The details
First up, let us slice through everything to clarify one important factor – Topgolf is not just for golfers. Sure, those that do spend some time on the green will quickly agree that this is the ultimate club-swinging nirvana, but Topgolf is designed to blend technology with great food, killer drinks, live music and fun games (read: not serious) to bring us an entertainment concept that’s like nothing we’ve ever seen before. You know we like sharing fun facts, so hear this – the Topgolf concept was actually born on a dreary driving range in north London by two very bored twin brothers who wanted to make their practice sessions more exciting and accurate. Not only did they develop a technology that measures exactly where the ball goes, they made it fun by incorporating everybody’s favourite things – food, drinks, music and mates. From there Topgolf expanded with 33 locations worldwide – and the latest is right here on the Gold Coast.
The food and drink
Eating and drinking is a big part of the Topgolf experience. The menu, which covers breakfast, brunch, lunch and beyond, gives a nod to American classics and puts a refined quality-driven spin on familiar favourites. Once you’ve nestled into your hitting bay you can tuck into hunger-busting eats like moreish smoked-brisket and chilli-infused grilled-cheese sandwiches, chicken-and-waffle sliders (as in, fried chicken inside two waffles with maple syrup and jalapeno gravy – drool), signature brioche burgers, flat-bread pizzas and more. Early birds can tuck in to morning eats like breakfast burritos, bruleed French toast, and spicy beans with garlic crostini and an over-easy egg – then wash it down with a classic mimosa. By day or night you can share buckets of dry-rubbed citrus-brined barbecued wings, dig in to three-cheese nachos with drunken beans or even get acquainted with ‘mushi’, Topgolf’s own Mexican sushi where sticky coriander rice, beans, spiced chicken, cheese, sour cream and avocado are rolled (just like sushi) in a jalapeno tortilla and drizzled with sriracha hot sauce. Got yourself a sweet tooth? You’ll be looked after with the caramel sauce-stuffed skillet cookie with vanilla-bean ice-cream, decadent sundaes and the diet-busting deep-fried doughnut fries. As for the drinkables, you’ll find a wide and well-curated series of cocktails on offer – think strawberry-jalapeno margaritas, Ink Gin martinis, mojitos, Manhattans, sangria and more. The bottled, tinned and tap beer collection covers the breadth of local, Australian and international brewers, which sits alongside a selection of wines and spirits. Another fun fact – cocktails will enhance your golf swing. As will beer.
The fun and games
If you thought Topgolf was a driving range, then you’re way off the green. Forget plastic buckets and giant moths flying into your face from the floodlights – this is a state-of-the-art three-level venue equipped with 90 climate-controlled hitting bays, which can fit up to six players. Together you’ll whack micro-chipped golf balls into the 190-metre-long outfield, with each shot tracked and awarded points. The field is dotted with giant dartboard-like targets that will test both your power and distance, as well as your tactics and skill. There are plenty of different ways to play and you should most definitely prepare yourself for a bit (possibly a lot) of healthy competition. We’re first to admit that golf isn’t for everyone – heck, our golfing prowess extends no further than a mini-golf course – but if you’ve ever wanted to swing a club, this is certainly the setting to do it in. Though, with a menu and bar offering like that, you’ll be forgiven for bypassing the golf and heading straight for the food. Get out there and sip, snack and swing, pals – you’ll have a ball.
Head to our Stumble Guide for location and contact details.
Topgolf officially opens to the public on Friday June 15.
