The Topgolf Question
Should you do Topgolf at your Austin bachelor party? The honest answer: probably yes, but with some caveats.
It's not the most uniquely Austin activity. You could do Topgolf in pretty much any major city. But it works for groups, it's fun even if you suck at golf, and it fills 2-3 hours perfectly.
Here's what you need to know.
The Basics
Location: North Austin, off I-35. About 15-20 minutes from downtown depending on traffic.
What it is: Multi-level driving range with targets. Hit microchipped balls at giant targets on the field. Points are scored automatically. Full bar and food service at your bay.
Why it works for bachelor parties:
- Easy competition format — everyone can play regardless of skill
- Food and drinks come to you
- Natural time limit (bay rental is hourly)
- Good energy for a group
- Climate controlled — doesn't matter if it's 105 degrees outside
How to Book
Book in advance. Weekend afternoons and evenings fill up. For a bachelor party, book at least a week ahead. Two weeks is safer.
Booking options:
- Online through their website or app
- Call for larger groups or special requests
- Walk-ins possible on weekdays, but risky for weekends
Bay sizes:
- Each bay holds up to 6 players comfortably
- Groups of 7-12: book 2 bays
- Groups of 12+: book 3 bays or inquire about event packages
Pro tip: Request bays next to each other when booking a group. Makes it easier to move between and keeps the party together.
Pricing
Topgolf charges by the hour, per bay (not per person).
Bay rental (2024/2026 rates, subject to change):
- Morning/early afternoon: $30-45/hour per bay
- Peak hours (evenings, weekends): $50-65/hour per bay
- Late night: Often cheaper
The math: If you book 2 bays for 2 hours at peak pricing, that's roughly $200-260 for bay rental. Split among 10 guys, that's $20-26 each before food and drinks.
Food and drinks: Budget another $30-50 per person for food and drinks. Their menu is decent — burgers, flatbreads, shareables. Drinks are priced like any bar.
Total estimate: $50-80 per person for 2-3 hours including food and drinks. Not cheap, but not crazy either.
What to Expect
The Games
Topgolf has multiple game modes. For bachelor parties:
- TopContender: Simple points game. Hit targets, get points. Easy to understand.
- TopScramble: Team format — good if you have mixed skill levels.
- TopPressure: Elimination format — gets competitive fast.
The games auto-track everything on screens at your bay. No scorekeeping required.
The Vibe
Topgolf is loud and energetic. Music, other groups cheering, drinks flowing. It's not a quiet afternoon at a country club — it's basically a sports bar attached to a driving range.
That's either a pro or a con depending on what you're looking for. For bachelor parties, it's usually a pro.
Skill Level
You don't need to be good at golf. The targets are huge. As long as you can make contact with the ball, you'll score points. The competition stays close even with mixed abilities.
That said, if you've never swung a club, you might be a little lost. One round of tips from whoever in your group plays will get you up to speed.
Tips for Bachelor Parties
Timing
Where Topgolf fits in the weekend:
- Afternoon activity: 2-5 PM slot. Hit balls, get food, then head back to get ready for dinner and going out.
- Pre-dinner: 4-7 PM slot. Topgolf then straight to dinner.
- Late night: After midnight the prices drop and the vibe shifts. Can be a fun late-night move after the bars.
Don't do: Morning on day 2 (hangover + swinging = bad). Or rush it right before a reservation.
Food Strategy
Order shareables for the bay. Wings, nachos, sliders. Don't do individual entrees — too slow, too much. Keep it casual.
Drinks Strategy
They have buckets of beer and pitcher cocktails. Way more efficient than ordering individually. Get a bucket, work through it.
Competition
Make it interesting. Small side bet on who wins. Loser buys a round. Winner gets bragging rights. Something to keep people engaged.
Don't Overstay
2-3 hours is the sweet spot. After that, the novelty wears off. Book accordingly.
Alternatives
If Topgolf doesn't appeal, similar vibes:
- Actual golf: If your group plays, book a tee time at a real course. Lions Municipal is the Austin classic.
- K1 Speed: Go-kart racing. More adrenaline, less skill variance.
- Pinballz Arcade: Arcade bar. Games, drinks, competition.
The Verdict
Is Topgolf worth it for an Austin bachelor party?
Yes, if:
- Your group is competitive and likes games
- You want a structured activity with built-in food/drinks
- You have 2-3 hours to fill in the afternoon
- You're okay with something that isn't uniquely Austin
Maybe skip it if:
- You want to maximize Austin-specific experiences
- Budget is really tight
- Your group would rather just chill by a pool
For most bachelor parties, Topgolf is a solid addition to the weekend. Easy to plan, works for any group size, and gives you a few hours of structured fun.
Need help building out the rest of your Austin bachelor party itinerary? We've got you.
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