I tested TopGolf in Germany – BOGEYMAG

TopGolf continues its expansion, and does not forget continental Europe. With a resort opening much later than it should have due to COVID, TopGolf Oberhausen promises on paper. Is it accessible? Will it be as good as the one visited in the United States? It’s time to take stock and find out if it’s worth the 2 hour journey that separates us.

As soon as I heard that TopGolf was going to open in Germany, I called to find out where exactly. Oberhausen, between Essen and Düsseldorf. Ideally located, it is at a crossroads. Very close to the Dutch and Belgian border, the complex is nestled in the heart of the metropolitan region Rhine-Ruhr which capitalizes just over 10 million inhabitants.

After my experience at Top Golf in Birmingham, Alabama, in the USA, I had to go there at least once to support the comparison.

What is different about TopGolf in Oberhausen

The ultra-giant screen

To the left of the entrance is the bar, or should I say the waiting room. Despite the free bays, we are made to wait at the bar in front of this giant 36m2 screen. I have lived in smaller apartments before. Mesmerizing, I sip my first beer before receiving a text directing me to our bay for the next 2 hours.

Rooms and terraces

Upon entering the building and even seen from the outside, I notice that it is smaller despite the fact that the number of bays (around 100 spread over 3 floors) in Oberhausen is similar to that of TopGolf in Birmingham. Indeed, the latter has seminar rooms, outdoor terraces and other facilities.

A very small shop

It’s a real difference. While in the US we find in the shop installed in the middle of the release; polo shirts, shot glasses, caps, t-shirts and so on, the TopGolf Oberhausen shop is in a corner on the right, almost hidden from visitors. 2 racks of t-shirts are there, and some accessories, but that doesn’t make you want to go there. Besides, I didn’t buy anything there.

But what remains

On the other hand, there remains the essential.

Sound, fun games, an atmosphere like no other. We were the only ones suitable (more or less) for golfers. All the other bays welcome families, friends, couples, in short everyone. This is what appealed to me the most in the United States. Here it is the same story. A relaxed atmosphere where people come to drink, eat, laugh and hit the ball.

The place lends itself well. In the heart of the activity zone, the car park is wide. You can make noise without bothering anyone.

Why are we going back there?

The simple and good reason: because it’s TopGolf. Whatever happens, we have fun, whether we are a seasoned golfer or a simple beginner. The atmosphere there is stratospheric. When night falls, the complex turns into a club, where you can have fun but also play golf. Besides, we were the only ones to have brought our golf bags. Not just to do well but because the next day we had planned to play 18 holes (2×9 holes) at the Oberhausen Golf Club.

Supplement: Le Oberhausen Golf Club

If you go through TopGolf Oberhausen, I advise you to stop at the Golf Club Oberhausen. Located on the other side of the railway track. This perfectly maintained 9-hole course is only 10 minutes from TopGolf.

For a relatively decent price, the course was in exceptional condition. The greens were perfect almost as good as the ones in Japan. The reception was very correct. On the other hand, our Dutch payment cards did not pass while they worked everywhere else. A very big handicap recognized by this club which is very close to the border with the Netherlands. Tip: Remember to take cash if you go there.

With a hilly course, presenting challenging obstacles but also impeccable quality for a friendly price, the Oberhausen Golf Club is the one for you. Especially if you play it after TopGolf. You will already be hot from the session the day before!

If after TopGolf, you then want to explore the region and its courses, don’t hesitate. Germany is full of sumptuous affordable courses, and it is not often said but Germany should be your next golf destination.