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		<title>Topgolf Dubai partners with Special Olympics UAE in a mission for inclusivity</title>
		<link>https://golfdigestme.com/topgolf-dubai-partners-with-special-olympics-uae-in-a-mission-for-inclusivity/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Golf Digest Middle East]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 May 2025 07:24:13 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Places to Play]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Gulf Club]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dubai Golf]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[golf]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Golf Digest Middle East]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Golf inclusion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Golf News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Golf People of Determination]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Inclusivity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[People of Determination]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Special Olympics UAE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Topgolf]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Topgolf Dubai]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://golfdigestme.com/?p=97910</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The state-of-the-art golf training facility is welcoming guests of all ages and abilities.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/topgolf-dubai-partners-with-special-olympics-uae-in-a-mission-for-inclusivity/">Topgolf Dubai partners with Special Olympics UAE in a mission for inclusivity</a> appeared first on <a href="https://golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="p1">Topgolf Dubai has partnered with <a href="https://specialolympics.ae/" rel="">Special Olympics UAE</a> to launch a transformative and empowering golf training programme for People of Determination.</p>
<p class="p1">By increasing accessibility, removing barriers and supporting a diverse community of players, Topgolf Dubai proudly joins the global movement to expand participation for Special Olympics athletes and create meaningful opportunities in sport.</p>
<p class="p1">Providing state-of-the-art golf training facilities and fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment, Topgolf supports athletes in a no-pressure environment throughout their experience.</p>
<p class="p1">Beginning 14 May 2025, an eight-week Practice Season programme has been designed to sharpen swings in anticipation of an end-of-season competition. Qualifying players will then join participants from around the world for an International invitational tournament to be held on 26 July 2025, followed by a celebration of the stories and successes from the year.</p>
<p class="p1">Rooted in a mission of inclusivity, Topgolf Dubai welcomes guests of all ages and abilities, from families with newborns to guests in their 90s and including People of Determination.</p>
<p class="p1">“Topgolf Dubai was built with one clear mission: to welcome everyone,” said Mike Walton, General Manager of Topgolf Dubai. “Inclusivity isn’t just a concept here; it’s a commitment embedded into every aspect of the venue.”</p>
<p class="p1">“Since opening in 2021, we’ve witnessed the incredible power of sport to connect, uplift, and inspire. We believe these opportunities should never be limited by ability or access. That’s why we’re especially proud to work alongside Special Olympics to welcome new athletes to our venue and into the world of golf.”</p>
<p class="p1">His Excellency Talal Al Hashemi, National Director, Special Olympics UAE added, “This partnership is an important step for extending our commitment to providing year-round training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.</p>
<p class="p1">“Through technology, accessibility and community, Topgolf Dubai is helping create an essential new avenue to participation in competitive sport and the multiple benefits that will deliver.”</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff6600;"><a style="color: #ff6600;" href="https://golfdigestme.com/a-beginners-guide-to-topgolf/" rel="">MORE: A Beginner’s Guide to Topgolf Dubai</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #999999;"><em>Main Image: Golf Digest Middle East</em></span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/topgolf-dubai-partners-with-special-olympics-uae-in-a-mission-for-inclusivity/">Topgolf Dubai partners with Special Olympics UAE in a mission for inclusivity</a> appeared first on <a href="https://golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
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		<title>Golf Saudi partners with Topgolf Callaway Brands</title>
		<link>https://golfdigestme.com/golf-saudi-partners-with-topgolf-callaway-brands/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Golf Digest Middle East]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Sep 2024 07:14:41 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[AGF News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Golf Saudi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Callaway]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eastern Province]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jeddah]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Noah Alireza]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Odyssey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ogio]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Riyadh]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saudi Arabia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Topgolf]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Topgolf Callaway Brands]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Toptracer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TravisMathew]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://golfdigestme.com/?p=85563</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The collaboration will bring golf’s leading global innovators to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/golf-saudi-partners-with-topgolf-callaway-brands/">Golf Saudi partners with Topgolf Callaway Brands</a> appeared first on <a href="https://golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="p1">Saudi Arabia’s investment into the sports sector continues to take off with the announcement of a partnership between Golf Saudi, the Kingdom’s leading commercial developers of golf, and Topgolf Callaway Brands, the global leader in modern golf, bringing their golf entertainment venues and wider innovative product offering to Saudi.</p>
<p class="p1">This collaboration between Golf Saudi and Topgolf Callaway Brands not only aims to engage a wider audience through the latest technologies but also to co-innovate and propel the future of golf within Saudi, one of the world’s fastest-growing golf ecosystems.</p>
<p><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-85565" src="https://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/A-young-player-enjoying-a-game-at-Topgolf.jpg" alt="A young player enjoying a game at Topgolf" width="740" height="500" srcset="https://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/A-young-player-enjoying-a-game-at-Topgolf.jpg 740w, https://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/A-young-player-enjoying-a-game-at-Topgolf-300x203.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 740px) 100vw, 740px" /></p>
<h3 class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Topgolf, the leading golf entertainment company, to open doors in Saudi Arabia</strong></h3>
<p class="p1">As part of the overall agreement, Topgolf – the world’s premier golf-entertainment experience with more than 100 outdoor venues globally – will launch in Saudi with three brand new facilities in Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Eastern Province. Future expansion to locations across Saudi Arabia are expected, with details to follow in due course.</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://golfdigestme.com/pif-saudi-international-announced-as-asian-tours-season-finale-on-the-international-series/" rel="">Read More: PIF Saudi International announced as Asian Tour’s season finale on The International Series</a></strong></p>
<p class="p1">Topgolf’s unique approach, combining a social experience with gamified golf, has brought the game closer to golfers and non-golfers alike. Recent research in the U.S. conducted by the National Golf Foundation (NGF) shows that 10% of all new golfers took up the sport following a visit to a Topgolf venue*.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-85567" src="https://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Topgolf-the-leading-golf-entertainment-company-to-open-doors-in-Saudi-Arabia-.jpg" alt="Topgolf, the leading golf entertainment company, to open doors in Saudi Arabia " width="740" height="500" srcset="https://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Topgolf-the-leading-golf-entertainment-company-to-open-doors-in-Saudi-Arabia-.jpg 740w, https://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Topgolf-the-leading-golf-entertainment-company-to-open-doors-in-Saudi-Arabia--300x203.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 740px) 100vw, 740px" /></p>
<h3 class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Golf Saudi’s partnership with Topgolf Callaway Brands’ innovative product offering will serve to propel Saudi Arabia’s golf ecosystem</strong></h3>
<p class="p1">In addition to the exclusive franchise agreement of Topgolf entertainment venues, Golf Saudi will also become the exclusive distributor of Toptracer technologies, which will bring the latest ball tracing technologies to the driving ranges that are to be built across the Kingdom.</p>
<p class="p1">Furthermore, Golf Saudi will become the official Saudi distributor of Topgolf Callaway Brands’ equipment and apparel brands, which include Callaway Golf, Odyssey, Ogio and TravisMathew. Callaway Golf will also sponsor Saudi’s professional golfers, as well as provide the official attire of the Saudi national golf team. TravisMathew and Ogio will become the equipment and apparel brands for the Saudi men’s, women’s, and junior national teams.</p>
<p class="p1">With Saudi interest in golf growing every day, the arrival of Topgolf Callaway Brands, &#8211; which includes one of global golf’s most exciting brand names – into the Kingdom marks yet another key milestone in Saudi’s ongoing golfing development.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-85566" src="https://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Families-playing-at-Topgolf.jpg" alt="Families playing at Topgolf" width="740" height="500" srcset="https://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Families-playing-at-Topgolf.jpg 740w, https://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Families-playing-at-Topgolf-300x203.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 740px) 100vw, 740px" /></p>
<p class="p1">Noah Alireza, CEO of Golf Saudi – the commercial entity developing golf infrastructure in Saudi Arabia – said: “Our partnership with Topgolf Callaway Brands marks a pivotal moment for golf in Saudi Arabia. Our golf infrastructure has been rapidly evolving and this multi-brand deal with Topgolf Callaway Brands will accelerate the game we love across the whole ecosystem. Topgolf has brilliantly tackled the age-old challenge of accessibility, bringing joy and innovation to the game of golf for everyone. We are confident that we’ve found the right long-term partner to leverage the fast-developing sports and golf canvas in Saudi Arabia, and to co-innovate to help shape the future of golf in Saudi and beyond.”</p>
<div id="attachment_76997" style="width: 750px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-76997" class="size-full wp-image-76997" src="https://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Faisal-Alsalhab-Golf-Saudi.jpg" alt="" width="740" height="500" srcset="https://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Faisal-Alsalhab-Golf-Saudi.jpg 740w, https://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Faisal-Alsalhab-Golf-Saudi-300x203.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 740px) 100vw, 740px" /><p id="caption-attachment-76997" class="wp-caption-text"><span style="color: #999999;"><em>Saudi Arabian Professional Faisal Alsalhab</em></span></p></div>
<p class="p1">Alireza continued: “This partnership ladders back to Golf Saudi’s role in achieving the goals of Vision 2030. We are driven by improving the lives and opportunities of all Saudis and expats living in the country. Opening Topgolf will not only get thousands of people into playing golf and enjoying the health and wellness benefits that come with that, but it will also bring hundreds of new jobs to young Saudis, which is another part of our ambitions of building a far-reaching and sustainable golf ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.”</p>
<p class="p1">Managing Director and President, EMEA for Callaway Golf and former Topgolf Chief Franchise Officer Ben Sharpe said, “We’re excited to enter another market in the Middle East with three venues in Saudi Arabia. We have found a strong partner in Golf Saudi to help us bring our modern golf brands – Topgolf, Toptracer, Callaway Golf, Odyssey, Ogio and TravisMathew – to the region and help transform Saudi Arabia into an exceptional golfing nation. This partnership will ensure Topgolf Callaway Brands and Golf Saudi continue to drive the game of golf forward into the future, working together to explore and innovate, and develop what comes next in the game we love.”</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://golfdigestme.com/golf-saudis-kipp-popert-completes-wentworth-hat-trick/" rel="">Read More: Golf Saudi’s Kipp Popert completes Wentworth hat-trick</a></strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #999999;"><em>Images: Golf Saudi</em></span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/golf-saudi-partners-with-topgolf-callaway-brands/">Golf Saudi partners with Topgolf Callaway Brands</a> appeared first on <a href="https://golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
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		<title>Callaway splits Topgolf off into separate business that will operate independently</title>
		<link>https://golfdigestme.com/callaway-splits-topgolf-off-into-separate-business-that-will-operate-independently/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Golf Digest Middle East]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 05 Sep 2024 04:18:35 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News & Tours]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Driving range]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Golf equipment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Topgolf]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Topgolf Callaway]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Topgolf Entertainment Group]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Toptracer]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://golfdigestme.com/?p=85001</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The announcement comes after their stock price dropped more than 24 percent since January.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/callaway-splits-topgolf-off-into-separate-business-that-will-operate-independently/">Callaway splits Topgolf off into separate business that will operate independently</a> appeared first on <a href="https://golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="p1">Topgolf Callaway Brands announced on Wednesday that it plans to spin off its two primary brands, Callaway Golf and Topgolf, into two separate, independent companies.</p>
<p class="p1">“Over the last decade plus, we have transformed Callaway into the No. 1 brand in golf equipment, while building a successful and complementary apparel and accessory business,” said Chip Brewer, Topgolf Callaway Brands president and CEO in a statement. “We believe this business, on a stand-alone basis, will be well understood and valued by the market. Since our merger with Topgolf, we have made considerable investments in the Topgolf business that have dramatically expanded its scale, digital capabilities and venue profitability. These investments, combined with the hard work of the Topgolf team, have allowed us to outperform our original growth and free cashflow expectations. Looking forward, we remain convinced that Topgolf is a high-quality, free cash flow generating business with a significant future value-creation opportunity.</p>
<p class="p1">“Topgolf is transforming the game of golf and is expected to deliver substantial financial returns over time. At the same time, Topgolf has a different operating model, capital structure and investment thesis than Callaway, and as a result, the Board has determined that separating Topgolf will best position Topgolf and Callaway for success and maximize shareholder value.”</p>
<p class="p1">The surprise announcement comes after a year that’s seen Topgolf Callaway Brands stock price drop more than 24 percent since January.</p>
<p class="p1">Topgolf transformed the driving range business by mixing game play with sports bar-level entertainment and hospitality. It now includes more than 100 U.S. and international venues. In addition to the company’s namesake golf equipment, which currently sits as the No. 1 brand in club sales in the U.S. and the No. 2 ball brand, Callaway’s business portfolio includes Odyssey putters, the Ogio accessories brand, the Travis Mathew apparel brand, the Jack Wolfskin outdoor apparel and equipment brand and the Toptracer ball flight analytics and gaming technology brand.</p>
<p class="p1">Callaway had been an early investor in Topgolf with as much as a 14-percent stake in the business at one time since originally investing in the company in 2006. The two companies announced a merger in October of 2020, finalising the agreement the following March.</p>
<p class="p1">Brewer said at the time, “Callaway and Topgolf are just better together. Callaway’s leadership in the global golf equipment market and geographic diversity, combined with Topgolf’s revolutionary technology platform and access to golfers of all abilities, will allow both companies to accelerate growth and create competitive advantages. This transformational merger has already created and will continue to create meaningful shareholder value. We are very excited to begin this next chapter and I cannot wait to see what we can accomplish together.”</p>
<p class="p1">Since that merger was finalized, Topgolf Callaway Brands’ share price has gone from $28.60 to $10.76 at closing Wednesday. In after-hours trading, Topgolf Callaway Brands share price was one of the biggest movers, according to CNBC, gaining more than 4 percent.</p>
<p class="p1">The spin-off plan does not require existing shareholder approval.</p>
<p class="p1">In recent financial reports, Topgolf’s same-venue sales were down 8 percent in the first six months of 2024 vs. the same period in 2023. Just a month ago, Brewer indicated that the overall Topgolf Callaway Brands business was strong, including Topgolf on its own, but not yielding enthusiasm from investors.</p>
<p class="p1">“As we look forward, we remain convinced that Topgolf is a high-quality business with significant future opportunity,” Brewer said. “It is transforming the game of golf, and we believe it will deliver substantial growth and financial returns over time.</p>
<p class="p1">“At the same time, we have been disappointed in our stock performance for some time, as well as the more recent same-venue sales performance. As a result, we are in the process of conducting a full strategic review of Topgolf. This review includes the assessment of organic strategies to return Topgolf to profitable same-venue sales growth, as well as inorganic alternatives, including a potential spin of Topgolf.”</p>
<p class="p1">According to the financial statements, the separation of the two companies could be finalized in the second half of 2025, potentially by July 1. The company’s statement notes that it intends to spin off at least 80.1% of Topgolf “to obtain the desired tax-free treatment of the spin-off for tax purposes and will also consider retaining a limited ownership in Topgolf for a period of time.” Topgolf would have a cash balance of more than $200 million and no debt under the new structure, with Callaway expected to absorb all of the current joint entity’s financial debt.</p>
<p class="p1">Brewer indicated that the spin-off of the Topgolf business could include the opportunity to possibly sell off Topgolf although the spin-off into a separate business “would be the most likely path forward.”</p>
<p class="p1">“We have evaluated all of the options in front of us and we’re viewing the spin as attractive and that it’s likely to create significant shareholder value,” Brewer said, noting that in the ensuing nine to 12 months while the separation plan is being finalized, “if there is an identified and actionable path that could include a sale or another path that is more attractive for shareholders, we will obviously explore that path.</p>
<p class="p1">“Our primary and most likely path is the spin, and we believe that will create significant shareholder value. But we are both open to considering and we will explore other strategic options.”</p>
<p class="p1">The plan would be for the Callaway Golf business to include the Toptracer technology that the company has developed to enhance standard driving ranges by providing launch data and game-playing aspects. While the Toptracer technology feels more akin to the Topgolf business, Brewer explained that selling Toptracer technology to driving ranges means its clientele is more aligned with the golf equipment side, not the golf entertainment venue side.</p>
<p class="p1">“First of all, the customer base that we sell to is essentially driving ranges, and that customer base overlaps with Callaway’s customer base. and therefore, it would be more effective to drive future growth and efficiency and synergies with that alignment,” Brewer said. “Secondly, the end-user of Toptracer is avid golfers and the ability to engage with those avid golfers in a deep and successful manner going forward aligns best with Callaway, as well.”</p>
<p><span style="color: #999999;"><em>Main Image: Supplied</em></span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/callaway-splits-topgolf-off-into-separate-business-that-will-operate-independently/">Callaway splits Topgolf off into separate business that will operate independently</a> appeared first on <a href="https://golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
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		<title>Golfer tests out prosthetic arm for first time at Topgolf, ends in disaster</title>
		<link>https://golfdigestme.com/golfer-tests-out-prosthetic-arm-for-first-time-at-topgolf-ends-in-disaster/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Golf Digest Middle East]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 Jun 2024 04:01:12 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News & Tours]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Video]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Arm]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Prosthetic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Topgolf]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://golfdigestme.com/?p=80884</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>This has to be the first time that someone was asked to retrieve someone’s arm.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/golfer-tests-out-prosthetic-arm-for-first-time-at-topgolf-ends-in-disaster/">Golfer tests out prosthetic arm for first time at Topgolf, ends in disaster</a> appeared first on <a href="https://golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Topgolf employees probably have to put up with a lot of random aggravating issues: Disorderly customers, clubs being used incorrectly and even trick shots leading to injuries.</p>
<p>This has to be the first time, however, that someone was asked to retrieve someone’s arm.</p>
<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@marincarterr/video/7383715719411666218" data-video-id="7383715719411666218" data-embed-from="oembed" style="max-width:605px; min-width:325px;">
<section> <a target="_blank" title="@marincarterr" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@marincarterr?refer=embed">@marincarterr</a> </p>
<p>yall ever seen an arm fly</p>
<p> <a target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - marin" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7383715739196295979?refer=embed">♬ original sound &#8211; marin</a> </section>
</blockquote>
<p> <script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script></p>
<p>Marin Carter of TikTok fame tried to test out her “prosthetic arm for the first time at Topgolf” to pretty disastrous results. Almost immediately, her arm flew off from the second floor and she eventually needed someone to pick it up off the range.</p>
<p>The 21-year-old might have had the most expensive Topgolf visit of all time, as those prosthetics are anything but cheap. According to PrimeCare Orthotics and Prosthetics, “a basic prosthetic leg can cost less than $10,000, while a more advanced, computerized prosthetic leg controlled by muscle movements can cost up to $70,000 or more.” That’s a hell of a visit to the driving range.</p>
<p>Hopefully, it’s still usable, but it does look pretty beat up after falling to the ground floor. She may have to buy a new one, but she at least garnered some TikTok notoriety in the process.</p>
<p>There are a lot of way to end this story, but commenter ajwetherbee puts it best, “Top Golf does cost an arm and a leg nowadays.”</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/golfer-tests-out-prosthetic-arm-for-first-time-at-topgolf-ends-in-disaster/">Golfer tests out prosthetic arm for first time at Topgolf, ends in disaster</a> appeared first on <a href="https://golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
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		<title>Caleb Williams is so competitive he made a Chicago Topgolf stay open until 1 a.m. so he could finish his game</title>
		<link>https://golfdigestme.com/caleb-williams-is-so-competitive-he-made-a-chicago-topgolf-stay-open-until-1-a-m-so-he-could-finish-his-game/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Golf Digest Middle East]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 06 Jun 2024 04:42:07 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News & Tours]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bears]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Caleb Williams]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chicago Bears]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Topgolf]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://golfdigestme.com/?p=79766</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>We can’t fault Williams’ commitment to the grind</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/caleb-williams-is-so-competitive-he-made-a-chicago-topgolf-stay-open-until-1-a-m-so-he-could-finish-his-game/">Caleb Williams is so competitive he made a Chicago Topgolf stay open until 1 a.m. so he could finish his game</a> appeared first on <a href="https://golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>BREAKING NEWS BULLETIN: We have a new golf guy blooming in Chi-town. After being spotted following Jordan Spieth’s group at The Players back in March, new Bears QB Caleb Williams has reportedly been grinding at Chicago-area Topgolfs until the wee hours of the morning.</p>
<p>That’s according to tight end Cole Kmet, who told reporters at mandatory minicamp on Tuesday that he got a glimpse of Williams’ competitive streak when this year’s number-one-overall pick recently convinced a Windy City Topgolf location to stay open until 1 a.m. just so he could finish his game.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bears</a> TE Cole Kmet says the one thing he&#39;s learned about Caleb Williams is how competitive he is. They were at Topgolf recently, and even though the place was about to close, Caleb insisted on finishing the game.   </p>
<p>They ended up staying there until 1 a.m. Kmet says he still… <a href="https://t.co/W8AHe5AeoR">pic.twitter.com/W8AHe5AeoR</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/MySportsUpdate/status/1798174796598964643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>You gotta feel for the employees here, who just wanted to mop the floors and go home, but we can’t fault Williams’ commitment to the grind. Let’s just hope he tipped them handsomely with a little slice of that NIL pie.</p>
<p>Unfortunately for Williams, despite extending their game well past midnight, Team Kmet still walked away with the win. It sounds like no. 18 still has to iron out a few kinks in his swing, but once that happens, we have plenty of great local tracks to recommend.</p>
<p><span style="color: #999999;"><em>Image: Ben Jared</em></span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/caleb-williams-is-so-competitive-he-made-a-chicago-topgolf-stay-open-until-1-a-m-so-he-could-finish-his-game/">Caleb Williams is so competitive he made a Chicago Topgolf stay open until 1 a.m. so he could finish his game</a> appeared first on <a href="https://golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
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		<title>Bring in 2024 with a swing at Topgolf Dubai</title>
		<link>https://golfdigestme.com/bring-in-2024-with-a-swing-at-topgolf-dubai/</link>
					<comments>https://golfdigestme.com/bring-in-2024-with-a-swing-at-topgolf-dubai/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Matt Smith]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Nov 2023 10:33:50 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Sponsored Content]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Gulf Club]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dubai]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Topgolf]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://golfdigestme.com/?p=72528</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The only place to be!</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/bring-in-2024-with-a-swing-at-topgolf-dubai/">Bring in 2024 with a swing at Topgolf Dubai</a> appeared first on <a href="https://golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="p1">Fancy bringing in 2024 with a swing? <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a style="color: #3366ff;" href="https://topgolfdubai.ae/news/promotions/festive/">Topgolf Dubai</a></span> — the What’s On Best Entertainment Venue — has all you require this festive period.</p>
<p class="p1">You can party with your loved ones and get in a few swings in a unique atmosphere as we bring 2023 to a close, with a laser show, DJ and all your favourite bites and drinks at the hottest place in town.</p>
<p class="p1">Unlimited selected beverages are yours to ring in the new year and start 2024 with a bang, with early-bird bookings going fast. <span class="s1">Festive parties start from AED 299 per person.</span></p>
<p class="p1">If you purchase before December 15, you will receive AED 100 off your NYE package for Levels 2, 3 (T&amp;Cs apply). <span class="s1">Level 1 is also available for AED 1,500 per bay for up to 6 persons.</span></p>
<ul>
<li>Pricing (min of 4 pax per bay, max of 6 pax)</li>
<li><span class="s1">Level 2 and 3 AED 799 pp house beverage package, AED 599 soft drinks package and under 12s are AED 329</span></li>
<li><span class="s1">Premium Bay AED 899 pp house beverage package, AED 699 soft drinks package and under 12s are AED 429</span></li>
</ul>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-72531 aligncenter" src="https://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/TG-2.jpg" alt="" width="740" height="500" srcset="https://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/TG-2.jpg 740w, https://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/TG-2-300x203.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 740px) 100vw, 740px" /></p>
<h3 class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><strong>VIP Suite Experience (10am – 1am)</strong></h3>
<p class="p1">If you want to make a special evening even more special, the intimate VIP Suites will make it a night to remember.</p>
<h3 class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Lux Suite (Level 1) for up to 20 guests</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li class="p1">AED 12,000</li>
<li class="p1">2 Topgolf hitting bays with unlimited gameplay</li>
<li class="p1">Drinks: Unlimited select beverages, cocktails and soft drinks</li>
<li class="p1">Food: AED 2,000 credit redeemable from a la carte menu</li>
<li class="p1">Garden access</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Executive Suite (Level 2) for up to 20 guests</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li class="p1">AED 25,000</li>
<li class="p1">2 Topgolf hitting bays with unlimited gameplay</li>
<li class="p1">Drinks: Private bar with unlimited deluxe beverages, cocktails, soft beverages and mocktails</li>
<li class="p1">Food: Pass-around canapes on arrival, premium buffet with live carving and seafood stations, selection of mini desserts</li>
<li class="p1">Private smoking balcony</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Chairman Suite (Level 3) for up to 20 guests</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li class="p1">AED 30,000</li>
<li class="p1">2 Topgolf hitting bays with unlimited gameplay</li>
<li class="p1">Drinks: Private bar with unlimited deluxe beverages, cocktails, soft beverages and mocktails</li>
<li class="p1">Food: Pass-around canapes on arrival, premium buffet with live carving and seafood stations, selection of mini desserts</li>
<li class="p1">Private smoking balcony</li>
</ul>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-72532 aligncenter" src="https://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/TG-3.jpg" alt="" width="740" height="500" srcset="https://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/TG-3.jpg 740w, https://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/TG-3-300x203.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 740px) 100vw, 740px" /></p>
<p class="p1">If you cannot wait for the bells, there is always Christmas one week earlier.</p>
<p class="p1">From 11am until 2pm on December 25, Topgolf Dubai’s Christmas Brunch is the place to be. With beverages on arrival ahead of a traditional Christmas platter bay-side, you can enjoy Christmas Day golf-style, with more unlimited select beverages throughout the afternoon. You can sing along to a live DJ as you eat bay-side — and take advantage of a fantastic range of kids’ activities to keep the whole family happy as you work on that shot. Santa has promised to swing by himself!</p>
<ul>
<li>AED 499 inclusive of select house beverage</li>
<li><span class="s1">Soft beverages package at AED 329</span></li>
<li>AED 129 for children below 12 years old</li>
</ul>
<p class="p1">Sometimes it is tough to get free on those specific dates, but Topgolf still has you covered.</p>
<p class="p1">Until the end of December, the range can sort you out — family, office, sports team or besties. You can enjoy two hours of game-play and a delicious selection of festive sharing platters and Christmas hats to top off your experience.</p>
<ul>
<li class="p1">AED 479 per person (6 people per bay)</li>
</ul>
<p><em>Topgolf, Emirates Golf Club, Emirates Hills 2. Tel: (0)4 <span aria-label="Call phone number 04 371 9999">371 9999. Email: <a href="mailto:info@topgolfdubai.ae" target="_blank" rel="noopener sponsored">i<span style="color: #3366ff;">nfo@topgolfdubai.ae</span></a><span style="color: #3366ff;">.</span></span><span style="color: #3366ff;"> <a style="color: #3366ff;" href="https://topgolfdubai.ae/menu/">topgolfdubai.ae</a></span></em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/bring-in-2024-with-a-swing-at-topgolf-dubai/">Bring in 2024 with a swing at Topgolf Dubai</a> appeared first on <a href="https://golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
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		<title>Bryson DeChambeau behind new Topgolf competitor, UnderPar Life</title>
		<link>https://golfdigestme.com/bryson-dechambeau-behind-new-topgolf-competitor-underpar-life/</link>
					<comments>https://golfdigestme.com/bryson-dechambeau-behind-new-topgolf-competitor-underpar-life/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Golf Digest Middle East]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 05:13:52 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[LIV Golf]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News & Tours]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bryson DeChambeau]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Topgolf]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UnderPar Life]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://golfdigestme.com/?p=72361</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The company’s first location will be at Hawks Creek Golf Course, a municipal course just outside of Fort Worth, Texas</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/bryson-dechambeau-behind-new-topgolf-competitor-underpar-life/">Bryson DeChambeau behind new Topgolf competitor, UnderPar Life</a> appeared first on <a href="https://golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="p1">After a successful season that included two individual wins and the LIV Golf Team title, Bryson DeChambeau hopes his next major golf victory comes in the business world.</p>
<p class="p1">The 2020 US Open champion is the headlining name in a group planning to launch UnderPar Life, which is billed as a competitor to Topgolf. According to D Magazine, the company’s first location will be at Hawks Creek Golf Course, a municipal course just outside of Fort Worth.</p>
<p class="p1">“Expense is a barrier to most things in life,” Dechambeau told D Magazine. “It is an unusually high barrier to experience the joy of golf. UnderPar Life at Hawks Creek is the first of many locations designed to redefine access to golf by reducing cost barriers. Our initiatives are geared toward making golf more affordable, approachable, and enjoyable for everyone. Our approach, partnering with municipally owned golf courses, removes significant financial obstacles and allows us to grow the community of golfers.”</p>
<p class="p1">The two-storey, 16,000-square-foot venue is expected to have 42 hitting bays in addition to a short game practice area. There will also be a fitness area, a golf academy, three bars, and a kitchen led by celebrity chef Christian Lehrmann. Here’s a look at more renderings of the project:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/26f3.png" alt="⛳" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/1f6a8.png" alt="🚨" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" />BREAKING: LIV Golf champion Bryson DeChambeau is part of a DFW team launching Topgolf competitor UnderPar Life. Their first venue will break ground on Hawks Creek Golf Course in the coming months. </p>
<p>My story: <a href="https://t.co/0XvJcIrsxg">https://t.co/0XvJcIrsxg</a></p>
<p>Flyover: <a href="https://t.co/CzBxBs2fDz">pic.twitter.com/CzBxBs2fDz</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Ben Swanger (@Rbi_Ben) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rbi_Ben/status/1716463414493565039?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2023</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p class="p1">“UnderPar Life will be, hands down, the premier public-use golf practice facility in the state of Texas,” co-founder David Deering said. “And it could very well be the premier facility in the entire United States.”</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bryson DeChambeau is launching a Topgolf-style golf venue in Fort Worth, TX.</p>
<p>&#39;UnderPar Life&#39; will include:<br />• Two stories, 42 hitting bays<br />• 500-yd driving range<br />• Tour-level short game area<br />• Instructional academy<br />• Fitness center<br />• Three bars<br />• Celebrity chef-led kitchen <a href="https://t.co/8sb6M3ii7F">pic.twitter.com/8sb6M3ii7F</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Front Office Sports (@FOS) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOS/status/1717516764500680825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2023</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p class="p1">Construction on the project is expected to break ground sometime before the end of the year, with the first UnderPar Life to be completed 12 to 18 months after that. But that’s just the beginning with investors planning to open 30 locations across the country.</p>
<p class="p1">“We think we will have regular customers who never hit a golf ball,” Deering added. “No one has ever said: ‘Hey let’s go to the Topgolf for lunch,’ but people will do that at UnderPar Life.”</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/bryson-dechambeau-behind-new-topgolf-competitor-underpar-life/">Bryson DeChambeau behind new Topgolf competitor, UnderPar Life</a> appeared first on <a href="https://golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
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		<title>Bryson DeChambeau smashes golf ball over the net at Topgolf, continues to be a driving range menace</title>
		<link>https://golfdigestme.com/bryson-dechambeau-smashes-golf-ball-over-the-net-at-topgolf-continues-to-be-a-driving-range-menace/</link>
					<comments>https://golfdigestme.com/bryson-dechambeau-smashes-golf-ball-over-the-net-at-topgolf-continues-to-be-a-driving-range-menace/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Golf Digest Middle East]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 16 Nov 2021 05:23:50 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News & Tours]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bryson DeChambeau]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[RBC Heritage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TikTok]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Topgolf]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://golfdigestme.com/?p=51004</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Normal driving ranges simply can’t contain Bryson DeChambeau anymore. Earlier this year, the RBC Heritage went as far as having...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/bryson-dechambeau-smashes-golf-ball-over-the-net-at-topgolf-continues-to-be-a-driving-range-menace/">Bryson DeChambeau smashes golf ball over the net at Topgolf, continues to be a driving range menace</a> appeared first on <a href="https://golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="p1"><span style="color: #999999;"><em>Icon Sportswire</em></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>By Alex Myers<br />
</strong></span>Normal driving ranges simply can’t contain Bryson DeChambeau anymore. Earlier this year, the RBC Heritage went as far as having two giant cranes holding a net above the existing one to keep the PGA Tour’s longest player from hitting dangerous drives toward a road and Harbour Town’s eighth green. It was all for nought because Bryson withdrew before the tournament, but you get the point. He’s becoming a bit of a menace.</p>
<p class="p1">So it should come as no surprise to learn that over the weekend a Topgolf couldn’t contain him either. DeChambeau posted video to TikTok of him launching a golf ball off the property and then telling Topgolf, “we might need to get taller nets.” Have a look:</p>
<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@brysondechambeau/video/7029890168660266246" data-video-id="7029890168660266246">
<section><a title="@brysondechambeau" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@brysondechambeau" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@brysondechambeau</a> @topgolf we might need to get taller nets? <a title="fyp" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/fyp" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#fyp</a> <a title="golf" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/golf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#golf</a> <a title="♬ original sound - PonderMusic" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-6845089957535582982" target="_blank" rel="noopener">♬ original sound &#8211; PonderMusic</a></section>
</blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script></p>
<p class="p1">Either that, or maybe make Bryson use kids clubs.</p>
<p class="p1">DeChambeau hasn’t played since helping Team USA win the Ryder Cup in September. Unless you count reaching the quarterfinals in his long drive contest debut. He’s set to play Brooks Koepka in a made-for-TV match next week. And if there’s some sort of long drive element, well, good luck, Brooks.</p>
<p class="p1">Actually, this isn’t the first time a video of someone belting one over the netting at Topgolf has surfaced. Yankees outfielder/celebrity golfer Aaron Hicks, who recently got engaged to Tiger Woods’ niece, pulled off the trick earlier this year.</p>
<p class="p1">TopGolf might want to call the RBC Heritage to see if it can borrow those cranes.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/bryson-dechambeau-smashes-golf-ball-over-the-net-at-topgolf-continues-to-be-a-driving-range-menace/">Bryson DeChambeau smashes golf ball over the net at Topgolf, continues to be a driving range menace</a> appeared first on <a href="https://golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
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		<title>Callaway CEO Chip Brewer on Topgolf merger: &#8216;This is just good for golf&#8217;</title>
		<link>https://golfdigestme.com/callaway-ceo-chip-brewer-on-topgolf-merger-this-is-just-good-for-golf/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Golf Digest Middle East]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2020 01:44:03 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Callaway Golf]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chip Brewer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Topgolf]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://golfdigestme.com/?p=40682</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>To show how dramatically 2020 flipped for the golf equipment business, all you have to do is consider Callaway Golf. </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/callaway-ceo-chip-brewer-on-topgolf-merger-this-is-just-good-for-golf/">Callaway CEO Chip Brewer on Topgolf merger: &#8216;This is just good for golf&#8217;</a> appeared first on <a href="https://golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="p1"><span style="color: #999999;"><em>Michael Baxter, Baxter Imaging LLC</em></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>By Mike Stachura</strong></span><br />
To show how dramatically 2020 flipped for the golf equipment business, all you have to do is consider Callaway Golf. In April, the company was quickly searching for emergency capital and its CEO, Chip Brewer, had announced he was forgoing his salary in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. Barely six months later, the equipment maker’s pace of recovery was exceeding expectations, golf emerging as a safe, socially distant activity during the pandemic and participation numbers surging.</p>
<p class="p1">Last week, Brewer orchestrated one of the largest deals in golf business history with the announcement of Callaway’s $2 billion merger with Topgolf. Callaway, which already had a 14-percent stake in Topgolf and has been invested in the company since 2006, will combine with Topgolf in an all-stock transaction. The deal brings the premium golf brand and the driving range/entertainment venue under the Callaway portfolio, which also includes apparel/outdoor equipment brand Jack Wolfskin and apparel company Travis Mathew. Topgolf has 58 driving range/entertainment centres across the U.S., as well as the Toptracer Range business, which turns standard driving-range bays into digital learning and practice centres that enable users to play and compete on virtual golf courses.</p>
<p class="p1">Brewer spoke with<em> Golf Digest</em> about the merger and what to expect from Callaway and Topgolf moving forward.</p>
<p class="p1"><em><strong>Golf Digest:</strong></em> Not the year you might have predicted back in March and April, right?</p>
<p class="p1"><strong>Chip Brewer:</strong> We had no idea where it was headed. It was crazy. We were just worried about survival, and no clear path for that. But clearly golf has been a net benefactor in all this. I think when we look back, [this year’s participation surge] is going to increase the long-term growth rate of the game. Without commuting to work, you might have the ability to go play nine holes with the family—or, quite honestly, visit Topgolf—that you didn’t have before. And I don’t think that part will ever go back to where it was.</p>
<p class="p1"><strong>As for Topgolf, you two have been circling each other for a long time. Why was this the moment, as opposed to two years ago or five years from now?<br />
</strong>Topgolf was on its way to becoming an independent public company at the beginning of the year. We were concentrating on doing our own thing, and both of us were going well. All of a sudden COVID happens, and everybody’s world is turned upside down. The IPO is off the table. We are in survival mode. But then the golf world comes roaring back. Our business is stronger than ever, and the tailwinds associated with it are pretty clear.</p>
<p class="p1">For Topgolf, they had to shut down, but then they were able to open back up, and now they’re in a really attractive spot, too, because they have the trends of golf and the trends of people wanting to have safe social connections. Both of these businesses are really well-positioned for the trends and reality of a COVID world and a post-COVID world.</p>
<div id="attachment_40683" style="width: 976px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-40683" class="size-full wp-image-40683" src="https://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/1573216855455.jpeg" alt="" width="966" height="725" srcset="https://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/1573216855455.jpeg 966w, https://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/1573216855455-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/1573216855455-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://golfdigestme.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/1573216855455-800x600.jpeg 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 966px) 100vw, 966px" /><p id="caption-attachment-40683" class="wp-caption-text"><br />Callaway CEO Chip Brewer</p></div>
<p class="p1"><strong>Are these two different audiences, or does Topgolf strongly feed the traditional game, too?</strong></p>
<p class="p1">What excites me about it is it really makes our total addressable market so large. It really is just a math equation that gets really exciting from a business perspective and a synergy perspective.</p>
<p class="p1">There are 24 million people in the U.S. that play golf according to the National Golf Foundation. A lot of those people play one time a year so are they Callaway’s addressable market? Well, maybe, but are they going to buy a $1,000 set of irons or a $500 driver? Unlikely. [But] if you can digitize this driving range and make it more fun, you can connect with a player who’s working on his game, track all his shots and know exactly what he’s working on. Callaway then has access to that golfer’s data and can immediately and directly connect with that golfer. I think with the input and reach of Callaway Golf, we’re going to be able to grow that faster and use all that data.</p>
<p class="p1"><strong>What specific things might we see between the two businesses going forward?<br />
</strong>Now that we’re merging these companies, I’m clearly going to tell my marketing team, ‘Help Topgolf out.’ I want to see Topgolf occasionally on the sides of hats. I want to see it on tour. I want to see it in our marketing, in our consumer reach. I want to see it with partners. I want to see us drive same venue sales, visits into Topgolf. It’s in our best interest to do that. They will drive us, and we will drive them. Both sides will grow.</p>
<p class="p1"><strong>What does this union say about the game as a whole? And given the huge participation numbers we’ve seen this year, where does Topgolf go from here? Couldn’t it be said that a lot of those non-golfers who might have gone to Topgolf in the past actually went out and played golf this year?<br />
</strong>Candidly, I think this is just good for golf. You have to have access to golf somewhere to get into the game, and Topgolf is that access point. The fact is you don’t have caddies anymore. Way back, caddying was the way to get into the game. Now, it’s Topgolf. It’s fun, the reach is broad and it’s going to get bigger. It really creates a kind of flywheel effect, where it’s creating new golfers and then you can get them even more interested and move them further down the path of becoming more avid because they go to a Toptracer Range. The fact that it’s good for golf makes me happy, as well. I don’t have the luxury of doing it just because it’s good for golf, but you know that’s important to me.</p>
<p class="p1"><strong>No question there’s a different directional growth opportunity here. Golf’s problem of growth is that it’s always looked internally and that can only go so far. This is different, no?</strong>It is working and the reason I believe it is, is you have to look at it more broadly. You know, it takes a long time to see that kind of growth in the data, and Topgolf had to get enough scale to have that kind of wide impact on the game. Topgolf to this point has been a regional play. I think it does fine in all the places it’s gone to, in all kinds of weather. It can be in Minneapolis, it can be everywhere. But they haven’t grown it to the point where it can have that kind of large-scale impact. It hasn’t penetrated a place like California yet. And if you want to move the needle, you have to be there. You have to get into New York. You have to get national. There’s 58 of them but there’s going to be plans for 200.</p>
<p class="p1"><strong>I imagine the fun part of this for you isn’t the way Callaway benefits, but how you can make Topgolf better, right?<br />
</strong>Exactly. I really believe both businesses are better as a result of this merger. It’s just so clear to me, and I believe in it so fervently. It’s one of the more obvious scenarios where both companies are complementary and making each other better so clearly so quickly.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/callaway-ceo-chip-brewer-on-topgolf-merger-this-is-just-good-for-golf/">Callaway CEO Chip Brewer on Topgolf merger: &#8216;This is just good for golf&#8217;</a> appeared first on <a href="https://golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
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		<title>Callaway bullish on its merger with Topgolf</title>
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		<pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2020 04:29:46 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Topgolf]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Topgolf Dubai]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Business-wise, Callaway and Topgolf were already joined at the hip. After a merger was announced Tuesday, they have gone all-in with each other on the future of the golf-as-entertainment platform.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/callaway-bullish-on-its-merger-with-topgolf/">Callaway bullish on its merger with Topgolf</a> appeared first on <a href="https://golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="p1"><span style="color: #999999;"><em>Rey Del Rio/Zuffa LLC</em></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><em>Luke Rockhold hits a golf ball during the UFC Topgolf Challenge at Topgolf Las Vegas.</em></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>By Tod Leonard<br />
</strong></span>Business-wise, Callaway and Topgolf were already joined at the hip. After a merger was announced Tuesday, they have gone all-in with each other on the future of the golf-as-entertainment platform.</p>
<p class="p1">The companies said they have entered into a definitive merger agreement in which they will combine in an all-stock deal. Callaway said the number of shares to be issued is based on Topgolf’s implied equity value of approximately $2 billion, including the 14 percent already owned by Callaway, which first invested in Topgolf in 2006.</p>
<p><a href="https://golfdigestme.com/a-beginners-guide-to-topgolf-the-best-way-to-enjoy-golf-while-knowing-nothing-about-it/"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong><span style="color: #000000;">RELATED:</span> A beginner&#8217;s guide to Topgolf</strong></span></a></p>
<p class="p1">In its press release, Callaway said Topgolf generated approximately $1.1 billion in revenue in 2019 and has grown at a 30-percent compound rate since 2017. Callaway called Topgolf “a high-growth platform with attractive unit economics across its business that will benefit from Callaway’s strong financial position that can fully fund Topgolf’s growth plans at an attractive cost of capital.”</p>
<p class="p1">The transaction is subject to the approval of the shareholders of both Callaway and Topgolf, as well as regulatory approval. The companies expect to complete the transaction in early 2021.</p>
<p class="p1">The deal comes amid a big upswing in business for Callaway as golf has experienced a boom in participation and sales during the coronavirus pandemic. Callaway is estimating that it will have net sales of $476 million in the third quarter that ended on Sept. 30. That is up 12 percent over last year. The company said its e-commerce is thriving, including a 108 percent increase in soft goods sales this year.</p>
<p class="p1">“The world is rediscovering golf in a way that has led to a record quarter for our company,” Chip Brewer, Callaway’s president and CEO, said in the release. “Both our golf equipment and soft goods business are recovering more quickly than we expected, and our third quarter projections reflect this momentum.”</p>
<p class="p1">Founded in 2000, Topgolf has 63 locations around the world, and it reports having more than 23 million guests in 2019, with more than 50 percent of users identifying themselves as “non-golfers.” It also has expanded from fixed, stand-alone buildings to more than 7,500 range bays that use the Toptracer technology that fans see every week on televised golf broadcasts.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://golfdigestme.com/callaway-bullish-on-its-merger-with-topgolf/">Callaway bullish on its merger with Topgolf</a> appeared first on <a href="https://golfdigestme.com">Golf Digest Middle East</a>.</p>
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