Topgolf Is Top Notch Fun

In baseball there is a thing called a 5-tool player, it’s an elite level where only the best players are able to do it all. In golf operations, there isn’t really an equivalent term but if there were, Topgolf would be the king. This golf mecca brings all the best golf has to offer in an entertainment complex – chef driven dining, customer service excellence, state-of-the-art electronics, comfort with atmosphere, a competitive spirit and fun factor that goes to eleven on a ten scale. As Marketing Manager, Amy Struve is proud to say, “We are built on a culture of fun.”

I would be stunned if you are not blown away as you roll into this new 65,000 square foot entertainment complex. It is ideally located in Brooklyn Center and easily approached from any corner of the Twin Cities where it sits at the 694 and 252 interchange. You can’t miss the towering driving range enclosure as it appears on the horizon from several miles away. Topgolf has been aggressively adding locations across the U.S., welcomes you to their first foray into the Minnesota market.

During the golf starved winter months, I can only imagine what an oasis this complex will be with its high-performance space heaters and full-swing, 200 yard-plus driving capabilities set-up across 102 climate-controlled bays stacked 3-levels high. Each bay comes with a dedicated host to handle food and drinks orders, each has a massive HD TV, electronic scoring, auto ball-dispensing range mats, a broad selection of quality clubs with a living room-like arrangement of comfortable lounge furniture designed to focus the attention on group fun. It’s not widely known, but Topgolf developed the ball tracing technology we see every week during PGA TOUR broadcasts, so not only do you get accurate distance and target information on shots, you also get ball flight visuals via the chip embedded balls and the Top Tracer Technology.

Topgolf’s philosophy is to bring the game to everyone. Whether you are a scratch handicapper or have never swung a club. This type of entertainment complex has the means to allow beginners to connect with the game and build confidence while allowing experienced golfers to fine-tune mechanics and/or accuracy. The player experience is enhanced through electronic technology and a staff of highly motivated associates. There are 10 different game formats that can be set-up among groups or individuals You are always welcome to bring your own clubs or use Topgolf’s full spectrum of high-end equipment. Amy has had conversations during the start-up months leading to the grand opening with non-golfers who simply state, “But I don’t golf.” Amy’s reply, “That’s the point.”

Starting up an operation like Topgolf is not a small endeavor and thus the hiring process was a full-on, head-spinner. Over a two week period they managed to hire 500 positions through an interview process that was two-parts party, two-parts human resources outreach. The emphasis was on personality, enthusiasm and finding that fit for a ‘culture of fun.’ In addition to the 500+ associates they also hired a PGA Pro and Director of Golf Operations all with the focus of providing customers the opportunity to build memories. Amy points out that a measure of their success will come when the planning begins on facility number two in Minnesota, but for now its full steam ahead in Brooklyn Center. By the time this article goes to print Topgolf will have celebrated its Grand Opening on September 21^st. Cut the cake and let the fun begin. If the aggressive growth rate and near capacity attendance at the existing 46 other venues are any indication, this multi-faceted concept is sure to score with the Minnesota golf community and non-golfers alike.

Topgolf has a deep history of community based initiatives and as part of its core values where caring and empathy come together they have developed several new programs for the Brooklyn Center operations and have several more in the works. The Youth Play It Forward Program invites high school golf teams and charities serving youth athletics to practice for free Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Heroes Discount Program provides 10% off gameplay and 20% off memberships for military, fire, police and EMS personnel. The Spirit Nights Program is where local school teams and organizations can earn $300 or $1,000 from Topgolf by hosting a Spirit Night. They co-sponsor with National Charity Partners like Make-A-Wish, MD Anderson, Folds of Honor and Bunkers in Baghdad. Clearly Topgolf walks it, like they talk it within the communities they operate.

It’s not hard to imagine Topgolf becoming a go-to site for corporate outings and team building events. Whether entertaining corporate clients or spending the night out with co-workers in a very non-corporate setting, there will be great food, full-service bars, upscale amenities and a little competitive fun everyone can enjoy, Topgolf makes a great home for large gatherings. All-inclusive packages can be customized to include game play, food, drinks and dedicated staff to keep things running smoothly. That means you can stay dedicated to hitting those targets having an awesome time with your crew.