By Jacqueline Durett
Correspondent
EDISON — The township is now home to a unique facility where patrons can play golf, and do much more.
Topgolf, the newest business at the Edison Towne Square site, had its grand opening on Dec. 23.
At the ribbon-cutting, Mayor Thomas Lankey, Councilman Joseph Coyle, who is also the executive director of the Edison Chamber of Commerce, and other local officials welcomed the Route 1 facility on the former Ford plant site.
Topgolf’s 65,000-square-foot facility spans three levels and features 102 climate-controlled bays, a rooftop terrace, and opportunities for eating, drinking and playing video games.
“This place is phenomenal,” Lankey said during the ribbon cutting, encouraging residents and visitors alike to visit. He added that while Money magazine recently named Edison the 19th best place to live in the United States, “If this place was in existence, we would have made the top 10 for sure.”
Topgolf Director of Operations Justin Norvell said during the grand opening that the facility has hired 500 associates, including 130 full-time, to staff its Edison location. “We’re looking forward to becoming part of the Edison community,” he said.
Topgolf is more than just a driving range, Topgolf spokeswoman Morgan Wallace said after the grand opening. “Topgolf is unique because it is for all ages, all skill levels, all year round. It is a parallel experience; you can be playing golf, and be enjoying great music, food and entertainment,” she said. “There aren’t many places where you can do that!”
She added that Topgolf is a destination of choice for more than just diehard golf fans. “Topgolf is a perfect place to come if you are looking for family fun, a night on the town, a night out with buddies or girlfriends, or just to try something new. There is truly something for everyone.”
The response just in the first week of operations, she said, has been strong. “We saw lots of families coming in to celebrate the holidays with us.”
The Edison location is Topgolf’s first foray into the Northeast — the closest location is in Alexandria, Va., although a location in Germantown, Md., is underway as is one in Mount Laurel. Mount Laurel’s Topgolf should be open next winter. Edison is Topgolf’s 31st location worldwide.
Choosing Edison as the first New Jersey location made sense for Topgolf, Wallace said.
“Edison is one of the largest and fastest-growing townships in New Jersey,” Wallace said. “It has great local and regional demographics, as well as a good corporate base and safe reputation. Edison has consistently been one of the best cities to live in the United States, with people living and commuting from everywhere in New Jersey.”
Wallace said the working with township officials was a positive experience as well.
To learn more about the facility, visit topgolf.com.
