PopStroke: The Next Generation of Putt Putt Golf?
It’s no secret I’m a big fan of Tiger Woods. So a few years ago when it was announced he was opening his own chain of putt putt (or mini golf, whichever you choose) courses I was intrigued.
At the same time, I was skeptical. Even if Tiger was putting his name behind it, did we really NEED another putt putt course? After all, how many different ways can you reinvent hitting a brightly colored ball into a clown's mouth?
PopStroke was supposed to be different though. It was supposed to bring a unique twist to the concept of mini golf with more realistic putting surfaces and the types of breaks and undulations you would see on a real golf course.
Let’s see if it succeeds in its mission.
Dan Hauser at PopStroke Port Saint Lucie location.
PopStroke - Port Saint Lucie
PopStroke opened its first location in Port Saint Lucie in 2019. Being the closest location to me I wanted to check it out but it didn’t end up happening (covid, adulting, just life in general, etc). So, this past weekend when my wife brought up finally getting out there and checking it out, you could imagine my excitement.
Well, let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
The Port St Lucie location features two courses, the Red Course and the Black Course (clever, huh?). For $20 you get a day pass which allows you access to the facility for the entire day (you can even leave and come back if you want) and you can play the two courses as many times as you want.
We went on Sunday afternoon which surprised many since it was Championship Sunday but let me tell you, PopStroke had me covered and then some. A massive big-screen TV graced the side of the building with the Eagles-49ers game on and you had a clear view of it from every hole on the property. Thanks to the app, we were also able to order drinks right to whatever hole we were on, meaning there was no break in the action both on the course and in the football game (even though the game was a blowout).
PopStroke Hole 5 - Port Saint Lucie
PopStroke is more than just mini golf though. The facility has an outdoor bar and restaurant that rivals many golf course establishments. From sandwiches to apps, to build your own pizzas there is something for everyone. They also have quite the drink menu with signature drinks that all play off the golf theme (I got the Country Club Cooler and it was quite refreshing).
PopStroke - Country Club Cooler drink.
If putt putt isn’t your thing, or you need a break for a little there is even a little lounge area with ping pong tables and cornhole boards. And, for the little ones a full playground complete with slides.
PopStroke and Tiger really did think of everything when they came up with the idea and it is truly different than any putt putt experience you have ever had.