BigShots Golf, a tech‐driven golf entertainment venue in the vein of Topgolf and Drive Shack, is coming to Akron Ohio, replacing The Range at Firestone 9.
According to two unofficial sources, construction will begin some time in early 2020, replacing the existing range and restaurant facilities.
When contacted, Firestone 9 General Manager Dan Dauk, PGA would neither confirm nor deny any official plans, but did indicate that regardless of what may occur on the property, the nine-hole Raymond C. Firestone Public Golf Course will continue to operate.
“Stay tuned,” Dauk teased. “Something exciting is coming to the Akron area.”
BigShots Golf venues offer virtual golf games and entertainment activities for all ages and skill levels, elevated food that includes shareable bites and family‐style options, plus signature cocktails, craft beer and wine.
BigShots Golf is majority owned by ClubCorp, the owner of Firestone Country Club and a major owner‐operator of private golf and country clubs, city and stadium clubs in North America.
ClubCorp currently operates one active facility, BigShots Golf in Vero Beach FL. The company has already announced plans to open locations soon in Fort Worth TX, Springfield MO and Bryan TX.
According to sources, the Akron launch will be announced officially in the next few weeks.
In concept, indoor and outdoor lounge seating, sports bars, mini golf, outdoor patios and private event spaces provide a family-friendly atmosphere. Players compete in their own hitting bays, with other players at the same venue or in real time with players at other BigShots Golf locations through Live Play™.
The targets in the BigShots Golf virtual games are aligned with colorful targets outside on the range. Guests aim at real targets on the range and see their performance and progress in the gaming software presented in their bay.
BigShots Golf software uses advanced Doppler-based technology that tracks the accuracy and distance of each player’s shot and immediately maps the flight of the ball on the monitor for scoring. Players are awarded points for hitting targets located on a turf field.
Currently, BigShots Golf offers five competitive, golf-simulated games with several game levels, plus simulations of selected real life golf courses, with more games to come.
The renderings shown above were produced for general BigShot Golf concept facilities. It is not yet clear the exact size, scope or nature of the planned Akron facility. But those details should be available when an official statement is released.
