It may be cold and snowing outside with Jingle Bells playing on the radio, but golfers and non-golfers in southeastern Michigan will have a place to get their swings in starting Friday at 9 a.m. when Topgolf at Great Lakes Crossing in Auburn Hills officially opens its doors.
The three-level, 65,000-square-foot venue is the 51st Topgolf location worldwide and offers premium food and beverage service, private event spaces, meeting rooms, more than 200 HD TVs, and free WiFi in addition to golf practice.
A roof-top terrace with a fire pit will be available during fair-weather months.
“Topgolf is about bringing people together and creating great times for all, and we want our venue to be a second home for everyone in this community,” says Brian Birckbichler, director of operations at Topgolf Detroit-Auburn Hills. “We are excited to open here during the holiday season.”
Located at 500 Great Lakes Crossing Dr., Topgolf has hired more than 500 full- and part-time employees in advance of the opening.
Topgolf differs from a traditional driving range in almost every way. Guests can play point-scoring golf games using microchipped balls that instantly score themselves, showing players the accuracy and distance of their shots on a TV screen in more than 100 heated hitting bays with piped-in music.
Year-round programming includes events for kids and families, social leagues, groups, golf tournaments, and instruction.
The company says it expects 450,000 people each year to visit its new Auburn Hills location. To do that, it will have to appeal to golfers and non-golfers alike, of all ages and skill levels. One way it does so is by offering a full bar with more than 30 beers including craft and imported varieties, and specialty drinks served in golf bag-shaped glasses.
The menu includes appetizers like bacon/mac n cheese spring rolls, wings, and nachos; brunch options, as well as lunch and dinner selections featuring pizza, sliders, salads, sandwiches, and burgers.
For more information, visit topgolf.com/auburnhills.
