The Rise of
Golfertainment
F
rom the roadway, nets and
stanchions soaring 300 feet
high connote driving rang-
es. However, a closer look
reveals far more. Autumn in
Richmond brought more than leaves. In
September it welcomed Virginia’s first,
and the nation’s fourth, Drive Shack. On
Oct. 4, Topgolf opened its third Common-
wealth facility (the others are in Loudoun
26
County and Virginia Beach) and 57th
worldwide.
Drive Shack bills itself as an “entertain-
ment company.” Topgolf maintains it is
“a global sports and entertainment com-
munity.” Ask front desk staff why people
visit and the answer is a unanimous “fun.”
Both establishments boast hundreds of
high definition televisions, unending
selections of chef-driven food in restau-
V I R G I N I A G O L F E R | M A R C H / A P R I L 2 0 2 0
rants, bars, rooftop patios, alcoholic bev-
erages, high-tech gaming, leagues, cor-
porate and social event spaces—and golf.
About the golf. Drive Shack has 96 cli-
mate-controlled multi-floor hitting bays;
Topgolf has 72. Each bay can accommo-
date six, where players can play games,
high-definition championship courses,
or just flail away with establishment-pro-
vided clubs or those brought from home.
vsga.org
AS VENUES LIKE TOPGOLF AND DRIVE SHACK GROW IN POPULARITY, COURSES
SEARCH FOR WAYS TO GET THEIR PATRONS ON THE GRASS by MICHAEL J. STOTT