During a recent visit prior to the grand opening, Tee Times sat down with Amy Struve, Topgolf Marketing Manager to ask a few questions. Her enthusiasm and knowledge was instantly infectious. I had all I could do to not pick-up a club and start swinging. Be assured there is a new top gun, top notch, top entertainment option in town and its name is Topgolf.

Tee Times: How does Topgolf put a spin (no pun intended) on the typical golf range experience?

Amy Struve: Topgolf is expanding the definition of golf. The experience is built on four things everyone loves – play, food and drinks, music and community. Topgolf inspires the connections that bring people together for unforgettable good times. Whether it’s a date night, girls’ night, family outing, happy hour, work breakfast, lunch hour or any other kind of hour, Topgolf makes socializing a sport for everyone.

TT: What challenges have presented themselves when opening this new location?

AS: I think the entire state of Minnesota is challenging our perspective on winter operations. Topgolf has put more thought and planning behind this project than most other venues because of our climate. All I have to say is we’re ready for it, and Minnesotans have thick skin.

TT: Do you have a personal favorite activity within the complex?

AS: I LOVE playing in a bay alongside families. When I see toddlers to grandparents all playing the game together, it reminds of the reason behind everything we do. It’s truly everyone’s game.

TT: What are your expectations for the seasonal effect on business?

AS: There are several other cold weather venues that operate just as well season to season; we don’t expect anything different. With the huge amount of golfers in the state of Minnesota, we expect to provide the all-year-‘round experience for everyone, that we have never had here in the past.

TT: Is Topgolf more geared for serious golfers or the casual player and why?

AS: Neither! Topgolf is for everyone! There are 10 different versions of the game you can choose to play, geared toward everything from novice to pro – and even the pro golfer wants to eat injectable donut holes while they practice their swing.

TT: Does Topgolf offer any tournament or competitive style events?

AS: We offer tournament style events for private parties as well as competitions such as Topgolf Tour, and seasonal leagues.

TT: Does Topgolf align with any professional instructors or players for design input?

AS: As far as venue design goes, that’s out of my pay grade, but we do have PGA professional instructors on staff for lessons, tips and events.

TT: What made Minnesota an attractive location for this start-up?

AS: With the largest number of golfers per capita in the country, plus the number of families, and the active nature of the community, it was a no-brainer.