by Marissa Harris ‘22

As an athlete, one of the most disappointing things of the pandemic has been the limitation on sports. With all school sports virtual in MCPS, many students are having trouble finding safe physical activities. However, Topgolf, located off of I-270 in Germantown is a great option for people of all ages. 

Topgolf has made sure that you and your friends/family are six feet from other groups. There is plexi-glass between each bay, employees are wearing masks, and your group is never fully indoors while playing. Topgolf is designed like a driving range.You hit the golf balls into the outside holes that are scattered throughout a large field, so you have the wind and fresh air coming in. This means not as much air is recirculating. 

After you either check in or sign up and pick a time slot, one of the employees brings you to your bay. Within these bays, there are the golf clubs, a t.v. for the scoreboard, a table and chairs, along with an employee to help you. There is also the area where you and your friends/family hit the golf balls off into the holes in the distance. 

After going up to your bay, the employee will explain to you the different game options. The games are all labeled as being on different skill levels. My family played the signature “TOPGOLF” game, which is for beginners and is best for one to six players. In your bay, there are a variety of different golf clubs to choose from. Once you pick your club, you go to the front of the bay where the ball comes out of the machine, and strike the ball as hard and accurate as you can. Players score points by hitting the balls into any of the target holes that are scattered among the large field. The field is surrounded by a large net with poles. The farther the distance and the more accurate your shot is, the more points you get. 

The worker assigned to your bay provides menus for food and drinks, and there are a variety of appetizers, entrees, and desserts. The appetizers that we split were the warm pretzel bites and their signature nachos, and both were delicious and a great way to add onto the experience. 

The Topgolf experience tends to be a little pricey; however, games are half-price on Tuesdays and there are always promotions. The food is very good, but expensive for the portions, so I would plan to eat there for  a snack, not necessarily a full meal. On all days, other than Tuesdays, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, the cost is $27/hour per bay. From 12 noon till 5 p.m., the cost is $37/hour per bay. Furthermore, from 5 p.m. till 11 p.m., the price is $47/hour per bay. 

Overall, Topgolf was so much fun and a great, safe way to get out of the house and get some physical activity during these hard times. It is fun for all ages, and you see improvement as you hit the golf balls more and more.