TopGolf, the revolutionary Golf Game Centre officially opens its second centre at Chigwell in Essex today and announces a link with Callaway Golf, which is appointed official equipment supplier. The site, opened by former Ryder Cup Captain Bernard Gallacher OBE, is the second in the UK for the unique leisure concept. The centre has created 25 jobs in the local area and completes the redevelopment of the former Epping Forest Country Club site, which includes Holmes Place Health and Fitness Club, American Golf Discount store and Woolston Manor Golf Club.
TopGolf is a brand new fun and fast game, played at a state-of-the-art golf driving range, but requiring no previous experience of golf or special equipment. Players hit premium golf balls containing tiny microchips onto a 250 metre long outfield. The microchip relays the distance and accuracy of each shot to a screen in each bay and awards a score in points. The result is a compelling game for all ages and levels of ability, which has been described as ‘golf based ten pin bowling’. For existing golfers, TopGolf offers a whole new way to practice and enjoy the sport.
“TopGolf is transforming the game of golf and making the sport accessible to a while new generation of players,” comments Bernard Gallacher. “It’s also great to see such an innovative golfing concept that is so much fun!”
The centre features 55 well-equipped driving bays in a two-storey range, golf tuition from the Cranfield Golf Academy, an American Golf Discount store, as well as a cafà©/bar and corporate entertainment facilities. It also offers a brand new destination for children’s birthday parties and social and corporate events. With extended opening hours 8am – 11pm 7 days a week, it appeals to the golfer wishing to practice before work and for players wishing to socialise with friends and family during their leisure time.
“We are developing TopGolf to appeal to all – it really is a facility for the whole family,” says Stephen Lewis, chief executive.
As official equipment supplier, Callaway Golf will be providing premium quality practice clubs and are sponsoring score sheets. Players will also be able to win Callaway Golf clubs and golf balls in competitions and events run throughout the year.
The Chigwell centre has evolved from the first site at Watford, where over 110,000 players have teed up to try the game, and offers additional bays, improved bay layout and a new ‘fairway’ target aimed at more experienced golfers.
Baydrive Group Limited owns and operates TopGolf in the UK and Ireland. Backed by Henderson Private Capital, it plans to open 10 TopGolf Game Centres throughout the UK and Eire over the next 5 years.
TopGolf www.topgolf.co.uk
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