The official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Topgolf Woodbury last Thursday was a fun affair for everyone there.

Woodbury Mayor Anne Burt, three city council members and some city department heads were joined by Laurie Staiger from the Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce and a cheering crowd of Topgolf employees. 

Before she cut the ribbon, Burt observed that the event marked a significant step forward in the city’s evolution.

“Woodbury has been working for a long time to become a destination,” she said.

“We have a new destination market for Woodbury and with that we want to bring more and more people to this community to enjoy all the great things we have. Topgolf, we are so thrilled that you chose Woodbury. We have Topgolf. We also have a new Slick City coming – a massive slide experience.”

As the setting sun put a pink glow on the surroundings, the lights inside the impressive facility beckoned. 

Topgolf Woodbury offers a fun golfing experience to someone who has never golfed as well as seasoned enthusiasts. Golf clubs and balls are provided. It has 102 outdoor climate-controlled hitting bays spanning three levels. Each bay has lounge-type furniture or high-top tables where groups can cheer each other on. 

TV screens tell you where your ball landed and automatically calculate your score. 

“Our balls have the latest Toptracer technology, which traces each golf ball’s flight path, distance and other metrics,” noted Jordan Campbell, Topgolf Woodbury’s director of operations, 

“With 102 bays and six to play, eight to stay (as in where you can sit around if you are not playing) at full capacity, this facility can accommodate 600 to 800 players every hour. We have reservations available for 60, 90 or 120 minutes of play time.” 

Players aim at giant targets on the field while playing virtual courses. A screen in front allows the player to track where the ball is headed, and points for each play are quickly calculated. 

The Topgolf Field Goal Challenge also provides a brand-new game that tests your swing, your aim and your bragging rights. The goal? Split the uprights by hitting your ball through digital  goal posts during two play modes: Free Play and The Challenge. 

“With the Woodbury Topgolf now open, we have 111 locations around the world,” said Director of Sales Spencer Arvold.

Topgolf’s international locations include China, Thailand, Dubai, Indonesia, Australia, the United Kingdom. 

“Topgolf is fun. It is golf for everybody.” Campbell said.

Topgolf Woodbury employs about 350-400 playmakers. “Think of your hosts, bartenders, people that help run your food, people that help pick up balls off the fields,” Campbell said.

A full-service bar and tasty food curated by special chefs are part of the experience as well. 

“We also have focused menus. Currently, we have special menu items that are football focused,” Campbell explained. The venue also offers other entertainment on its 140 HDTVs, along with fire pits, music and year-round family-friendly programming.  

An outdoor patio can transport you to tranquility. The view of the setting sun turning the horizon golden and pink is mesmerizing. One can see all along I-494 West and even spot the 3M headquarters.

Eric Satre, manager, Destination Woodbury, believes that Top Golf will be a game changer for Woodbury.

“Topgolf is a well-known brand,” he said. “From Destination Woodbury’s view, we want to bring more visitors to Woodbury. We are looking at attracting visitors from the eastern metro and beyond to western Wisconsin.”