Topgolf is looking to build a $28 million golfing and entertainment center in Viera that it says would employ about 200 people and attract about 200,000 customers a year.
If your not familiar with the Topgolf concept, here are some key points about the attraction and the company:
Topgolf describes itself as “a sports entertainment complex offering an inclusive, high-tech golf game that everyone can enjoy. Experience the thrill of hitting golf balls at giant targets, all tracked by Toptracer technology for real-time feedback and scoring.”
Topgolf says that “with delicious food, refreshing drinks, lively music and an atmosphere buzzing with energy from the moment you walk in, Topgolf is the perfect destination for fun, relaxation and unforgettable memories.”
Its patented technology allows you to track your golf ball, and accurately score each shot based on the target it enters.
Many Topgolf venues also have Toptracer technology, allowing players to see a real-time trace of their ball’s flight path, as well as insights into speed, distance, angle and accuracy.
The Topgolf project would include a two-story golf venue with 64 hitting bays.
There also would be outdoor patio areas; restaurant and bar facilities; and spaces for parties and other events at the complex.
The complex also would have a 234-space parking lot.
The project would be built on a 11.67-acre undeveloped site owned by The Viera Co., and would be located east of The Avenue Viera’s 16-screen AMC movie theater and west of Interstate 95. The site, now owned by The Viera Co., abuts the north end of Bromley Drive, east of Lake Andrew Drive.
Topgolf later this month will open its 108th venue. It has nine in Florida, with a 10th under construction in Panama City Beach. The closest Topgolf to Brevard County is on Universal Boulevard in Orlando.
Prices depend on individual venues.
At the Orlando site, for example, prices range from $37 an hour per bay before noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; to $63 an hour per bay after 5 p.m. on Fridays, as well as after 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The Orlando site also is offering half-price fees on Tuesdays.
Each hitting bay accommodates up to six players. Prices are per hour, per bay, and do not include tax.
Golf clubs are provided as part pf the cost. Clubs are available for men, women, left-handers, right-handers, kids and toddlers.
Golfers also can bring their own clubs.
Topgolf offers discounts for active-duty military, military veterans, and police, fire and emergency medical service personnel.
The bays comfortably accommodate six people, with a maximum of six playing the game. Up to eight people can be in a bay, with two not playing.
Plans call for the Viera Topgolf complex to be open from 9 a.m. to midnight Sundays through Thursdays, and from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Anyone under 16 must be supervised by a guest age 21 and up at all times.
Anyone under 18 must be supervised by a guest age 21 and up after 9 p.m.
As long as you’re wearing shoes, you’re good to play.
You can wear golf shoes if you want, but they aren’t required. If you do, metal spikes are not allowed.
Not at all. Greg Copeland, senior real estate development manager for Topgolf, said about 51% of Topgolf customers are non-golfers, when it comes to playing rounds on a regular golf course, with 27% occasional golfers, 14% moderate golfers and 8% avid golfers.
Lots of things, including burgers, chicken sandwiches, chicken strips, chicken wings, tacos, flatbreads, nachos, fries, salads and dessert items.
The first Topgolf venue was created in Watford in the United Kingdom in 2000.
It originally was called “Target Oriented Practice Golf,” and used proprietary radio-frequency identification technology and dartboard-style targets.
Topgolf has opened seven to 10 venues a year since 2015.
Dallas-based Topgolf is a wholly owned subsidiary of Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp. which also sells golf equipment and apparel.
The company’s other brands include Callaway Golf, TravisMathew, Toptracer, Odyssey, OGIO, Jack Wolfskin and World Golf Tour.
Dave Berman is business editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Berman at dberman@floridatoday.com, on X at @bydaveberman and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dave.berman.54
