The nets of Topgolf, located in Rutherglen on the outskirts of Glasgow, have towered some 150 feet above the nearby M74 since the international sports entertainment chain opened its first venue in Scotland in December 2022.
Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Topgolf International acquired Topgolf UK in 2009. In October 2020 the Callaway Golf Company, a 14% shareholder in Topgolf, announced that it would acquire the whole of the business for approximately $2 billion (£1.5bn).
The deal was completed in March 2021 with the business changing its name to Topgolf Callaway Brands to reflect the merger. Earlier this year Chip Brewer, chief executive of Callaway, confirmed that various options are now being considered for Topgolf including a possible spin-off of the operation.
Simon Green, director of operations at Topgolf Glasgow, speaks this week to Around the Greens about what's in store at the city's largest golfing venue.
So what's the background on Topgolf?
Topgolf was founded with the aim to combine golf with entertainment to create an inclusive and fun experience for everyone, regardless of skill level. The first Topgolf venue opened in 2000 in Watford, near London, and there are now more than 110 venues globally.
We plan to open Topgolf venues across the United Kingdom. Scotland has such a rich history in golf, and we have wanted to bring Topgolf here for some time. Glasgow is a vibrant city that knows how to party just like we do, and we were delighted to open our flagship venue here.
For those who haven't been before, what should they expect?
Topgolf Glasgow offers something for everyone, whether you're a seasoned golfer or looking for a fun time with family and friends.
The game experience, which uses Toptracer technology and microchipped golf balls to track every shot, includes a range of games from classic Topgolf, virtual courses like St Andrews and family-friendly games like Angry Birds and Block Party. We’re excited to add our Sonic the Hedgehog game, developed in collaboration with SEGA.
What makes our experience unique is our "playmakers", the term we use for our staff. They share our passion and enthusiasm for delivering the best possible experience. Our dedicated teams provide world-class hospitality, and for players looking to up their game, we offer lessons through our PGA-certified professional.
Beyond the games, we put a lot of emphasis on our food and beverage. Our menus are American-inspired with a local twist and we have a wide range of hospitality options, including our rooftop terrace bar and full-service restaurant.
There are also more than 100 televisions showing live sports throughout the venue, including in every single bay, meaning our players can play Topgolf whilst watching their favourite team. Our third-floor event space accommodates up to 120 people and is ideal for corporate meetings and social gatherings, with opportunities to incorporate fun teambuilding activities at the teeline afterwards.
How many visitors do you cater to in Glasgow?
We welcome up to 1,800 visitors daily during peak times and anticipate more than 400,000 visits in 2025. Topgolf caters to all skill levels, with features like our specially developed club "The Sure Thing", which has been designed with a large face and added loft for beginners. It’s perfect for those looking to build confidence and hit great drives from the start!
The word is that Callaway is looking to spin off the Topgolf business – what will that mean for the operation in Glasgow?
It’s very much business as usual for us. There are no changes to the day-to- day operations of Topgolf and we remain focused on delivering a fun experience to our players.
What are you most looking forward to in 2025?
Next year is shaping up to be an exciting one for us.
We’re already preparing for our annual Super Bowl party in February, which was a huge success last year. We’re also adding new games which are exclusive to Topgolf, and we will continue to develop programmes and experiences that our players will keep coming back for.
What do you love most about the game?
Whilst I’ve been with Topgolf for eight years, I wouldn’t call myself a golfer – my best score on the course is around 100! But that's the beauty of golf – anyone can play. Size, strength, age and gender don’t matter, and Topgolf brings people together to enjoy the game in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
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