Prasenjit Chakraborty - Mumbai In 2022, Topgolf, the renowned golf-themed entertainment brand from the US, unveiled its inaugural venue in Southeast Asia, situated near Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. This marks the latest addition to its global network of 80-plus locations. Topgolf offers an all-encompassing experience, combining play, food, and entertainment in one dynamic destination. It features 102 golf hitting bays.
Tim Boda, MD, TopGolf Thailand, recently visited India with the intent of engaging with their representation company and primarily connecting with key players in the MICE sector, as expressed during his conversation with TravelBiz Monitor.
While talking about their USP, Boda remarked, “Topgolf stands out for its uniqueness. Golf is often seen as an elite sport, intimidating to many. Herein lays the significance of Topgolf. We have transformed this intimidating game into an inclusive activity for all. Leveraging technology and creative concepts, we cater to individuals who have never experienced golf before.”
Players have the opportunity to accumulate points by striking micro-chipped golf balls at 11 massive targets spread across the 205-yard outfield. The utilisation of Toptracer ball-tracing technology and the presence of 300 HDTV screens at the hitting bays introduce a diverse realm of gameplay options.
Boda noted that the game is gaining significant popularity, stating, “Typically, individuals intend to play for an hour but, on average, end up enjoying it for two hours in an average.” He also emphasised that Indian cuisine is permanently featured on the menu, not just available upon request.
Talking about the focus on India market, he said that they have started with Delhi and Mumbai. “We are fortunate that inbound business from India to Thailand is not only substantial, but also highly diverse,” Boda highlighted. “Travellers from various segments such as FIT, Wedding, MICE, and Family visit Thailand, which greatly benefits us.” He indicated that their upcoming focus will extend to the Bengaluru, Chennai, and Coimbatore markets.
He also said that the Indians are very open minded and try to experience new things. “We observed this so far and now our aim is to develop the market here further,” Boda said.
Talking about their achievement, he said, “It took us 1.5 years to establish a presence in the Bangkok market. Initially, 80% of our clientele comprised golfers, but now, 75% of our clientele consists of non-golfers. This represents a significant achievement,” stated Boda.
