Top Golf – It’s Fun, It’s Unique, And It Will Improve Your Game
A couple of years ago a member sent me an email asking me for more information about the
Top Golf League, and I replied, “Can I call you?
I’m not sure I can explain it in an e-mail”. I hope I
can do it justice in writing now.
Top Golf is a driving range, but it is also much
more. Envision yourself at the driving range after
you have hit a few warm up shots. Now, look out
at the flags and think “ I’m aiming for the blue flag”. You line up, hit your ball and it
lands 6 yards left and 10 yards short of the flag; and you think “Yep that was near the
blue target”. Well, at Top Golf the feedback you get is far more accurate and impartial.
Let’s start with the venue.
The targets:
The targets range from 25 to 250 yards. The more
distant targets are 25 yards in diameter, the size of
an average golf green. Each target divided into
several different subsections. The closer you get to
the center of a target, the better your score.
The Balls:
This is the different part. Each ball contains a microchip, which allows the target
scanners to record where your ball lands and report the information (almost) instantly
back to the computerized scoring system in your hitting bay. The system “knows” which
player’s ball was hit, and from where.
The games:
There are 5 different games to choose from, each designed to improve different areas of
your game. Scores returned from the targets are display on screens in each hitting bay.
The rest of the experience:
Windscreens protect heated bays; Sitting and hitting areas are usually 20 degrees warmer
than the outside temperature. Dress to be warm, for sure, but on a 35 degrees evening, it
will feel approx. 50-55 degrees in the bays!
The atmosphere is that of a relaxed party with friends. There is music playing (unusual
for your golf experience, but good to work on your focus). Top Golf also has a full
service bar/restaurant with good food; not the usual golf course fare. Full table service is
available in the hitting bays.
The league:
Play consists of three games per night, 20 balls per game. A typically night starts with
“Top Golf” – This game is ‘grip it and rip it. The further you hit your ball and the closer
to the center of a target, the better your score.
The second game is usually “Top Chip” or “Top Shot”; these games require you to hit
your balls to specific targets at a specific time. These games are designed to improve
your aim. The final game is the one you will love to hate! “Top Pressure” is like the dart
game ‘Cricket”, hit balls into each of the nine sections of the 90 yard target to advance to
the next scoring level. This one is not as easy as it sounds, and it is really good for your
aim and distance control.
League play takes approx. 2 hours (with four players per bay), many players stop inside
for dinner and a drink after play.
Top Golf is not your typical driving range, it is more fun, will help improve your aim and
distance control, and is a great way to start warming up for spring. Come on out and try
it. I think you will really like it!