SWINGING BACK INTO ACTION
Topgolf in OKC is the first of its locations to reopen, with new safety guidelines
The sound of golf balls whizzing through the air increased as the afternoon wore on.
For the first time in nearly two months, Topgolf opened its doors, and people eager to get back into the swing of things amid the coronavirus pandemic flocked to the complex. Every hitting bay was open for play.
The Oklahoma City facility became the first of 56 locations across the country to open its doors since all closed on March 18.
So, why open the OKC location first?
Topgolf chief operating officer Craig Kessler said it wasn't just because Oklahoma is among the first states to ease stayat-home orders and reopen non-essential businesses. He said the company polled its guests about their thoughts on opening again and its employees about their comfort level around returning to work. The response was positive from both parties.
“We've taken the responsibility of opening in a safe way for both our associates and our guests incredibly seriously,” Kessler said. “We spent a lot of time with local health authorities walking them through our revamped operating procedure. Thankfully, they gave us wonderful feedback, helped us shape it a little bit.
“After receiving their blessing, we felt like there was no better place to start Topgolf's reopening journey than right here in Oklahoma City.”
With there opening are new social distancing guidelines and new cleaning procedures among other protocols to ensure that customers can enjoy the golf experience and stay safe doing so.
Topgolf, located near Western and Memorial in northwest Oklahoma City, allows guests to challenge family and friends to various games. They hit microchipped golf balls at targets. The closer to the center of the target and the farther away the target is, the more points someone can earn.
While the fun and games will remain the same, customers will notice changes from the moment they walk inside.
All guests will be instructed of the new policies when entering the facility. Signs across the floor of the lobby help direct guests where to stand to maintain social distancing guidelines.
Customers can also make reservations for a hitting bay online and wait in a vehicle until one is available.
The hitting bays themselves have new 8 feet by 8 feet protective plastic barriers between each area. There is 11 feet of space between each tee, so golfers can be spread out while hitting at the same time as a group next to them.
Although golfers can bring t heir own cl ubs, complementary ones are provided and will be cleaned between each group.
“We also retrained all of our staff on new health and safety procedures, including how to disinfect all aspects of the bay,” Kessler said. “From golf clubs, golf balls, tables, chairs in between each party so that whenever a new group comes in, they have a fully disinfected bay at their fingertips.”
Topgolf's staff will wear masks, and those handling food items will also wear gloves.
As for plans to open other l ocations, Kessler s ai d Topgolf will follow the same protocol it did with opening the Oklahoma City location. When local health and safety officials give the OK, he hopes to reopen shortly afterward.
Kessler said he's hopeful Topgolf will be able to host its annual summer camps, but there's nothing definitive yet and the answer will differ from market to market.
As businesses reopen around the country, Topgolf is doing the same. It's doing so with a renewed focus on safety for all guests and employees while hoping to maintain its status as a place to have a fun experience.
“What's going to feel similar is guests are going to walk in and feel the energy of a Topgolf venue,” Kessler said. “This is a place that is all about fun and helping families and friends break bread together.”