‘Top of the Golf’ to ’yah
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Topgolf staff, local elected officials and members of Farragut West Knox Chamber of Commerce and Knoxville Chamber of Commerce pose during ribbon cutting ceremonies at the newly-opened entertainment venue along Outlet Drive Friday morning, Aug. 12. - photo courtesy of Hallie Riddle/Farragut Tourism assistant
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Jackson Tyler of Mortgage Investors Group played a few rounds during Topgolf’s grand opening. - photo courtesy of Hallie Riddle/Farragut Tourism assistant
Topgolf, the long-awaited centerpiece for Farragut’s specially-created Entertainment District along Outlet Drive, is officially open for business.
The global entertainment venue had a “soft” opening beginning Monday, Aug. 8, culminating in a grand opening and ribbon cutting Friday morning, Aug. 12, in Farragut Crossing.
“We had a chance to work out a few kinks,” Topgolf Knoxville’s director of operations Mark Grenier said of the days leading up to Friday’s event, which brought together Town, county and state elected officials along with representatives from both the Farragut West Knox Chamber of Commerce and the Knoxville Chamber hosting simultaneous ribbon cuttings.
“We are so excited to see Topgolf opening, offering a place to play golf rain or shine,” FWKCC president/CEO Julie Blaylock said.
“Lets try to set a record,” Grenier said as the group exited the lobby, making way to the exterior of the $20 million building.
An attempt definitely was made as dozens crowded together for the ribbon cuttings — including many Topgolf staff members, which altogether number more than 400.
Friday’s ribbon cutting and celebration was the culmination of “many people working together to make it happen,” Farragut Mayor Ron Williams said.
“It has been a six-year journey for us, for those of us who have worked behind the scenes to get Topgolf here,” he added.
“This has been a long journey, and this is certainly a big day for Farragut and Knox County,” Grenier said.
“To say we are excited to have you here is an understatement,” said Jane Jolley, a representative from Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs’ office.
The open-air, 72-bay, two-level building is the third Topgolf in Tennessee and the 79th worldwide. It is described architecturally by Topgolf officials as “the first of its kind in the state,” featuring all-weather outdoor hitting bays (hosting up to six players in each bay), a full-service restaurant, private event space, an elaborate bar/television viewing area “and year-round family-friendly programming for all ages.”
Unique to Topgolf, according to one of its press releases, is “signature Toptracer technology,” described as “the most trusted ball-tracing technology in the golf industry, powering the experience at the venue and enabling players to enjoy favorite games like Angry Birds and Jewel Jam.”
Players may use their own clubs or rent from Topgolf.
Oak Ridge resident Darren Osborne said he had visited Topgolf locations in Las Vegas and Atlanta before checking out the Farragut site. “What I like about it is that it offers golf for everyone,” he said.
“It’s just a good time, a good place to hang out and a great atmosphere,” Osborne added.
Hours are from 10 a.m. to midnight, Sunday through Thursday, and from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m., Fridays and Saturdays.
Cost varies, depending on the day and time, but guests pay per hour. During the week, it is $27 an hour from opening to noon; $37 an hour from noon to 5 p.m.; and $47 an hour from 5 p.m. to close. Cost is half price on Tuesdays and increases $3 per hour on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
All Topgolf players are required to purchase a $5 lifetime membership.
