A fun, group based game involving a golf ball and golf clubs that uses technology to allow the participants to play a variety of golf related games. It is similar to bowling, but golf based. Simply put, it is a game where you hit a golf ball, which has a chip in it, toward colored targets that are placed at different distances.
It has grown in popularity over the past 5 years, but has been in the United States since 2005, with the first location taking place in Alexandria.
We had this same question back in 2018 on a trip to the Masters. We were headed to Atlanta and were looking for something to do in the evening. We quickly discovered Topgolf. What a blast is was!
Players compete against their friends and earn points by how close to the center you hit the target and how far away that target was from your bay. Each golf ball has a chip in it to measure the proximity to the intended target.
Think three story driving range with comfortable, heated couches and plenty of food and drinks available. There is a server that moves from bay to bay taking care of your food and drink needs.
Ultimately, it is a social scene where people of all ability ranges are hitting golf balls towards a target and trying to score points, while enjoy time with friends or family…think something similar to bowling, but golf.
I am sure you have many other questions as you prepare to make your first trip to Topgolf. I have played twice, the first time with a group of friends and the second time with my family. Here are some of the other frequently asked questions?
- How much does Topgolf cost?
- What do you do in Topgolf?
- Can kids go to Topgolf?
- Can I play in the winter?
- What skill level is required?
- Can you bring your own clubs?
- Will I have fun?
- What is the menu like?
How Much Does Topgolf Cost?
It will typically range from $25 per bay, per hour up to $55 per bay, per hour depending on the day of the week and the time of the day. However, each bay can comfortably fit 4-6 golfers, so the cost per player is quite inexpensive.
A $5 one time membership is assessed, which allows them to track your results over time if you visit frequently. With this membership you will receive email offers with coupons and other special offers.
What Do you Do in Topgolf?
You hit golf balls towards a target. There are various games you can play through the software as your compete against your friends for bragging rights. Having played twice now, there is a wide range of ability levels and beginners are more than welcomed. T
here are big targets that light up at night that you aim for. You can often benefit from the bounce off the turf. Here is a picture to show the targets.
Can Kids Go to Topgolf?
Simple answer is yes. I took my two boys, ages 7 and 8 and we had a blast. They have played golf before and oftentimes lose their level of interest after several holes. However, with Topgolf as the time was winding down they did not want to leave.
As a result, we returned the next day for another 1.5 hours of time. I think they two are becoming addicted to golf like their father. Topgolf does stay open frequently until 2am, so I would be wise in what time I took kids under a certain age.
Looking for golf balls, golf shoes or other golf related products? Visit our Recommend Products page to learn more.
Can I Play Topgolf in the Winter?
Yes, there is plenty of heat being pumped into the space by the overhead heaters. I have played in Atlanta in April and Columbus during the month of March. At the Columbus location even the couches were heated.
It got to the point, where it was awesome too warm, which is a good thing. This setup allows for 365 day access to golf to have fun and possibly improve your game.
What Skill Level is Required for Topgolf?
None whatsoever. Show up and play and have a good time enjoy the time with friends and the good food and drinks. It is very social and you see a lot of couples on dates with other couples enjoying the time.
Many do not take the game very serious and it is a laid back atmosphere with music playing throughout the building. It truly is no pressure, just show up and play and enjoy.
Can You Bring Your Own Clubs to Topgolf?
They provide a wide range of clubs at every bay, but if you are the more serious type of golfer, you sure can bring your own clubs. I have taken everything from a full set to just two irons that I wanted to hit that day.
When my young sons showed up, the gentleman working the counter was very kind to offer a junior set. They are lefties and Topgolf was able to meet their needs. This was impressive.
Looking to gain 30-40 yards in 30 days? Check out SwingMan Golf!
Will I Have Fun at Topgolf?
How can you not? Unless you have boring friends. Once again, it is a social setting where you just happen to be hitting the golf ball every so often. Now with my friends, all golf addicts, we were competitive with each other, but the majority of the people are just there to check it out and to hang out.
What Is the Menu Like at Topgolf?
They have a wide range of options. Think high scale bar food. The quality of the food was impressive and enjoyable.
Will Topgolf Help Grow the Game of Golf?
I believe it has the possibility to grow the game of golf. It is a good way to get youth involved and hooked on golf. You don’t have to walk, carry or bag, or take 2-4 hours for a round of golf. There is a point system that my boys paid close attention to.
The balls keep flowing out of the system and the kids keep hitting the balls hoping to rack up additional points. Similar to a video game, but actually including some physical requirements. Hitting from the 2nd or 3rd level of the Topgolf helps the kids get the ball in the air and build confidence.
Can Topgolf Help me Improve My Golf Game?
While the majority of the people will utilize Topgolf to socialize and have some fun, a small percentage might go there to work on their games. If you are able to obtain the $25 rate, you can spend some quality time with some feedback on the yardage and the location of how close you came to the flag you were aiming at.
They do offer lessons at each site and as a member you will see different email offers to help you improve your game. Anytime you are improving your ball striking and trying to be precise, there is a chance you will be improving. When you pair that with receiving the lessons they offer, you have a recipe for improvement. With the mobility of a SkyTrak one could take the launch monitor to Topgolf and have another layer of data and feedback to help in the journey to reach your full potential.
On my most recent trip I saw groups of 2-4 more serious looking golfers spending time working on their games. This trip took place on a Saturday morning and it got me thinking that a friend and I could rent for 2 hours on a Saturday morning at $25 per hour and get in a pretty good practice session. The different groups have varied from my three visits. At the end of the day, whether you are a serious golfer or someone looking for a social scene, Topgolf can meet your needs.
Can Topgolf Host My Event?
Topgolf can host a variety of events to meet your needs. Potential options include: company events, small groups (7-12), large groups (13+ players), kids parties, teen parties, tournaments & fundraisers and multi-location events. Each Topgolf location typically has a Signature Event room that can host up to 250 guests and features 3,000 square feet of space.
What if people in my party don’t play golf…It doesn’t matter if everyone knows how to golf, people will have fun. During the winter months, bringing the combination of indoor spaces with outdoor spaces provides the opportunity for people to soak up the sun while enjoying a climate controlled space. Then add the food and beverages together with the outdoors and golf and one can run a pretty special event
Final Thoughts on Topgolf
As someone that is passionate about golf and would play 365 days a year, if time was not a factor, I am excited about what Topgolf offers. It takes the game that I love and puts it in the social scene. It is exciting to look throughout the complex and see people having a good time.
Don’t forget to stop by our Recommended Products Page
This is another opportunity for golfers in any type of climate to enjoy the game of golf. Yes, it isn’t traditional golf, but you are still striking the ball and possibly competing against some buddies. It it also a blast to hit from the highest level and watch the ball fly through the night sky!