Top Golf | By Carol Enright

When Topgolf opens its 43^rd location in Chesterfield Valley this summer, the 65,000-square-foot venue will be bringing a whole lot more to the area than a unique golfing experience.

“We do appeal to golfers. It’s a great place to practice your game,” says Topgolf St. Louis-Chesterfield Director of Operations Benjamin Wolski. “You can know exactly how far you’re hitting the ball.”

Guests can enjoy 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 their hitting bay. Golfers can also take lessons from the two PGA pros on staff or purchase individual or corporate memberships that allow for unlimited play during certain hours, among other perks.

But Wolski says you don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy the new venue.

A Good Time for All

“More than half of our guests are non-golfers,” Wolski says. “Anyone can play.”

Even if you don’t want to play, there are still plenty of ways to stay entertained.

Topgolf features a chef-driven menu, top-shelf drinks, big screen TVs, flexible private event spaces and music in climate-controlled hitting bays for all-seasons comfort.

“We can cater to families and people looking for that entertainment experience,” Wolski says. “We have private event spaces. We appeal to businesses and corporations — they can have their meetings there and then, also, have something fun to do when they’re done. So it really appeals to everyone.”

Wolski says when you arrive at Topgolf, staff always asks if you want to dine, play — or both.

“We do have several spots where you can just sit down and enjoy a meal,” he says. “We have a rooftop terrace that you can go out on, enjoy the weather, and have a beverage and food. We also have a bar area, as well as a lower lounge with some games for families to enjoy.”

And, of course, there is the golf.

“We’ll find out if you want to play,” says Wolski, “and while you’re playing you can dine as well.”

Play takes place in bays that can accommodate up to six people, players and non-players alike.

“We have service right at your bay where we have people taking care of you and bringing you everything that you need,” Wolski says. “It’s a one-stop shop where you can come in and enjoy each other’s company.”

And personal interaction is key to the Topgolf experience.

“In today’s day and age with everything being so digital and social media, face-to-face interaction is so fleeting — and we are a place where you can do that,” Wolski says. “You can come in and make some memories with your family, and everyone can have a good time.”

Supporting the Community

Beyond creating a positive experience for its guests, Wolski says Topgolf works hard to make a positive impact on the community. The company partners nationally with Make-a-Wish Foundation, but it also teams up with local charities in each of its markets.

“It’s not just about donating money, but our time and our people — and wanting to get out and give back in a way that is really just being a good neighbor in the community,” Wolski says. “We’re hiring over 500 associates, so we can make a large impact.”

Hiring began in mid-June, with what the company calls “auditions,” not interviews. Available positions include full- and part-time jobs as servers and bartenders, as well as a variety of kitchen, maintenance and guest services staff.

Wolski says job seekers need no experience to apply.

“We like to hire the individual based on who they are, not what they’ve done in the past,” he says. “We like to teach people, to develop people. We’re just really excited to see the talented people who come out.”

A Central Location — with A Lot of Golfers

Wolski says Chesterfield was a prime location for the area’s first Topgolf for many reasons, not the least of which is the city’s centralized location.

“We love the proximity to the city,” Wolski says, “and being able to get involved with St. Louis as a whole. It’s centralized, too, where you are close to downtown St. Louis, but you also have St. Charles County and West County.

“Chesterfield’s a beautiful area,” he adds. “It’s great exposure right off the highway and we really feel that this is a good place where we can make an impact. And there are a lot of golfers out here.”

Wolski says his mission for Topgolf patrons is simple: “Do you feel better walking into my building and leaving my building than before you got here? That’s really what I care about.”

Learn more about Topgolf at topgolf.com/us/st-louis.