Massive, New Atomic Golf Leads Explosive Growth of Las Vegas’ Golf Entertainment Sector

Once again demonstrating that Las Vegas not only rides the crest of a wave, but dominates by super-sizing it, the city is suddenly awash in golf entertainment venues, led by the massive, new Atomic Golf complex adjoining The Strat Hotel, Casino & Tower. 

Initially spearheaded by the opening of Topgolf (adjacent to the MGM Grand) in 2016, the sector now comprises multiple venues that appeal to golf enthusiasts and novices alike who have their choice of play options on or near the Strip – all promoting social engagement in a party atmosphere.  Conveniently, no prior golfing experience is necessary to enjoy the games, thanks to cutting-edge technology, clever design and a radical departure from traditional – and pricey – golf courses.

Atomic Golf

Just past the north end of the Las Vegas Strip, the 4-story Atomic Golf complex opened with a bang this past March with 103 hitting bays – all facing the picturesque Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.  The downside of that view, however, is the sunshine that hits the bays in late afternoon.  During summer months, advise clients to visit in the evening, when cooler temps prevail and the venue takes on a party feel.  On a recent visit, our group of non-golfers enjoyed playing 6 unique games enhanced via digital displays, with some (close-by) targets surprisingly easy to hit.  Staff are very accommodating to guests while providing instruction on how to choose/play the games. 

Ex-Top of the World (The Strat) chef Robert Lomeli has created an elevated menu with some interesting shareables like Lobster Popcorn and NY Steak “Banh Mi” fries, plus weekend brunch options that include Smoked Salmon Avocado Toast and Chilaquiles Verdes.  Beer drinkers are also in their element here with an impressive 15 locally-brewed beers available via the self-pour Tap Room & Bar.  In addition to the golf-related activities, the venue is hosting drone shows at 9:00 and 11:00 p.m. on Thursday evenings through October.  Atomic Golf’s gaming differentiator, however, is the Putting District, which features 8 digital putting bays enhanced with projection mapping technology.  Hourly rates start at $60, with up to 8 players per bay. 

Topgolf

As the granddaddy of Las Vegas golf entertainment venues – launched next to the MGM Grand eight years ago – Topgolf Las Vegas remains an impressive, feature-rich operation with lots to offer guests.  The 120 all-weather bays (cooled and heated appropriately, depending on the season) are stacked 4 stories high and offer a variety of games like Angry Birds and Block Party, plus virtual courses including Pebble Beach, St. Andrews, Spanish Bay, and Spyglass Hill.  RFID-enhanced, micro-chipped balls and Toptracer technology ensure accurate scoring on each bay’s digital displays. 

New this summer is “The Sure Thing,” a golf club featuring a proprietary design that helps novice players actually hit the ball – rather than swing through the air.  A variety of food and drinks is available at the bays, but the injectable donut holes – with syringes provided – are the ultimate guilty pleasure.  And if clients work up a sweat doing all that hitting, they can cool off in one of two onsite pools.  Hourly bay prices start at $42 for up to 6 simultaneous players. 

PopStroke

Delivering what management calls an “elevated mini-golf and entertainment experience,” PopStroke, which opened this past April with Tiger Woods as a partner, features two 18-hole putting courses with technology that keeps score electronically.  Located at the Town Square complex – about a 10-minute drive from the south end of the Strip, PopStroke aims to attract families with all-day play, an ice cream parlor, and an enclosed outdoor playground.  Meanwhile, adults can order food and grown-up beverages from the links via the proprietary app.  These next-gen putting courses make the familiar mini-golf windmill and waterfall features of the past seem like ancient relics.  They’re designed to replicate traditional golf courses, with synthetic turf, bunkers, and rough, which add just enough complexity to make the game challenging – without putting it (pun intended) out of reach for beginners.  

Swingers Crazy Golf

Just the name alone – Swingers Crazy Golf – sounds like a match made in heaven for Las Vegas.  And when the adults-only operation starts up on Nov. 8 in the former Light Nightclub space inside Mandalay Bay, the four “crazy golf” courses will be immersed in an English country estate setting – complete with an English country house – spread over three floors. 

Animated projection mapping will change the vibe from day to night, and the multiple bars, street food, live DJs, and retro games at the Swingers Carnival all promise to create a unique party atmosphere.  And while the term “crazy golf” originated in the U.K. via “The Institute of Competitive Socialising,” the concept fits in perfectly with Vegas’ party ethic, as management hopes guests will swap the nightclub for the golf club at this new alternative to Vegas nightlife.