LINING UP AT TEE TIME
The new Topgolf attraction in Oxenford is proving so popular that hundreds of visitors are prepared to wait up to four hours for a turn.
HOW long would you wait for a game at Topgolf?
Hundreds of keen Gold Coasters and visitors are reportedly waiting up to four hours, or more, just for a taste of the action at the new tourism landmark.
Since opening on June 15, almost two million balls have been hit at the venue – that’s more than 74,000 a day.
Topgolf first-timer Brooklyn Daly, 16, said she contributed significantly to the total number of balls hit during her visit yesterday, and luckily the wait was non-existent.
“We didn’t have to wait at all really,” Brooklyn said.
“But if we did have to, I think there’d be enough to keep people entertained.
“I’d definitely go back, even though I suck, because I thought it was really fun. I like being able to enjoy time with my family and I get better at golf, I guess.’’
Brooklyn’s father Shaun said it was a great day for the family.
“The value for money was good. I definitely enjoyed it,” Shaun said.
“When we got there, they told us it would be about a 30minute wait but we were playing within about five minutes.
“I had every intention of getting a feed and taking the kids to the toilet. I barely walked into the bathroom when I got the text saying to be ready to play in five minutes. It was very quick for us.
“If it got to about an hourand-a-half waiting, I’d be getting a bit over it, but by then I would have drunk and eaten enough to be happy anyway.
“I’d definitely go back – there’s no reason not to. We got a good round in our hour time slot.”
Village Roadshow Theme Parks CEO Clark Kirby said while customers were experiencing lengthy wait times, there was plenty for them to do to pass the time.
“It’s proved incredibly popular, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights,” he said. “While we don’t want people to be spending too much time waiting to try our facility, we do offer a pretty sensational venue for people to sit, relax, eat and drink.
“It’s very much a sports bar feel. There’s lots of televisions to catch a game, and music, live bands and DJs on a weekend. It’s very much a broadrange entertainment venue … just a great atmosphere.”
He suggested a midweek visit for a “far less wait time, or none at all”.
“At the moment, we’re adopting a first in best dressed policy, particularly because we don’t have a set time limit on bay hire. We’re having people stay three to four hours in the bays.
“It’s a difficult one to manage. We certainly want people to enjoy the experience, and they’re obviously enjoying it so much they don’t want to leave.”
Topgolf would look at its model and potentially revise operations to open up bookings.