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TopGolf Dallas offers players practically every golf-related activity under one roof, including a roof. The new practice facility left nothing uncovered when opening its Dallas location. Inside the complex, a player can get fitted for clubs, buy clubs and learn how to hit those clubs. You can pound practice balls by yourself on the double-deck range on Park Lane near Abrams. Or you can test your skills against others in the hitting suites, where computer monitors flash data on every shot. A person can also eat breakfast, lunch and dinner in an upscale restaurant. Or enjoy a latte while checking e-mails in the wireless cafe. Or drink a cold one in front of the flat-screen TVs in the sports bar. In the TopGolf game, players accumulate points based on proximity of their shots to targets. They hit golf balls embedded with computer chips, which supply yardage information to monitors in each hitting bay. The instant feedback on distance and placement is ideal for serious players. If you want to compare the yardage of your wedges, or know the carry of your 3-wood, you get the exact numbers instantly. London-based World Golf Systems spent about $20 million and seven years developing the technology. When the company set up shop in the United States, Dallas was a natural location because of the high population of avid golfers. All the suites are outside but are covered for protection from the elements. Heaters and misters help keep players comfortable. Lights allow the facility to stay open late. Instructor Mark Walker gives lessons to players of all levels in the high-tech teaching center. His monitors gauge important data such as clubhead speed and trajectory. The pro shop carries top lines of equipment and apparel. And good clubs are available to rent for free. Where: 8787 Park Lane What: Golfers of all levels use balls embedded with computer chips, and monitors provide instant feedback on yardage and location. The TopGolf game awards points for every shot hit into target greens. Hours: 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Who: Dan Dotson, general manager; Al Castro, assistant general manager; Mark Walker, director of instruction. Information: 214-341-9600; www.topgolfusa.com ■ 250-yard target range ■ 11 target greens ■ 72 covered all-weather suites that hold up to five people ■ Putting green, short game area ■ Four competitive games ■ Free quality loaner clubs ■ Full-service restaurant, bar, cafe ■ 54 holes of mini-golf ■ Golf Academy and Pro Shop TopGolf targets holes in game
Facility has sought to create an ideal setting for the serious golfer
09:00 PM CST on Saturday, February 23, 2008