Topgolf features upstairs and downstairs driving range bays with high -tech microchipped balls.
From a gender reveal to a break-up, you can celebrate nearly anything, all while whacking a few dozen golf balls, swizzling a frozen cocktail and refining your swing.
That's the kind of big fun potential the city's first Topgolf holds, and the entertainment corporation plans to open the doors to its 102nd venue at 609 Guilford College Road on Friday.
To christen the location before its official ribbon-cutting, staff opened recently for such a divorce celebration. "We gathered 'round singing and carrying RIP placards" to commemorate the expired bonds, said employee Bo Jackson.
"We try to celebrate with our customers, whatever the occasion,'' Jackson said, pointing out an ample bar with the facility's hallmark 28-foot TV screen that lights up one wall with perpetual coverage of the links.
A mammoth playground of about 55,000 square feet, the gray luxury driving range bills itself as a "play for all" space where any age golfer of any skill level can succeed at a sport so often considered intimidating, elite and stiff.
"That's the kind of atmosphere we're trying to create here, especially for the little ones who come to play, because they're the future of the game," said Kelly Chilsen, a PGA member and golf instructor of 35 years who joined the new Topgolf staff as Director of Instruction.
He'll offer lessons to adults and children, as well as lead children's summer golf camps at the family-friendly center.
Topgolf serves up a hearty sensory meal. The sheer scale of the place is surreal with the grounds skirted by 150-foot-high fencing, and two stories of high-tech driving range "bays" where balls shoot forth from a machine with a club's sweep over a light sensor.
Massive patios on both levels offer corn hole games and plenty of space for dining and drinking.
Sectional sofas frame the 72 driving range bays, each accommodating eight people. If your group is bigger, rent an adjoining bay where friends can watch teammates hit balls loaded with tiny tell-all microchips.
The balls keep players' scores by measuring their distance and trajectory, revealing victories -- as well as shanks, slices and more -- on a video screen.
The all-weather outdoor bays, located on two stories, feature heating panels to guarantee comfort.
The price to play is calculated by the hour and runs from $28-$50, depending on the time of day you visit. Tuesdays are always half-price throughout the day and evening.
You don't have to lug your clubs along. Sticks of all sizes for left- and right-handers are available, as well as ergonomically constructed club handles that place your hands in a correct grip posture.
For little ones, small clubs are at the ready in little bags.
Another big draw of Topgolf's driving range? The giant targets, so called because they look as big as crop circles and mark various yardage along the 250-yard-deep lush field.
Also in the bigger is better category is the Sure Thing, Topgolf's signature easy-peazy driver with a club face that is nearly entirely "sweet spot.''
"You're gonna hit the ball with this club, pretty much every time,'' said Operations Manager Jennifer Paulsen, showing off the generous angle on the Sure Thing club face that creates exceptional loft.
"The thing about Topgolf is it's for everybody, from beginning golfers to Tiger Woods," and players can also "get very competitive," using virtual course games, Paulsen said.
No matter the player's age, they are able to "have a smile on their face'' from succeeding, Chilsen said.
Walk through massive sliding floor-to-ceiling glass doors to a lobby and find a nice selection of golf clothing and supplies, including a rainbow array of fetching keychains, styled as wee golf gloves.
Staffers are friendly, dressed in all black with titles like Bay Host (waitress) and Tee Liners (safety monitors) who make certain you're behind a red line behind the tee box when players get in the swing.
"I feel it's a great atmosphere here. It's really fun to be working here, too,'' said Leesy Muschette, 23, one of about 300 workers the new Topgolf will employ.
"Welcoming Topgolf to Greensboro is the ultimate 'hole in one' for our community,'' said Mayor Nancy Vaughan in a recent news release. "In addition to adding 300 jobs to the local economy, Topgolf adds to our reputation for top-notch recreation as we value quality of life."
Topgolf Chief Development Officer Chris Callaway said in the release: "We are excited to officially open Topgolf Greensboro! We can't wait for the community to come play around and enjoy our signature Topgolf experience."
With real chefs behind the burners, Topgolf serves top drawer treats for noshing or a true dinner out, patrons boast.
Salads, burgers, honey pepperoni flat bread pizza, hummus, guacamole, and buffalo wings are served with elevated flavor profiles and most appetizers run between $6-10. Larger items are around $10-15.
The crave-worthy injected donut holes may be the dessert menu's hole in one. Creamy fillings make these sugar-rolled treats into something of a cream puff.
Then there's the Topgolf Tea, a Long Island Iced Tea cousin that packs a punch at $11. Mimosas are a steal at $4.
Spiked lemonades, margaritas and craft cocktails fill out the beverage menu, as well as a large array of craft, domestic and imported beers, ciders and hard seltzers.
Parents often flock to Topgolf locations for gender reveal parties, according to Paul Owen, a director of operations at the Greensboro location.
Range operators tease gender party guests by volleying quickly between pink and baby blue lights along the range. When the mom or dad hits a ball, the range explodes with the color that celebrates the baby.
"We do wedding receptions, family reunions corporate events, birthdays to full-venue buy outs," Owen said.
(336) 349-4331, ext. 6140@SpearSusie_RCN
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