This place has been around for a long time, but as a golfer, I would prefer to spend my time on the…read morecourse rather than at a venue like this. However, due to the heat and my limited time recently, we decided to make a reservation and give it a try. Honestly, we had a good time. We played a game against each other that was a bit like bowling, where you earn points based on where you hit the ball. We played three rounds of that game, as well as another one that was designed to mimic playing at Pebble Beach. Unfortunately, the more realistic game didn't appeal to us golfers, as we couldn't get a true sense of the flag's location, among other factors.
We made a 90-minute reservation, but they literally shut everything down right at the 90-minute mark, which was disappointing because one of our group still needed to hit four more balls to finish the game properly. They offer clubs that you can use, or you can bring your own. The clubs provided have a peculiar feel, but they are easy to hit, which is likely their intention.
The facility has three floors of bays. Some bays feature high tables while others have couches with tables. I'm not sure how to reserve each type, but I'm glad we got the couches instead of the high tables. I thought we would avoid the heat by going in the morning, but the way the bays are oriented, they actually get full sun during that time. As a result, you cannot use the screen at the mat because the sun shines directly on it. I would recommend going around noon or later to get more shade, especially during the summer months.
As for the four-star rating, I have to mention a $12 per person fee for first-time visitors. While I understand it's a one-time charge, it still feels a bit off. I'm impressed with the technology, and I'm sure I will return in the summer months when I want to escape the heat for five hours.
The place does show some wear; the couch cushions could use a refresh. We did not try any food or drinks, but a quick glance at the menu revealed prices that I found a bit high. I did see ads for what appeared to be a good family deal for just $170 during the summer, which would be a bargain. The mini-golf course on the main level needs some attention; it's uneven and not flat. Additionally, there are some issues with the main entrance due to road construction on Burnet, which would have been nice to know about before we arrived.