Topgolf is a unique sports entertainment complex that combines a high-tech golf game with great food, drinks, and music, creating an energetic atmosphere that’s fun for everyone.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience at any Topgolf venue, it’s crucial to understand the essential rules and guidelines.

This guide will walk you through the basics of gameplay, important safety protocols, and proper club handling to maximize your fun and get the most out of your visit.

By understanding these guidelines, you’ll be able to confidently enjoy your next Topgolf outing while respecting the venue’s established rules.

What Is Topgolf?

Imagine a place where technology meets traditional golf, creating an unparalleled experience. Topgolf is a sports entertainment complex that offers a unique blend of golf, food, and fun, making it an ideal destination for various groups and occasions.

Topgolf’s innovative approach to golf entertainment is characterized by its high-tech facilities and inclusive environment. The venue features climate-controlled hitting bays where players can hit microchipped golf balls at targets on an outfield, creating a fun and competitive game.

The Topgolf Experience Explained

The Topgolf experience is designed to be enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their golfing skill level. The venue is equipped with all necessary clubs, and players can hit balls at various targets, scoring points in a game that’s both challenging and entertaining.

How Topgolf Differs from Traditional Golf

Unlike traditional golf, Topgolf offers a more social and relaxed environment. The scoring system works in a completely different way, focusing on hitting targets rather than completing holes in the fewest strokes. This makes Topgolf more accessible to non-golfers and creates a unique experience that combines golf with entertainment.

Getting Started at Topgolf

Getting started at Topgolf is straightforward, with options to suit both planners and spontaneous visitors. The venue is designed to be welcoming and easy to navigate, ensuring that you can focus on enjoying your experience.

Topgolf venues operate on extended hours, typically opening in the late morning and staying open until midnight or later. This flexibility gives you plenty of time to plan your visit at your convenience.

Reservation Options and Check-In Process

You can make a reservation in advance using Topgolf’s online booking tool or simply walk in and put your name down. While reservations are not required, they are highly recommended during peak times to avoid long wait times, especially for groups of seven or more who are encouraged to reserve bays in advance.

• Upon arrival, check in with the front desk team who will assign you to a bay and provide membership cards to track your game progress.
• Walk-ins are welcome but may experience wait times, particularly during evenings and weekends when the venue is busiest.

Bay Setup and Equipment

Each bay is equipped with comfortable seating, a table for food and drinks, and a game screen where you’ll select your preferred game. The bay includes a ball dispenser that releases microchipped golf balls when activated by your membership card.

Complete Guide to Topgolf Rules

Topgolf’s rules are designed to provide a safe and entertaining environment for all players. Understanding these rules is crucial for a fun and safe experience.

The Red Line Rule: Who Can Cross and When

The red line in each bay is a critical safety feature, creating a clear boundary that only the active player may cross when it’s their turn to hit. Only the person hitting a ball should stand beyond the red line. All other players must remain behind the red line to prevent potential injury from swinging clubs or misdirected golf balls.

The person hitting is responsible for ensuring everyone is behind the red line and at a safe distance before taking their swing. This rule is essential for preventing accidents and ensuring a safe environment for all players.

Bay Safety Guidelines

Bay safety is paramount at Topgolf, with strict rules against running starts, leaning over edges (especially on upper levels), or attempting trick shots that could endanger others. Players must always hit balls from the designated hitting mat to maintain proper safety standards.

For your safety, please avoid standing too close to the edge of the bay on the upper levels. Remember, golf balls can cause serious injury, so always stay within the bay.

• Players should be aware of their surroundings and check for other players or staff before swinging.
• Never attempt to retrieve balls from the field, as this poses serious safety risks.

Field and Target Safety

Field safety rules prohibit aiming at maintenance vehicles or staff (called “buggies”) that may be on the field collecting balls or servicing targets. Never aim a shot at Topgolf’s buggies, as this can cause injury to drivers or yourself.

All players must aim exclusively at the designated targets. Attempting to hit balls over the boundary netting is strictly prohibited and can result in termination of play.

How to Play Topgolf Games

Once you’re settled into your bay, the fun begins with choosing from a variety of Topgolf games. A Bayhost will assist you in setting up your game and creating profiles for each player, making it easy to dive into the action. With more than a dozen games to choose from, you’ll have plenty of options to keep your experience exciting.

Understanding the Scoring System

Topgolf’s scoring system is both innovative and straightforward. It uses microchipped balls that automatically register points when they land in any of the targets spread across the outfield at various distances. Each colored target zone represents a different point value, with targets farther away generally worth more points than those closer to the bay. The game screen in your bay displays real-time scores for each player, tracking progress throughout your session.

• The scoring system automatically tracks whose ball landed where.
• Real-time scores are displayed on the game screen in your bay.

Popular Game Options

Topgolf offers a range of game options to suit different preferences. You can play TopGolf, the classic target game, or try more challenging options like TopPressure, which involves hitting specific targets under time constraints, or TopChip, focusing on short-game accuracy. These games test accuracy, distance control, and strategic shot selection, providing a fun and competitive experience.

Using the Topgolf App to Enhance Your Experience

The free Topgolf app is a valuable companion to your game, allowing you to view your game history, control music in your bay, and even receive special offers. You can track your progress over time, comparing scores across different visits and seeing improvement in your game. This enhances your overall experience, making it more enjoyable and interactive.

Safety First: Critical Rules to Follow

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, Topgolf has implemented a range of critical safety rules that all guests must follow. Safety is the absolute priority during your time at Topgolf, with rules designed to protect all guests from potential injuries that could occur from improper club handling or errant balls.

Preventing Common Safety Violations

Common safety violations include crossing the red line when it’s not your turn, taking running starts before hitting, and failing to check that others are at a safe distance before swinging. Proper club handling is essential – never swing clubs outside the designated hitting area, always maintain control of your club, and be aware of your surroundings before taking practice swings.

Consequences of Breaking Safety Rules

Topgolf maintains a zero-tolerance policy for safety rule violations, with consequences ranging from warnings to immediate termination of play without refund. Repeated safety violations or particularly dangerous behavior may result in being banned from returning to any Topgolf venue in the future.

Safety Rules for Children and Teens

Children and teens have specific safety requirements – guests under 16 (or under 18 after 9pm) must always be supervised by an adult over 21 years of age. Adult supervisors are responsible for ensuring children understand and follow all safety rules, including proper handling of clubs and staying behind the red line when not hitting.

Running starts are strictly prohibited for players of all ages, as they increase the risk of injury to yourself and others around you.

Topgolf Code of Conduct

Topgolf’s commitment to providing an excellent experience is reflected in its comprehensive code of conduct. The venue is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where guests can enjoy their time at Topgolf.

Behavioral Expectations

Guests are expected to be courteous and respectful to both fellow players and staff members at all times during their visit. This includes being mindful of safety protocols and venue rules, as well as being considerate of others around them.

• Be respectful to fellow players and staff.
• Follow staff instructions regarding safety and venue rules.
• Be considerate of others waiting to play during busy times.

Zero Tolerance Policies

Topgolf enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy against harassment, discrimination, and violence at its venue. Guests are expected to drink responsibly and enjoy golf in a respectful manner.

• No harassment or discrimination of any kind is tolerated.
• Any form of violence will result in immediate removal.
• Responsible alcohol consumption is expected.

Special Considerations for Your Visit

Topgolf is designed to provide a fun and safe environment, and understanding certain guidelines can enhance your overall experience. As you prepare for your visit, being aware of our policies and protocols will help ensure a memorable time for you and your group.

Food and Beverage Policies

Topgolf offers a comprehensive food and beverage menu that can be ordered directly to your bay while enjoying hitting golf balls. Our menu caters to various dietary needs and preferences throughout the day, offering shareable appetizers to full meals. It’s important to note that outside food and beverages are not permitted in the venue, as we strive to provide a wide range of options to suit all tastes.

Photography and Filming Guidelines

To protect the privacy and experience of all our guests, we maintain strict photography and filming policies. Personal photography using smartphones or small cameras is allowed, but professional equipment, such as lenses over 3 inches, requires advance approval at least five business days before your visit. For professional filming, please send your request to press@topgolf.com. We also want to remind our guests that drones, GoPros attached to Topgolf property, and professional audio recording equipment are not allowed without prior permission.

Health and Cleanliness Protocols

At Topgolf, we prioritize the health and cleanliness of our venues. Our staff works diligently to clean common areas throughout the day and disinfect high-touch surfaces between guest groups. This includes regularly sanitizing golf balls and clubs, as well as maintaining clean hitting areas. We recommend checking your specific venue’s health protocols before your visit, as they may vary based on location and current public health guidelines.

Topgolf Etiquette: Unwritten Rules

Mastering Topgolf etiquette is key to a seamless and enjoyable experience for all players involved. While there are official rules to follow, there are also unwritten guidelines that contribute to a positive and respectful environment.

Sharing Bays with Other Players

When sharing a bay with other players, establishing a clear rotation is crucial. This ensures everyone gets equal time and opportunities to hit. Be mindful of personal space within the bay, especially when someone is preparing to take their shot – remain behind the line and avoid distracting movements or loud conversations.

• Establish a clear rotation to ensure everyone gets a turn.
• Be respectful of others’ personal space and preparation time.
• Return clubs to the proper rack after your turn to avoid creating hazards.

Timing Your Shots and Turns

Timing your shots appropriately is crucial for maintaining good flow. Avoid excessive practice swings or lengthy pre-shot routines when others are waiting for their turn. During busy times, be conscious of your overall bay time and pace of play, especially if you notice others waiting for bays.

• Avoid lengthy pre-shot routines to keep the game moving.
• Be mindful of your overall bay time, especially during busy periods.
• If playing with a large group, consider breaking into smaller rotations.

Tips for an Enjoyable Topgolf Experience

A fun and safe Topgolf experience is within reach when you follow these simple tips. To start, arrive at least 15-20 minutes before your reserved time to complete check-in procedures and get settled in your bay without feeling rushed.

Comfort and Safety First: Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes that allow for a full golf swing. Proper footwear can prevent potential injury, making your experience more enjoyable.

For new golfers, don’t hesitate to ask staff for basic instructions on proper grip and stance to improve your shot accuracy. When hitting golf balls, start with closer targets to build confidence before moving to more distant ones.

Take advantage of the food and beverage service to enhance your visit, but be mindful of your drinks during play. Downloading the Topgolf app can also streamline your experience, from check-in to tracking your progress.

Lastly, remember that Topgolf is designed for fun across all skill levels. Focus on enjoyment, especially when playing with beginners, and take time to appreciate the social atmosphere and company of your fellow players.