Idaho Tees Up at Topgolf

Gavin Sesions tracks his ball inflight through innovative Toptracker technology. PHOTO BY KAREN DAY.

BY CHRIS LANGRILL

Golfers have been trying to master the sport for centuries. And for centuries many have been frustrated.

You’ll find them at courses across the globe. Golfers—whether they are beginners or seasoned professionals—might take out their frustration in any number of ways, from broken clubs to hurled objects to rage-filled profanities.

But Bjorn Carlson believes he knows the antidote to all this frustration: It’s called Topgolf.

Carlson is the director of operations for Topgolf’s newest facility, located in Meridian. He’s watched any number of golfers play Topgolf, but Carlson says he’s not accustomed to witnessing a lot of frustration.

“It’s funny,” he said. “I think some of the swings and misses I’ve seen, the duffed shots, people are laughing about them. They’re not throwing clubs or getting frustrated with themselves. Whether you hit a good ball or a bad ball it’s just fun to be out there swinging the clubs.”

What is Topgolf? The company likes to describe its complexes as technology-enabled driving ranges. Players aim for on-field targets from outdoor hitting bays and Toptracer technology tracks each ball’s flight the same way you may have seen on TV during major golf tournaments.

Live leaderboards and other screens entertain golfers of all ages before, during, and after their swing.

PHOTO BY KAREN DAY

There are several ways to set up a Topgolf game. Kids might enjoy an Angry Birds version, which allows them to watch the flight of their balls on a monitor after swinging away. More serious golfers might prefer to play a simulated layout of Pebble Beach or St. Andrews.

“It’s a great introduction to the game of golf,” Carlson said. “We like to think of ourselves as a company that is growing the game and introducing it to people who wouldn’t get out on a traditional golf course.

“We have this theme of ‘More Play. Play More.’ So, we’re getting more people out to play more golf and have more fun.”

Carlson said that you’re much more likely to hear laughter than cursing at Topgolf facilities.

“You’re surrounded by family and friends, and we’ve got good food and drink,” he said. “It’s just like going to a bowling alley. Whether you’re a good bowler or not, you can have a good time.” Ah yes, food and drink. Topgolf has plenty of options for both on its extensive menus.

When players (as Topgolf likes to call its customers) enter the Meridian complex, they will be greeted by a front desk, which can handle reservations for the golf bays and more. To the right of the front desk is a bright, open restaurant featuring a 20-foot video wall above a full bar. (U.S. Open party, anyone?)

When the sun is shining and the temperatures are more forgiving, players will be able to exit the restaurant through glass garage doors to enjoy patio dining, cornhole games, and a nine-hole miniature golf course.

No matter the weather, golfers enjoy food, drink, and sport from Topgolf’s heated bays.

PHOTO BY CHRIS LANGRILL

Whether the sun is shining or not, players exiting through the back of the restaurant will find 60 climate-controlled hitting bays spread across two levels.

Bring your own clubs or use the assorted clubs available at the facilities. Similar to a bowling alley, more experienced players might prefer their own clubs, but most people just use those on-hand.

Topgolf is sure to be a major draw for corporate and group events, and the venue is smartly situated to make groups feel like they have their own space to themselves.

Want to take that event up a notch?

“If you have a group outing and you want to add a little incentive for the group, you could book our director of instruction, who could facilitate lessons for the people at the event,” Carlson said. “He can pop into each bay and spend a little time with each person who is there—some would want to take advantage more than others, but the opportunity is there.”

And you don’t need to be part of a group event to take advantage of an on-site lesson.

“For private lessons with our pro, you’ll find everyone from the beginner who has never swung a golf club all the way up to the most advanced golfers,” Carlson said.

Lessons. Miniature golf. Sophisticated technology in 60 different climate- controlled bays. Food and drink and TVs. Cornhole.

The list goes on.

Suffice it to say, Carlson feels his Topgolf facility has something for everyone.

“I would say 80% of people come out here with little to no golf experience, just to have fun, enjoy some food, and swing a golf club,” Carlson said. “Pretty much anyone can come out here and enjoy themselves and have a good time.”

Website: Learn more about Topgolf, including memberships (there’s a waiting list), at topgolf.com/us/boise.

Address: 1050 S. Silverstone Way, Meridian (near the Eagle exit off I-84)

Phone: 986-210-1270

Get on the list early if you’re planning on trying out Meridian’s newest attraction.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BALL VENTURES AHLQUIST

Want to try Topgolf? Plan ahead.

It’s true that anyone can walk into the Topgolf facility and hope to get on a waitlist for a bay. But Carlson has been advising players to plan ahead for their visit, especially as the novelty of Topgolf is enamoring potential customers.

“People that are new to Topgolf don’t realize how popular we are, and they might come in and find a long wait,” Carlson said. “So, I always tell people to go online and book a reservation or join a waiting list.”

If you don’t want to roll the dice as a walk-in customer, Carlson advises players to reserve a bay online. Another great alternative is the Topgolf app, which will allow players to look for reservations or see the status of the waitlist on any given day.