TopGolf targets tournament success

If you thought you were familiar with tournament golf, think again. TopGolf and The PGA in England (South) have joined forces to develop the UK’s first-ever electronically-tracked driving range pro-am.

Teeing off from heated bays, complete with a TV screen to review your last shot and ‘bay hosts’ to deliver some much-needed refreshments, the TopGolf Pairs Pro-Am, which takes place on March 11 at the company’s state-of-the-art Surrey location, promises players a new way to take part in competitive golf.

The aim of the game is simple, sink a series of golf balls into 11 dartboard-style targets which are laid out at varying distances from the tee box. The further the ball goes the higher the score, and those who are particularly confident can up their totals with multipliers for repeatedly hitting their target.

“We’re really excited to be hosting this event,” said TopGolf director of golf Paul Williams, below.

“We feel we’ll bring something quite different to The PGA’s schedule. It’ll be during the evening, under floodlights and will have a completely different atmosphere to your typical event.

“It’s been a long-term ambition to get a professional tournament here, and we can’t wait to show the competitors exactly what we can offer.”

What they provide is a unique golfing experience using the latest technology which will challenge even the most experienced golfer.

Micro-chipped balls, which are impressive in their capability to withstand the force exerted by repeated drives in excess of 200 yards, register your score and relay that information to a live leaderboard back in the bay – no worries about remembering to mark your card here, then.

“In many respects it’s a lot like archery,” Williams explained. “It’s much more about accuracy than power as you won’t score any points for a long drive that misses all the targets.”

A favourite hideaway to the stars, One Direction singer Niall Horan and England footballer John Terry have both been spotted teeing off in recent months, TopGolf has expanded on both sides of the Atlantic in the 13 years since its creation.

Since then it has developed three UK locations, Watford, Surrey and Essex, and seven in the States – an array of new locations in both countries are currently in the pipeline.

“What’s great about TopGolf is that it is a really good way to learn the game, while also providing a real challenge to your more experienced golfer as well,” said Williams.

“We have PGA Professionals out on the range every day, and they work with the direct feedback provided by the balls to give tips on how an individual can improve their swing, and therefore increase their score.

“This is a big part of what we do here. We find it gives the golfer a real sense of encouragement, as they can instantly see how the tuition they have received from the PGA pro has benefitted their game through the way their score improves.”

A former assistant at the Belfry, Williams has thrived since his move to TopGolf Watford in 2005.

Initially working as an on-site PGA Professional, he has since moved to the company’s Hertfordshire head office, where he has used the experience gained from working in the bays to further enhance the experience for young golfers and beginners alike.

That has included the introduction of a TopGolf Academy Zone, which offers a range of golfing initiatives including junior camps and ladies’ sessions.

“We find that we do get a lot of beginners here,” Williams reflected. “We’re proud of this as one of our main aims is to make the sport accessible by offering things like free club hire and competitive prices.”

However Williams was keen to stress that TopGolf does not solely cater for those taking their first few swings.

“TopGolf is a challenge for all levels of player, including professionals” he said. “We look forward to welcoming The PGA here to showcase how the facility can present itself as an exciting tournament venue in years to come.”

For more information on the TopGolf Pairs Pro-Am, please click here.