How Much is TopGolf? What You Really Need to Know
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If you read our seminal article, The Ultimate Guide to Top Golf , you know that I paid a pretty penny for my girlfriend and her posse to have a good time on our first go. Don’t get me wrong, it was totally worth it, but when I compared the bill to what rounds at Bandon Dunes cost, I was a little heartbroken. Oh well. . . I guess. . .
I’ve been back since and now have a better understanding of how TopGolf pricing works. And I think it’s worth sharing with our readers to help them get the most bang for their buck next time they feel like playing TopGolf with their friends.
How Much Does It Cost to Play TopGolf?
Before I venture on with the rest of my story and list of TopGolf dos and don’ts, I should explain just what TopGolf is.
After publishing our first article, this was the number one question I received. And while I wish there was a clear cut answer, there just isn’t so let’s unpackage it together.
TopGolf pricing depends entirely on your location, the day, and what time of day you want to play. Fittingly, my girlfriend chose the most expensive day, Saturday, and I paid for it.
All TopGolf pricing is by the hour. That’s the first thing to keep in mind.
Typically, the earlier in the day you go, the cheaper it is.
For purposes of this conversation, I’m going to use the location in Portland, Oregon as a guide.
If you show up from opening to noon on a weekday, you’re looking at $37 an hour for a single hitting bay. From noon to 5:00pm, the cost goes up to $47 per hour. On the weekend, those prices each go up by $3 for each time slot.
Keep in mind that these prices vary by location, are subject to change, and depend on what level you reserve your hitting bay on (the higher you go, the more expensive it gets).
I wish I knew all this information before I swiped my credit card for my girlfriend and all her friends, but you live and learn.
Food and Drink
I wasn’t expecting much when it came to food and drink options at TopGolf Portland. I figured it would be basic golf course food with a couple sandwich options, hot dogs, and a watered-down selection of domestic beers highlighted by Budweiser and Miller Lite.
Boy, was I ever wrong? The food and drink options at most TopGolf locations are first-class. Each location has its own distinct menu that’s locally inspired.
In Portland, the seasonal drink menu was impressive. My girlfriend took a liking to the Blackberry Smash and had more than one.
Being a beer guy in beer country, I was impressed by the wide selection of craft brews on tap. I may have had a second one myself. Just watch out for Boneyard’s RPM IPA. It’s delicious but packs a punch.
For food, there was plenty to choose from. I’m always in the mood for nachos and they were easy to share. The ones in Portland exceeded my expectations. Aside from nachos, there are street tacos, wings, flatbread, and just about everything in between. Even the hummus was delectable, and I’m the last guy to ever eat rabbit food.
For entrees, there are plenty of burgers and sandwiches to choose from. And the salads and sides are of quality too for those of you that eat like birds (not me).
So how much can you expect to pay for food and drink at TopGolf?
That depends entirely on how hungry and thirsty your group is. Prices aren’t cheap, but they’re not exorbitant either. If you can imagine paying for a meal at your local brewery or pub, that’s about what you should expect to pay at TopGolf, depending on the location of course.
What About Specials and Promotions
Unless money isn’t an issue, you’re probably always on the lookout for a good deal. Do they exist at TopGolf? The answer is Yes.
Again, specials and promos are going to vary by location, are subject to change, and dependent on time of day, week, season, etc.
A quick glance at TopGolf Portland’s website shows a deal for “Half-Price Tuesday”. That’s right, all bays are half their normal price from open until close.
I wish I would have known about “Half-Price Tuesday” before I paid a month’s rent for my girlfriend and her crew! Even better, I could have justified that round at Bandon I’ve been pining for. Oh well.
To find out about the latest discounts and promotions, do a search for the TopGolf location closest to you.
What About Memberships and Leagues?
Just like your local muni, TopGolf has an array of membership and league options designed to fit all abilities and budgets. Here is a link to what’s being offered at the Portland location for 2022.
Does TopGolf Offer Lessons?
Most people that come to TopGolf are casual golfers at best, or have never touched a club before.
My girlfriend and her friends laughed their faces off when I walked in with my bag full of expensive clubs, best FootJoys, and my shirt tucked in. I’d never felt more like a fish out of water in my life.
So yes, TopGolf offers all kinds of opportunities for folks to learn the game in a fun, relaxing environment. Across the country, TopGolf has contracted with industry-leading teachers to provide lesson packages that can be tailored to your specific wants and needs.
Here is a link to what’s currently being offered in Portland.
Can I Bring My Kids?
YES, YES, and YES! TopGolf is meant for everyone, and that includes families. While you might think of the venue as the perfect spot for bachelor and millennial birthday parties, it’s a great spot for kids too.And if Mom and Dad want to have some time alone, TopGolf offers a multitude of programs for kids that are designed to be fun, engaging, and safe. Sounds like a win-win combo to me!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TopGolf?
TopGolf is a triple-decker driving range that offers interactive games and full food and drink service. Hitting bays can be reserved and rented on an hourly basis.
Wait staff are assigned to each bay to take care of all your drink and scrumptious American pub food needs.
There’s plenty of room for everyone to spread out, relax, and party like it’s 1985. Most TopGolf facilities come with added amenities like overhead heaters and flat screens so you can keep up on your fantasy scores whilst you whack away.
It’s all about fun at TopGolf and that’s precisely why people flock to it in droves.
How Does TopGolf Work?
Think about the last time you went bowling. The experience is similar here. You start by entering everyone’s names in a computer. The names are then populated on an overhead screen that everyone can see.
From there, you can choose from any number of games for the group. Here are a couple of my personal favorites:
TopGolf Original
Simply put, you hit balls at a target of your choosing. You get points based on how close you hit your shot to the target. The farther away the target, the more points are available.
Quick 9
Quick 9 is easy, fun, and quick. In this game, each player gets three shots at the closest targets (red, yellow, and green). The last shot to each target is worth double points. He or she who has the highest point total wins. Other popular games include Angry Birds, Top Scramble, and Jewel Jam. Here is a complete list of the games available at TopGolf Portland.
What If I Don’t Have Clubs?
Don’t sweat it! Most folks at TopGolf don’t. Only weirdos like me show up with their own sticks.
TopGolf has quality equipment to fit any body type, swing (or lack thereof), and style. And the best part is it’s FREE!
Conclusion
The TopGolf experience is fun no matter when you play. I’ve done it a couple times myself and can’t wait to get back.
But it can be an expensive endeavor if you pay the rack rate for everything involved.
The good news is that TopGolf pricing is dynamic depending on location, time, and a number of other factors. You don’t have to pay through the nose every time you want to take a few swipes at Whitey.
As long as you do some research ahead of time, and keep an eye out for specials and promotions, you’re sure to have a great time.
