Puttshack is a golf entertainment venue focused on putting and short-game challenges, not full-swing golf

Puttshack operates indoor putting courses with a competitive, game-based format. Unlike Topgolf, which lets you hit full shots into a netted range and tracks ball flight data, Puttshack centers on 18-hole putting courses where you putt toward targets, compete in head-to-head matches, and earn points based on how close you land to the hole. The venues are smaller and more intimate than Topgolf bays, and the experience is built around social competition rather than swing analysis.

Puttshack locations are found in select cities across the United States and the United Kingdom. The company has grown from a single London location to multiple venues, though the footprint remains much smaller than Topgolf's network. Each course is designed with different hole layouts and difficulty levels, and you can play solo, with friends, or in organized tournaments.

Key Takeaways

  • Puttshack is a putting-only experience, while Topgolf includes full-swing bays where you hit drivers and irons into a range.
  • Puttshack scores you based on how close your putt lands to the hole; Topgolf uses ball-flight sensors to measure distance and accuracy on full shots.
  • Puttshack venues are smaller and designed for social putting games; Topgolf bays are individual or small-group spaces with food, drinks, and entertainment options.
  • Puttshack locations are fewer and concentrated in certain regions, while Topgolf has a much larger presence across North America and internationally.

How the putting format works at Puttshack

You play 18 holes on an indoor putting course. Each hole has a target area, and your score is based on how many strokes it takes you to sink the putt or land closest to the hole. The game uses a digital scoring system that tracks your performance in real time on screens visible to all players in your group.

Puttshack offers different game modes beyond standard 18-hole play. You can compete in head-to-head matches where players alternate putts, play team-based games, or enter timed challenges. The scoring system awards points for accuracy and speed, so the fastest player to sink a putt or land closest to the target wins that hole. This format makes the experience more game-like and social than traditional putting practice.

Differences in technology and scoring

Topgolf uses ball-flight tracking sensors that measure where your full shot lands, how far it travels, and the accuracy of your swing. You see when ready feedback on a screen in your bay, and the system records your performance across multiple shots. Puttshack uses proximity scoring — the system measures how close your putt lands to the hole or target, not the mechanics of your stroke.

Because Topgolf tracks full swings, it can provide data on club head speed, launch angle, and spin rate if you use premium bays with advanced sensors. Puttshack does not measure swing mechanics; it only cares about the end result of each putt. This makes Topgolf more useful if you want to work on your full-swing technique, while Puttshack is better suited to casual play and competitive putting games.

Venue size and layout

Topgolf bays are individual hitting stations where you and your group stand in a climate-controlled bay facing a netted range. Each bay has a screen, seating, and space for food and drinks. The venues are large, with dozens of bays arranged in rows, and they often include restaurants, bars, and arcade games in addition to the hitting bays.

Puttshack venues are more compact. The putting course is the main attraction, and the space is designed to feel like a social club rather than a driving range. Most locations have a bar and lounge area, but the focus is on the putting experience itself. The smaller footprint means Puttshack venues tend to feel more intimate and are often located in urban areas or entertainment districts rather than suburban sprawl.

Geographic availability and locations

Topgolf has over 70 locations across North America, Europe, and the Middle East, with new venues opening regularly. Finding a Topgolf near you is relatively straightforward if you live in or near a major metropolitan area.

Puttshack has a much smaller footprint, with locations primarily in London, New York, Los Angeles, and a handful of other cities. The company has announced plans to expand, but as of now, Puttshack is not available in most regions. If you are considering Puttshack, check their website to see if a venue exists in your area, as availability is limited compared to Topgolf.

Price and what you pay for

Both venues charge by the hour or by the game. Topgolf bay rates typically range from $30 to $60 per hour depending on the time of day, day of the week, and location. You pay for the bay, and food and drinks are separate. Puttshack pricing varies by location but generally falls in a similar range — you pay per person or per group for a set amount of time on the course.

At Topgolf, you are paying for access to the hitting bay, the ball-flight tracking technology, and the entertainment value of the venue. At Puttshack, you are paying for access to the putting course and the competitive game experience. Neither venue charges a membership fee to walk in, though both offer membership or loyalty programs that can reduce per-visit costs if you go frequently.

Which experience suits different players

Choose Topgolf if you want to work on your full swing, enjoy hitting drivers and irons, or prefer a larger venue with more amenities. Topgolf is better for golfers who want swing feedback, casual players who want a fun night out with food and entertainment, or groups looking for a wide range of activities in one place.

Choose Puttshack if you enjoy putting-focused games, prefer a more intimate social setting, or want a competitive putting experience without the full-swing element. Puttshack appeals to players who like head-to-head competition, want a shorter time commitment (a round of 18 holes takes 30 to 45 minutes), or are looking for a venue that feels more like a social club than an entertainment complex.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play full golf shots at Puttshack?

No. Puttshack is putting only. If you want to hit full shots with ball-flight tracking, you need Topgolf or a traditional driving range. Puttshack does not have hitting bays or ranges for full swings.

Is Puttshack better for improving my putting than Topgolf?

Puttshack gives you more putting practice in a game-based format, so if your goal is to putt more, Puttshack is the better choice. Topgolf has putting greens at some locations, but they are not the main focus. For serious putting practice, a dedicated putting green or short-game facility is still your best option.

Can I book a private event at Puttshack?

Yes. Most Puttshack locations offer private bookings for groups, parties, and corporate events. Contact your local venue directly to discuss group rates and availability, as options vary by location.

How long does a round at Puttshack take?

An 18-hole round typically takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on how many players are in your group and how competitive the game is. This is much shorter than a full round of golf, making it easier to fit into an evening or lunch break.

Do I need to be a golfer to enjoy Puttshack?

No. Puttshack is designed for casual players and non-golfers as much as for experienced golfers. The game-based format and competitive scoring make it fun regardless of skill level, and the social atmosphere is the main draw for many visitors.