The off-site Golf Entertainment aspect of golf has exploded in the golf industry, with a plethora of unique venues that highlight the various aspects of golf skills. Some hone-in on range ball striking and tracking, such as TopGolf, Drive Shack, or 5 Under. Others focus on the growing aspect of Simulator Golf, where participants play famous venues such as Pebble Beach on a high-tech simulated screen. Toptracer, Five Iron Golf, Golfzon, and X-Golf are some of the leaders in this category. Rounding out this list of newcomers is the putting facility category. In most cases, they are simply an adult or upscale version of our old friend, Putt-Putt Golf, often resplendent with Windmills and Clown mouths. Well, these are not your Granddad’s putting courses; they are far more upscale in design and, of course, well-stocked with sumptuous food and adult beverage options. Top venues in this last category are PopStroke, Drive Shack Puttery, and the Putting Zone.
It is this last venue that has taken the Putting concept to the next level, and it is distinctly NOT a Putt-Putt upgrade. The TPZ, a 29,000-square-foot indoor facility, is based in Nashville, TN. It houses a par-72, 18-hole full-blown putting course that stretches just over 1/3 of a mile. Designed by the award-winning golf architect duo of Garl-Nix, well known for their thoughtful, memorable designs, the course features multiple changeable hole and tee locations, like an outdoor green. This keeps the course fresh every time it is played.
The Flagship putting course is legitimately the new Putting Capitol of the World. The entire design is crafted to mirror the contours, nuances, and challenges of its outdoor twin. This is serious putting, wrapped in a wonderful Scottish-themed interior design, complete with Village facades and imagery of the Old Course of St Andrews and Carnoustie by former golf photographer-of-the-year, John R. Johnson of GolfPhotos.com. In addition, the course walls are adorned with one of the World’s largest collections of antique hickory golf clubs, on display in a museum-like setting, with some dating back to the 1700s.
As home of the World’s finest putting venue, you have to expect greatness, and greatness is soon to descend upon the course this coming March 21st. The National Putting Tour has booked its preeminent event – The TPZ Shoot-Out at the facility. This is going to be the biggest and best tournament that the National Putting Tour has ever held. The purse for the event is an eye-popping $25K, with $10K going to the winner. This is unheard of money for this Tour. In addition, the tournament will be filmed, and during the first week of August, ESPN2, ESPN News, and ESPN 8 – The Ocho will air the tournament on their network of channels.
The course feels and operates more like an upscale golf club, complete with membership, VIP perks, leagues, and challenging local tournament play – never canceled for inclement weather. Daily play-by-reservation is always available for community enjoyment. The course is located at 3040 Sidco Drive, Nashville. More information and Tee Times can be found at www.ThePuttingZone.com or by calling the Pro Shop staff at 844-PAR-PUTT.
The Putting Zone – www.ThePuttingZone.com
