A beginner’s guide to Topgolf before the Louisville Grand Opening.
At long last, Topgolf is set to open its first location in Louisville! The $18 million project at the Oxmoor Center has been in the works for years, but a lawsuit filed in 2018 by Hurstbourne neighbors (who opposed the project) hindered progress until the case was finally dropped in early 2021.
If you’re unfamiliar with Topgolf, or if you’re just interested in learning a few fun facts, you’ve come to the right place.
What the heck is Topgolf?
Cliff’s Notes version: it’s a three-story-tall, technology-infused driving range with a full bar, kitchen and waitstaff. The range is populated by several dozen bays, which groups can rent by the hour.
How many people can play Topgolf at a time?
Six people can play at a time.
What skill level does Topgolf require?
Topgolf is like a golf version of a bowling alley. Topgolf is a game that anyone can play, including kids and people with no golf experience.
How do Topgolf balls work?
If you’ve ever thought about how Topgolf provides the data for the right ball? You know, the one that you hit instead of the hundreds of other golf balls people are hitting at the same exact time?
Topgolf balls are all equipped with a unique RFID (radio frequency identification) chip. When you wave you golf club over the sensor to get another golf ball, the hitting bay connects the RFID tag in that next golf ball to your bay.
When the golf ball lands in a target area, hits the fence or comes to the ground, the RFID tag in the ball is picked up by beacons in the targets that track where your ball entered the target area.
What types of games can you play at Topgolf?
Topgolf offers several game options, but the most popular game is called…wait for it… “Topgolf,” which is essentially driving-range target practice. Players aim at one of several massive targets scattered around the range. The more accurate the shot, and the farther away the target, the more points you are awarded.
Is Topgolf safe?
Fair question, considering you’re standing three stories in the air! Players not hitting are instructed to stand behind a red line to prevent getting whacked by other players. There’s also a safety net to catch anyone who wanders too close to the edge.
Do you bring your own golf clubs to Topgolf?
Yes, you can bring your own golf clubs, or you can rent clubs for free. They have clubs for men, women, lefty’s, righty’s, kids and toddlers.
Who owns Topgolf? is owned by Callaway.
Topgolf is owned by Callaway.
