Hot shots: The driving range at the new Topgolf venue in West Des Moines, which opened in September, features several targets for users to aim for from individual bays. “Toptracer” ball-tracking technology measures accuracy and tallies scores. Photo: Courtesy Topgolf
Writer: Hailey Evans
If you’ve noticed an uptick in driving ranges popping up across Iowa — literally, the huge roadside nets rise up like mountains as you drive by — don’t worry: You’re not imagining it.
Iron Tee opened in Bettendorf at the end of 2023, PinSeekers in Tiffin in early 2024, and most recently, Topgolf in West Des Moines this past September. Bombers Golf, also set for West Des Moines, is expected by the end of 2025. Clearly, golf entertainment venues like these are having a moment in Iowa.
Clint Brown, the Iowa Golf Association’s director of communications and marketing, said the sport has been catching on with a newer, younger crowd since 2020. “Through COVID, golf was an activity people could still do and be safe,” he said. “People could still go outside and enjoy themselves.”
The sport is shedding its image as a “gentleman’s game” — that is, reserved for country clubbers, business tycoons, retired doctors and the like. Facilities that offer golf alongside restaurants and other amenities are driving this change.
“Golf entertainment venues have popped up and are popular because they give people another avenue to play,” Brown added. “They’re a great introduction to the game for people just getting started.”
It’s true that the newer facilities’ accessibility and casual atmosphere draw in some who otherwise wouldn’t have picked up a golf club. The variety of games and styles of play at each venue means players of any skill level can find something they enjoy. These places are often more interactive than a traditional green, usually with attached bars and restaurants that move the needle from “park” to “sports complex” to “social gathering place.”
And, Brown said, even traditionalist golfers can enjoy these new types of venues. There’s a practice element to many of the games, so experts can hone their fundamentals alongside newbies just starting out.
Golf simulators are great for pros to practice on, but even newbies can have fun at X-Golf. Play virtual games, compete in tournaments and take lessons all while dining and drinking. (The venues take the term “sports bar” literally.) Photo: Duane Tinkey
Venues like Topgolf go beyond a typical driving range, with a variety of challenges and games to play. The climate-controlled hitting bays stretch the season year-round. Photo: Courtesy Topgolf
Swing by
Whether you want to level up your game or just have a ball, these venues are taking golf into the future.
Central Iowa
Bombers Golf
Johnston (opening summer 2025)
This sprawling recreational complex will feature three levels of family-friendly entertainment including 36 climate-controlled hitting bays overlooking a 270-yard driving range, with Toptracer ball-tracking technology, a putting range, golf simulators and pickleball, all with access to multiple restaurant and bar areas.
The Fat Putter Mini Golf Lounge
Downtown Des Moines (opening fall 2024)
The indoor mini-golf venue from Omaha will include three 9-hole courses, a full bar and a golf simulator. It will cater to a 21-and-up crowd after 6 p.m., but all ages can enjoy the colorful themed courses during the day.
Putts & Pins
West Des Moines
Here, the funky mini-golf and bowling concept features neon-lit putting greens with crazy courses, glowing bowling lanes, and a restaurant and bar.
Range Restaurant + Cocktail Bar
Urbandale
This upscale golf experience features six private bays of PGA-endorsed indoor golf simulators, plus access to the full restaurant and bar menus through convenient order kiosks.
Topgolf
West Des Moines
This high-tech driving range uses proprietary Toptracer technology to track your shots and keep score for over a dozen different games, each with a different objective. Test your pitching and chipping with TopChip, improve your accuracy with TopPressure, or play classic Topgolf and aim for any target. The venue will include three floors of hitting bays and a full restaurant with multiple bars.
Eastern Iowa
Iron Tee
Bettendorf
This three-story complex includes 58 hitting bays equipped with Trackman ball tracking technology and interactive targets to help new and advanced players sharpen their shot, plus Lucky Putt indoor mini golf, an arcade-style course with digital scoring and ball tracking.
PinSeekers
Tiffin
This innovative entertainment facility offers advanced golf simulators, a driving range with Toptracer technology, a custom-built outdoor putting course and mini bowling, plus a restaurant, bar and rooftop lounge.
X-Golf
Cedar Rapids, Coralville, Quad Cities (opening soon), West Des Moines
All Iowa locations include state-of-the-art indoor golf simulators, offering a realistic golf experience alongside dining and drinks. Guests can also take lessons and play in leagues and tournaments, all via the simulators.
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