Personally, I think there are challenges that go well beyond just the table rate.
Firstly, they’re trying to create a completely new segment and assuming beginners will adopt it immediately. Now add to that the significant cost. They’ve essentially wiped out around 50% of potential customers — the social players who are good but not beginners. Even though these players love the game, what matters most to them is value (table hire), quality tables, proper equipment, and improving their game. I’m not sure this concept offers any of those things.
There’s also the practical issue of spending the first 30 minutes teaching someone how to hold a cue, which might quickly frustrate others in the group. Comparing it to golf, yes, there is technique involved, but it’s far easier for anyone to swing a club than to consistently strike a cue ball properly.
Secondly, as players we all know — food and pool do not mix. Grease on hands affects both the cloth and the balls. A golf club and ball are a completely different story. As anyone who has been to TopGolf knows, the game they provide isn’t really “golf,” and there’s a huge margin for error. The equipment is basic (and that leads into my third point), and things like having greasy hands don’t affect the swing in the same way it would when pushing a cue through your bridge hand.
Lastly, the equipment. We all understand how much of a difference it makes. I won’t say too much here, but if we judge by the standard of clubs provided at TopGolf, I’m not convinced they fully understand the importance of proper playing equipment.
What are your thoughts?
