RIGA Member Spotlight
By Joe McDonald
RIGA Senior Writer
Editor's note: Each week we'll highlight a member from one of our member clubs with a brief profile to introduce them to the rest of the golf community in Rhode Island. This has been a longstanding tradition at the RIGA and we're bringing it back to engage and support our amazing members. This week we highlight Pawtucket Country Club's Chris O'Neill.
CRANSTON – There's a "wow factor" as soon as you walk through the front doors of Centerline Pickleball Club.
You'll be blown away by the state-of-the-art facility (22,000-sqaure feet) with eight courts and several amenities that makes the pickleball experience unlike any other. Located on the Cranston/Warwick line near the Marshall's Plaza, it celebrated its grand opening on March 15. Since, the facility has been jamming.
"The response and the support we've had has been overwhelming. It's been unbelievable," owner Chris O'Neill said. "We've all put a lot of heart and soul into this and it's gratifying to see the finished product."
As a lifelong golfer, O'Neill began to play tennis after he retired two years ago. He found it difficult to find people to play tennis during his winter trips to Florida, but one day noticed the pickleball courts were always busy.
So, he bought a paddle and participated in an open-play event in Sarasota. He admits he was instantly hooked. When he returned to Rhode Island, he noticed the lack of indoor pickleball courts, so he joined forces with longtime friend, Gary Bucci, and the two eventually became business partners and formed a seven-person ownership group.
Centerline Pickleball Club created a three-step mission statement:
- Social
"We're going to make sure this place runs a great social atmosphere," O'Neill said. "It's a great atmosphere."
Friday and Saturdays have been electric with play, music, food trucks and the place has a liquor license.
- Competitiveness
"We're a community," O'Neill said. "This is going to be a community-based club and people are going to feel very comfortable coming here. We have a great group of people."
- Youth
"We're going to be the first club that has a huge focus on the youth," O'Neill said. "We've already talked with several high schools, and CLCF (Cranston's League for Cranston's Future) will start here in July."
Pickleball has grown into one of the most popular sports in the United States and is meant to be a great way to exercise, socialize while playing a fast-paced, competitive game. Many golf clubs have added pickleball courts and there's been a spike in popularity in both sports. 
"I see a lot of correlation," O'Neill said. "I see a lot of golfers playing pickleball. When I was in Florida, the entire community was playing both pickleball and golf, so I think the sports are very closely related. (Pickleball) is a good, healthy activity. It's good for a lot of different people – socially, mentally, physically. The sports relate well."
People of all ages and abilities can play and enjoy pickleball. Even if you've never played, Centerline offers free intro classes or Learn to Play clinics.
"We've been very fortunate," Bucci said. "So far, so good. We've really tried to make it a family atmosphere."
Affordable memberships are already skyrocketing, and you can find more information for Centerline Pickleball Club.
GOLF PROFILE
Home Course: O'Neill's been a member at Pawtucket Country Club for 37 years. He caddied for several years before becoming a fulltime member. In fact, met his wife, Judith, at Pawtucket's pool when they were 15-years-old and have been together for 50 years.
"Pawtucket is one of the gems in our state, and one of the reasons I've been there since I was 28-years-old," O'Neill said.
Favorite club other than PCC: Shelter Harbor
"It's one of the best tracks in all of New England," he said.
Handicap: 1.7
RIGA Accomplishments: Along with Brian O'Leary (right), O'Neill captured the 31st Senior Four-Ball Championship in 2024 at Wanumetonomy Golf & Country Club.
