Discover competitors like Drive Shack, Bigshot’s, and Atomic Golf. How do they compare in different games, pricing, and their unique features?
Competitors to Topgolf include indoor simulators and outdoor simulators. Each one is slightly different from the other but they all offer an experience similar to Topgolf. What you will find with the outdoor locations includes: Multiple-levels with hitting bays that are climate controlled. Ball-tracking technology, interactive games and challenges and delicious food. They will have at least one bar, a casual restaurant and most often arcade games along with mini-golf. Although the technology they use will be different from company to company, it is all the same concept of ball-flight tracking. The indoor companies will have all the same amenities and you get the luxury of being inside, the turf stays nicer and they encourage you to bring your own clubs.
Drive Shack
General Pricing:
Ranges from $30-$50 per hour for one bay. This is based on their busiest location. The cheapest times to go are in the mornings and on weekdays. They also have specials and deals that you can look into by going here.
Unique things about Drive Shack:
They offer a mini golf experience called, “Puttery.” It is tech-infused mini golf that is generally adults focused, with drinks and food. This offers a different atmosphere and feel than the driving range bays and gives you an activity if you are worried about swinging a golf club.
Topgolf differences:
Some noted differences are that Topgolf uses different technology than Drive Shack for tracking balls. They have different mini-golf companies and Drive Shack has fewer locations across the United States.
Locations for Drive Shack:
1.) Orlando, Florida
2.) Raleigh, North Carolina
3.) Richmond, Virginia
4.) West Palm Beach, Florida
BigShots Golf
General Pricing:
For one bay that seats six people. Weekdays range from $25-$39 per hour, while weekends range from $39-$49. Some locations offer a monthly membership with unlimited play and 20% off food. They have a 5 for $5 menu with incredible food that is affordable. I recommend getting the wings, they are delicious. For more information, visit Bigshot’s website.
Unique things about Bigshots:
They use a TrackMan Range technology that is extremely accurate. They offer a relaxed mini-golf course that is right outside the building along with an area to play cornhole, ping pong and other classic family games.
Topgolf differences:
BigShot’s is owned by a company called Invited who own many country clubs and golf courses, so the structure and layout will be different from Topgolf.
Locations for Bigshots:
1.) Fort Worth, Texas
2.) Springfield, Missouri
3.) St. George, Utah
4.) Vero Beach, Florida
Golf Suites
General Pricing:
Can range anywhere from $13-$24 per hour. This is for one bay that seats six people and lasts an hour. It is obviously a cheaper option than some other places, they are also currently advertising half off Monday’s-Wednesday.
Unique things about Golf Suites:
Something that is distinctive about Golf Suites is found in the way they market themselves as more of a boutique-style and luxury-type entertainment center. They also encourage people to learn from their on-site professional instructors. These world-class pros can offer swing analysis and lessons.
Topgolf differences:
With fewer bays it has more of an intimate atmosphere. As mentioned above it has a country club type feel and they offer monthly memberships that you can buy, along with golf lesson packages.
Locations for Golf Suites:
1.) Lubbock, Texas
2.) Baton Rouge, Louisiana
They are also opening a location in Auburn and Hoover, Alabama.
Atomic Golf
General Pricing:
For a bay that seats eight people and lasts for one hour it costs $60 on the weekdays and $80 on the weekends.
Unique things about Atomic Golf:
As the only location is in Las Vegas it is heavily influenced by the surrounding sights and feels of Vegas. It offers a special LED dance floor, a golf ball cannon and a strong nightlife vibe. There are no minimums when it comes to Food and Beverages. You can buy however much you would like.
Topgolf differences:
Topgolf is more of a family-friendly atmosphere while Atomic Golf thrives in the limelight of the Las Vegas environment. They also offer a highly interactive and bold holographic mini-golf course.
Locations for Atomic Golf:
The only location for Drive Shack currently is in Las Vegas, Nevada. Directly across from the STRAT hotel.
X-Golf America
General Pricing:
They will charge about $40 for an hour Mon-Thurs and Friday until about 4 pm. The rest of Friday and all weekend will be about $60 per hour. They also offer monthly membership fees, which vary by location. Generally, around $300 per month.
Unique things about X-Golf:
Simulator locations offer you an exciting almost real-life experience of golfing on a golf course. You can play hundreds of courses whenever you would like, all within the comfort of your favorite bay with all your friends.
Topgolf differences:
The main difference is that Topgolf and other similar places are outside, while a place like X-Golf is indoors. Indoor simulators are usually focused on skill development, practice and playing rounds of golf. It also appeals more to the avid golfer and players seeking serious practice.
Locations for X-Golf:
There are more than 130 locations across 38 states. Primarily located in the North West area of the United States. To find a location near you, click here.
5iron Golf
General Pricing:
Hourly rates range from $60-$90 per hour depending on time of day and week. They focus heavily on monthly and yearly memberships. $200-$400 per month is what you can expect to pay. These memberships open opportunities for discounts, free hours of play and access to coaching.
Unique things about 5iron:
They have successfully created an environment that the serious golfer can enjoy practicing along with the social golfer enjoying spending time with friends. Offering a strong coaching portfolio and more locations available to people living in average neighborhoods.
Topgolf differences:
5 iron offers a more urban aesthetic. They also emphasize getting a monthly membership rather than coming to play randomly with family and friends. If you are looking for somewhere to enhance your skills then 5-iron is a great fit.
Locations for 5iron:
They have 36 locations across 15 states. Some locations are under construction or renovation. Most locations are found in large cities such as New York, Washington D.C., Philadelphia and Chicago. They have a beautiful location in Baltimore that I visited with a couple of friends, it was a fantastic and relaxed environment where we could enjoy playing some golf.
