The first-timer’s guide to Topgolf (details from my personal experience)

I had no idea what to expect the first time I went to Topgolf. Do I bring my own clubs? Golf shoes? What do I wear? Will there be a line? My first Topgolf experience was also the grand opening of the Cincinnati location, so it was essential that I came prepared. 

For that reason, I am really glad to answer your questions on what to know before going to Topgolf! But first, let’s briefly cover what Topgolf is.

What is Topgolf?

Topgolf is a high-tech, multi-leveled driving range. They have microchips in the balls and targets to shoot at. If you hit your ball in the target, then their automated system (Toptracer technology) gives you a point. You can track the scoreboard on the flatscreen TVs provided. Wave your golf club over the 3D sensor, and a ball pops out so you can take another swing! 

Additionally, Topgolf offers some seriously good food and drink options. To give you an idea of just how casual this experience is supposed to be: 60% of Topgolf revenue is made up from food and beverages. AKA, lots of people come just to eat and drink and have fun.

For this bachelor party, we had a large group, so we reserved more bays.

What if I suck at golf? Is Topgolf good for beginners?

You wouldn’t say “what if I suck at basketball?” before playing pop-a-shot would you? Topgolf is exactly the same. It’s a fun game designed to attract all skill levels. 60% of visitors are new to the sport according to Tom Leverton CEO of Topgolf.

Topgolf prides itself on challenging traditional golf demographics by targeting America’s now largest living generation (young adults), as well as non-golfers who are looking for an entertainment activity and not necessarily a golf competition.

How much does Topgolf cost?

Rates vary depending on three factors:

  1. Time of day
  2. Location
  3. Weekday/weekend

Keep in mind it is by the hour not per person, and similar to a restaurant, you will pay at the end not upfront. Here’s an example of Topgolf pricing for the Renton, WA location:

Weekday rates:

  • From opening to 12pm (noon): $42/hour per bay
  • From 12pm (noon) to 5pm: $52/hour per bay
  • From 5pm to close: $62/hour per bay 

Weekend rates:

  1. From opening to 12pm (noon): $50/hour per bay
  2. From 12pm (noon) to 5pm: $60/hour per bay
  3. From 5pm to close: $70/hour per bay

*New players must pay a $5 one-time member fee

When you get there, a bayhost will take you to your bay and ask you how long you want to play. The bayhost will come back and ask if you’d like to extend. You can also extend it on your personal screen.

What should you wear to Topgolf?

Celebrating a friend’s birthday. As you can see, none of us are wearing golf clothes!
  • DO NOT WEAR GOLF SHOES. Gym shoes, sandals, work shoes are even okay. Just avoid high heels, ladies. 
  • This is a fun and casual experience, so you are safe going in athleisure wear, a dress, a corporate suit, or even what you’d wear going out to the bar with friends.

The Topgolf bays are climate controlled with heaters or fans, but they are partially open to the outdoors—so you will be spending some time in the elements. The average customer is there for two hours. So if you are going to Topgolf, dress appropriately for the weather at that location, as you could be outside for a while.

With that said, unlike real golf, you will be stationary on comfortable couches much of the time, so it will be easy to take off a layer if need be.

I have been to Topgolf for many different reasons, including bachelor parties, corporate events, catching up with old friends, and even bonding with grandma. Okay, maybe not that last one.

Why, yes, Topgolf is ~fedora~ friendly.

Should you make a reservation?

Walk-ups are welcomed. But to play it safe, I recommend making a reservation. They do not take phone calls, but it’s super easy to go online and book a bay for 1-6 people. On Saturday nights, the wait can sometimes be 3-4 hours. When I went to their opening night in Cincinnati, Ohio it was a 2-hour wait, and the sun was still high in the sky, I kid you not. 

Do you have to be 21 years old?

As mentioned, Topgolf does serve alcohol so everyone under 16 needs to be supervised by someone who is 21+. After 9 p.m., all guests under 18 need to be supervised by someone who is 21+.

Is Topgolf wheelchair accessible?

Yes. All venues are wheelchair accessible, and the bays are big enough to play in a wheelchair comfortably.

Should you bring your own golf clubs?

This one depends: Are you going with inexperienced golfers who just want to have fun? Or are you going with your golf buddies who want to get competitive? 

I have done both. The first couple of times I went I brought my own clubs—but that’s because I was with a group of golfing buddies, so we were being competitive. When we had to wait for a bay, they even provided a bag room to store our clubs while we got a beer at the bar. 

Was it necessary to bring our clubs though? Absolutely not. Personally, I think it’s too big of a hassle to lug your bag into the place, not to mention there’s always that one person in every friend group who will make a snarky comment directed at the guy who “bRoUgHt HiS cLuBs.”

Rest assured, you are NOT required to bring your own clubs; Topgolf provides men’s and women’s golf clubs from its parent company, Callaway—free of extra charge. 

If you’re still unsure if you should bring your own golf clubs to Topgolf, a happy medium would be bringing your own wedges and or driver and using Topgolf’s irons.

What game should I play?

Now, the fun part. A Topgolf bayhost will walk you through the whole process. They will take you to your bay/lounge, show you how to play, and act as your server. It’s a pretty nice service. Once you get settled in and understand how the tech and system works, the next question is, what game do we play?

They have multiple options. And this is where people make a mistake. Topgolf is the company’s signature game, and I often see the bayhost recommend it to start. I would make the argument you should play TopChip or TopShot, and ask your bayhost to explain the game. 

Why would I suggest this? Topgolf is the game that rewards you for hitting into the targets. You get to choose which target you want to aim for, and because the farther targets are harder to hit, they reward you more. When I played this, I felt there was no rhyme or reason. Often I’d find myself aimlessly hitting away. 

On the other hand, TopChip and Topgolf will have predetermined targets and you get five balls to aim at each. It’s much more approachable for the individuals who can’t hit it far. AND what I like most about TopChip and TopShot is you get points deducted if you hit the wrong target, unlike Topgolf! That adds a fun twist.

For those reasons, whether it’s your first time or you’re a regular, I recommend playing TopChip or TopShot.

So should you go to Topgolf?

I have been back to Topgolf West Chester a handful of times now, and I always have a blast. So, here’s my parting story: When I go back, I present my loyalty card to check in, and the employee always ends up saying something like, “Wow! July 26, 2016. That was our opening night. Welcome back! How cool.”

It’s a small gesture, and I’m sure as time goes by, the acknowledgements will wane. But for some reason, I LOVE that acknowledgement. It makes me feel appreciated, like when the local barkeep knows your name—it means something and brings a smile to my face.

Next time there’s a sporting event, concert, or some experience like visiting an out-of-town friend or taking a long-awaited vacation, I SAY DO IT. Go to Topgolf. Those stories will last.

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