Golf is experiencing a major evolution and jump in popularity that hasn’t been seen since Tiger Woods first starting winning title after title, after even more titles, nearly 20 years ago. And TopGolf is playing a major role.
With 50+ TopGolf facilities sprawled across the U.S. and internationally, with more scheduled to open soon, golf is seeing a new face, expanding beyond the idea of the sometimes stodgy traditional golf course to an edgier, more youthful vibe.
What is TopGolf and Why Are Golf Courses Excited About It?
TopGolf is more nightclub than country club as players hit microchipped golf balls from personal heated bays aiming for a giant dartboard-like targets on an enormous field, all set to pumping music and colorful, vibrant lights. And while the main event is golf, TopGolf also offers food, drinks, and other entertainment like pool, games, and dancing.
Certainly a far cry from your traditional 18 rounds.
And while you may assume that TopGolf would face resistance from traditional golf courses, that’s not the case. In fact, traditional golf courses along with the golf industry as a whole including the PGA and LPGA, is welcoming this new evolution in golf. They’re excited that people are playing the game, even if it’s in the form of a revamped, off-course experience.
The next challenge is how do you convert off-course players to on-course players? Well, the golf industry is all in, creating strategic partnerships with TopGolf to create new fans as well as taking a page out of their book, redesigning on-course experiences to provide a more social, interactive, and fun atmosphere.
And it seems to be working.
The National Golf Foundation reported that total golf participation in 2018 increased to 33.5 million players with 9.3 million of that total accounting for off-course participation at facilities like TopGolf.
With the advent of off-course facilities like TopGolf, the game is growing in popularity with an estimated 2.6 million beginner golfers playing a traditional course for the first time — near record levels for beginner participation.
TopGolf’s Impact on the “Millennial Factor”
In attracting players to the game of golf, the golf industry has found success in drawing in young, junior players as well members of the older generation. Where the industry has struggled is, you guessed it, attracting millennials to the game.
TopGolf seems to have figured out the trick in marketing to and drawing in the millennial and gen Zer crowd as the majority of TopGolf guests, at 54%, are between the ages of 18 and 34.
The more relaxed, welcoming, and social atmosphere certainly factors into the popularity of TopGolf among the younger generation, with many using TopGolf as a place to conduct meetings and business deals just like your traditional golf course — some customs never change.
And millennials aren’t the only newbies entering the game. TopGolf is helping to create a space in the golf world for a wider demographic of players with women making up around 35% of new players and 26% of beginners are non-Caucasian.
TopGolf provides a unique platform for non-golfers and beginners to get into the game without any pressure or the fear of embarrassment — at 51%, over half of all TopGolf guests are non-golfers. And of those non-golfers who visited TopGolf, 75% said they now had an interest in playing golf on a real course.
It seems that TopGolf has created a resurgence of interest in playing golf, introducing an entirely new generation to the enjoyment and excitement of the game.
Photo credit: https://topgolf.com/us/
FAQs
Entertainment and Social Experience:Topgolf is more than just a golfing facility; it's an entertainment venue. With a blend of technology, music, and games, it creates a social and enjoyable experience for visitors. The combination of golf, music, and a vibrant atmosphere attracts a broader audience.
Why is Topgolf so successful? ›
Topgolf stands out as a unique concept that has successfully blended golf's social and sporting appeal with cutting-edge technology. This innovative approach has expanded the allure of Topgolf beyond traditional golf enthusiasts, capturing the interest of both golfers and non-golfers alike.
Is Topgolf fun if you don't know how do you golf? ›
Topgolf is a game that anyone can play and enjoy, even if you're getting more hole-in-nones than hole-in-ones.
How is Topgolf doing financially? ›
Topgolf Callaway's 2023 sales are up 7.2 percent over 2022. Topgolf, Golf Equipment and Active Lifestyle segments all top $1 billion in sales. Topgolf is the largest revenue creator at $1.76 billion. Net profits for 2023 are $95 million, down 40 percent from 2022.
What is so cool about Topgolf? ›
Here at Topgolf, there's no pressure to have a good golf swing or score a lot of points. It's all about everyone having fun. Each of our venues features climate-controlled hitting bays for year-round comfort with HDTVs in every bay and throughout our sports bar and restaurant.
What is unique about Topgolf? ›
Time: A traditional round of golf can take hours to complete, and a lot of that is waiting and walking time. At topgolf, you reserve a bay by the hour. There is no travel between holes at Topgolf and all shots are from the same spot, so you can get straight to the fun part.
Has anyone ever fallen at Topgolf? ›
A man fell through a Dallas TopGolf anti-fall netting system in August of 2013 after his foot went through the net, causing him to fall to the ground below. In 2012, Air Force Serviceman Charlie Paloma was rendered paralyzed after a fall at TopGolf.
How much profit does Topgolf make? ›
Golf Equipment comes in at 35 percent. Overall, Topgolf Callaway is reporting $158 million in net profit for the year. That's down considerably from 2021's profit of $322 million.
What is Topgolf core value? ›
Our culture centers on this mission, is built on a foundation of inclusivity and is supported by our Core Values: Fun, One Team, Excellence, Courage and Caring. We believe these core values set us apart to fuel our growth.
Can a 14 year old go to Topgolf alone? ›
Anyone under 16 must be supervised by a Guest 21+ at all times. Anyone under 18 must be supervised by a Guest 21+ after 9:00pm. What are your rules? At Topgolf, everyone's well-being is very important.
Aim for the targets at all times - how else are you going to score? Hitting golf balls over the boundary netting is prohibited, and all players are responsible for damages or injuries caused by any balls hit outside of the premises. (Topgolf balls report back to us when they've lost their way outside our nets…)
How much money is 1 hour at Topgolf? ›
The prices for Topgolf vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and location. Hourly rates for hitting bays range from $25 to $55, while group rates start at $44 per person for two hours of play and one food and drink voucher.
Who is the CEO of Topgolf? ›
Did Topgolf get bought out? ›
Callaway initially invested in Topgolf in 2006, before increasing its stake to 14 percent in 2018. Two years later, in 2020, the two sides merged and eventually changed the name to Topgolf Callaway, in March 2021, when Callaway completed an all-stock acquisition ($2.66 billion) of Topgolf Entertainment Group.
What is the goal at Topgolf? ›
In our signature game, players score points by hitting balls into any target. The more accurate your shot and the farther the distance, the more points you earn.
What is the concept of Topgolf? ›
Topgolf is a golf driving range game with electronically tracked golf balls and automatically scored drives that started in 2000 and grew to become a multinational sports entertainment company.
What are Topgolf core values? ›
Our culture centers on this mission, is built on a foundation of inclusivity and is supported by our Core Values: Fun, One Team, Excellence, Courage and Caring. We believe these core values set us apart to fuel our growth.
