Topgolf Toptracer Hype or Tripe?

When going to the driving range wasn't fun enough, the golfing world gave us Topgolf. Now that we have one of the coolest places on earth to smash golf balls, Topgolf had to take it a step further, and give us even more golf stimulation with Toptracer technology. There's obviously no such thing as too much stimulation when it comes to golf right?

Admittedly, I have been a huge fan of Topgolf since 2015 after my first experience in Brandon, FL. I was traveling for work and as I was driving down the interstate, I came upon this monstrosity of what I could only think would have to be a driving range. However, the flashing lights, crowded parking lot, and multiple hitting tiers certainly caught my attention. Once I got to my hotel in Tampa, I immediately looked up what the facility was. After learning what Topgolf was all about, I immediately jumped back in the car, and headed straight to the facility that same night. It was love at first sight. Fast forward eight years later and I have now visited 8 Topgolf facilities in the US.

However, it wasn't until this week that I finally got to experience Toptracer technology for the first time. Before I dive into this new toy I have discovered, I must first disclose that I am a bit of a snob when it comes to my golf launch monitor data. I am very fortunate to have access to Trackman technology on a regular basis, and it is my personal opinion that Trackman is the gold standard when it comes to launch monitor data. Even tuning in to the PGA on Sunday you will notice that little blue line that tracks where the golf ball is going - is Trackman technology. When I first heard that Topgolf had come out with its Toptracer launch monitor technology, I was a bit skeptical as to how accurate it would really be. Given the fact my local spot at Topgolf Pittsburgh doesn't have Toptracer, it turned out it was going to be a while before I would ever get to make that assessment myself.

This week though, luck would have it that I would be attending a work function at Topgolf Baltimore, which is a fairly brand-new facility constructed in 2022 that is fully equipped with Toptracer technology. Finally, I was going to get my swing at this latest and greatest technology from Topgolf. Would I be let down due to being spoiled with the best of the best in data technology, or would I be pleasantly surprised?

It turns out that Topgolf did not disappoint this data hungry snob with its Toptracer technology. Let's start off by talking about accuracy. I started my evening off with just a casual round of Topgolf (the game), and right from the start I was pleasantly surprised at how accurate the shot tracing capability was. I would hit my shots and the Toptracer ball flight would be spot on to where and how my ball traveled in real life. Additionally, the carry yardage displayed on the screen was pretty darn accurate as well for each club I hit. My ball speeds were right where they would be when I'm hitting on Trackman as well. Even given the fact I was hitting beat up range balls.

Other elements that pleasantly surprised me was the ability to play simulated rounds of golf with the Toptracer as well as virtual target games such as Angry Birds. This added another layer of fun to Topgolf that I had not experienced before, and I must admit I was a bit hooked. Overall, I must say I may like the Toptracer addition to Topgolf even more than the original facility itself.

My only level of disapointment comes from the lack of data available to the user. Toptracer only gives you carry distance, total distance, shot height, launch angle, curvature, and landing angle. Unlike Trackman, you're not going to get that clubhead data that is much needed to make corrections in your swing, or the other suite of shot data that us data hungry golf nerds have come to love. However, that doesn't mean that it can't still be an effective tool in trying to work on your game. Especially in those hard to stomach winter months in Pittsburgh when you need to find a way to scratch the golf itch.

Overall, while Toptracer certainly is no Trackman from a data perspective, I have found that it is great fun, and adds so much more to the already spectacular brand that is Topgolf. While the Topgolf in Pittsburgh does not have Toptracer technology yet, it turns out there are many other golf facilities in the Burgh that do have Toptracer technology. For a full list of Toptracer facilities in the area, simply go to the Topgolf website, and search for Toptracer facilities. I think you'll be as pleasantly surprised as I was.

Til the next time - Yinz get out there, hit em straight, and keep on hackin!