a cardio padel club, brunch club, gents' club, and groups for singles and ladies over 60. They also have a pro shop and offer coaching if you want to up your game. Use Playtomic to book.
Location: Cnr Westwood Avenue and North Street, Melrose.
Open: 06:00 – 22:00.
Pretoria and Centurion
Padel Lab ClubviewWith an on-site shop, a stop at Padel Lab's courts at Clubview is a great way to get expert advice on the game and what makes different racquets play differently. Use Playtomic to book.
Location: Edinburgh Avenue, Clubview, Centurion.
Open: 06:00 – 22:00.
The Gayle Padel Club
Gayle Padel Club were the first courts in Pretoria. Those looking to learn new techniques can make use of their coaching or head to their shop for advice. Book through Playtomic. It's also open until very late.
Location: 212 Voortrekker Road, Raslouw, Pretoria.
Open: Fri – Sat, 07:00 – 00:00; Sun – Thu and public holidays, 07:00 – 23:00.
Proactive Padel at Irene Country Club
Proactive Padel offers four padel courts at Irene Country Club. Head to Playtomic to book.
Location: 2 MI8, Doringkloof, Centurion.
Open: 06:00 – 22:00.
Rivonia
Padel Lab, PaulshofPadel Lab is on a court-building spree with courts at Ruimsig Country Club, The Rivonia Recreation Club, and Centurion, with a fourth on the way at Elardus Park Tennis Club. With an on-site shop, you can try out racquets and get expert advice on which model is best for you.
Location: 5 Achter Road, Paulshof.
Open: 06:00 – 22:00.
Roodepoort
Padel Lab at Ruimsig Country Club
Padel Lab's courts at Ruimsig Country Club are surrounded by trees and rolling fields; it feels like you're out of the city while playing there. Book on Playtomic.
Location: 182 Hole-In-One Avenue, Ruimsig.
Open: 06:00 – 22:00.
Padel at Clearwater
Africa’s first-ever padel court welcomed players in early 2020 before the pandemic. Head on over to iJump at Clearwater Mall where the courts can be booked for corporate events and kids' parties. To book, email info@padeltennis.co.za or call 011 086 6720.
Location: Corner of Christiaan de Wet Road and Hendrik Potgieter Road, Roodepoort.
Open: Mon – Thu, 08:00 – 21:00; Fri and Sat, 08:00 – 22:00; Sun, 08:00 – 18:00.
Rosebank and the parks
Livy'sThis is surely Joburg's most upmarket setting for a padel court. Nestled into a property on the edge of Oxford Parks, Livy's is the sister of Joy Jozi, a social hotspot for kids, and their adults. There is a luxurious-looking restaurant, a good cocktail menu, and the music gets cranked up to provide that party atmosphere that people seem to favour with their padel shots.
Location: 49 Eastwood Road, Dunkeld.
Open: Mon – Sat, 06:00 – 21:00; Sun, 08:00 – 19:00.
Club Padel at Pirates Club
The oldest sports club in South Africa keeps things fresh with the addition of four padel courts by Club Padel. With an ample seating area, it's perfect for chatting with some drinks while the sun sets. Bookings can be made on the Playtomic app, if you would like to book an event email events@clubpadel.co.za
Location: Corner of 4th Avenue and Cruden Lane, Greenside.
Open: Mon – Sat, 06:00 – 23:00; Sun, 06:00 – 22:00
The Wanderers Club
This sports club has everything from CrossFit and cricket to soccer and swimming, and since October 2022 has added six padel courts to its roster. No membership is required to play, bookings can be made on Playtomic.
Location: 21 North Street, Illovo.
Open: Mon – Sat, 05:00 – 22:00; Sun, 05:00 – 21:00.
Sandton
Africa Padel
With a court behind the Discovery building and one in Paulshof, Africa Padel is one of the big investors in the sport. Their courts are top of the range and best of all, you can get a Naked coffee before heading to work. Make a booking through Playtomic.
Location: 181 Empire Place, Sandton.
Padel Perfect
Located in Morning Glen Mall you can get your shopping done before letting off some steam with a game of padel. They have two single courts and four doubles courts. To book, email info@padelperfect.co.za or use Playtomic.
Location: Cnr Kelvin Drive and Bowling Avenue, Sandton.
Open: 06:00 – 22:00.
Moove Motion Fitness Club
If you are a Moove Motion Fitness member, you can access these courts in Sunninghill for free. Verify your membership at the reception before booking on Playtomic. If you’d like to bring a non-member, the cost is R100 per hour.
Location: 1 Kikuyu Road, Sunninghill.
Open: 06:00 – 20:00; Sat 07:00 – 17;00; Sun 07:00 – 13:00.
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