Topgolf is a popular driving range entertainment complex that offers golfers the chance to play games and socialize in a lively, high-tech environment. With dozens of locations across the United States and beyond, Topgolf appeals to golfers and non-golfers alike. But a visit to Topgolf comes with a price tag, so it’s reasonable to wonder: how much does it cost to go to Topgolf?
The Cost Breakdown at Topgolf
There are a few main factors that go into the cost of a Topgolf experience:
- Bay pricing: This covers the price to reserve and play in one of Topgolf’s hitting bays for an hour or more.
- Club rental: Topgolf charges to rent clubs if you don’t bring your own.
- Food and drinks: Topgolf has an extensive menu of shareable appetizers, entrees, desserts and drinks.
- Games: Some Topgolf locations charge per game for their virtual driving challenges.
The basic bay pricing provides access to your hitting bay, use of the ball tracking technology, and basic amenities. Any clubs, food, drinks, or games come with an additional cost.
Topgolf Bay Pricing
The cost to reserve a bay at Topgolf varies primarily based on:
- Time of day
- Day of the week
- Number of players (bay size)
- Length of reservation
In general, it costs more to book a bay during peak hours like evenings and weekends. Weekday mornings and afternoons tend to have lower bay rates. The standard bay sizes and pricing tiers are:
| Bay Size | Number of Players | Peak Pricing | Off-Peak Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Bay | Up to 6 players | $50+/hour | $30+/hour |
| 5-Bay | Up to 10 players | $100+/hour | $60+/hour |
| 7-Bay | Up to 14 players | $150+/hour | $90+/hour |
As you can see, prices jump significantly for larger bays that accommodate bigger groups. Topgolf offers discounted rates for longer bay reservations (2+ hours) and for bookings earlier in the day.
Club Rental Fees
Topgolf provides complimentary club rentals with any bay reservation. However, higher-end club sets come with additional fees:
- Standard clubs: Free
- Upgraded driver rental: $5
- Premium club rental: $15
The standard free clubs include a driver, 5-iron through pitching wedge, and a putter. Upgraded drivers feature adjustable hosels and premium shaft options. The premium clubs are newer, high-end sets from brands like Callaway and TaylorMade.
Food and Drink Costs
Topgolf has an extensive food and drink menu featuring sharable appetizers, entrees, side dishes, desserts, and beverages. Menu prices are comparable to a typical full-service sports bar and grill. Here are some estimated per-item costs:
- Shareable appetizers: $9 – $18
- Individual entrees: $12 – $20
- Side dishes: $3 – $7
- Desserts: $5 – $10
- Domestic beers on tap: $5 – $8
- Cocktails: $10 – $14
- Wines by the glass: $7 – $12
Most guests spend $15-$30 per person on food and drinks over a 1-2 hour Topgolf visit. However, costs add up quickly with larger groups sharing multiple items and rounds of drinks.
Game Play Cost
The iconic Topgolf games come included with bay reservations at most locations. However, a small number of premium Topgolf venues charge per game for access to virtual driving challenges and computerized scoring. These per-game fees typically run $5-10 depending on time of day.
Total Cost for a Topgolf Visit
Adding up the potential costs – bay fee, club rental, food/drinks, games – a 60-90 minute Topgolf visit for one person could total:
- Low end: $30 (off-peak bay, free clubs, no food/drink, free games)
- Moderate: $50 (peak bay, rented driver, share 1 appetizer, 1 drink, free games)
- High end: $100+ (premium bay at night, premium club rental, food, multiple drinks, paid games)
For a group outing, estimate $25-$60 per person depending on the experience. Keep in mind that weekends, evenings, and larger bays command premium pricing. Visiting earlier in the day on a weekday saves money. Bringing your own clubs also avoids the rental fees.
Ways to Save Money at Topgolf
If you’re looking to save money on your Topgolf experience, consider these tips:
- Book a bay during off-peak days/times (weekday afternoons)
- Share a bay and split costs with more players
- Bring your own clubs to avoid rental fees
- Eat beforehand or share lighter appetizers while there
- Limit yourself to 1-2 drinks
- Skip the paid games and enjoy the free bay activities
- Look for discounts like student pricing and special packages
Taking advantage of off-peak pricing, keeping your food/drink budget in check, and skipping extras like club rentals and paid games can cut your Topgolf costs in half. But keep in mind that the venue does make most of its profit from the extras.
Is Topgolf Worth the Price?
For many golfers and non-golfers, Topgolf is absolutely worth the price. You’re mainly paying for a fun, novel experience: hitting microchipped balls at dartboard-like targets from a climate-controlled bay with drinks, food, music, and games.
That high-tech, entertainment-driven environment understandably comes with higher costs than a traditional driving range. And the quality food and drinks also drive up the price. But being able to comfortably hang out with friends and family while playing games and enjoying bites and drinks has significant value for many customers.
That said, you can save substantially by booking off-peak tee times, bringing your own food/drinks, and not overdoing it on the extras. This makes Topgolf more affordable entertainment for budget-conscious consumers.
Ultimately it’s up to you to decide if Topgolf’s unique amenities justify the pricing in your area. The costs vary across locations, so do some research to find the best value. And try visiting at less busy times to discover when you can play for less.
Topgolf Memberships
For avid Topgolf fans, memberships can provide a more budget-friendly way to enjoy the facilities regularly. Topgolf offers nationwide memberships that unlock perks like:
- Discounted bay pricing
- Free club rentals
- Priority bay reservations
- Exclusive events and leagues
- Points earned towards rewards
Membership pricing includes:
- Player: $39+/month
- Elite: $179+/month
- Executive: $299+/month
Higher tiers include more significant discounts and benefits. Membership makes the most sense if you plan to visit Topgolf at least 2-3 times per month and maximize the perks.
Topgolf Prices By Location
Topgolf pricing can vary quite a bit across different metropolitan areas. Here are sample bay prices at different locations:
| Topgolf Location | Off-Peak Bay Price | Peak Bay Price |
|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX | $25/hour | $50/hour |
| Atlanta, GA | $30/hour | $55/hour |
| Chicago, IL | $35/hour | $60/hour |
| New York, NY | $40/hour | $70/hour |
| Los Angeles, CA | $45/hour | $75/hour |
As you can see, New York and Los Angeles have exceptionally high bay rates compared to most other Topgolf locations. Houston and Atlanta offer some of the most affordable pricing.
Food and drink menus also vary quite a bit between locations, typically higher in major metros. It pays to do some research on your local venue’s specific pricing before you go.
Other Tech-Driven Golf Entertainment
If you’re looking for a high-tech golf entertainment experience like Topgolf, but at a lower price point, here are some alternatives to consider:
- Drive Shack – Similar bay concept with lower prices
- FourSeasons Golf & Games – High-tech simulators with bar/lounge
- GolfZon – Virtual golf simulator rooms
- BigShots Golf – Family-friendly driving range/entertainment
- Urban Putt – Upscale high-tech mini-golf
These venues offer modern golf entertainment with technology, games, food and drinks. While not as large-scale as Topgolf, they can provide a comparable experience often at a lower cost.
Final Thoughts
A trip to Topgolf can cost anywhere from $30 to $100+ per person, depending on choices like bay time, club rental, food/drinks and games. Peak days and times command premium pricing, so visiting at off-peak hours can save money.
Memberships offer discounts for frequent guests. And other tech-driven golf entertainment complexes provide cheaper alternatives to Topgolf.
While not the cheapest activity, Topgolf remains popular for birthday parties, corporate events, bachelor parties, and casual fun. Understanding the costs in advance lets you budget wisely and maximize value.
