‘Wonderful’ news for park operator as Top Golf tees off

TOP GOLF will become the first of Village’s attractions to swing into action when it reopens for the first time in twoand-a-half months on Friday.

It is welcome news for the theme park operator, which has been burning through $10 million to $15 million in cash each month since shutting its parks on March 23.

CEO Clark Kirby said Village has had its COVID-safe plan for Top Golf approved by the chief health officer.

“We’ve followed the industry guidelines to open that on Friday,” he said. “It will be every second bay and people will have to book beforehand.”

Mr Kirby said the bays will be cleaned and sanitised before and after bookings. Customers will not be able to go to the bar to collect drinks and instead must use table service. The operating hours will be 10am to 10pm, seven days a week.

“It is good to get people coming back to our venues.

Staff are all coming back and it’s going to be wonderful.”

The State Government has set strict limits for businesses reopening during the pandemic this month and in July, however companies can get these numbers lifted if they come up with industry-specific plans.

Mr Kirby declined to state how many customers it would be allowed to take in under the COVID-19 plan although half of the 90 bays would mean several hundred.

Mr Kirby said Village was still waiting on approval for the COVID-safe plans for its other attractions, including Sea World and Movie World.

He said he was hopeful of reaching a long-term funding arrangement with the State Government. The Top Golf news follows the State Government on Monday announcing $11 million in funding for Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Dreamworld owner Ardent Leisure and theme park giant Village Roadshow to keep staff employed.