Should The UK Adopt TopGolf?

Post by Golf Journalist Josh Carr

TopGolf is an exciting new way to get more people taking up the game of golf. As we all know, it is apparent that membership numbers are dropping around the UK with people choosing to take up sports that take up less time and are a lot more sociable. However, TopGolf is an evolutionary new way to make the sport of golf fun for all the family whether you are a beginner or a regular on the fairways.

What is TopGolf?

TopGolf integrates the exciting competition of sport with your favourite local bar to create a premier golf entertainment venue. You can play all year-round and challenge your friends and family to addictive point-scoring golf games. The ranges have a 240-yard outfield with dartboard-like targets embedded in the ground. All balls are microchipped and the closer you get to the bull’s-eye, the more points you will score.

To add to the excitement of the golf, you also get a food and drink service direct to your bay by one of the bayhosts. On top of the extensive menu, TopGolf also offers monthly specials such as skewered shrimp tacos, bbq pulled pork and chargrilled mushroom & spicy Mexican cheeseburgers. These can be enjoyed in your bay with an ice-cold beverage.

Where and what can you play?

There are currently only three centres in the UK with those being in Essex, Hertfordshire and Surrey. The Essex centre is located in Chigwell, the Hertfordshire centre is in Watford and the Surrey centre in Addlestone. You can also find TopGolf in America with centres across the whole of the USA.

There are also several different games you can play on a TopGolf range. The signature game is “TopGolf” in which players gain points by hitting their microchipped ball into any target. The more accurate the shot and the further distance, determines how many points you earn.

“TopBreak” is a popular game among the TopGolf centres as it incoroporates both golf and snooker. The aim is to hit the red target followed by any other coloured target. Like in snooker, colours are worth different amounts so if you think you’re the next mix of Rory McIlroy and Ronnie O’Sullivan you can try for a 147.

For those who enjoy the short game aspect of the game, you can play a game called “TopChip.” You have five shots at the red target, five at the yellow and 10 shots at the green target. If you hit the correct target you will score points, but if you hit the wrong one you will see your points disappear.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykKjoWogAmI

“TopShot” is a similar concept to the “TopChip” game but this time focuses on distance. To begin you choose between red, yellow, green or brown to determine the difficulty level of the game. You then have to hit the targets at four consecutive distances, with five shots for each target.

The final game is called “TopPressure” and in this game you test your touch and accuracy by hitting all nine sections within the yellow target. Once you pass the first level, your points multiply during levels two and three but make sure you don’t hit the same section twice or you’ll lose points.

You can also participate in league nights at all of the UK centres. These provide the perfect excuse to get together with friends, as well as making new ones who enjoy a little competition. League nights take place on Monday nights and could see you win a trip to Dubai. All you have to do is visit any TopGolf venue in the UK on a Monday night between 6pm and 9pm and purchase the Dubai League Package at reception.

The prize includes four nights accommodation at Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City, two rounds of golf at Al Badia and Dubai Creek and return flights from London Heathrow for two people. There will also be wildcard prizes selected at random, which includes a two-night stay for four people including dinner, breakfast and one round of golf at either Dale Hill, De Vere Wychwood Park or Westerwood-Q.

Why should ranges take up TopGolf?

This all depends on how you see the game. A lot of golf members, more so senior golfers, don’t like to see the game changing and still regard it very much as “gentlemen’s game.” But with the world of sport ever changing and golf currently struggling, is the concept of TopGolf really a bad thing?

I personally feel it is a great idea. TopGolf integrates the social aspect of the game with the competitiveness of the sport in a relaxed environment. People argue that it may take golfers away from golf courses but I struggle to see that as a valid argument. If anything, TopGolf venues may in fact inspire more people to take up the game. Potential golfers will see at these venues that golf isn’t a boring sport and you don’t necessarily have to spend hours away on a course to enjoy the sport.

I started golf at the age of eight and would have loved a place like this to work on my game while still having that competitive edge. Ranges were always quite cold and it was a struggle to remain focused throughout making my way through a basket of balls, mainly due to the cold nature of winter in the Lake District. With TopGolf you have a great time while still improving your game in the warmth. It is definitely a fantastic way to get the younger generations to start playing this great game.

As well as the opportunity to grow the game, TopGolf works as a great alternative activity to indulge in with family and friends. With the excellent food and drink service to your bay, those who don’t feel like taking part in the golf can enjoy some food and drink as they watch. It is not often you find a full family out on the golf course is it?

Hopefully the future will see more of these centres opening in the UK as it could help to grow the game of the golf, which is desperately needed in this moment in time.