Los Angeles Amateur Open 2026

The Los Angeles Amateur Open stands out from most tournaments with its round-robin-to-bracket-playoff format, guaranteeing every participant 7 to 9 games over the weekend. Run by APA (Amateur Pickleball Association) at the Pickleball Athletic Club in Thousand Oaks, this event is designed to maximize your court time and competitive experience. No one-and-done brackets here -- you will get a full weekend of play regardless of early results.

The Pickleball Athletic Club is a dedicated facility in the Conejo Valley area of western LA County. Thousand Oaks offers a pleasant suburban setting with easy access from the 101 freeway. The March timing means comfortable weather without the summer heat that can make outdoor tournaments miserable. There are plenty of hotels and restaurants along the Thousand Oaks Boulevard corridor if you are traveling from elsewhere in the metro area.

At $75 for your first event, the pricing is fair given the guaranteed game count. The round-robin format is particularly valuable for players in the 2.5-3.5 range who are still building their competitive experience -- you get enough games to settle nerves, find your rhythm, and genuinely compete rather than just survive. For higher-rated players, the bracket playoff portion provides the elimination-style pressure that tests your tournament composure. APA events are well-organized with clear communication about schedules and court assignments.