Just For Fun: Topgolf

Story and Photos by Marshall Altom

If you’re looking for a fun outing and do not mind a short drive, I suggest heading down to Topgolf in Spring, Texas. If you have gone down to Houston on I-45, you’ve probably seen it, even if you did not realize it. It is the three-story building with the GINORMOUS nets around it. Inside is a world of fun for people of all ages, shapes, and sizes!

When you first arrive, you need to head to the front desk. If you have never been to a Topgolf, you will need to create a membership. Each person needs a membership to play. After that, you will be assigned a bay. You can also request a bay on a certain level (1, 2, or 3). You may also get to select if you want a bay with couches or a bay with a high top. Each bay can hold up to six people. You may bring your own golf clubs or select from supplied clubs. When you step out on the decks, you will see 10 colored, circular holes in the ground. Each color signifies a different distance. The one color you cannot see is black. It is all the way at the back of the net, and instead of a circle, it is a line. Each color signifies a different length away from the bays. Red is 25 yards, yellow is 50 yards, green is 90 yards, brown is 125 yards, blue is 150 yards, white is 185 yards, and black is 215 yards.

Now that you have arrived at your bay, a waiter will come out to get everyone registered into their cool machines at the bay. After everyone is registered, you get to select your game mode. You might be wondering, “How can golf have different game modes?” Well, Topgolf has found a way. There are over 10 game modes to pick and play. A description of each is coming! At each bay, you have a waiter who will check on you and take care of your food and drink desires. The food at Topgolf is amazing. While we were there, we had the spinach artichoke dip. It was rich and creamy, and it even had some added chopped jalapeños to spice it up! For those who wish to partake, there is a full-service bar. You can also dine in and drink without playing if you so choose. Now on to the games!

TOPGOLF:

In the signature game, players score points by hitting balls (assigned using microchip technology) into any target.  The more accurate your shot and the farther the distance, the more points you earn.

QUICK 9:

In this speedy game of accuracy and fun, you’ll get three shots each at the Red, Yellow, and Green targets.  e closer to the center of each target, the more points you’ll earn. Your last shot at each target will earn double points!

Jr. version is available with a Topgolf Jr. Membership.

TOPCHIP:

For fans of the short game, TopChip uses just the red target ( five shots), yellow target ( ve shots) and green target (10 shots). Hit the correct target, and you’ll score points, but hit the wrong one and see your points disappear.

TOPSHOT:

Similar to TopChip, this game challenges you to hit the targets at four consecutive distances ( ve shots each).  The starting target you choose (red, yellow or green) determines the game’s level of di culty. Accuracy is key in this exciting game. TopShot is available in Rookie, Intermediate and Advanced levels.

TOPPRESSURE:

Test your touch and accuracy by hitting all nine sections within the yellow target. Closeout the first level, then see point values multiply during levels two and three. Be careful not to hit the same section twice, or you’ll lose points.

ADVANCED:

To unlock TopPressure advanced, score at least 30 points in standard TopPressure or 100+ points in Topgolf, and you’ll be able to select this game on your next visit (TopPressure advanced remains active for 30 days after the date unlocked.)

TOPSCRAMBLE:

Beginners and experienced golfers compete mano-a-mano on a level playing field. Players are split into teams, and the best score on each ball is used as the score for the team.

Jr. version is available with a Topgolf Jr. Membership

TOPSCORE:

This high-scoring version of Topgolf rewards you for going big.  the farther the target you hit and the closer you get to the center flag, the higher the multiple of points you’ll receive.

TOPDRIVE:

Break out your big guns, and take aim at the farthest targets. Not for the faint of heart, this game challenges even the most experienced and powerful drivers.

TOPCONTENDER:

This game is only available for events, leagues and the Topgolf Tour.

Jr. version is available with a Topgolf Jr. Membership.

My wife and I went with another couple to do research for this story. We played TOPSCORE, TOPGOLF, and TOPCHIP Intermediate. We played on the second deck and had a blast. Our server was nice and thoughtful, and we stayed and played for two hours. You can always extend your time. Only the guys had an idea of how to play golf. Neither of the girls have ever played golf, and they were still able to learn some and have a blast. (If needed, they also have instructors and do golf lessons.)

Whether you have mad golf skills, just putter around, or have no golf experience at all, this is a fun activity for everyone.  e food, atmosphere, and fun make it a worthwhile drive. You can also book multiple bays for parties, or the entirety of the bays for large events (up to 1000 people). Whether you go to work on your swing, go with some friends for fun, or just need to burn some energy, it is sure to be a great time.

Topgolf in Spring is located at 560 Spring Park Center Blvd, Spring, TX, 77373. You can book online at Topgolf.com or download their app (which also keeps track of your playing history!)